When making the decision to install or upgrade your audio video technology, there are a lot of steps to consider. End-to-end AV integration eases the confusion and concern of having to piece together all those steps by utilizing one integrator for the whole process from start to finish.
In order to maximize your experience with an end-to-end AV integrator, you should take some time to understand what it really entails. That way, you can be prepared to find the right company, ask the right questions, and complete your project in the most efficient way possible.
Here are the four main steps of end-to-end integration to understand before embarking on your project:
1. Creating an AV strategy
Before any action is taken, it’s important to make a holistic plan that looks at all aspects of your organization. Are your employees working remotely? How many huddle rooms or meeting spaces do you have onsite? What is the user experience you’re looking to create?
Answering these questions, while factoring in other strategic goals and budget considerations, will help create the foundation on which the remaining steps are built. This is also the step where KPIs and goals are set in order to measure progress and adjust accordingly. Each subsequent decision is made in consideration of the strategy to help ensure success.
2. Designing an AV setup
Once the strategy and goals are set, your integrator will present options for technology systems that work to bring your plan to life. They will give an overview of different cameras, microphones, AV carts, digital displays… anything you would need to meet your goals.
There will also be a review of overlays, flows, roles, and responsibilities to map out expectations so they are clea every step of the way.
3. Deployment of AV technology
These plans are all well and good, but they don’t mean anything until they’re brought to life through installation. The best end-to-end AV integrators put an emphasis on efficiency, yet take the necessary steps to ensure availability and quality before installation begins.
They will utilize project managers, technicians, engineers, and supervisors to ensure your installation happens on time, within budget, and with as little interruption to your business as possible.
4. Ongoing support for AV environments
Some companies think that “end-to-end” ends once the technology is installed, but that’s not the case. In a sense, the term “end-to-end” is misleading, because there never really is an end to our work.
We also provide ongoing support in the form of strategy health checks, one hour telephone response times, fast track troubleshooting, live video assistance and more.
The key to successful end-to-end AV integration is finding an integrator that doesn’t just do all steps, but excels in them with a level of expertise that gives you the confidence you need and the peace of mind you deserve. IVCi has been a trusted end-to-end integrator for organizations of all sizes and many industries. Our team is here and ready to help you from start to finish — contact us today to get started.
https://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.png00fishbathttps://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.pngfishbat2021-09-15 12:00:372022-11-02 18:12:46End-to-End AV Integration - What Does it Entail?
With many organizations around the country making a partial or complete return to their offices in the upcoming months, they will have to reimagine their workspace to account for new working styles and safety measures.
One of the biggest adjustments organizations will have to face is how to best utilize their shared spaces like conference rooms. With the right audio video setups and solutions, organizations can transform conference rooms from just a gathering place to a productivity and collaboration hub.
Here are the ideal AV setups and solutions for achieving that:
Digital and interactive displays
Meetings are most impactful when they utilize shared content and/or provide real time collaboration opportunities. Digital and interactive displays allow for presenters and contributors to not only share supporting content, but make in-meeting changes. This transforms meetings into working sessions, getting the most out of everybody’s time.
Audio and video equipment
While this may seem obvious, too many organizations rely on their devices’ built-in cameras and microphones during meetings with remote participants. However, using external equipment can provide much better quality which reduces interruptions and improves meeting efficiency.
Plus, dedicated AV equipment can come in a variety of connectivity choices: wired, wireless, and combination. That way, you can have the equipment on hand that works best for your meeting format rather than be tied to a specific device.
Cloud video
Cloud Video Experience (CVE) allows you to meet with anyone from any connected device, like a desktop, phone, or tablet. With endless endpoints and the ability to connect multiple devices to the same account, CVE is ideal for an organization with multiple conference rooms, multiple locations, or teams that operate in a hybrid remote/in-office work model.
Easy to use control and support
Getting meetings kicked off is only half the battle. Knowing how to utilize controls during meetings and troubleshoot technical difficulties is important for ensuring adoption and buy-in on a company-wide scale. The most efficient way to ensure proper training and support is to enlist the help of a full-service AV integrator; not only can they help you select and install the technology you need for your conference room, but they can provide the on-demand support you need too.
For example, IVCi provides QR codes on their equipment that users can scan to access helpful resources or contact on-demand help to get their meetings up and running.
