It’s no secret AV technology, like video conferencing, is essential in today’s business world. Being able to conduct a successful video conference call is important to securing potential clients and collaborating with team members in other locations. But there is more to a successful call than just having the right equipment–there are certain tips, tricks, and etiquette that should be followed. In this article, we list the top five helpful tips to consider for a successful video conference call.
1. Keep the Call Short and Concise
Respect every attendee’s time by keeping the conference short, sweet, and focused. Most people have jam-packed schedules and will appreciate the call not being any longer than necessary.
While there is no exact rule for how long a video call should typically last, try to keep meetings under an hour to prevent disengagement or distraction. If you use one hour as your point of reference, plan for about 45 minutes of speaking time while leaving the last 15 minutes open for questions.
It’s also best practice to send an agenda before the call. If you plan on sending one to your participants, consider assigning estimated time units to each section of the agenda to help keep your video call on track.
2. Come Prepared
Just as you would an in-person meeting, have any supplementary materials prepared ahead of time and sent to whoever is attending the conference. If possible, set the room up ahead of time and test all connections and equipment to avoid unprofessional technical difficulties.
3. Use Visuals
Not only do video conferences allow you to see the people you’re talking to, but they also allow you to share visual aids in real time while you discuss them. This will keep the conference interesting and fresh, rather than just looking at each other’s faces the whole time.
4. Mute Yourself When You’re Not Speaking
Although you might not be talking during the call, most microphones will pick up background noise like coughs or typing. Minor sounds like these can be a distraction to others on the call and take away from the speaker. Be courteous to your colleagues or clients, and try to mute yourself whenever you’re not speaking.
5. Treat the Call Like an In-Person Meeting
You should treat video conferences the way you would treat an in-person meeting. Give the other people your undivided attention, minimize distractions, keep the attendee list down to only those who really need to be there, and use all manners you would during an in-person meeting. This might seem obvious, but it can go a long way when establishing and maintaining business relationships.
Drive More Productive Collaboration with the Right AV Technology
Video conferencing solutions have become a staple in almost any industry. They provide face-to-face interaction among colleagues, business partners, and customers without the hassle of travel. This increased face-time strengthens relationships which can help drive productivity and customer satisfaction.
At IVCi, we deliver successful video conferencing solutions that drive productivity and collaboration for our clients. Our Cloud Video Conferencing services, like Cloud Video Experience (CVE), free meeting facilitators and coordinators from technological concerns, allowing them to focus solely on delivering a positive meeting outcome. With CVE, users can easily collaborate with anyone on video, inside or outside their organization, through simple-to-join video meetings that work on any device. It’s a hassle-free approach to video conferencing that allows organizations to concentrate on their core competencies rather than worrying about technology. Contact us today to learn how CVE can help benefit your organization.
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AV technology contributes to the rapid growth of higher education. Implementing this technology creates an infinite amount of possibilities that can positively impact student learning and greatly benefit students and professors alike. It helps to open the doors to a broader world of learning and increases the spectrum of available knowledge.
Progressing the available technology on a campus not only allows students to expand their education, it also provides the opportunity to practice and hone the skills needed to successfully use this technology. Since technology is a large piece of the professional world, encouraging students to engage with it and utilize it in their learning experience will prepare them for the workforce. In this article, we list the top five advantages of implementing AV technology on campus.
1. Improve Accessibility
With video conferencing technology, students have the ability to connect to professors and other classmates virtually; they won’t miss out on a learning opportunity because of time or location. It’s also a great selling point for prospective students when choosing a college, as video conferencing presence on campus has been shown to increase applicants.
2. Easily Connect With Experts
With the help of AV technology, students can hear and see lectures directly from experts in their field. This gives students a unique way to get virtual ‘hands-on’ experience for curricula that may require in-field experience. Additionally, institutions with AV capabilities can expand their student population to anywhere in the world as well as offer fully or partially online degree programs. This is not only a great benefit for existing students but is a great recruitment tool as well.
3. Help Students Prepare for Careers
Today, prospective students are very aware of how proper technology training will affect their opportunities for post-grad employment. Supplying AV/VC tech in the classroom directly translates to their future workforce environments, and many students are making their choice of school based on how well a higher-ed institution answers this need.
4. Give Your Campus the Wow Factor
AV technology, such as video walls, can bring in the wow factor that prospective students and faculty are moved by. Aside from being a great way to improve the aesthetic of your campus, universities are equipping the walls with broadcasting capabilities, allowing for building or campus-wide messaging to be shared instantly.
5. Enhance Student Collaboration
AV technology can help students to connect with one another quickly and efficiently. Rather than trying to work in a social student center or cafeteria, or disrupt others in a library, students can get together in a small study space where they can interact with technology and work with one another. Working in a productive environment also builds students’ collaboration skills, which will ultimately benefit them for a future career.
Modern Collaboration Tools for the Next Generation
Higher education institutions should look into elevating their AV technology if they haven’t done so already. This investment will allow them to provide a better educational experience and expand their capabilities like never before.
IVCi has extensive experience in designing, building, equipping, and supporting higher-ed institutions with customized AV/VC technology solutions to help them keep up with demand. Our team of technology professionals holds certifications from some of the top manufacturers in the industry, and our help desk customer service is second-to-none. Privately owned and family-operated, we believe in creating purpose-built work environments that allow providers to offer exceptional care and stay competitive within the industry.
