Specifically, workers experienced the personal benefits of flexibility that remote and hybrid work models offered during shutdowns. Many employees won’t or don’t want to go back. The percentage of these workers is likely to remain at high levels, and an employer’s ability to accommodate remote or hybrid work may now largely determine whether a worker takes a job or even remains with a company.

That is obviously a game-changer for recruiting and retention. It also increases the challenges of effectively managing a host of remote devices and the many workers using them. Potential impacts include infrastructure reliability, network availability, data accessibility, and, above all, IT security, but investments in robust technology to manage and support flexible work practices will ensure companies can remain responsive and secure.

A Remote Environment = Increased Threats to Security

As critical as it has been, remote work has significantly exposed companies to cybersecurity threats; these are the top risks to all organizations today. Yearly data breach totals remain high and show evidence of escalation: 1,175 in 2018; 1,108 in 2019; 1,872 in 2020; and 1,862 in 2021.

The risk is compounded not only by vulnerabilities in technology but also by human error. As evidence, Deloitte reports that 47 percent of remote individuals fell victim to phishing attacks while working at home. The average cost of a data breach enabled by a remote worker was $137,000 in 2022. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence are further increasing the number and severity of security threats, and this is why it is critical to get all aspects of IT support right.

By their very nature, hybrid work environments demand that organizations have a better awareness of risk and an even tighter grip on their data, devices, and processes to remain operational and secure. Historically, employees are the weakest link in the security chain. When employees work off-site, and often with personal devices, they lower the vulnerability threshold so much more.

Related: Choosing the Best Video and Audio Devices for WFH Setups

Because of the increased threat environment, many organizations are stepping up security investments and employee training, alongside establishing strict practices around sensitive data encryption for every device and ensuring backups are completed at different locations. Remembering that data not requiring daily access should also be removed from the regular data pool and stored where it can be retrieved when needed is also a good tactic.

Fortunately, organizations were not blind to increased security risks during the pandemic, and many put new measures in place and increased employee training. Still, many organizations have yet to modify their infrastructure to meet the new security and support challenges. Flexibility and agility are urgently needed, and many systems can’t provide either.

The solution is having a secure remote control platform that can handle a widely dispersed workforce while scaling and delivering support as required, regardless of location. Ideally, it should be easy to use, cloud-based, and have security at its heart.

 Security Features That Make a Difference

For a COO of an international company, ensuring the IT security for a hybrid working environment is a high priority, helping to safeguard network and data security, ensure uninterrupted operations and constant productivity and create a positive employee experience.

Our company has provided remote device management software for education and corporate settings for over 30 years and, with that, we’ve seen and adapted to the changes in risks and cybersecurity threats.

Some of the key remote control features that companies should consider include:

1. Secure Web Gateways

Secure web gateways are ideal for managing remote employee connections and provide extra security, regardless of location. The gateway logs all activity and can provide additional insights into which computers were attempting to connect, allowing IT teams to see whether unauthorized attempts are occurring.

2. Security Keys

As the name suggests, security keys enable remote users to connect only if they have the same security key as the client. These are encrypted passcodes and must match for connections between machines to be permitted.

3. User Acknowledgement

Implementing user acknowledgment is an effective way to guard against connection attempts from unauthorized devices. This simply means that when delivering remote support, an employee must explicitly accept the IT team member’s connection request before they can connect to the device.

With these things and more in place, maintaining a secure and productive hybrid working environment should be stress-free and, dare I say it, easy.

Matt Jones is the chief operating officer of NetSupport. He has spent his entire career helping corporate IT departments manage their networks and devices.

The post Keeping Your Hybrid Workplace Secure appeared first on My TechDecisions.

21:9 Aspect Ratio

Sony says the 21:9 Ultrawide Full HD aspect ratio at 2,560 x 1,080 input signal support opens doors to a new dimension of visual engagement. Whether it’s the latest business presentation, a videoconferencing platform or dynamic content sharing, this extended format provides greater immersion and versatility for users.

According to the company, 21:9 projection displays offer a new dimension of immersion and engagement across various applications, making it essential for those who seek to captivate, educate and entertain. Projectors empower architects to showcase designs in detail and businesses to grab attention at trade shows. In live theaters and performances, projectors elevate visual effects, while libraries and museums use them for wide-format document displays and interactive exhibits. Going beyond, in upscale restaurants and interior design studios, these displays create more immersive and engaging environments.

