What do audio visual consultants do?
When you’re modernizing a business, finding the right technology and design solutions to take your AV systems to the next level can be tricky. With so much new technology, choosing the correct gadgets can feel confusing and potentially overwhelming, even more so if you’re not exceptionally knowledgeable about AV. Well, that’s where AV consultants come in.
Audio-visual consultants are integral professionals that make the audio-visual world more accessible for businesses wanting to design new AV solutions for their employees or simply to upgrade their existing technology into something more modern and compatible with everyday duties. But what exactly do they do, and what does their process look like?
Well, that’s what we’re here to explain. At DEXON, we believe in making the AV world more accessible for everyone, so we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to all things AV consultancy, so you can understand whether you’d benefit from these services.
What is an audio-visual consultant?
Before diving into the specifics of AV consultancy, it’s important to understand what an audio-visual consultant is. An audio-visual consultant collaborates with businesses or AV enthusiasts and advises them on the best ways to take their AV technology to the next level.
These professionals are mainly instrumental for new businesses that have just moved into or built offices. They will assess the current AV situation within a setting and determine the best way to upgrade or install AV technology to help businesses and individuals achieve their primary objectives.
Similar to AV integrators, an audio-visual consultant can significantly improve your AV systems and find the best ways to utilize AV equipment to your advantage. Still, an audiovisual consultant won’t typically try to sell you or install any equipment. This is in contrast to integrators, who may have partnerships or deals with certain manufacturers, meaning they earn a percentage of the profits from sales.
Depending on the stage of the design process, an audio-visual consultant may have a strong collaborative relationship with the architects. This is particularly prevalent if buildings are in the beginning stages of design, as consultants and architects may work together to design the room with specific AV requirements in mind.
For example, the architect will need to design the room with a specific number of outlets, sound systems, and room for visual technology in place so the consultant can meet their client’s technological needs.
Additionally, the role of an audio-visual consultant will vary depending on the type of setting they work in. If consultants are consulting on a project for a setting that relies on visual and audiovisuals, such as a theater, then consultants will have a significant impact on the project's progress as they assess everything from audience seating to acoustics.
What is the role of audio-visual consultants?
Now that you understand the basics, let’s look at the role in a little more depth. Here’s a guide to the role of an audio-visual consultant:
Client needs assessment
To ensure that audio-visual consultants meet their client's needs at the end of the project, they’ll likely engage in a thorough assessment process before determining what the client wants from the project.
This stage will likely outline the setting they’ll be working in, what they hope to achieve, what the purpose of their AV equipment is, budget, building type, and any other unique client requirements. From this, the consultant will generate a comprehensive plan that addresses the client’s pain points and creates well-structured solutions.
Installation design
Another role that consultants are responsible for is assessing the installation requirements. This involves the consultant assessing the location and determining what will be necessary to install the correct equipment.
If the building hasn’t started construction phases yet, then consultants may liaise with architects to design the room’s layout, installation design, outlet number, acoustic requirements, and more.
Full design and liaison with AV integrators
Once both the client and the consultant are happy with the preliminary plan, audio-visual consultants will put together comprehensive documentation that assesses the budget, equipment requirements, project goals, and a timeline.
From this, they then may reach out to an extensive network of AV integrators who can then secure the necessary equipment to meet the client’s wishes. It’s the consultant's responsibility to ensure that the integrator works with the client’s best wishes in mind at all times, ensuring they meet their project goals at the end.
What does an audio-visual consulting process look like?
The process that audio-visual consultants follow can vary depending on the specific project, but most AV consultants follow an intensive process that ensures they meet their client's needs, keep to a budget, and create a functioning environment with the correct equipment for their clients. Here’s a guide to the phases that professionals may go through during a project.
Phase 1: Assessment of current technology
The first phase of the consultancy process involves assessing the client’s current technology and identifying pain points. These pain points typically refer to areas of development the client can’t target with their current technological setup.
In this phase, the consultant will review which technology facilitates the client’s goals and which AV solutions are hindering them. Assessing current technology also involves the consultant reviewing how up-to-date your current solutions are to determine whether you need upgrades that can improve performance.
Phase 2: Review possible solutions
Once this intensive review stage is over, the consultant takes the results to generate possible solutions. This, again, requires a thorough review of which technologies are potentially hindering progression or whether the room layout and accessibility are prohibiting the client’s ability to use certain AV systems. From this, consultants can make a detailed plan that outlines possible solutions to then discuss this at length with the client.
Phase 3: Building phase
Once the client has reviewed possible solutions, the consultant will move into the design and building stage. This is when they will enlist the help of an AV integrator to source and install certain technology. This technology will depend on the client’s goals.
For example, if they’re looking to improve their engagement in conferences with improved visual systems, the AV consultant may recommend installing video wall technology such as matrix switchers, processors, or controllers to help their clients create a more dynamic conference room in their office building.
Phase 4: Checking and testing
Once the AV integrator and consultant have worked collaboratively to install and source the correct equipment, the consultant will begin the final stage, which consists of checking and testing. This involves assessing whether the consultant's work has had a tangible impact on the client’s productivity and has helped them get closer to their goals.
Why is the work of audio-visual consultants important in the AV industry?
AV consultants are integral to the AV industry because the industry evolves so rapidly. These professionals are entrusted to have up-to-date AV technology knowledge and understand the current AV trends that can positively influence their clients. To help clients keep pace with modern AV trends, AV consultants have a crucial role that allows businesses to incorporate new technology that can facilitate their progression and engagement goals. This is especially important as businesses rely increasingly on AV technology to conduct their daily tasks, such as virtual conferencing, with 78% of businesses using AV technology to unite their teams or hosting live events that rely on AV technology to showcase their brand.
Final thoughts
If you’re looking for AV technology that can upgrade your systems or an AV consultant looking to acquire technology that can improve your client’s audio-visual presence, check out Dexon’s product family now. We have a great range of video wall products designed to take video wall conferencing and displays to the next level. Why not check out the rest of your blog, where we discuss more integral AV professionals that could benefit your business?
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