If your institution is looking to take its AV setup to the next level, reach out to our expert team. We’d love to talk about how we can help you create an even better environment for your students and faculty.
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Audiovisual technology has completely revolutionized the way organizations conduct business and has become an essential function for communication and productivity. With 90% of businesses investing in solutions like video conferencing technology, it’s clear that AV technology plays a major role in today’s workplace.
Having the right solution drastically improves collaboration, increases efficiency, and opens up endless possibilities for business growth. If your organization is considering investing in or looking to upgrade its current system, we’ve put together a quick start guide to help you identify the right solution that fits your business’s needs.
1. Analyze What You Have
Your AV solution should address your challenges and fit the needs of your organization. Finding the right system starts with taking an assessment of your current technology struggles and how they negatively affect your clients and employees. This is the first step in understanding what your organization needs to improve. Analyzing what you have can be as easy as making a quick 5-minute list of the essentials: what basics do you need to complete your work efficiently and effectively?
Also, consider the size of your team and the number of your locations. Establishing your needs against your organization’s capacity will help provide incredible insights into the type of tools and equipment that will best serve your collaborative space.
2. Understand Your Constraints
While upgrading your AV technology is certainly a worthwhile investment, there are certain challenges that can appear along the way, making the process more difficult than anticipated. Consider your organization’s budget, security, compliance, technical, staff, and time limitations before making a decision. Then make preparations to ensure all aspects are covered.
Understanding your organization’s constraints can help you in the future as you work with an AV integrator because it will help them create a plan that maximizes your AV technology based on your goals. The right integrator will have experience with implementing flexible, convenient, and affordable solutions that fit within your constraints.
3. Make a Case
With your current AV work environment and your identified constraints mapped out, build out your case to include industry stats and figures that can help strengthen your reasoning for upgrading your current solution. Consider how upgrading your system can improve collaboration, productivity, and flexibility within your organization.
If you’re looking for a place to start, this article lists 42 online collaboration statistics that can help you make a case for implementing or upgrading your AV solution.
4. Find the Right Partner
A key to success here is to find an AV integrator that can assist you as you search for a solution that fits your business. A good collaboration integration partner will refine your strategy, offer up custom designs and installations based on your constraints, and most importantly, hold expertise in the enterprise industry.
Let Us Take Your Company’s AV Technology to the Next Level
When making the decision to install or upgrade your AV technology, there are a lot of factors to consider. However, partnering with an AV integrator eases the confusion and concern of having to implement a system that fits your organization. If you’re ready to upgrade your AV technology, consider IVCi!
IVCi is your user-inspired technology partner. We offer seamless AV integration that starts with identifying goals and objectives to form a clear vision of where you want to go and the clients you’d like to assist.
Whether you’re creating a future-proof huddle space or a state-of-the-art audio-visual meeting room, we will create an integration plan that maximizes your AV technology experience and attracts new business. Contact us today to see how we can collaborate!
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Healthcare organizations use telehealth to connect patients to vital health care services through videoconferencing. Although its usage surged during the pandemic, a majority of healthcare organizations, physicians, and patients still currently use telehealth. According to the 2021 AMA Telehealth Survey, 85% of physician respondents indicated they currently use telehealth, and more than 80% of patients say they have better access to care since using telehealth.
Patients need top-level care in a way that is safe and convenient for them, and providers need systems and solutions that allow them to care for multiple patients easily. Fortunately, AV technology like telehealth helps organizations provide the quality care their patients deserve in an efficient manner that benefits everyone. Keep reading to learn how.
Advantages of Telehealth
Through telehealth, video conferencing allows the world’s top medical professionals to provide consultation, diagnosis, and treatment information, regardless of geographic location. Here’s how it benefits both patients and providers:
Reduce travel time: One of the most significant benefits that come with telehealth is the reduced travel time for patients and doctors. Patients that are required to see specialists can avoid dangerous travel or going exceedingly long distances between the doctor’s office and their home. Doctors who visit patients at home can avoid the time expense of travel and transporting medical equipment. Utilizing advanced AV technology to simulate the patient-doctor visit experience reduces travel time, enabling doctors to care for more patients in a certain period.
Expand medical professionals’ patient base: Since the only tools that patients need for telehealth are a stable internet connection and a phone, tablet, or computer, many households across the country already cover all these bases. Medical professionals are then able to expand their patient reach beyond their immediate geographical area, bringing telehealth services to less populated areas like underprivileged districts, rural towns, and secluded suburbs. The obvious benefit of an expanded patient reach is more patients, enabling doctors to serve more people and expand their practice virtually.
Cost-efficient: Instead of spending money to travel to the doctor’s office, spending precious time in the waiting room, and trekking back home or to a hotel for one night, telehealth eliminates all these expenses for the patient. Similarly, doctors can also decrease the costs of home visits and avoid moving expensive medical equipment around. Furthermore, telehealth can allow patients to book appointments online at the time they need and avoid taking a day off work. In addition, doctors can utilize telehealth as a form of work from home, so they may skip the need and cost to travel to an office every day of the week.