Enhanced Communication

As the business landscape continually evolves, seamless communication and collaboration are paramount. Sony’s firmware update improves compatibility with today’s leading video collaboration platforms, which are designed to elevate meetings and presentations. With 21:9 aspect ratio support, users can now enjoy a wide, panoramic view of content, enhancing videoconferences and presentations for participants.

This firmware update expands upon Sony’s key projection differentiators, including Reality Creation, which enhances the overall sharpness, resolution and quality of pictures, graphs, or text, and Ambiance which measures the room’s brightness using an ambient light sensor and optimally calibrates additional visual settings. Together, these technologies, combined with 21:9 aspect ratio, create even more realistic and immersive visual experiences that unlock new levels of collaboration.

21:9 Aspect Ratio Firmware Update Information  

“This firmware update is a testament to our commitment to staying at the forefront of visual innovation and increase the longevity and power of our existing portfolio,” says Terrence Boyd, senior business manager, Sony Electronics. “We’re excited to offer our customers a wider dimension to collaborative platform viewing experiences, blending the communication barriers between on-site, hybrid and remote event participants.”

The firmware update bringing 21:9 aspect ratio support is available now for the Mid-Range VPL-FHZ85 and VPL-FHZ80 interchangeable lens projectors and is planned to be available for the Ultra-Compact VPL-PHZ61 and VPL-PHZ51 fixed-lens projectors at the end of December 2023.

Shop and compare Sony’s latest audio/video and information technology solutions on My TechDecisions’ sister-site AV-iQ here.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on December 6, 2023. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

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This functionality identifies who said what in a Microsoft Teams Room meeting and allows each person to have their spoken words accurately attributed to them in the transcript, says Jabra. Using intelligent speech recognition, it identifies up to 10 individual speakers’ voices. The feature also includes names of in-room participants to the live transcription so people are aware of who the speakers are and the content of the meeting.

Additionally, the voice-recognition functionality – upon individual enrollment – enables in-room participants to maintain their identity in the meeting transcript. Thus, it allows for more precise intelligent recaps for users with a Teams Premium license, the company notes.

Related: Airtame & Jabra Partner to Deliver Seamless Hybrid Meeting Experience

Features of Intelligent Speaker Functionality

Per a statement, the Intelligent Speaker feature is proprietary Microsoft technology to uniquely identify a person’s voice to have accurate speaker attribution. When multiple people are speaking in a conference room, and the transcription feature in Microsoft Teams is enabled, it makes sure the sentences and words of each attendee can be attributed to them as opposed to being generically attributed to the meeting space.

Jabra PanaCast 50 is the first and only Microsoft Teams Rooms video bar that supports Intelligent Speaker right in the bar, per a statement. Thus, one does not need to purchase a secondary device just to enable this capability. The PanaCast 50 also now natively includes Microsoft’s Intelligent Meeting Space. This allows the videobar system to set room boundaries to avoid including outsiders in the meeting field-of-view, says Jabra.

Streamlining Online Meetings

As explained by Microsoft, announcing the general availability, Intelligent Speaker will bring people identification in live transcription in a shared environment. Thus, it allows everyone in the meeting to spend less time taking notes. Moreover, participants can easily follow along who said what in the room, per a statement.

According to Jabra, the Intelligent Speaker functionality includes a seven-microphone array to identify voices. So whether participants are working remotely or in the conference room, they can effectively see who said what during and after the meeting.

Josh Blalock, Microsoft MVP and chief video evangelist at Jabra says, “No one likes taking minutes. And now, no one has to. We are proud to be the first to bring Intelligent Speaker for Microsoft Teams directly to a video collaboration bar, expanding the ROI for our PanaCast 50 customers and eliminating the need for them to further complicate their meeting-room deployments.”

Blalock adds, “At Jabra, we are always looking for ways to harness the power of cutting-edge AI technologies to revolutionize hybrid and remote meetings. And this is a major step.”

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on November 17, 2023. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

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“Partnering with other industry leading companies is critical to us so that we can provide end-users with the flexible solutions and support required to thrive while collaborating across hybrid workspaces,” says Jonas Gyalokay, Airtame co-dounder. “Joining with Jabra allows Airtame to stay true to our mission of delivering a seamless hybrid meeting experience to anyone, anywhere, at any time.”

