As more large learning models (LLMs) are coming to market, you might find that your enterprise customers are asking how they can automate processes and drive efficiency with AI. While eager to inquire, enterprise decision-makers often hesitate to invest in generative AI for their business upon discovering the significant resources, security considerations, and operational changes required to deploy an effective generative AI tool. While trendy, AI adoption still carries a lot of uncertainty and risk.

AI and the AV Industry

The good news is that our industry is uniquely positioned to help in this new scenario. As a trusted resource and advisor for technology decisions, clients trust AV integrators to offer AI-powered solutions that are ready for prime time and have a meaningful impact. These four critical questions can help integrators and technology managers adapt their discovery phase to incorporate AI into their AV technology roadmap.

Q1. What are the strengths and limitations of AI?

In response to the increased demand, technology vendors have rushed to develop AI integrations for everything — from truncating transcripts into meeting minutes to brainstorming ideas beyond reality. However, integrators should recognize both the efficacy and limitations of AI in truly enhancing the end-user experience. While generative AI can do a lot in its current state, it’s still best suited as a support tool for enhancing and accelerating processes rather than completely overtaking operations end to end.

The key is to identify discrete tasks that AI can successfully handle. If a human must significantly revise an AI’s output to make it usable, AI will waste more time than it saves. Work with clients to establish clear operational guidelines and oversight for AI tools to avoid these limitation roadblocks. This includes defining responsibilities; establishing handoffs between AI and human operators; allocating maintenance resources and having reasonable expectations. Once these boundaries are established, integrators can introduce effective opportunities to accelerate tasks with AI.

Q2. How do the strengths of AI support the client’s goals?

Properly trained AI can extend enterprise bandwidth by accelerating mundane-yet-time-consuming tasks, like retrieving data to answer questions or inform project timelines; providing employee and customer support; and digesting information to guide brainstorming and decision-making. This kind of implementation improves existing information retrieval processes. AI can also automatically compile information from across sources or customize responses to align with user data permissions.

Once you understand the capabilities of AI, it’s time to bring them to your client. To understand how AI can best support their organization, work with them to understand their unique pain points. Remember, the goal is to improve efficiency in existing systems, not replace processes entirely with AI.

AI functions must align with the interests of the enterprise and the evolving processes, demands and expectations of the business. Deployments should complement and improve the existing employee experience. AI should work across devices and processes, offering a reliable and seamless user experience. If an AI application does not make the job easier for enterprise customers, it’s probably not ready for deployment.

Q3. What training resources are available?

When trained with the right data aggregations, AI assistants can produce qualitative and quantitative-driven outputs that help streamline employee experiences, audience engagement, and objective results that benefit an organization’s defined visual goals and output. That being said, an AI’s responses are only ever as accurate as its dataset. Before launching an AI implementation for an application like sales, customer service or troubleshooting support, a business should have solid and up-to-date documentation of its processes and internal knowledge.

While AI implementation can make operations easier, it’s not an effortless addition to a business model. Deloitte cites managing internal data and processes as one of the most reported obstacles in scaling AI. It is important to inform the client about the continuous investment required for AI and discuss how they plan to maintain it. Before deployment, the business should evaluate whether the AI solutions that client plan to adopt are maintainable. They should then develop a long-term support plan and appoint someone to oversee the ethics and accuracy of the AI system.

Finally, ensure your clients can deliver on processes continuously after deployment, even if their AI tool is down. Integrators can help customers identify reliable, intuitive foundational AI tools that will support their business best, but setting realistic expectations that no AI tool will be free of error or downtime is the key to effective process management and planning.

Q4. What data is acceptable to share?

Data security is top of mind for enterprises, and while the benefits of AI are worth discussing, it’s crucial to educate clients about the potential risks linked with AI.

One risk is the “black box” paradox: the inner workings of AI systems are obscure to humans — this lack of transparency may pose challenges and lead to unforeseen consequences as AI evolves. That being said, sharing data and training is essential to successful AI implementation. Integrators must educate their clients to ensure they understand the risk. This will help clients make more informed decisions regarding adopting and implementing AI technologies.