Better patient outcomes due to increased patient engagement: Telehealth allows for a more personal one-on-one experience for the patient, giving doctors the ability to consistently observe patients’ health indicators and provide them essential feedback on their treatment and health regime. In addition, patients can quickly access their doctor or doctor’s assistants with any questions or concerns they may have in the treatment process. Consistent check-ins lead to better adherence to treatment regimes, which then results in better patient outcomes in the end.
Critical Solutions for Critical Care
Healthcare organizations should take a proactive approach to telehealth and get the assistance of experts. Audio video conferencing companies can focus on the technology so your organization can focus on what truly matters — providing the exceptional care your patients deserve.
IVCi has worked with some of the nation’s leading healthcare organizations to implement and integrate customized telehealth solutions. We specialize in overcoming limitations and helping hospitals adapt to new technology. Contact us today to discuss your options.
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Your organization most likely relies on AV technology for a majority of its essential business functions. Whether you operate remotely, have a hybrid remote workspace, or need to stay connected with different people and devices, AV technology likely plays a key role in your level of productivity and collaboration.
Technology changes by the minute. With each update comes new systems and features that help increase productivity and better serve clients. Being knowledgeable about the latest trends can help businesses ensure they have the right av technology that will help them stay ahead of the competition. Here are three essential AV technology trends for corporations.
1. AV technology to facilitate the hybrid workplace
For many, the freedom of being able to choose where and when they work outweighs many traditional benefits once praised in the business world. According to The Pulse of the American Worker Survey, 87% of people want to work from home at least 1 day of the week, while 68% of American workers say the ability to work remotely and on-site is the perfect work model. As more organizations opt for a hybrid approach to daily operations, the need for AV technology to facilitate hybrid work is greater than ever.
Although many organizations had to adopt video conferencing for the first time during the pandemic, the shift to hybrid work means it’s time to invest in long-term systems and solutions that will allow for seamless communication, regardless of location.
2. Managed AV support
AV technology requires some level of management and support to ensure proper functionality. For organizations to truly make the most of their systems and solutions, they need the right AV support to back them. However, this can be a challenge for smaller organizations that don’t have the internal resources needed to efficiently manage all of their AV technologies.
Managed AV support ensures your organization’s AV setup is effective, reliable, and usable. A managed AV services partner is an outsourced team of experts that work to keep your technology optimized and reliable. Many common services include:
Remote user support
Remote troubleshooting and diagnostics
Alerts and reporting
AV device security and privacy
Standardized user interface and control code
Optional integrated telephony – SIP Voice over IP (VoIP)
Optional configuration and management of video teleconferencing devices
AV management is essential in today’s business and is key to having your technology work the way it’s intended to every time. By putting your AV technology needs in the hands of experts, you’re taking it out of your internal team’s hands. That leaves more room for them to focus on tasks and initiatives that matter most to your business.
3. Cloud solutions for AV
Gone are the days when the entire team heads into the conference room for a meeting; some employees may be in the office, while some are remote and maybe even across the country. Whether your business’s operations are local or expand across the globe, the right AV technology can deliver a consistent user experience for clients and employees no matter their location.
Cloud connection is now essential in an AV setup because it lets employees easily connect with clients. For example, CVE (Cloud Video Experience) allows you to meet with anyone from any connected device, like a desktop, phone, or tablet. With endless endpoints and the ability to connect multiple devices to the same account, Cloud Video is ideal for organizations with multiple conference rooms, multiple locations, or teams that operate in a hybrid remote/in-office work model.
Technology has changed the way we work. Many software programs and tech upgrades exist for the sole purpose of facilitating teamwork, which became crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. By incorporating new or upgraded AV technology, your organization can enhance collaboration and empower remote teams to drive more business.
Let Us Take Your Company’s AV Technology to the Next Level
When you’re ready to upgrade your AV technology and provider for your business, consider IVCi!
IVCi is your user-inspired technology partner. We offer seamless AV integration that starts with identifying goals and objectives to form a clear vision of where you want to go and the clients you’d like to assist.
Whether you’re creating a future-proof huddle space or a state-of-the-art audio-visual meeting room, we will create an integration plan that maximizes your AV technology experience and attracts new business. Contact us today to see how we can collaborate!
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An AV integrator designs and configures audio video solutions to improve communication and collaboration. From the initial strategy and design to installation and deployment, an AV integrator will guide you through the process and bring their expertise to get the right design and features for your business.
Whether you’re creating a future-proof huddle space or a state-of-the-art audio visual meeting room, an AV integrator can help create a plan that maximizes your AV technology experience and attracts new clients. Here are three ways they can benefit your business.
Expert Setup and Advice
Starting out on the right foot is the key to any project’s success, especially an AV one; it touches almost every corner of your business. When integrated properly, it benefits your business and its bottom line. That’s why it’s important to have a trusted partner by your side to help you navigate the landscape and know what would be best for your organization. The right integrator will act as a trusted advisor every step of the way, providing expert guidance for organizations looking to have the latest technology or the most seamless integration experience. First, they’ll take a look at your business and create a strategy that meets your needs. Then they can help you plan, budget, and organize in a way that gets you to your goals faster and better.
Reduced Costs
Budget constraints, knowing what technologies to invest in, and limited capacity for maintenance can result in an inefficient solution that decreases productivity and negatively impacts business.