The Airtame hybrid conferencing platform stands out as the most versatile option available on the market. It is specifically designed to integrate with peripheral manufacturers, providing the most technologically advanced wireless hybrid meeting experience possible, with additional compatibility with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and soon, Google Meet and Webex. By integrating with Jabra’s  collaboration solutions, it allows for optimal integration without compromising the quality or performance of either solution.

The speaker phones in the Jabra Speak lineup, the PanaCast 180 degree FoV meeting room camera and PanaCast 20 personal webcam, and the PanaCast 50 all-in-one video bar are all available for pairing with the Airtame Hub. With this compatibility, Airtame’s hybrid conferencing platform provides hybrid meeting solutions for small, mid-sized and large conferencing spaces.

Integrators and end-users can now leverage the capabilities of Airtame’s hybrid conferencing platform, combined with compatible Jabra solutions, to enhance communication and collaboration in their organizations, schools and hybrid workspaces.

“Our partnerships within the collaboration technology ecosystem provide solution options for customers,” says Holger Reisinger, SVP, Jabra Enterprise Video Solutions. “The Airtame solution provides a choice for customers who want a flexible solution for their hybrid environments.”

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on October 11, 2023. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

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Automate VX technology, a multi-camera solution, enables high-quality meeting experience with production-style cuts for Microsoft Teams meetings. Inclusive meetings, especially for larger collaboration spaces and boardrooms, pose a unique set of challenges to capture and frame in-room participants in a way that is easy to follow for remote attendees. To drive more equitable experiences, intelligent video technologies are vital to supporting a critical and dynamic collaboration experience.

Crestron Automate VX Main Features

With Automate VX, multiple cameras around the room work together to track active speakers while removing distractions that are typically visible when a camera pans, tilts or zooms. While an active speaker is being captured on the first camera, the second camera moves into position to capture the next speaker before the system switches the camera feed, reducing any disruptive camera movements and enabling participants to focus on their meeting.

“After a few years under our belts of hybrid meeting and learning, our expectations for these experiences have grown, meaning our customers expect more from the technology that supports them. With permanent hybrid and remote workers, meeting room technologies that provide a reliable experience captured by multiple cameras have become critical for collaboration spaces to drive a more personable experience,” says Brad Hintze, EVP of global marketing, Crestron. “Automate VX is the only product on the market that can deliver this level of video quality, production switching, and customization ease.”

Ideal for high-impact spaces, the Automate VX solution can also support up to 12 cameras and ensure remote attendees always have a crisp and clear shot of in-person participants. Those inside of the room no longer have to worry about where to look or any switching controls as the cameras seamlessly leverage voice-activated switching to capture the perfect shot.

Per a statement, Intelligent Video Room Designer Tool means that organizations can implement Automate VX with no code design or configurations, so users have the flexibility to adapt to any room or platform and customize the views of the meeting.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on October 11, 2023. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

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Several options are available for high-quality audio and video experiences when working from home. My advice is not to just buy the cheapest device available and possibly have a poor experience as a result. First, let’s look at use cases; then, we can dive into the device types themselves. 

There are several questions to ask before considering a new device. Are you on video calls several times per day or a few times a month? Alternatively, are video calls a rare occurrence that you need to be ready for just in case? Do you have a dedicated home office or are you mobile, taking calls in other parts of your house, on the road or at a coffee shop? Are your video calls always on a single device, such as a laptop, or do you use multiple devices as the need arises? 

Understand the Environment 

Once you understand your use case, it’s a good idea to understand the environment where you’ll have calls. Primarily, that refers to the lighting and typical noises you may be faced with. Variable lighting conditions — say, through a window — require either a camera that auto-adjusts to the conditions or a method of controlling the light (e.g., blackout drapes). Acute noises, such as that of cars with loud mufflers driving by or barking dogs, can be difficult to control. This should be considered when you choose a device. Lastly, there is the difficulty level of the device as regards its setup and use. For this article, we will classify the solutions as beginner, intermediate or advanced. 

Now, let’s talk about the devices. We can break down the options in the categories of cameras, audio and hybrid devices. Cameras include USB webcams, DSLRs and integrated options, such as those in laptops and tablets. Audio devices include those integrated into laptops and tablets, headsets, earbuds and speakerphones. Audio devices can also be wired or wireless. Hybrid devices, known as USB video bars, include a camera, microphone and speakers, all built into a single device. Although service-based video bars that have an embedded operating system are included in this class, they are not included in this particular discussion. 