Security is also a discussion point when evaluating whether an AI tool will operate on premises or in the cloud. On-premises solutions offer several benefits, including that data never leaves the local area network. This is especially important for businesses that deal with highly sensitive data.

Additionally, on-premises solutions offer firewall protection and integration with internal contact/user data, which enables AI to learn identity and permissions. Finally, on-premises solutions provide access to highly secure employee-facing AI chat with responses derived from proprietary company data.

On the other hand, cloud-based solutions offer flexibility, high scalability and accessibility for distributed workforces. However, clients have less control over data distribution than an on-prem solution. Data and encryption keys are stored with third-party providers. This means that if there is downtime, clients may be unable to access their data.

While each option has its benefits and drawbacks, integrators should advocate for establishing a solid security protocol and best practices before sharing data with an AI assistant.

Concluding Thoughts

While the AI landscape fluctuates, these four questions can guide integrators in evaluating and recommending the right AI investments to meet enterprise customer demands. While some clients might be ready for AI, other organizations might need more preparation before taking the leap. Emphasizing genuine operational enhancements over fleeting trends is paramount, guiding clients toward integrations that yield enduring advantages.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on March 19, 2024. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

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Security Operations Centers (SOC) and Beyond

As businesses focus on business continuity and situational intelligence, IT integrators with a holistic approach are increasingly being asked to extend their expertise beyond the peripheral systems that they are deploying — into the Operation Centers that manage the systems. This natural expansion emphasizes the growing need for a comprehensive approach that combines security, operational functionalities, infrastructure and AV considerations within the enterprise.

C-Level Recognition of Platform Solutions

A significant shift is occurring in the C-Suite with chief information officers (CIOs) recognizing the value of adopting platform solutions over point solutions for visual displays serving core enterprise operations. Enterprises are increasingly seeking integrated platforms that go beyond individual applications, thus providing a unified solution for all visual display needs. This shift reflects a desire for comprehensive solutions that streamline operations and enhance overall efficiency.

Rise of Data Dashboards in Enterprise

The rise of data dashboards in the enterprise is fueled by the growing need for effective metrics measurement and tracking. In this landscape, operational benefits play a crucial role, allowing businesses to manage content on any screen without relying on expensive and unsecure thin client PCs or USB drives, eliminating the need for significant manual intervention in content updates. Users can securely and centrally manage content directly from their web browser, presenting a more efficient and secure approach.

This trend is underpinned by the demand for integrated solutions that seamlessly connect with leading technologies. Notably, these data dashboards fully integrate with key applications like Power BI and Tableau as a single source, ensuring automatic, persistent and secure authentication to dashboards, charts and reports.

The aggregation of multiple charts as a source facilitates the secure distribution of operational data to relevant teams and stakeholders. This not only highlights the importance of technological compatibility but also underscores the broader trend of fostering informed decision-making through streamlined and secure data management.

Software-Defined Solutions versus Hardware Limitations

The paradigm of hardware-based point solutions is becoming obsolete as software solutions gain prominence. The ability of software solutions to seamlessly integrate with various industry-leading technologies provides a level of flexibility and scalability that hardware-based solutions struggle to match. This shift marks a departure from the limitations of hardware-centric approaches to a more agile and interconnected future.

The Significance of 8K Solutions

The advent of 8K solutions adds a new dimension to AV/IT integration. As display resolutions continue to evolve, the demand for higher quality visuals in enterprise environments is driving the adoption of 8K solutions. This shift is not just about increased pixel density; it’s about providing a more immersive and detailed visual experience that enhances collaboration and decision-making processes.

AV Integrators Embracing IT Protocols

On the flip side, AV integrators are gradually embracing IT protocols and solutions designed for the digital age. Software-defined solutions built for IT — standardized over networks — are gaining traction. While the adoption may be slower due to the historical reliance and subsequent familiarity that hardware solutions provide, the industry is witnessing a transformative shift towards embracing more agile and adaptable software-defined solutions.