AV integration can significantly reduce operating costs. When AV integrators determine the solutions that fit your business’s communication and workflows, it minimizes the likelihood of spending money on unnecessary or incompatible equipment.
Working with an AV integrator means you also have access to custom solutions tailored to your business. Take AV as a Service (AVaaS) for example. Top integrators can provide this subscription-based service to businesses that might not have the internal capacity to manage and maintain their AV solution. As a subscription-based service solution, users can consistently modernize, have full protection, train their team, and have all the tools they need to achieve their business goals.
Ongoing Support
When working with an integrator, the job doesn’t end when the installation is done. AV technology requires some level of management and support to ensure proper functionality. For organizations to truly make the most of their systems and solutions, they need the right AV support to back them.
Leading integrators often offer a 24/7 support service to help you address the occasional equipment failure and make necessary software updates. They will also provide reports on adoption and usage analytics, so you can make sure you’re getting the best out of your newly installed AV equipment and make better business decisions in the future.
Focus on Your Business, Not Your AV Technology
When the stress of AV technology is taken care of, your team has more time to create and discuss what matters most: driving your mission and purpose.
As a leader in AV integration, we help organizations of all sizes and industries with their expertise and offerings. From AVaaS to Managed Video Experiences, there is a service solution that can fit your budget, organization, and technology. Contact us today to learn more.
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Healthcare workers have been put to the test the last few years. Despite their resilience, the pandemic has had a major impact on the healthcare industry resulting in stretched resources, staffing shortages, and communication challenges stemming from remote care.
While your facility may have already adapted to changes caused by the pandemic, AV technology is making it easier to support healthcare workers and streamline internal operations to prevent burnout.
Here is a look at how healthcare organizations can use AV technology to improve internal operations to support workers as they continue to provide exceptional patient care.
AV technology makes it easier to communicate with patients
Teleconferencing quickly became the norm during the pandemic and has reshaped patient care in the process. This once underutilized method of care continues to bring ease, comfort, and reliability to both patients and healthcare providers. Teleconferencing lets providers easily retain patient-physician relationships from anywhere. Using video-conferencing technology has allowed providers to simplify their administrative tasks, operational lead-times, and reduce high in-facility traffic. Staff are able to spend more time accommodating in-house patients, and patients are given the ability to communicate their symptoms, concerns, and questions to doctors from anywhere. It also cuts down on time and infrastructure costs, further increasing the efficiency and productivity internally.
Streamlined work processes can improve productivity and patient care
AV technology allows workflow to happen at a faster, more efficient pace, as providers can continuously meet, and collaborate in real time utilizing video conference calls, interactive documents, and chat rooms. For example, a virtual waiting room solution lets the provider streamline and digitize waiting room processes, like collecting insurance information, copays and payments, and updating medical information. Digital registration through virtual waiting rooms makes medical information easily available to both patients and providers, giving healthcare workers more time to focus on providing quality patient care.
Enhanced training programs
Health care professionals can take advantage of AV technology to enhance training programs. From protocols and processes to medical procedures, staff members can be updated or learn
new information at a much more efficient pace. Implementing AV technology can also expand the outreach of professionals involved in the training, such as overseas experts or specialists.
Make a difference in patient and staff outcomes with AV technology
Innovative AV technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing patient and staff experiences. To further support healthcare workers and improve the patient experience, healthcare facilities should consider implementing or upgrading their AV technology.
At IVCi, we focus on technology for the healthcare industry so that institutions can focus on what matters. Through technology-backed solutions and support, we help streamline operations and preferred patient experiences. Contact us today to see how AV technology can make a difference at your healthcare facility.
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Ensuring professors and students have the right resources is essential in creating a high-quality educational experience. In today’s age, that means equipping classrooms and campuses with interactive and engaging technology the modern student expects.
Implementing this technology creates numerous possibilities that can positively impact student learning and greatly benefit students and professors alike. It helps to open the doors to a broader world of learning and increases the spectrum of available knowledge.
By incorporating new or upgraded AV technology in the classroom, higher education institutions can enhance educational experiences with interactive and engaging technology that unlocks the potential of the learning environment. Keep reading to learn how the right AV technology can empower professors and inspire learning.
Create engaging learning environments
In the classroom, digital signs and screens can dramatically improve the way students learn and engage with new material. Today’s typical college student is a member of “Gen Z”—a young group of innovative students who are no stranger to technology. Keeping classrooms up to date with the latest digital integrations provides a comfortable arena for young minds to flourish while learning about new concepts and world views.
Make education more accessible
With video conferencing technology, students have the ability to connect to professors and other classmates virtually; they won’t miss out on a learning opportunity because of time or location. It’s also a great selling point for prospective students when choosing a college, as video conferencing presence on campus has been shown to increase applicants.
Connect with experts
With the help of AV technology, students can hear and see courses and lectures, directly from experts in their field. This gives students a unique way to get virtual ‘hands-on’ experience
for curricula that may require an in-field experience.
Provide immersive learning experiences
Virtual Reality (VR) is made possible in the classroom thanks to AV technology — and has the ability to reshape the future of education. VR can recreate in-person experiences, like a medical student observing a surgery, where students learn by doing and by reflecting on the experience. By engaging in immersive experiences and reflection, students are better able to connect what they learned in the classroom to real-world situations.
