Video is indisputably everywhere. YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world. The facts show that we are communicating and digesting content differently today, opting for bitesize chunks of video content over and above other formats.As organisations, institutions and developers, how can we capitalise on the appetite for digesting content in video format to improve communication? How can we ensure our content has been engaged with and understood? How can digital signage help to give us a snapshot of building performance and metrics for improved sustainability? How can dynamic content be utilised to keep people up-to-date on the latest guidance and laws enforced to combat COVID-19?In this episode, we welcome Tim Hoddy from TriplePlay & ONELAN, to discuss the place of video content and digital signage in our everyday environments. Tim and the team discuss where we are today, how and why organisations and institutions should adopt new practices around content sharing, the importance of dynamic, up-to-date information, as well as what the future holds for video and digital signage.

Technology advances so quickly that its application rarely settles for long. The near endless possibilities of technology need constantly grounding and translating into practical applications to deliver the highest quality experiences for users in home and commercial environments.Which interfaces and systems can we rely on and develop to improve the user experience? Which technologies of today will provide the foundations for the rooms and experiences of tomorrow? How do we filter through the endless possibilities made available to us through technological advancements, push through the ‘Headless Chicken Phase', and build meaningful experiences?In this episode, we welcome Cliff Stammers, Managing Director at Clever Rooms Ltd., for an open conversation on the latest in integrated software and development of advanced systems and interfaces that can improve the user experience. Cliff, Kevin and Dan discuss where we are today, take a deep dive into technology and user experience, bring true building intelligence into the picture, and debate the trends that are likely to shape the future of our technological experiences.

The return to university brings to light many considerations, none arguably more important than the safety and security of staff, visitors, lecturers, students and the wider communities surrounding them. What can we do now to reconfigure and repurpose space? How can we mitigate risk to ensure that fewer surprises come our way over the coming months? What safety, security and wellbeing measures should be considered to bring confidence to those returning to university and those applying for the coming academic year? In this episode, we welcome Darren Chalmers-Stevens, Managing Director at CriticalArc, a leading safety, security and emergency management solution, about the challenges and phased approach that universities can take. We discuss the importance of safety and security in making progress to a new normal for Higher Education, as well as the impact of both on two key themes as we emerge from lockdown: galvanising relationships and a sense of community, and cross-campus collaboration.

Over the last few months, there has been significant and substantial change across the Higher Education sector. With student intake likely to drop for the coming year and no guarantees on the financial support they’ll be receiving, there is currently enormous uncertainty for institutions across the country.What practices and strategies can institutions adopt to create opportunities for growth from the myriad challenges they are facing? How can universities manage the same footprint with considerably less funding? What are the absolute must-do items for our universities in the immediate short term to lay the foundations for a brighter future? Kevin and Dan turn to their co-host and PTS Public Sector Lead, Mark Perrett, for his views on how universities can utilise technology innovation and strategic planning to adapt to the changes and even flourish next Academic Year. We bring technology into the picture for universities looking to switch to online learning today and debate its application for improved safety and more practical courses and learning in the future.

The ‘new normal’ is a term used increasingly often, but what exactly does that look like? With an immediate shift in focus from crowded floorplans and hot desking to alternative ways of working, it’s fair to say that workplace design finds itself in a state of flux. How do we create spaces that are safe to work in and that still meet our requirements? In this episode, we’re joined by Pete Coman, PTS Director and ‘Tec Man’, to discuss where technology can help us to shift from ‘touch’ focused interactions to enabling contactless, frictionless experiences. Pete and the team debate where technology should be implemented to serve within this new norm, including ‘personal bubbles’ and a technological walkthrough of the office experience of today.

Our workplaces will need to work hard to be truly relevant post COVID-19.How does your workplace make you and your staff feel? Are there compelling enough reasons to use the spaces? Do your existing collaboration tools add sufficient value to face-to-face interactions?In this episode, we speak to Tomás Mac Eoin, CEO of Hereworks, Ireland’s top smart building and Audio-Visual solutions provider, about how our workspace can deliver better productivity and wellbeing, and should be measured against a host of other metrics to ensure they are relevant, especially in a post COVID-19 world.

Connectivity is of key importance now more than ever. The last few months has seen demand on network and bandwidth dramatically increase and we are seeing a seismic shift in the perceived importance of robust digital infrastructure. In such a complex world of data, hosting options, and ever evolving requirements, it can be a maze of information to navigate. A good Data Centre strategy is therefore paramount. In this podcast, the team are joined by Data Centre experts Mike Dorfler, Steve Bowes-Phipps, Kevin George, John Careford and Ken Taylor, in a virtual round table session. They discuss, planning for increased demand with best practices in digital infrastructure, and moving from a Disaster Recovery model to one focused on Business Continuity.

By 2025, there are expected to be more than 64 billion Internet of Things (IoT) devices worldwide.With IoT and sensors comes huge amounts of data and information, but how do we best interpret and utilise that data to make the right decisions?In this episode, the team are joined by Nathan Glotfelty, Director of Workplace Subscription Services for Hermann Miller, who shares the latest expertise in utilising data to make decisions that impact workplace design, employee experience and investment in Real Estate.

Storm Ciara, ISE, Smart Buildings.The first episode of the PTS Podcast takes us back to a time pre-lockdown, to ISE in Amsterdam where Kevin Brownell presented at the Smart Buildings Conference. Dan, Kevin, Mark and Jess discuss the highlights from the events.