AV as a Service (AVaaS)
The ultimate solution for your conference room needs is one that covers it all. AV as a Service is an all-in-one productivity solution that’s available to your organization via a subscription model. You can upgrade technology at any time, scale up or down depending on changing needs, change the terms of your lifecycle, employ break-fix services, and access on-demand end user support — all in one easy-to-manage subscription.
For assistance finding the right solutions for your conference room, contact the IVCi team today. We can assist with the strategy, integration, and support you need to set your team up for success.
When we think of remote setups, we typically think of things that are visual in nature: monitors, webcams, lighting, etc. While those are certainly important parts of a remote setup, there are other factors that are equally important — most notably, audio.
Without proper audio configuration, your remote setup can be a major hindrance to your collaboration and productivity. Let’s dive further into the importance of audio in a remote setup
1. Blocking out distractions
In many situations, remote setups come with a level of distraction. Whether it’s the hum and drum of a coffee shop, the inconvenient timing of landscapers at your home office, or other people taking calls in a shared workspace, background noise and distractions can be an issue.
High-quality audio setups help keep the main audio crystal clear while drowning out unwanted noise for those who need to speak and can’t mute out their background. This keeps meetings focused and on task, regardless of what’s going on in people’s environments.
2. Keeping meetings on track
Spotty audio can be frustrating during important meetings and collaborative sessions. Having to pause to correct audio issues and constantly ask “can everyone hear me?” can quickly derail a meeting.
Today, people are busier than ever on calls. Sometimes it’s difficult to even find a half hour time slot that works for everyone on a larger team. Spending five minutes each call sorting out audio issues is a 16% loss of time. If that happens each time you try to have a meeting, you’ll be quickly looking at significant productivity losses — and the frustration that comes along with it.
3. Avoid stops and stalls
Having to continuously stop and stall because of spotty audio can be very frustrating for participants, especially clients. Repeating yourself, asking people to repeat themselves, and missing key pieces of information can cause choppy meetings that lack efficiency.
Strong audio keeps meetings moving forward and keeps all participants on the same page. The end result is a better use of everyone’s time, which both team members and potential clients can appreciate.
4. Make recordings more effective
Meeting and training recordings are an important part of remote work setups. Meeting recordings can be used to fill in participants who were not able to attend or as notes for action items following the meeting. Training sessions and tutorials can also be recorded to support self-paced learning and prevent training teams from having to repeat the same training multiple times.
However, if recordings have poor audio quality, they are essentially useless. Organizations need to be able to rely on their audio all the time to ensure recordings can be used in the future.
If you are looking to upgrade your audio for your organization’s remote setup, enlist the help of an industry expert who can guide you every step of the way. That way, you can be sure that your team is working with top quality technology backed by unparalleled support, working towards your strategic goals and building business.
https://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.png00fishbathttps://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.pngfishbat2021-08-11 12:00:172022-11-02 18:18:06Importance of Audio in a Remote Setup
While we’re not completely out of the woods in regards to COVID-19, we are getting closer thanks to vaccines and a better understanding of how to fight the virus.
This progress has us thinking deeply and strategizing about how we can best serve our clients in a post-pandemic world.iv
Defining the new way of work
It may seem pretty straightforward to figure out how our clients are working, whether it be in the office, remote, or hybrid. A recent study by NSCA and MyTechDecisions showed that 50% of companies will have employees working from home 3-4 days per week now, as opposed to just 15% before the pandemic. So it’s tempting to make a blanket statement like “our clients are working remotely” and leave it at that.
But it’s not necessarily that simple. Let’s look at an example:
Company A has employees work from home three days a week and in the office two days a week. It’s encouraged that they schedule all collaborative work and meetings for in-office days, saving independent work for remote days.
Company B has their employees work from home two days per week and come into the office for a couple of hours on the other two days to attend meetings and work on collaborative projects, working from home the remainder of the day.
Company C takes a “business as usual” approach, bringing employees into the office on two set days per week regardless of when meetings or collaborative projects fall.
While all of those are considered hybrid work arrangements, they will have very different technology needs. For example, we’re seeing huddle rooms take on different forms; what used to be a place dedicated for a group to a room that can serve multiple purposes depending on an organization’s needs that given day.
Learning how challenges and pain points have changed
Because of changes in work arrangements and business priorities, what our clients viewed as important technology to invest in before the pandemic is different from what they need now.
We pride ourselves on our ability to understand what our clients’ needs are in this ever-evolving landscape and identify any new challenges they will face. That’s a major adjustment from the previous role of an AV integrator, where we would traditionally advise clients on efficient technology and best practices.