Prepare students for future careers
Today, prospective students are very aware of how proper technology training will affect their opportunities for post-grad employment. Implementing AV technology in the classroom directly
translates to their future workforce environments, and many students are making their choice of school based on how well a higher-ed institution answers this need.
Elevate education experiences with the right AV solution
IVCi has extensive experience in designing, building, equipping and supporting higher-ed institutions with customized AV technology solutions today’s students expect. We are ready to assist you with strategy, design, implementation, and support of the latest AV technology that can increase applicants, give students remote accessibility, prepare students for the modern workforce, and more. Contact us today to get started.
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Five Helpful Tips for Successful Video Conferencing
NewsDid you know more than half of businesses use video conferencing in their day-to-day operations?
It’s no secret AV technology, like video conferencing, is essential in today’s business world. Being able to conduct a successful video conference call is important to securing potential clients and collaborating with team members in other locations. But there is more to a successful call than just having the right equipment–there are certain tips, tricks, and etiquette that should be followed. In this article, we list the top five helpful tips to consider for a successful video conference call.
1. Keep the Call Short and Concise
Respect every attendee’s time by keeping the conference short, sweet, and focused. Most people have jam-packed schedules and will appreciate the call not being any longer than necessary.
While there is no exact rule for how long a video call should typically last, try to keep meetings under an hour to prevent disengagement or distraction. If you use one hour as your point of reference, plan for about 45 minutes of speaking time while leaving the last 15 minutes open for questions.
It’s also best practice to send an agenda before the call. If you plan on sending one to your participants, consider assigning estimated time units to each section of the agenda to help keep your video call on track.
2. Come Prepared
Just as you would an in-person meeting, have any supplementary materials prepared ahead of time and sent to whoever is attending the conference. If possible, set the room up ahead of time and test all connections and equipment to avoid unprofessional technical difficulties.
3. Use Visuals
Not only do video conferences allow you to see the people you’re talking to, but they also allow you to share visual aids in real time while you discuss them. This will keep the conference interesting and fresh, rather than just looking at each other’s faces the whole time.
4. Mute Yourself When You’re Not Speaking
Although you might not be talking during the call, most microphones will pick up background noise like coughs or typing. Minor sounds like these can be a distraction to others on the call and take away from the speaker. Be courteous to your colleagues or clients, and try to mute yourself whenever you’re not speaking.
5. Treat the Call Like an In-Person Meeting
You should treat video conferences the way you would treat an in-person meeting. Give the other people your undivided attention, minimize distractions, keep the attendee list down to only those who really need to be there, and use all manners you would during an in-person meeting. This might seem obvious, but it can go a long way when establishing and maintaining business relationships.
Drive More Productive Collaboration with the Right AV Technology
Video conferencing solutions have become a staple in almost any industry. They provide face-to-face interaction among colleagues, business partners, and customers without the hassle of travel. This increased face-time strengthens relationships which can help drive productivity and customer satisfaction.
At IVCi, we deliver successful video conferencing solutions that drive productivity and collaboration for our clients. Our Cloud Video Conferencing services, like Cloud Video Experience (CVE), free meeting facilitators and coordinators from technological concerns, allowing them to focus solely on delivering a positive meeting outcome. With CVE, users can easily collaborate with anyone on video, inside or outside their organization, through simple-to-join video meetings that work on any device. It’s a hassle-free approach to video conferencing that allows organizations to concentrate on their core competencies rather than worrying about technology. Contact us today to learn how CVE can help benefit your organization.
Higher Education: 5 Advantages of AV Technology on Campus
NewsAV technology contributes to the rapid growth of higher education. Implementing this technology creates an infinite amount of possibilities that can positively impact student learning and greatly benefit students and professors alike. It helps to open the doors to a broader world of learning and increases the spectrum of available knowledge.
Progressing the available technology on a campus not only allows students to expand their education, it also provides the opportunity to practice and hone the skills needed to successfully use this technology. Since technology is a large piece of the professional world, encouraging students to engage with it and utilize it in their learning experience will prepare them for the workforce. In this article, we list the top five advantages of implementing AV technology on campus.
1. Improve Accessibility
With video conferencing technology, students have the ability to connect to professors and other classmates virtually; they won’t miss out on a learning opportunity because of time or location. It’s also a great selling point for prospective students when choosing a college, as video conferencing presence on campus has been shown to increase applicants.
2. Easily Connect With Experts
With the help of AV technology, students can hear and see lectures directly from experts in their field. This gives students a unique way to get virtual ‘hands-on’ experience for curricula that may require in-field experience. Additionally, institutions with AV capabilities can expand their student population to anywhere in the world as well as offer fully or partially online degree programs. This is not only a great benefit for existing students but is a great recruitment tool as well.
3. Help Students Prepare for Careers
Today, prospective students are very aware of how proper technology training will affect their opportunities for post-grad employment. Supplying AV/VC tech in the classroom directly translates to their future workforce environments, and many students are making their choice of school based on how well a higher-ed institution answers this need.