Considering Cameras 

USB webcams are a good all-around choice for PC and laptop users. They suit beginners to advanced users, and they’re appropriate for rare to frequent use. They are considered portable, but they work very well when attached to a single computer in a permanent setup. Better USB cameras have management software to update firmware and to adjust settings either for controlled or variable lighting conditions. Many webcams include microphones. 

For those who want the highest quality of video — both for videoconferencing and for recording — many people choose a DSLR camera. With a DSLR, you can control multiple settings, including depth of field, to present the best view possible. However, there are a few cons to using a DSLR camera. Typically, you will need an extra cable to get the video feed to your computer. The cable required may vary by the camera manufacturer. These cameras are also much larger than webcams are, and they aren’t considered ultra-portable. The learning curve associated with using a DSLR makes it best for frequent, expert users. DSLR cameras will likely be much more expensive than webcams are. 

Laptops, tablets and smartphones have integrated cameras that are an excellent choice for beginners or infrequent users. Laptop cameras, while getting better over time, still lag in quality behind webcams. If you’re a frequent video user, a webcam is recommendable. Typically, integrated cameras have limited settings to control the scene or enhance the quality of the image. The main benefit of integrated cameras is their ease of use; a secondary benefit is not needing any extra pieces of equipment. 

Audio Devices 

Laptops, tablets and smartphones also have built-in capabilities for the transmission and broadcast of audio. However, the typical laptop and tablet audio experience can often be lacking, featuring substandard microphones and speakers. Smartphones have exceptional audio for voice calling, but, when video is added to the equation and the phone moves away from the user’s mouth, the quality can be less than ideal. Device-integrated audio rarely has built-in noise cancellation; thus, you’ll need to rely on the meeting service to block unwanted noise from reaching the people you’re talking to. That said, these audio solutions are extremely easy, good for all levels of expertise and the least-expensive ones in this article. However, I wouldn’t recommend using this method if you are anything more than an infrequent user, as the experience for you and the remote participants is typically less than ideal. 

Headsets have been around for a long time, and USB wired versions for use in meetings can be inexpensive. The low price does not necessarily mean low audio quality on your calls. However, lower-end models may have poor music playback, depending on the device. There are as many opinions in the wired versus wireless debate as there are headsets out there. In my opinion, it really comes down to the individual’s use case, device-portability needs and simplicity of use. If you’re going mobile, wired likely won’t cut it. If your headset stays in one place all the time, there may not be a need for wireless. Wired headsets have plug-and-play simplicity and are always ready for use, whereas wireless versions may not be as user friendly. 

In general, wireless headsets are going to be more expensive than their wired counterparts are. They also may be heavier due to having integrated batteries. The sound quality of wired vs. wireless is entirely subjective to the user, and I haven’t found one type to have better quality than the other. Wired headsets are for users of all difficulty levels, for infrequent to regular use, and are best for those working from one device in a permanent setup. Wireless headsets might seem slightly temperamental for infrequent or beginner users, as there can be Bluetooth connectivity issues that stem from a lack of use. Wireless headsets are excellent for mobile users in noisy areas, and they can be swapped easily between devices. 

Wireless earbuds are becoming more common in business communications. Not only do they work well with mobile devices via Bluetooth but, in addition, a few recent models have included a USB Bluetooth dongle that maintains a better connection with a PC or laptop. They might not be the best choice for those on calls all day long due to the potential of ear fatigue and the batteries not making it through the day. However, the pros are numerous: Higher-end earbuds typically have excellent noise cancellation for the wearer; they can serve as your audio device for music listening; and they are the ideal device for multi-device mobile professionals. 

The final audio-only device category in this article involves USB/Bluetooth speakerphones. Speakerphones are an excellent option for people who are on calls all day long, as headsets or earbuds can get uncomfortable after long periods of use. Modern speakerphones are connected to a computer either via USB or Bluetooth. Although primarily designed for conferencing, they can replace dedicated speakers for music listening. They are also typically easy to use. They’re good for beginners through advanced users, and Bluetooth-enabled models are an option for multi-device users. The primary concern is using a speakerphone in a noisy space or an open area. Privacy can be a concern, as can be the imperative not to disturb nearby people. If you are in a loud space, the device might pick up noises and transmit them to the person to whom you are talking. However, many speakerphones have built-in noise suppression, as do many meeting services that can greatly suppress static noises in the room. If two people are in the room for the same video call, a speakerphone is the logical choice over headsets or earbuds. 