With no predictability in today’s world, we have to be prepared for everything. Yes, we still need to be prepared to offer our clients the tools they need to equip their employees for remote work, like headsets, cameras, training, and more, but we have to go above and beyond that to truly be an effective technology partner.
Providing the service and hardware to support goals
Our goal is to continue evolving with our clients to provide the solutions they need now and in the future, and there are a few ways we’re doing so:
Simplify the process of shifting all meetings to collaboration software
Keep remote work efficient through the right equipment
We’re doing so by being not only the technology provider our clients need, but the service partner they can trust. Through offerings like AV as a Service, we can help organizations maintain standard solutions across all rooms, facilitate consistent updates, and provide efficiency analysis and business analytics.
Through our future-facing offerings, we’re helping our clients prepare for a post-pandemic work arrangement that’s ready to for whatever comes its way.
https://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.png00fishbathttps://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.pngfishbat2021-08-04 12:00:262022-11-02 18:19:41IVCi and Clients in a Post-Pandemic World
We’re always keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest in the AV space — it’s what allows us to keep bringing innovative solutions to our customers.
Today we’re going to take a look at the hottest trend in AV right now: distributed workforces. What’s important to keep in mind though, is that this isn’t the same type of distributed workforce we saw at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and throughout 2020. Now, organizations are moving away from their temporary remote setups and into more permanent remote and hybrid solutions.
Let’s look at the role AV systems play in that shift.
Fostering teamwork in a hybrid work environment
Many organizations are taking the “best of both worlds” approach, announcing a hybrid environment as their permanent work arrangement to give employees flexibility while maintaining a level of in-person collaboration.
As part of this transition, companies are looking for meeting solutions that are user-friendly, secure, and work seamlessly for both in-office and remote users. To meet this need, we’ll likely see an adoption in the use of huddle rooms. That way, those who are working in the office can gather together for meetings, while having the technology necessary to accommodate remote participants.
Making a meeting that’s remote-user friendly focuses around AV conferencing equipment. Having a quick plug-and-play option for users to be able to share content and sign in from their devices in huddle rooms is important, along with secure connections for remote users. That way, teams can seamlessly work together regardless of physical location.
In July 2020, a study by Crestron showed that 50% of businesses were looking to increase their video conferencing capabilities in the next two years, and that prediction is holding strong under hybrid work arrangements.
Work from anywhere
As travel restrictions and stay at home orders are lifted, “work from home” has shifted to “work from anywhere” for many organizations who made the decision to remain remote permanently. To accommodate, businesses are closing the doors on their large corporate offices in favor of smaller, satellite offices in a wide range of locations.
This requires top-of-the-line connectivity for remote and hybrid meetings. As a result, organizations will start investing heavily in monitors, connectors, and audio systems in these satellite offices — and the teams that can help maintain them since technology teams may no longer be in house or on site.
This is predicted to bring about the rise of AV as a Service (AVaaS), a subscription-based model that gives organizations access to all the AV equipment, support, and service they could need without requiring internal resources.
Staying on top of — and ahead of — AV trends
If you’re looking to stay ahead of AV trends and bring the latest and greatest to your organization, partner with an AV integrator like IVCi. With offerings like AV as a Service, it’s easier than ever to ensure you have state of the art technology and top-notch service.
It’s easy to find out more about the subscription service that powers your business through the future of AV. Click here to learn more.
We hear the term “digital transformation” a lot these days. Your organization may very well be in the midst of a digital transformation initiative right now. But do you truly understand what it means for your business, now and in the future?
Since digital transformation is a broad term, let’s take a look at it in the specific context of the workplace and its impact on productivity, efficiency, and communication.
How technology has transformed the workplace
It’s no secret that technology has been the driving force behind digital transformation in workplaces. But what exactly has it transformed? The short answer: just about everything.
Here are a few examples of how technology has reshaped the workplace:
Changing how we communicate – From in-person conversations and phone calls, we now have email, instant messaging, text messaging, and AV conferencing.
Organizing projects and documents – Businesses used to have to rely solely on file cabinets and carbon copies; now, they can enjoy cloud-based storage and access documents from anywhere.
Improving productivity – Replacing manual processes with automation and precision allows for more efficiency and productivity.