4. Give Your Campus the Wow Factor
AV technology, such as video walls, can bring in the wow factor that prospective students and faculty are moved by. Aside from being a great way to improve the aesthetic of your campus, universities are equipping the walls with broadcasting capabilities, allowing for building or campus-wide messaging to be shared instantly.
5. Enhance Student Collaboration
AV technology can help students to connect with one another quickly and efficiently. Rather than trying to work in a social student center or cafeteria, or disrupt others in a library, students can get together in a small study space where they can interact with technology and work with one another. Working in a productive environment also builds students’ collaboration skills, which will ultimately benefit them for a future career.
Modern Collaboration Tools for the Next Generation
Higher education institutions should look into elevating their AV technology if they haven’t done so already. This investment will allow them to provide a better educational experience and expand their capabilities like never before.
IVCi has extensive experience in designing, building, equipping, and supporting higher-ed institutions with customized AV/VC technology solutions to help them keep up with demand. Our team of technology professionals holds certifications from some of the top manufacturers in the industry, and our help desk customer service is second-to-none. Privately owned and family-operated, we believe in creating purpose-built work environments that allow providers to offer exceptional care and stay competitive within the industry.
If your institution is looking to take its AV setup to the next level, reach out to our expert team. We’d love to talk about how we can help you create an even better environment for your students and faculty.
AV Technology Quick Start Guide: Finding the Right Solution for Your Business
NewsAudiovisual technology has completely revolutionized the way organizations conduct business and has become an essential function for communication and productivity. With 90% of businesses investing in solutions like video conferencing technology, it’s clear that AV technology plays a major role in today’s workplace.
Having the right solution drastically improves collaboration, increases efficiency, and opens up endless possibilities for business growth. If your organization is considering investing in or looking to upgrade its current system, we’ve put together a quick start guide to help you identify the right solution that fits your business’s needs.
1. Analyze What You Have
Your AV solution should address your challenges and fit the needs of your organization. Finding the right system starts with taking an assessment of your current technology struggles and how they negatively affect your clients and employees. This is the first step in understanding what your organization needs to improve. Analyzing what you have can be as easy as making a quick 5-minute list of the essentials: what basics do you need to complete your work efficiently and effectively?
Also, consider the size of your team and the number of your locations. Establishing your needs against your organization’s capacity will help provide incredible insights into the type of tools and equipment that will best serve your collaborative space.
2. Understand Your Constraints
While upgrading your AV technology is certainly a worthwhile investment, there are certain challenges that can appear along the way, making the process more difficult than anticipated. Consider your organization’s budget, security, compliance, technical, staff, and time limitations before making a decision. Then make preparations to ensure all aspects are covered.
Understanding your organization’s constraints can help you in the future as you work with an AV integrator because it will help them create a plan that maximizes your AV technology based on your goals. The right integrator will have experience with implementing flexible, convenient, and affordable solutions that fit within your constraints.
3. Make a Case
With your current AV work environment and your identified constraints mapped out, build out your case to include industry stats and figures that can help strengthen your reasoning for upgrading your current solution. Consider how upgrading your system can improve collaboration, productivity, and flexibility within your organization.
If you’re looking for a place to start, this article lists 42 online collaboration statistics that can help you make a case for implementing or upgrading your AV solution.
4. Find the Right Partner
A key to success here is to find an AV integrator that can assist you as you search for a solution that fits your business. A good collaboration integration partner will refine your strategy, offer up custom designs and installations based on your constraints, and most importantly, hold expertise in the enterprise industry.
Let Us Take Your Company’s AV Technology to the Next Level
When making the decision to install or upgrade your AV technology, there are a lot of factors to consider. However, partnering with an AV integrator eases the confusion and concern of having to implement a system that fits your organization. If you’re ready to upgrade your AV technology, consider IVCi!
IVCi is your user-inspired technology partner. We offer seamless AV integration that starts with identifying goals and objectives to form a clear vision of where you want to go and the clients you’d like to assist.
Whether you’re creating a future-proof huddle space or a state-of-the-art audio-visual meeting room, we will create an integration plan that maximizes your AV technology experience and attracts new business. Contact us today to see how we can collaborate!
Telehealth: AV Technology Advantages for Patients and Healthcare Providers
NewsHealthcare organizations use telehealth to connect patients to vital health care services through videoconferencing. Although its usage surged during the pandemic, a majority of healthcare organizations, physicians, and patients still currently use telehealth. According to the 2021 AMA Telehealth Survey, 85% of physician respondents indicated they currently use telehealth, and more than 80% of patients say they have better access to care since using telehealth.
Patients need top-level care in a way that is safe and convenient for them, and providers need systems and solutions that allow them to care for multiple patients easily. Fortunately, AV technology like telehealth helps organizations provide the quality care their patients deserve in an efficient manner that benefits everyone. Keep reading to learn how.
Advantages of Telehealth
Through telehealth, video conferencing allows the world’s top medical professionals to provide consultation, diagnosis, and treatment information, regardless of geographic location. Here’s how it benefits both patients and providers:
Critical Solutions for Critical Care
Healthcare organizations should take a proactive approach to telehealth and get the assistance of experts. Audio video conferencing companies can focus on the technology so your organization can focus on what truly matters — providing the exceptional care your patients deserve.
IVCi has worked with some of the nation’s leading healthcare organizations to implement and integrate customized telehealth solutions. We specialize in overcoming limitations and helping hospitals adapt to new technology. Contact us today to discuss your options.
