Playing for keeps

Three tips for getting the job done right if you're spearheading your organization's AV installation project; here are three things you can do to help ensure that the process has a happy ending—for you and your colleagues.

Open up the lines of communication

One common pitfall is for the client-side project leader to assume he knows how his colleagues will want to use it. "Sometimes there's a senior executive who wants a boardroom put in, and he says, 'here’s the budget, and here's what I want it to do,'". "But ultimately, he's not the one who will be giving the presentations or running them." If you're the main representative of your organization for this pre-project consulting phase, it's in your best interest to get input from as many of your colleagues as possible and to put them face-to-face with the AV Integrator. Some AV Integrators will ask to speak directly with end-users. Don't be offended; they're just trying to do their job.

Manage internal expectations

As the project moves through the budgeting and revision process, make sure everyone knows what the cuts will mean. Colleagues should also understand that the equipment isn't going to work like it does in the movies, where large-screen displays and videoconferencing systems appear to perform well beyond what real-world technology will allow. "If they're expecting the moon and they get a pebble, they'll be very disappointed”. It's up to you to keep their expectations in check. Along the same lines, explain to your colleagues that due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, projectors, plasma displays and other specialized AV components sometimes fail within the first few weeks of heavy use and must be replaced by the AV integrator. Obviously, you shouldn't be charged for replacing defective equipment, but be aware that it could cause some short-term inconveniences. After a month or so, you should be able to count on everything working fine.

Watch the timeline

Whether it's you, your facility manager or somebody you hire, someone has to manage the project on your organization's behalf. This person should understand that an AV system is not an off-the-shelf solution; it involves tying together a lot of variables. AV integrators typically must work in concert with architects, general contractors, electrical subcontractors, HVAC installers, interior designers and others to pull a project together. Your organization's designated project manager should know the relationship between each of these players and understand that construction is never a simple, linear process. Everyone's work depends on the others getting their work done on time. It's very important for this person to stay involved and keep an eye on the clock. If things get off course, your project manager needs to get the team back together in one room to find out what's going on. It's often the only way to end the inevitable finger-pointing of a project gone astray.

AV Architect Benefits

Faster decision making

Unparalleled ease-of -use

State-of-the-art AV Facilities

Impressed visitors/ customers

Superior quality communications

Increased efficiency and productivity

Significant reduction in travelling expense

Improved Team -work in your organization

Higher effectiveness of your training programs

Enhanced impact during every meeting and presentation