Reducing overhead costs – Productivity and efficiency helps organizations save time and money. The same goes for the ability to create, store, and share documents and meet with people via video conferencing that would previously require travel.
Tightening security – While hackers have advanced alongside technology, cybersecurity protection is better than ever.
Increasing collaboration – Technology like video conferencing has enabled people who are not in the same physical location to collaborate with little to no notice.
Enabling a distributed workforce – Companies can source talent from anywhere rather than being limited to a single geographical location.
Just about every aspect of business has been completely revolutionized by technology. Sometimes it seems as if things have advanced so much that they couldn’t possibly go any further. But is that really the case?
What to expect in the future
For organizations who were slow to adopt a digital transformation, the COVID-19 pandemic was the catalyst that got them started. The pandemic, along with further advancements in technology, have made it clear that digital transformations are just getting started.
Organizations shouldn’t get comfortable just because they have advanced technology; new things are on the horizon and leaders should be prepared for more changes. Here are some things businesses should be preparing for:
The pandemic forced an adoption of different communication tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, and more. Going forward, employees are still favoring those communication tools over email, phone calls, and in-person meetings. Since fewer emails are being shared, it’s important that organizations invest in programs and software that integrate with their preferred communication platform to send documents and collaborate.
Machine Learning and AI have taken huge leaps in the past few years. President Biden has recently committed to increasing federal funding towards technology, including AI. Organizations can expect increased regulation and possible changes to AI-powered programs.
Investment in AV technology is no longer an afterthought. Many organizations had to adopt video conferencing for the first time during the pandemic. Now, as many move to permanent remote and hybrid environments, it’s time to invest in long-term systems and solutions that will allow for seamless communication, regardless of location.
If you are looking to boost your organization’s digital transformation and improve communication, collaboration, and efficiency, IVCi may be able to help. Contact us today to learn more.
While technology has proved to be an integral part of today’s business world, it’s not perfect — and let’s face it, neither are we. Sometimes we have questions, concerns, or issues that we need help with and that’s okay.
What really matters is how we get that help and how we can leverage it for better business outcomes.
Let’s look at audio video conferencing equipment as an example. AV technology has proven to be an invaluable part of remote, hybrid, and in-person work arrangements. But for organizations to truly make the most of their systems and solutions, they need the right AV support to back them.
The importance of AV support
Even best-in-class technology can benefit from a support team. They are, after all, the experts in that space and can help your organization with the following:
Selecting the right technology for your needs
Implementing your systems
Providing training and resources for adoption
Troubleshooting in real time
But the benefits of AV support goes beyond the obvious. By putting your AV tech needs in the hands of experts, you’re taking it out of your internal team’s hands. That leaves more room for them to focus on tasks and initiatives that only your internal teams can do, and the things that matter most to your business.
Types of AV support
There are a number of ways you can utilize AV support in your organization. They include:
On-demand support — For “in the moment” support like issues launching meetings, having on-demand support at your fingertips is essential for keeping your business running smoothly.
With on-demand support, you can either make a phone call or scan a QR code and be connected with the resources and people you need to resolve your issue and get your meeting started.
Managed support — Make sure you always have the support you need by utilizing a dedicated team for your support. They will be available for new technology setup, troubleshooting, and on-demand assistance under a subscription model.
AV as a Service — You can take managed support to the next level by utilizing an AV as a Service (AVaaS) solution that bundles not only support, but every aspect of your AV setup (including technology upgrades) into one subscription.
One or more of these service categories could be most beneficial to your organization. You can consult an AV conferencing company to help you figure out which one is right for you.
How IVCi can help with AV support
As a leader in AV support, IVCi is available to help organizations of all sizes and industries with their expertise and offerings. From AVaaS to Managed Video Experiences, there is a service solution that can fit your budget, organization, and technology. Contact us today to learn more.
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With remote and hybrid work situations becoming permanent for many companies, it’s time to upgrade the way you work. Average solutions were fine for a temporary situation, but won’t cut it as a long-term play.
Organizations now need to have a high-end video conferencing solution that can keep up with the ever-increasing demand for video calls. Event management platforms like a Managed Video Experience can help ensure your meetings happen when and how they are supposed to.
What is Managed Video Experience?
Managed Video Experience (MVE) is a white glove service that elevates meetings to the level your clients deserve. A MVE provider will manage your entire video conferencing environment, creating the ultimate meeting experience.