Hybrid Devices 

For an excellent hybrid device with microphones, speakers and video, a USB-based video bar might be right for you. There are many positives with this type of device: the primary benefit being that you’re not forced to juggle between two or three separate devices, each of which is taking up a USB port. Hybrid devices typically include a robust set of audio and video features that are manageable via a software download. Individual pieces of gear might also have software downloads for management, and it can get cumbersome to deal with multiple software downloads for multiple devices. With a USB video bar, it’s all in one place, making device management easy. 

USB video bars are best in a permanent setup connected to a single computer, as they are not exceptionally portable and aren’t mobile-device friendly. This lack of portability due to their size is the primary downside with this type of device. They are also more expensive than other solutions are. However, realize that, by the time you buy a high-end webcam, a high-end microphone and a top-of-the-line speaker, your cost might be close to — if not more than — just buying an all-in-one video bar. 

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on July 31, 2023. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience. For more Collaboration Today and Tomorrow content, check out Commercial Integrator’s website archives.

Bryan Hellard is a product evaluator in unified communications, AV and smart home. 

The post Choosing the Best Video and Audio Devices for WFH Setups appeared first on My TechDecisions.

According to the company, the partnership results in an out-of-the-box, fully integrated video and audio solution with automated voice-based camera tracking capability and no upfront programming nor licensing.

The joint solution is available through mutual distribution partners in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

How Xilica & Lumens’ Automated Voice-Based Camera Tracking Works

Xilica’s automated camera-tracking technology utilizes data feeds from a range of beamforming ceiling microphone arrays to steer IP-controllable PTZ cameras to specific positions around a collaboration space. With integrated control engines, capable of Lua scripting for almost any IP-controllable product, Xilica’s digital signal processors have become a popular choice for simplifying system operation in collaboration environments. By activating a new partnership with Lumens Digital Optics, Inc., Xilica can offer its customers a wider choice of vendor for camera products and expand the range of rooms that can be covered with this technology more deeply into higher education, government and judicial and corporate markets.

“Configuration of Xilica’s automated camera tracking technology has always been intuitive, but this new integration with Lumens significantly simplifies the configuration process for our customers,” says Steven Liang, VP product development, Lumens. “Lumens functionality and control is natively integrated into Xilica software for an easy, turnkey experience for customers, leveraging pre-designed templates and pre-built user interface options for an immediate deployment. With just a few clicks, Lumens and Xilica customers can obtain a sophisticated, easy-to-deploy automated solution for voice-based camera tracking without code and a high learning-curve.”

Shaun Robinson, VP product, Xilica, says, “We are bringing sound and video together over the network in a way that drives interaction and connection between presenter and audience, no matter the scale of the system or room configuration. This solution ultimately eliminates the need for users to directly control cameras during a conference or classroom session in any collaborative environment, while giving them the freedom to fully-utilize their space and communicate in a way that is natural for them.”

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on July 26, 2023. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

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Even though 80% of workers prefer the hybrid work model, a significant 58% often experience a lack of necessary infrastructure to effectively support their hybrid work-life. To successfully transition into a thriving hybrid workforce, IT teams need to thoroughly analyze their entire work communication experience and embrace new technologies that enhance productivity both at home and in the office. 

Here are seven ways organizations can ensure their long-term success in a future that is clearly very different from the past: 

1. Conduct a technology assessment: Organizations can conduct a thorough assessment of employees’ workstyles, technology needs, and preferences – identifying gaps in technology infrastructure and insights into the types of hardware, software, and peripherals that employees need. If in-office technology isn’t providing as optimal of an experience as working from home, it must be addressed.

2. Offer flexible hardware options: Provide employees with hardware options that suit their workstyles and workspace, enabling them to work more comfortably and efficiently.

3. Invest in collaboration tools: To facilitate effective communication and teamwork, organizations can invest in tools such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management platforms. In-office tools should be modernized to leverage recent advancements in technology and enhance the user experience.

4. Offer training and support: Boost employees’ confidence and productivity by providing training sessions, user guides, and help desk support to troubleshoot common tech issues.

5. Ensure secure remote access: To protect sensitive company information as more employees work from different locations, IT teams can implement security measures such as multi-factor authentication, virtual private networks (VPNs), and data encryption, to provide secure remote access to company resources.

6. Monitor and optimize network performance: IT teams can monitor network performance and identify any issues that may be impacting employee productivity. This can involve optimizing network settings, updating software and firmware, and troubleshooting network connectivity issues.