3 Essential AV Technology Trends for Corporations
NewsYour organization most likely relies on AV technology for a majority of its essential business functions. Whether you operate remotely, have a hybrid remote workspace, or need to stay connected with different people and devices, AV technology likely plays a key role in your level of productivity and collaboration.
Technology changes by the minute. With each update comes new systems and features that help increase productivity and better serve clients. Being knowledgeable about the latest trends can help businesses ensure they have the right av technology that will help them stay ahead of the competition. Here are three essential AV technology trends for corporations.
1. AV technology to facilitate the hybrid workplace
For many, the freedom of being able to choose where and when they work outweighs many traditional benefits once praised in the business world. According to The Pulse of the American Worker Survey, 87% of people want to work from home at least 1 day of the week, while 68% of American workers say the ability to work remotely and on-site is the perfect work model. As more organizations opt for a hybrid approach to daily operations, the need for AV technology to facilitate hybrid work is greater than ever.
Although many organizations had to adopt video conferencing for the first time during the pandemic, the shift to hybrid work means it’s time to invest in long-term systems and solutions that will allow for seamless communication, regardless of location.
2. Managed AV support
AV technology requires some level of management and support to ensure proper functionality. For organizations to truly make the most of their systems and solutions, they need the right AV support to back them. However, this can be a challenge for smaller organizations that don’t have the internal resources needed to efficiently manage all of their AV technologies.
Managed AV support ensures your organization’s AV setup is effective, reliable, and usable. A managed AV services partner is an outsourced team of experts that work to keep your technology optimized and reliable. Many common services include:
AV management is essential in today’s business and is key to having your technology work the way it’s intended to every time. By putting your AV technology needs in the hands of experts, you’re taking it out of your internal team’s hands. That leaves more room for them to focus on tasks and initiatives that matter most to your business.
3. Cloud solutions for AV
Gone are the days when the entire team heads into the conference room for a meeting; some employees may be in the office, while some are remote and maybe even across the country. Whether your business’s operations are local or expand across the globe, the right AV technology can deliver a consistent user experience for clients and employees no matter their location.
Cloud connection is now essential in an AV setup because it lets employees easily connect with clients. For example, CVE (Cloud Video Experience) allows you to meet with anyone from any connected device, like a desktop, phone, or tablet. With endless endpoints and the ability to connect multiple devices to the same account, Cloud Video is ideal for organizations with multiple conference rooms, multiple locations, or teams that operate in a hybrid remote/in-office work model.
Technology has changed the way we work. Many software programs and tech upgrades exist for the sole purpose of facilitating teamwork, which became crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. By incorporating new or upgraded AV technology, your organization can enhance collaboration and empower remote teams to drive more business.
Let Us Take Your Company’s AV Technology to the Next Level
When you’re ready to upgrade your AV technology and provider for your business, consider IVCi!
IVCi is your user-inspired technology partner. We offer seamless AV integration that starts with identifying goals and objectives to form a clear vision of where you want to go and the clients you’d like to assist.
Whether you’re creating a future-proof huddle space or a state-of-the-art audio-visual meeting room, we will create an integration plan that maximizes your AV technology experience and attracts new business. Contact us today to see how we can collaborate!
Three Easy Ways an AV Integrator Can Benefit Your Business
NewsAn AV integrator designs and configures audio video solutions to improve communication and collaboration. From the initial strategy and design to installation and deployment, an AV integrator will guide you through the process and bring their expertise to get the right design and features for your business.
Whether you’re creating a future-proof huddle space or a state-of-the-art audio visual meeting room, an AV integrator can help create a plan that maximizes your AV technology experience and attracts new clients. Here are three ways they can benefit your business.
Expert Setup and Advice
Starting out on the right foot is the key to any project’s success, especially an AV one; it touches almost every corner of your business. When integrated properly, it benefits your business and its bottom line. That’s why it’s important to have a trusted partner by your side to help you navigate the landscape and know what would be best for your organization. The right integrator will act as a trusted advisor every step of the way, providing expert guidance for organizations looking to have the latest technology or the most seamless integration experience. First, they’ll take a look at your business and create a strategy that meets your needs. Then they can help you plan, budget, and organize in a way that gets you to your goals faster and better.
Reduced Costs
Budget constraints, knowing what technologies to invest in, and limited capacity for maintenance can result in an inefficient solution that decreases productivity and negatively impacts business.
AV integration can significantly reduce operating costs. When AV integrators determine the solutions that fit your business’s communication and workflows, it minimizes the likelihood of spending money on unnecessary or incompatible equipment.
Working with an AV integrator means you also have access to custom solutions tailored to your business. Take AV as a Service (AVaaS) for example. Top integrators can provide this subscription-based service to businesses that might not have the internal capacity to manage and maintain their AV solution. As a subscription-based service solution, users can consistently modernize, have full protection, train their team, and have all the tools they need to achieve their business goals.
Ongoing Support
When working with an integrator, the job doesn’t end when the installation is done. AV technology requires some level of management and support to ensure proper functionality. For organizations to truly make the most of their systems and solutions, they need the right AV support to back them.