Launching platforms that are reliable enough for the most important video calls
Troubleshooting resources so that if something doesn’t go according to plan, you can get your meetings back on track without taking time away from what’s important
24/7 support for anything you need, whenever you need it
The full suite of services ensures reliability and frees up your team to focus on the content of the meeting rather than the logistics associated with it.
What are the benefits of MVE?
To put it simply, MVE gives you one less thing to worry about. In today’s business world where things are moving quickly again and companies are trying to adjust to the “new normal,” having a trusting set of hands to care for one of your most important business functions is invaluable.
Whether you’re a fully remote company, operating on a hybrid model, or are based in the office and dealing with dispersed teams and clients, video conferencing is likely to remain more popular than in-person meetings — especially when external parties like clients are involved.
Utilizing MVE gives you the peace of mind that your video calls will go according to plan, every time. And if an issue or question does arise, you’ll have a team of experts available and ready to help get you back up and running.
So what does this mean for your business? Besides just having one less thing to worry about, MVE puts you in an advantageous position when it comes to your strategic goals. Rather than having to dedicate time and resources to scheduling, launching, and troubleshooting meetings, you can spend it building relationships, growing your team, attracting new clients, or whatever is most important to your business right now.
Getting started with MVE
MVE is easier to incorporate in your organization than you might think, especially with the right provider. IVCi manages an average of 7,348 meetings per month and is equipped with the knowledge necessary to help each one be successful.
It’s time to take your video conferencing setup to the next level with IVCi’s MVE. Learn more and get started by visiting our MVE page here.
End-to-End AV Integration – What Does it Entail?
NewsWhen making the decision to install or upgrade your audio video technology, there are a lot of steps to consider. End-to-end AV integration eases the confusion and concern of having to piece together all those steps by utilizing one integrator for the whole process from start to finish.
In order to maximize your experience with an end-to-end AV integrator, you should take some time to understand what it really entails. That way, you can be prepared to find the right company, ask the right questions, and complete your project in the most efficient way possible.
Here are the four main steps of end-to-end integration to understand before embarking on your project:
1. Creating an AV strategy
Before any action is taken, it’s important to make a holistic plan that looks at all aspects of your organization. Are your employees working remotely? How many huddle rooms or meeting spaces do you have onsite? What is the user experience you’re looking to create?
Answering these questions, while factoring in other strategic goals and budget considerations, will help create the foundation on which the remaining steps are built. This is also the step where KPIs and goals are set in order to measure progress and adjust accordingly. Each subsequent decision is made in consideration of the strategy to help ensure success.
2. Designing an AV setup
Once the strategy and goals are set, your integrator will present options for technology systems that work to bring your plan to life. They will give an overview of different cameras, microphones, AV carts, digital displays… anything you would need to meet your goals.
There will also be a review of overlays, flows, roles, and responsibilities to map out expectations so they are clea every step of the way.
3. Deployment of AV technology
These plans are all well and good, but they don’t mean anything until they’re brought to life through installation. The best end-to-end AV integrators put an emphasis on efficiency, yet take the necessary steps to ensure availability and quality before installation begins.
They will utilize project managers, technicians, engineers, and supervisors to ensure your installation happens on time, within budget, and with as little interruption to your business as possible.
4. Ongoing support for AV environments
Some companies think that “end-to-end” ends once the technology is installed, but that’s not the case. In a sense, the term “end-to-end” is misleading, because there never really is an end to our work.
We also provide ongoing support in the form of strategy health checks, one hour telephone response times, fast track troubleshooting, live video assistance and more.
The key to successful end-to-end AV integration is finding an integrator that doesn’t just do all steps, but excels in them with a level of expertise that gives you the confidence you need and the peace of mind you deserve. IVCi has been a trusted end-to-end integrator for organizations of all sizes and many industries. Our team is here and ready to help you from start to finish — contact us today to get started.
Ideal Video/AV Setup/Solutions in Conference Rooms
NewsWith many organizations around the country making a partial or complete return to their offices in the upcoming months, they will have to reimagine their workspace to account for new working styles and safety measures.
One of the biggest adjustments organizations will have to face is how to best utilize their shared spaces like conference rooms. With the right audio video setups and solutions, organizations can transform conference rooms from just a gathering place to a productivity and collaboration hub.
Here are the ideal AV setups and solutions for achieving that:
Digital and interactive displays
Meetings are most impactful when they utilize shared content and/or provide real time collaboration opportunities. Digital and interactive displays allow for presenters and contributors to not only share supporting content, but make in-meeting changes. This transforms meetings into working sessions, getting the most out of everybody’s time.
