Your organization’s partnership with an AV integrator will significantly influence the outcome of your audiovisual integration project. Vetting and selecting a knowledgeable and reputable partner can ease the stresses associated with AV integration and ensure the best possible outcome for even the most complex projects.
An experienced AV integration company skilled in advanced visualization will take steps to comprehensively understand your organization’s needs, the application for your project, and the possible options within your available space.
Here are five things to consider when evaluating an AV integration partner.
1. Continuous Communication
Attentive listening on part of an integration partner is key to a successful project. Performing a thorough consultation and site survey allows both your organization and the integrator to better understand your organization’s specific needs and facilitates the open discussion of potential project options.
During the consultation and site survey process, your AV integration partner should carefully consider certain requirements and infrastructure characteristics that will help optimize system performance, including projection and viewing room sizes, seating or standing distances from the display, and user ergonomics. Specific topics to discuss with your AV integration partner during the consultation process include:
Based on this information, your organization can work with the AV integrator to evaluate available systems and select the best fit for your specific applications.
Just as a thorough AV integration process includes a comprehensive site survey and custom design and engineering, you should recognize complete attention to detail from your AV integration partner from your first conversation through installation. The integrator you work with should be adaptable and understand that the same application doesn’t fit all organizations.
An integrator’s reputation should speak for itself. Examine the company’s client list and see if it includes leading organizations, particularly those in your industry, and ask to speak with these clients. AV integration often involves complex projects that inevitably create issues, so take the steps to learn how the integrator dealt with problems as they arose by asking:
Also consider product education. If your organization’s IT department lacks the sophistication to identify the right equipment needed for your audiovisual needs, speak with a potential partner about pointing your team in the right direction and communicating how to most effectively spend your budget.
Anyone can shine a projector on a wall, but extensive experience makes an AV integrator intimately familiar with the processes and the nuances of individual projects. Look for a partner who understands all aspects of advanced visualization, including software, hardware, and mechanical and optical engineering. An integrator should understand the need for creating a collaborative space and how to utilize the most effective technology to create a positive outcome for your organization.
Ask to see examples of previous projects, particularly those that closely match your organization’s needs. Compare any renderings or photographs to what you’ve envisioned for your organization and ask for the integrator’s input on how previous work they’ve done might match your needs. Communication about these previous projects will help facilitate a smooth project experience.
Your relationship with an AV integration partner doesn’t end at installation. Ongoing maintenance and support plays a key role in the continued performance of your audiovisual system. Discuss establishing a support agreement during installation and ensure continued engagement from your integration partner in order to minimize issues and maintain a positive relationship.
Look for a quality service agreement that includes provisions for the repair or replacement components and regularly scheduled preventative maintenance to ensure the long-term performance of your system. At IGI, it’s our priority to remain actively engaged in the post-installation phase through comprehensive extended support and a deep commitment to service to our customers.
IGI is an industry leader in the complete integration of ultra-high resolution Advanced Visualization systems, including PowerWalls, CAVEs and Virtual Reality. We boast nearly 20 years’ experience in the advanced visualization industry managing all levels of AV integration projects. To learn more about how your company can realize the operational value of advanced visualization for your audiovisual display needs, see our case studies here.
