Audio-visual technology develops at breakneck speed. Keeping on top of it all is something of a full-time job — and not something you want to attempt if you’ve got other priorities in your working life.
Attractive consumer-level solutions might seem like they’ll do the trick for your event or meeting needs, but in many cases they simply won’t. Consumer audio visual solutions are designed for homes; small spaces, small audiences, set up once and left in place.
Professional solutions are designed to withstand the needs of commercial use, such as office,
retail, hospitality, and healthcare applications. They’re robust and reliable, and are less likely to require replacement than if you tried to use a commercial product.
That’s why it’s best to work with an audio visual design and consulting service. They’ll ensure you’re buying the right equipment to suit the jobs you need. It might mean a slightly higher initial cost outlay, but in the long run it will work out substantially cheaper.
Audiovisual Consulting
Audio visual consulting services help to determine which technologies will best suit your needs. A
consultant perform detailed needs analysis and have in-depth conversations with clients to assess goals and expected outcomes. An audio visual layout is then developed to achieve those objectives clients have laid out.
Audio visual design takes into account currently used systems and considers what upgrades are available — or necessary. Just because a newer piece of technology has hit the market doesn’t mean it will actually enhance your business or better suit your goals.
The system design is intended to maximize ease of use, efficient operation, and optimal selection of the best, most relevant equipment available.
Once this consultation is complete, the tech specifications of the designed system is sent out to bid. Project bids are submitted by audio visual integrators, and the best, most competitive bid is chosen.
Design-Build vs Design-Bid-Build
The audio visual consulting workflow outlined above is known as design-bid-build; the consultant puts together enough information for a third party to put a bid together to build the design.
In a Design-Build setup, the consultation and build of the audio visual design are performed under one roof. Once the design is finalized and approved by the client, it’s the consultant and their team who put together the final build.
Both can achieve great results, but design-build systems cut down on the number of people necessary and prevent miscommunication from ruining carefully designed systems.