Audio and video equipment
While this may seem obvious, too many organizations rely on their devices’ built-in cameras and microphones during meetings with remote participants. However, using external equipment can provide much better quality which reduces interruptions and improves meeting efficiency.
Plus, dedicated AV equipment can come in a variety of connectivity choices: wired, wireless, and combination. That way, you can have the equipment on hand that works best for your meeting format rather than be tied to a specific device.
Cloud video
Cloud Video Experience (CVE) allows you to meet with anyone from any connected device, like a desktop, phone, or tablet. With endless endpoints and the ability to connect multiple devices to the same account, CVE is ideal for an organization with multiple conference rooms, multiple locations, or teams that operate in a hybrid remote/in-office work model.
Easy to use control and support
Getting meetings kicked off is only half the battle. Knowing how to utilize controls during meetings and troubleshoot technical difficulties is important for ensuring adoption and buy-in on a company-wide scale. The most efficient way to ensure proper training and support is to enlist the help of a full-service AV integrator; not only can they help you select and install the technology you need for your conference room, but they can provide the on-demand support you need too.
For example, IVCi provides QR codes on their equipment that users can scan to access helpful resources or contact on-demand help to get their meetings up and running.
AV as a Service (AVaaS)
The ultimate solution for your conference room needs is one that covers it all. AV as a Service is an all-in-one productivity solution that’s available to your organization via a subscription model. You can upgrade technology at any time, scale up or down depending on changing needs, change the terms of your lifecycle, employ break-fix services, and access on-demand end user support — all in one easy-to-manage subscription.
For assistance finding the right solutions for your conference room, contact the IVCi team today. We can assist with the strategy, integration, and support you need to set your team up for success.
Importance of Audio in a Remote Setup
NewsWhen we think of remote setups, we typically think of things that are visual in nature: monitors, webcams, lighting, etc. While those are certainly important parts of a remote setup, there are other factors that are equally important — most notably, audio.
Without proper audio configuration, your remote setup can be a major hindrance to your collaboration and productivity. Let’s dive further into the importance of audio in a remote setup
1. Blocking out distractions
In many situations, remote setups come with a level of distraction. Whether it’s the hum and drum of a coffee shop, the inconvenient timing of landscapers at your home office, or other people taking calls in a shared workspace, background noise and distractions can be an issue.
High-quality audio setups help keep the main audio crystal clear while drowning out unwanted noise for those who need to speak and can’t mute out their background. This keeps meetings focused and on task, regardless of what’s going on in people’s environments.
2. Keeping meetings on track
Spotty audio can be frustrating during important meetings and collaborative sessions. Having to pause to correct audio issues and constantly ask “can everyone hear me?” can quickly derail a meeting.
Today, people are busier than ever on calls. Sometimes it’s difficult to even find a half hour time slot that works for everyone on a larger team. Spending five minutes each call sorting out audio issues is a 16% loss of time. If that happens each time you try to have a meeting, you’ll be quickly looking at significant productivity losses — and the frustration that comes along with it.
3. Avoid stops and stalls
Having to continuously stop and stall because of spotty audio can be very frustrating for participants, especially clients. Repeating yourself, asking people to repeat themselves, and missing key pieces of information can cause choppy meetings that lack efficiency.
Strong audio keeps meetings moving forward and keeps all participants on the same page. The end result is a better use of everyone’s time, which both team members and potential clients can appreciate.
4. Make recordings more effective
Meeting and training recordings are an important part of remote work setups. Meeting recordings can be used to fill in participants who were not able to attend or as notes for action items following the meeting. Training sessions and tutorials can also be recorded to support self-paced learning and prevent training teams from having to repeat the same training multiple times.
However, if recordings have poor audio quality, they are essentially useless. Organizations need to be able to rely on their audio all the time to ensure recordings can be used in the future.
If you are looking to upgrade your audio for your organization’s remote setup, enlist the help of an industry expert who can guide you every step of the way. That way, you can be sure that your team is working with top quality technology backed by unparalleled support, working towards your strategic goals and building business.
IVCi and Clients in a Post-Pandemic World
NewsWhile we’re not completely out of the woods in regards to COVID-19, we are getting closer thanks to vaccines and a better understanding of how to fight the virus.