Leading integrators often offer a 24/7 support service to help you address the occasional equipment failure and make necessary software updates. They will also provide reports on adoption and usage analytics, so you can make sure you’re getting the best out of your newly installed AV equipment and make better business decisions in the future.
Focus on Your Business, Not Your AV Technology
When the stress of AV technology is taken care of, your team has more time to create and discuss what matters most: driving your mission and purpose.
As a leader in AV integration, we help organizations of all sizes and industries with their expertise and offerings. From AVaaS to Managed Video Experiences, there is a service solution that can fit your budget, organization, and technology. Contact us today to learn more.
Using AV Technology to Improve Internal Operations in Healthcare
NewsHealthcare workers have been put to the test the last few years. Despite their resilience, the pandemic has had a major impact on the healthcare industry resulting in stretched resources, staffing shortages, and communication challenges stemming from remote care.
While your facility may have already adapted to changes caused by the pandemic, AV technology is making it easier to support healthcare workers and streamline internal operations to prevent burnout.
Here is a look at how healthcare organizations can use AV technology to improve internal operations to support workers as they continue to provide exceptional patient care.
AV technology makes it easier to communicate with patients
Teleconferencing quickly became the norm during the pandemic and has reshaped patient care in the process. This once underutilized method of care continues to bring ease, comfort, and reliability to both patients and healthcare providers. Teleconferencing lets providers easily retain patient-physician relationships from anywhere. Using video-conferencing technology has allowed providers to simplify their administrative tasks, operational lead-times, and reduce high in-facility traffic. Staff are able to spend more time accommodating in-house patients, and patients are given the ability to communicate their symptoms, concerns, and questions to doctors from anywhere. It also cuts down on time and infrastructure costs, further increasing the efficiency and productivity internally.
Streamlined work processes can improve productivity and patient care
AV technology allows workflow to happen at a faster, more efficient pace, as providers can continuously meet, and collaborate in real time utilizing video conference calls, interactive documents, and chat rooms. For example, a virtual waiting room solution lets the provider streamline and digitize waiting room processes, like collecting insurance information, copays and payments, and updating medical information. Digital registration through virtual waiting rooms makes medical information easily available to both patients and providers, giving healthcare workers more time to focus on providing quality patient care.
Enhanced training programs
Health care professionals can take advantage of AV technology to enhance training programs. From protocols and processes to medical procedures, staff members can be updated or learn
new information at a much more efficient pace. Implementing AV technology can also expand the outreach of professionals involved in the training, such as overseas experts or specialists.
Make a difference in patient and staff outcomes with AV technology
Innovative AV technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing patient and staff experiences. To further support healthcare workers and improve the patient experience, healthcare facilities should consider implementing or upgrading their AV technology.
At IVCi, we focus on technology for the healthcare industry so that institutions can focus on what matters. Through technology-backed solutions and support, we help streamline operations and preferred patient experiences. Contact us today to see how AV technology can make a difference at your healthcare facility.
How to Empower Professors and Inspire Learning With the Right AV Technology
NewsEnsuring professors and students have the right resources is essential in creating a high-quality educational experience. In today’s age, that means equipping classrooms and campuses with interactive and engaging technology the modern student expects.
Implementing this technology creates numerous possibilities that can positively impact student learning and greatly benefit students and professors alike. It helps to open the doors to a broader world of learning and increases the spectrum of available knowledge.
By incorporating new or upgraded AV technology in the classroom, higher education institutions can enhance educational experiences with interactive and engaging technology that unlocks the potential of the learning environment. Keep reading to learn how the right AV technology can empower professors and inspire learning.
Create engaging learning environments
In the classroom, digital signs and screens can dramatically improve the way students learn and engage with new material. Today’s typical college student is a member of “Gen Z”—a young group of innovative students who are no stranger to technology. Keeping classrooms up to date with the latest digital integrations provides a comfortable arena for young minds to flourish while learning about new concepts and world views.
Make education more accessible
With video conferencing technology, students have the ability to connect to professors and other classmates virtually; they won’t miss out on a learning opportunity because of time or location. It’s also a great selling point for prospective students when choosing a college, as video conferencing presence on campus has been shown to increase applicants.
Connect with experts
With the help of AV technology, students can hear and see courses and lectures, directly from experts in their field. This gives students a unique way to get virtual ‘hands-on’ experience
for curricula that may require an in-field experience.
Provide immersive learning experiences
Virtual Reality (VR) is made possible in the classroom thanks to AV technology — and has the ability to reshape the future of education. VR can recreate in-person experiences, like a medical student observing a surgery, where students learn by doing and by reflecting on the experience. By engaging in immersive experiences and reflection, students are better able to connect what they learned in the classroom to real-world situations.
Prepare students for future careers
Today, prospective students are very aware of how proper technology training will affect their opportunities for post-grad employment. Implementing AV technology in the classroom directly
translates to their future workforce environments, and many students are making their choice of school based on how well a higher-ed institution answers this need.
Elevate education experiences with the right AV solution
IVCi has extensive experience in designing, building, equipping and supporting higher-ed institutions with customized AV technology solutions today’s students expect. We are ready to assist you with strategy, design, implementation, and support of the latest AV technology that can increase applicants, give students remote accessibility, prepare students for the modern workforce, and more. Contact us today to get started.