High end A/V systems often involve some sort of sophisticated control. As I've said before, the more simple you wish to make the operation a system the more complex it is under the hood and, thus, more expensive.
These control systems are custom designed by a programmer using code foreign to most. Once the programming is done and your system is run through its paces using the control system to ensure there's no glitches, the programmer and integration company make a copy of it for future use.
Invariably you add new pieces of equipment, replace old ones or wish to change the way the control system works. You call your integrator and schedule a time for the programmer to make these adjustments to the control system. Luckily they have kept the original program and can then simply modify it.
But what if your integrator has gone out of business or you've had a bad experience and don't want to do business with them any more. Without that programming code for your system, a new programmer will have to start from scratch costing you, possibly, thousands of unnecessary dollars.
It is important for you to ask the company for a copy of that program. You see, some companies would rather not let you have it because you'll then have to go to them for future buisness. Your leverage in getting the program is withholding final payment until you receive a copy of it. If they balk at any point in your asking you've discovered, too late, that they are, shall we say, less than reputable.
If you have a question or if I may be of service email me at radiohannibal@gmail.com
John Hannibal