Audio-Visual, it’s not life or death… but it can often feel that way. In today’s working world, systems are relied upon for mission critical workflows and invaluable daily collaboration. Enterprise level clients want two things out of their AV investments: reliability and functionality. It doesn’t matter if an installation is bleeding-edge or down-and-dirty, if there is hiccup in getting it to perform the needed task, then time is wasted, and money is lost. The best way to mitigate these common challenges is education through continuity and proactive communication.
Your AV partner must have the technical competency to build efficient and effective technology deployments and yet, also be personable and practical enough to train and support end-users on the systems that they rely on day-in and day-out. A successful AV partnership relies on a like-minded openness from both integrator and client, as well as these important keys as outlined below:
The AV-Tech Perspective
At AV-Tech, we ensure all our efforts are united, offering the highest level of experience to the companies we partner with. Our installation team–comprised of both engineers and programmers–works alongside our onsite support team on all active installations. This unique approach ensures that our client needs are met up-front and that our support team knows the in-place technology, inside and out.
In addition, all staffed AV support personnel should be experts in the type of technology and services they offer. Your staff should be CTS certified, so no matter the situation, we are knowledgeable and prepared. This includes staying up-to-date on all new technologies with continuing education training and industry certifications, gaining valuable insight and skills that our clients will need.
Educating the End User
Apart from the capabilities of an AV integrator, the most important component of a successful AV installation is the ability for the end-user to effortlessly operate the installed technology. Your partner should identify key people within the enterprise organization and train them on every aspect of the installation and usage. Having this fundamental baseline knowledge can help to empower teams and create seamless experiences.
Our most successful stories are where we are fully integrated within the fabric of the companies that we partner with. While, yes, AV-Tech designs and installs AV systems that are user-friendly, we are also there, in-person, onsite, to help manage any looming issues in real-time. From the occasional question to the unexpected critical failure, our AV onsite support team members are prepared to get these vital systems back up and running smoothly; with minimum impact to daily business operations.
Flexibility is Key
No matter how prepared your staff may seem, you must always expect the unexpected when it comes to technology. High tech systems are evolving every day, so you must be open to adapting and upgrading to new innovations in the industry. As well, end-users may have different requests that can drastically alter capable plans. Cookie-cutter thinking will not solve tomorrow’s problems. Teams must be able to think creatively and quickly to find solutions and workarounds. The smallest request can significantly alter the design and support of an installation or use plan, so AV integrators and their support teams must be adaptable, knowledgeable, and flexible.
Mirroring Technology to Client Capabilities
At the end of the day, AV integrators must be able to match the appropriate technology to their client’s needs. The very best way to do this is to create hyper-intuitive spaces. Here the backend may be ultra-complex, but the front-end user experience is as simple as walking into a room for the presenter. Some end-users may be new to enhanced technology and slightly nervous of what might appear to be to be complex. Having that steady hand of onsite support to walk them through the process of system usage and the added features of the technology, does help. It calm their fears, knowing with confidence, that help is just down the hall.
Today’s AV systems are becoming increasingly complex for enterprise clients and their partner integrators, but they don’t have to be complicated for the end-user. With a shared perspective and flexibility, good communication and education, any issue can be overcome, keeping teams and operations running smoothly. AV-Tech can free from the stress of the technology chaos, so you can focus on the things in life and business that really matter to you.
