Modern technological advancements, environmental needs and adaption, and demands have greatly impacted the AV industry. It is why high-quality production carries such a heavy weight of importance in the industry. In an episode of “Tech Unraveled,” Ben Thomas is interviewed by Vistacom’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Lianna Russell, about the current climate within the AV industry and what is driving it. In terms of quality, there are many factors that contribute to top-notch AV installation.
For Thomas, he believes that end users play an even bigger role in quality AV installations because it truly reveals how they also drive and shape the industry.
“It gets really interesting, because when you look at an installation these days the end users look a little bit different from not only a use standpoint, but from a decision standpoint. So much so that a lot of the end users are the decision makers these days,” said Thomas.
He added that providing education is key to their jobs because making sure customers know what exactly is happening and keeping them informed is important for them to hold up their end of their responsibility.
“At the end of day if we’re doing nothing else as manufacturers, we need to educate our end users ... and ask questions,” stated Thomas.
Being well-versed in the AV vertical market is another priority. Thomas stated that it's vital to recognize the changes and demands of the industry as many shifts come into the equation, such as a pandemic, supply chain shortages, and short- and long-term needs. He stated that extending the life cycle of products is what will determine the longevity of their investment. For instance, he explained that schools will want to avoid yearly replacement of technology. In turn that means “understanding the needs of each specific vertical and each specific market is critical,” added Thomas
Even with supply-chain concerns, Thomas is not worried at all about it and said in a few years, these shortage concerns will dwindle down. He is confident that it is on its “way out.”
However, many companies had to and are adapting to supply-chain issues. At Vistacom, Russell explained that her company relied on useful replacement options to make up for industrial changes.
“It’s definitely not an easy time… but we have come up with some really creative solutions … to help our clients. We’ve done things now we’ve never done before and it's going to probably be something that sticks with us for a while,” said Russell.
Thomas agreed that one area he would like to see more improvement in the AV industry is the utilization of creativity and replacement options, such as what Russell and Vistacom employed during a time of need. He says staying alert and attuned to AV industry changes will help end users better understand the products and services they need. And of course, if they’re getting their money’s worth.
“One of the things that you see a lot of in these emerging markets in AV is the idea of ROI and total cost of ownership,” said Thomas in response to how different the markets are today.
Over a decade ago, Thomas said many schools rushed to install smartboards in classrooms, but today these boards are barely being used. He added that the AV industry should be more methodical in what they decide to invest on.
“...The more we can leverage technology and create some meaningful ROI and not have technology just sit kind of unused and either untrained, or not utilized — the better,” he said.