This progress has us thinking deeply and strategizing about how we can best serve our clients in a post-pandemic world.iv
Defining the new way of work
It may seem pretty straightforward to figure out how our clients are working, whether it be in the office, remote, or hybrid. A recent study by NSCA and MyTechDecisions showed that 50% of companies will have employees working from home 3-4 days per week now, as opposed to just 15% before the pandemic. So it’s tempting to make a blanket statement like “our clients are working remotely” and leave it at that.
But it’s not necessarily that simple. Let’s look at an example:
While all of those are considered hybrid work arrangements, they will have very different technology needs. For example, we’re seeing huddle rooms take on different forms; what used to be a place dedicated for a group to a room that can serve multiple purposes depending on an organization’s needs that given day.
Learning how challenges and pain points have changed
Because of changes in work arrangements and business priorities, what our clients viewed as important technology to invest in before the pandemic is different from what they need now.
We pride ourselves on our ability to understand what our clients’ needs are in this ever-evolving landscape and identify any new challenges they will face. That’s a major adjustment from the previous role of an AV integrator, where we would traditionally advise clients on efficient technology and best practices.
With no predictability in today’s world, we have to be prepared for everything. Yes, we still need to be prepared to offer our clients the tools they need to equip their employees for remote work, like headsets, cameras, training, and more, but we have to go above and beyond that to truly be an effective technology partner.
Providing the service and hardware to support goals
Our goal is to continue evolving with our clients to provide the solutions they need now and in the future, and there are a few ways we’re doing so:
We’re doing so by being not only the technology provider our clients need, but the service partner they can trust. Through offerings like AV as a Service, we can help organizations maintain standard solutions across all rooms, facilitate consistent updates, and provide efficiency analysis and business analytics.
Through our future-facing offerings, we’re helping our clients prepare for a post-pandemic work arrangement that’s ready to for whatever comes its way.
What’s Trending in AV?
NewsWe’re always keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest in the AV space — it’s what allows us to keep bringing innovative solutions to our customers.
Today we’re going to take a look at the hottest trend in AV right now: distributed workforces. What’s important to keep in mind though, is that this isn’t the same type of distributed workforce we saw at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and throughout 2020. Now, organizations are moving away from their temporary remote setups and into more permanent remote and hybrid solutions.
Let’s look at the role AV systems play in that shift.
Fostering teamwork in a hybrid work environment
Many organizations are taking the “best of both worlds” approach, announcing a hybrid environment as their permanent work arrangement to give employees flexibility while maintaining a level of in-person collaboration.
As part of this transition, companies are looking for meeting solutions that are user-friendly, secure, and work seamlessly for both in-office and remote users. To meet this need, we’ll likely see an adoption in the use of huddle rooms. That way, those who are working in the office can gather together for meetings, while having the technology necessary to accommodate remote participants.
Making a meeting that’s remote-user friendly focuses around AV conferencing equipment. Having a quick plug-and-play option for users to be able to share content and sign in from their devices in huddle rooms is important, along with secure connections for remote users. That way, teams can seamlessly work together regardless of physical location.
In July 2020, a study by Crestron showed that 50% of businesses were looking to increase their video conferencing capabilities in the next two years, and that prediction is holding strong under hybrid work arrangements.
Work from anywhere
As travel restrictions and stay at home orders are lifted, “work from home” has shifted to “work from anywhere” for many organizations who made the decision to remain remote permanently. To accommodate, businesses are closing the doors on their large corporate offices in favor of smaller, satellite offices in a wide range of locations.
This requires top-of-the-line connectivity for remote and hybrid meetings. As a result, organizations will start investing heavily in monitors, connectors, and audio systems in these satellite offices — and the teams that can help maintain them since technology teams may no longer be in house or on site.
This is predicted to bring about the rise of AV as a Service (AVaaS), a subscription-based model that gives organizations access to all the AV equipment, support, and service they could need without requiring internal resources.
Staying on top of — and ahead of — AV trends
If you’re looking to stay ahead of AV trends and bring the latest and greatest to your organization, partner with an AV integrator like IVCi. With offerings like AV as a Service, it’s easier than ever to ensure you have state of the art technology and top-notch service.
It’s easy to find out more about the subscription service that powers your business through the future of AV. Click here to learn more.
Digital Transformation
NewsWe hear the term “digital transformation” a lot these days. Your organization may very well be in the midst of a digital transformation initiative right now. But do you truly understand what it means for your business, now and in the future?
