Can You Future-Proof Your AV Setup?

 

For a business to be successful in this day and age, employees need a work environment that inspires creativity and encourages collaboration. For this to occur, your staff must have access to reliable, versatile audio visual equipment that can withstand the test of time. Efficient collaborative experiences are only possible through communication, and advanced audio visual design facilitates the sharing of ideas among both employees and clients. 

While it may be an exaggeration to call anything “future-proof,” the best conference room solutions are those that have the ability to expand and grow with the company. Because the primary objective of an audio visual system is to maximize productivity, modern audio visual solutions must also have the capacity to support smartphones, laptops, and other portable devices, so that employees can conduct business with ease. Furthermore, many huddle rooms, conference rooms, and meeting rooms must now accommodate various remote or hybrid work models among staff members.

To create an audio visual setup that is suitable for a complex and ever-changing environment, organizations can benefit from working with an audio visual integration team who understand and can implement the latest technologies in a way that produces optimal results. These professionals can identify current pain points and identify opportunities for new AV solutions, such as those below. Read on to learn more about creating an audio visual setup that is adaptable and lasting.

 

The Most Common Reasons for an AV Upgrade

With the rapid speed at which technology evolves, your audio visual system will inevitably require an upgrade at one time or another. There are several common reasons that your audio visual system will need an update. 

The most apparent reason for an upgrade is malfunctioning devices or devices that the manufacturer no longer supports. If these changes occur before the time at which you planned to replace your devices, you may need to upgrade your entire AV setup sooner rather than later.

In other cases, an audio visual upgrade may be necessary if your business is expanding. For example, new audio visual solutions may be required to adequately support a remote workforce or provide effective displays within conference rooms. Experienced audio visual integration specialists can help you find scalable solutions and easily adjust to changes in the future. If you are struggling with the following issues, you may need an audio visual upgrade.

Display Disruptions

Unreliable digital signage or monitor issues are a nuisance to everyone in the workplace. Problems of this nature can only go unresolved for so long, especially in an environment that requires extensive digital communication. In the age of remote work, digital meetings are the standard, and your audio visual equipment must be capable of meeting these demands. Furthermore, reliable digital signage is also instrumental to the process of providing critical information to visitors regarding safety regulations, policy updates, and wayfinding information. If your audio visual equipment makes it difficult for employees and guests to perform necessary tasks, it may be time for you to update your audio visual system.

Poor Audio Quality

Although issues with visual displays can severely affect workflow, so can poor quality audio. Just as with malfunctioning monitors or displays, inadequate audio can cause problems with communication in a time where many employees are working from home. Even if your staff works in the office, communication errors can arise between employees and clients if they do not access the proper audio equipment. As a result, collaboration and productivity are negatively affected. Consider discussing a system upgrade to resolve the issue.

Incompatible AV Systems

In the modern realm of audio visual equipment, it is critical that all devices integrate so that users can yield the maximum results from their audio visual solutions. However, many companies make the mistake of only upgrading one piece of equipment at a time as they begin to break down or become outdated. When you work with a team of experienced audio visual experts, they are capable of finding suitably comprehensive solutions that meet your needs and fit within your budget. In addition, audio visual integration specialists can determine which equipment needs to be updated and how each piece of equipment will complement another, ensuring you have a streamlined and well-integrated system. 

Frequent Troubleshooting

If your staff frequently needs to troubleshoot critical audio visual devices to function correctly, it may be time for you to invest in new equipment. Struggling onward with subpar AV capabilities is only a waste of company time and resources in the long run. In addition, equipment failures and troubleshooting can tarnish your brand with an unprofessional, unprepared appearance if they occur during client-facing interactions.

 

What Are the Key Considerations for a Lasting AV Setup?

Assessing Your Long-Term Objectives

To reduce the need for disruptive audio visual equipment upgrades, you must consider the long-term needs of your clients and employees. You can account for future expenditures and plan accordingly with clear objectives in mind. Before any development begins, audio visual integrators will conduct a site survey to accurately assess your company's needs based on how you intend to use the equipment and the layout of your building. Ensure that your baseline requirements are taken into consideration. Depending on your industry, you may require remote monitoring, camera control functionality, and database integration. Share your needs and goals with your AV integration team to ensure the creation of a thorough solution that meets all your requirements.

Scaling Your AV Equipment

To future-proof your audio visual integration system, you must consider your company's growth in the years to come. For example, you may desire to change the seating arrangements to accommodate increased staff. In addition, consider whether or not the audio visual technology you are installing is compatible with up-and-coming technologies relevant to your business or if it will force you into another system upgrade in the short-term. Taking possible changes to your company into consideration during the design process can mitigate the need for updates and prepare you for new resources later on.

Budgeting for Your AV Upgrade

Assessing the budget necessary for your desired audio visual system is also an essential part of ensuring that your AV setup withstands the test of time. While a large budget permits drastic changes, companies with a smaller budget may only have the means to change a few elements at a time. When assessing the allotted budget for your audio visual equipment, consider the function of each room, and choose equipment that will enhance your organization’s workflow the most. Collaboration areas, conference rooms, and presentation rooms require technology that suits their specific purpose, so consider the considerable value added by prioritizing such systems first.