In conclusion, the convergence of AV/IT is reshaping the landscape of enterprise operations. From organizational restructuring, to the demand for comprehensive platform solutions, and the adoption of software-defined approaches; the trends in AV/IT integration indicate a paradigm shift towards a more interconnected, data-driven and technologically advanced future for businesses.

As the industry continues to evolve, staying abreast of these AV/IT integration trends is imperative for integrators seeking to provide modernized enterprise-class solutions to their clients.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on March 15, 2024. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

Jamey Miles is VP Channel & Strategic Accounts at Userful.

The post Top AV/IT Integration Trends Shaping Enterprise Operations in 2024 appeared first on My TechDecisions.

Per a statement, Cisco Webex Board Pro engages teams locally and over video to deliver an interactive experience. This enables people to work naturally with their preferred productivity tools in any type of meeting. These include Webex, Microsoft Teams, Google or Zoom. Meanwhile, Salamander FPS Mobile Stands, Electric Wall Stands and Cabinets offer complete support for the Webex Board Pro Products. Along with this, it offers optimal storage for all AV components, wiring and power in designer-grade furniture to match any business space.

A Collaborative, Innovative Solution

Cisco collaborated with Salamander Designs prior to launch by shipping one of its first units to the company. Following this, Salamander designed unique brackets. These brackets support Cisco Webex Board Pro Products and also work on its own enterprise Mobile Stands, Electric Wall Stands and Cabinets.

The Webex Board Pro thus affixes easily to Salamander products. The stand is also adjustable based on the use case to optimize inclusion of all people, regardless of location. Additionally, Salamander’s FPS Series of Stands offer fixed and adjustable heights to support any conference or meeting. They also provide precisions ergonomics for optimal productivity and collaboration.

Read: Cisco Unveils New Augmented Reality Platform, Webex Devices and AI Features

The Salamander Cisco Certified FPS Stands will be available in gray and white for U.S. and international customers, per a statement.

The Salamander Cisco-optimized stands thus deliver innovations such as electric lift and tilt capability. What’s more, there is no blur or glare on the Webex Board Pro screen due to the stand design. Per a statement, Cisco approved both Salamander Stands and Cabinets for broad use across all commercial markets.

Empowering Customers

“We are pleased to collaborate with Cisco on this win for enterprise customers worldwide who use Cisco Webex Board Pro to enhance their meetings, conferences and hybrid workplace,” says Salvatore Carrabba, founder and president of Salamander Designs. “We took the best of our FPS Stands and Cabinets and created the ideal solution for the Webex Board Pro that ensures seamless setup and capability for all involved.”

Carrabba adds that these solutions provide rapid deployment to simplify every Cisco Webex Board application and installation. At the same time, they conceal components and wiring. He continues, “We are excited to bring this adaptable, elegant solution to market for all users.”

Chris Böttger, Cisco workplace experience leader, remarks, “In the new hybrid world Cisco collaboration systems are designed to make everyone feel included no matter where they are. With adaptive AI technology; teams ideate, whiteboard, show real time emoji reactions and have meeting notes automatically transcribed and summarized.”

He then states that coupled with Salamander’s stands, customers will be empowered with a complete solution. According to Böttger, this solution brings the ultimate business system to global AV integrators and customers. He continues, “Everyone from children to adults, including those in wheelchairs, [can] participate at the Board Pro. Working with Salamander to develop these stands is a testament to the dedication from both companies to bring high quality solutions to today’s business ecosystem.”

The new Salamander Designs systems to support Cisco Webex Board Pro Products will be available by April 2022.

Salamander Designs is a Connecticut-based company of premium quality technology furniture for both enterprise and residential integration. Cisco Webex, based in San Jose, Calif., develops and sells web conferencing, videoconferencing and unified communications as a service.

This article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator.com.

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