Since digital transformation is a broad term, let’s take a look at it in the specific context of the workplace and its impact on productivity, efficiency, and communication.
How technology has transformed the workplace
It’s no secret that technology has been the driving force behind digital transformation in workplaces. But what exactly has it transformed? The short answer: just about everything.
Here are a few examples of how technology has reshaped the workplace:
Just about every aspect of business has been completely revolutionized by technology. Sometimes it seems as if things have advanced so much that they couldn’t possibly go any further. But is that really the case?
What to expect in the future
For organizations who were slow to adopt a digital transformation, the COVID-19 pandemic was the catalyst that got them started. The pandemic, along with further advancements in technology, have made it clear that digital transformations are just getting started.
Organizations shouldn’t get comfortable just because they have advanced technology; new things are on the horizon and leaders should be prepared for more changes. Here are some things businesses should be preparing for:
If you are looking to boost your organization’s digital transformation and improve communication, collaboration, and efficiency, IVCi may be able to help. Contact us today to learn more.
AV Support
NewsWhile technology has proved to be an integral part of today’s business world, it’s not perfect — and let’s face it, neither are we. Sometimes we have questions, concerns, or issues that we need help with and that’s okay.
What really matters is how we get that help and how we can leverage it for better business outcomes.
Let’s look at audio video conferencing equipment as an example. AV technology has proven to be an invaluable part of remote, hybrid, and in-person work arrangements. But for organizations to truly make the most of their systems and solutions, they need the right AV support to back them.
The importance of AV support
Even best-in-class technology can benefit from a support team. They are, after all, the experts in that space and can help your organization with the following:
But the benefits of AV support goes beyond the obvious. By putting your AV tech needs in the hands of experts, you’re taking it out of your internal team’s hands. That leaves more room for them to focus on tasks and initiatives that only your internal teams can do, and the things that matter most to your business.
Types of AV support
There are a number of ways you can utilize AV support in your organization. They include:
With on-demand support, you can either make a phone call or scan a QR code and be connected with the resources and people you need to resolve your issue and get your meeting started.
One or more of these service categories could be most beneficial to your organization. You can consult an AV conferencing company to help you figure out which one is right for you.
How IVCi can help with AV support
As a leader in AV support, IVCi is available to help organizations of all sizes and industries with their expertise and offerings. From AVaaS to Managed Video Experiences, there is a service solution that can fit your budget, organization, and technology. Contact us today to learn more.
Event Services
NewsWith remote and hybrid work situations becoming permanent for many companies, it’s time to upgrade the way you work. Average solutions were fine for a temporary situation, but won’t cut it as a long-term play.
Organizations now need to have a high-end video conferencing solution that can keep up with the ever-increasing demand for video calls. Event management platforms like a Managed Video Experience can help ensure your meetings happen when and how they are supposed to.
What is Managed Video Experience?
Managed Video Experience (MVE) is a white glove service that elevates meetings to the level your clients deserve. A MVE provider will manage your entire video conferencing environment, creating the ultimate meeting experience.
MVE encompasses the following:
The full suite of services ensures reliability and frees up your team to focus on the content of the meeting rather than the logistics associated with it.
What are the benefits of MVE?
To put it simply, MVE gives you one less thing to worry about. In today’s business world where things are moving quickly again and companies are trying to adjust to the “new normal,” having a trusting set of hands to care for one of your most important business functions is invaluable.
Whether you’re a fully remote company, operating on a hybrid model, or are based in the office and dealing with dispersed teams and clients, video conferencing is likely to remain more popular than in-person meetings — especially when external parties like clients are involved.
Utilizing MVE gives you the peace of mind that your video calls will go according to plan, every time. And if an issue or question does arise, you’ll have a team of experts available and ready to help get you back up and running.
So what does this mean for your business? Besides just having one less thing to worry about, MVE puts you in an advantageous position when it comes to your strategic goals. Rather than having to dedicate time and resources to scheduling, launching, and troubleshooting meetings, you can spend it building relationships, growing your team, attracting new clients, or whatever is most important to your business right now.
Getting started with MVE
MVE is easier to incorporate in your organization than you might think, especially with the right provider. IVCi manages an average of 7,348 meetings per month and is equipped with the knowledge necessary to help each one be successful.
It’s time to take your video conferencing setup to the next level with IVCi’s MVE. Learn more and get started by visiting our MVE page here.