By Ingolf de Jong
With 90 percent of U.S. consumers owning at least one smart device, personal technology is becoming more integrated every day. But is business technology keeping up?
According to a recent survey conducted by Deloitte, no one method of communication will be dominant in the workplace of the future. Respondents predicted an increase in multiple technologies, including collaboration platforms, instant messaging and “work-based social media.”
Real effectiveness comes from the ability to tie these things together. Tools, technology and people that work together not only make life easier for every employee, but also improve day-to-day productivity of the entire organization.
So how do you make sure the audio-visual technology in your office is integrated and effective to help your company reach its goals? That’s where AV technologists and integrators come into play. Here are the four ways they can help you reach these goals:
• Custom engineered AV design. Not only will you get the best products and design, but you will get the best products and design for your particular business. Every business is different, and every business requires different technology to create the most effective workspace. Technologists can find the best blend of products for your space.
• Planning and advice. Technology is constantly changing and so are the highly productive corporate cultures we face today. Creating a road map can help you keep up with these constant business and technology changes. Technologists can create this plan and provide advice for your specific business.
• Professional installation. Getting the right products is first step, but you also need those products to be installed correctly to maximize capabilities. Professional technologists will be able to help your company achieve its potential through the proper installation of these products.
• Ongoing managed services. There might be a time when something isn’t working the way you want or there’s a glitch with your AV technology. That is when it’s nice to have someone who can provide ongoing technical support whenever you may need it. We all have our go-to reasons for skipping the gym — we’re too busy, too tired, or it’s too far away — and chances are you have a go-to list of reasons you’re skipping an audio-visual technology upgrade for your business. It costs too much, it’s too time consuming, it’s confusing — the list goes on and on. But what about the reasons you should make these improvements?
Investing in technology for your business can pay your business back in many ways. Here are a few reasons you should consider making these upgrades:
• Attract more talented employees. Fresh minds leaving college and entering the workforce have used technology for most of their lives. They know the ins and outs of technology and expect the same from the companies they work for. These people will seek companies that use the latest technology.
• Keep employees happy and productive. Employees want to be as productive as they can in their day-to-day work. Technology provides tools to help people increase their efficiency. Limiting the amount of work an employee can get done because of outdated technology will not only demotivate them, it will decrease the productivity of the entire business. Technology motivates and enables employees to be as productive as they can, which in turn makes them happier.
• Increase credibility with customers. There have been many momentous improvements with technology over the past few decades. Businesses that can’t keep up with these changes will be much less likely to impress potential customers. Consumers of any product expect companies to provide the latest and greatest products. If companies selling these products cannot stay current inside the walls of their own offices, it reflects poorly on the entire business. Keeping up with this technology is expected by your customers.
• Reduce stress and frustration in the workplace. Updated technology means things are easier for employees. Employees won’t have to worry about technology not working or using eight different products to complete one task. Integrated and updated technology will make things easier on employees, which means less stress and frustration.
• Savings for your business. The fastest and most-efficient technology will save you time and money in the long run. Technology is always getting better and faster, and keeping up-to-date with these improvements will help make your business better and more efficient. That means more- efficient employees and a more-efficient business, which, in turn, leads to more revenue and growth.
These investments will help improve your company from the inside so you can put your best foot forward for your customers and the rest of the world. AV technologists will create custom technology solutions for individual businesses. These professionals know the ins and outs of every piece of technology and how it can benefit a company. It important to consult with professionals who can provide you with different options to match the needs of your business. When looking to update technology in your office or building, using a professional AV technologist can benefit you and your organization.
Ingolf de Jong is the president and CEO of Gencomm Inc. in Draper. He also serves on the Salt Lake Chamber Board of Governors and is the chair of the Small Business Committee.