7. Request ongoing feedback: Finally, organizations should regularly ask for employee feedback on their experiences with their technology and work environments so changes can be made if necessary.

Hybrid work is a game-changer, offering employees flexibility and convenience. But it also requires seamless collaboration for both in-person and remote attendees. Companies that fail to adapt and offer modern technology and dedicated collaboration spaces risk being left behind. 

This shift in work models is the biggest in our lifetime, and companies must find new ways to maintain culture and drive productivity. By adopting robust strategies and learning from experiences, organizations can thrive. 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Andy Rhodes is General Manager and Global Head of HP Hybrid Systems & HyperX.

The post Seven Ways to Enable a Future-Ready Workforce  appeared first on My TechDecisions.

The company calls the Logi Dock Flex a new fully-featured managed docking station built for shared desks in flexible work environments designed to help companies optimize their office space and provide insights on how work spaces are being used.

According to Scott Wharton, general manager of Logitech B2B, the Logi Dock Flex and new hotdesking service is designed to help companies encourage employees to come back to the office by helping them plan their in-office days.

“We took a multidimensional approach to building Logi Dock Flex that not only solves desk booking and management issues, but promotes social collaboration and gives IT and workplace managers data on how the tech and space are being used,” Wharton says in a statement.

Helping employees plan their office visits

With Logitech’s desk booking service–which can be used without the Logi Dock Flex and is free through the company’s Sync management portal–employees can plan days in the office with their teams, book a desk through Logi Tune and notify their teammates in-app. Once on-site, they plug into Logi Dock Flex with a single USB cable and get to work, the company says.

The Logi Dock Flex is an 8-inch display with six USB ports that supports dual display, network connection and up to 100 wats of power, allowing for secure standard-issue device connections and BYOD scenarios.

According to Logitech, the device allows employees to personalize their workstation with their own background photo and away message, and join meetings with one touch through calendar integrations with the Logi Tune app. For ad-hoc booking, the display signals whether the desk is available or not.

Helping IT manage hybrid work

For IT teams, the Logi Dock Flex allows them to install and deploy the device at scale with secure cable management, and the Logitech Sync management software allows IT to remotely monitor and manage the device, including adjusting booking settings, managing equipment and customizing according to the organization’s hybrid work policies.

In addition, the Logi Dock Flex’s multiservice capability allows IT to choose Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Logitech’s own desk booking service. Other services will be available at a later date.

However, the Logitech desk booking service is managed through Logitech Sync and can be deployed with either Logi Dock Flex or by using QR codes to work stand-alone, not requiring any purchase of Logitech hardware, the company says.

Logi Dock Flex also provides real-time insights and analytics on space usage to help organizations understand how flexible office and return-to-office policies are performing, the company says.

Availability

The device will be available in Fall 2023 with a suggested price of $699.

The desk booking service is available for free now. Premium features of the booking service like usage insights, alerts, and floor plan maps are free during the public beta through July 1, 2024.

The post Logitech Wants to Help Solve Hybrid Work Issues With Logi Dock Flex appeared first on My TechDecisions.

The problem is most companies do not typically update their office AV setups. While equipment promises a long life, even up to a decade, once you’ve had a piece of hardware for five years, it might start to feel outdated and end up costing you time.

Updating technology to avoid these problems is more important now that our remote and hybrid working lives rely so heavily on tools. Yet, our propensity to upgrade hasn’t caught up with our workplace behaviors. About 34% of employees report that their employers are not prioritizing investments in better hybrid working technologies, according to a study by Barco.

Pre-pandemic, in a mid-size company with 10 conference rooms, there might have been two rooms that needed a fully equipped AV system. Now, pretty much every room in the workplace needs to be ready to provide a high-quality AV experience.

Updating tech can not only help solve problems and save time, but it can also level up the experience of meetings and give employees that extra boost of productivity and inspiration.

What Kind of AV Technology Needs to Be Upgraded?

In short, you need to update whatever pieces of hardware and equipment that are important for your setup. If something isn’t upgraded, it could cause wasted time.

Camera and microphone systems are the major must-haves for a reliably great AV experience. That could mean upgrading to camera systems that can pan around the room based on who is talking or multiple microphones across the room that can focus the input of the audio toward particular speakers.

As part of the Barco study mentioned above, interviewees were asked what kinds of technology they felt needed upgrading. Videoconferencing capabilities were a big request, with 77% of respondents believing that all meeting rooms should be set up with videoconferencing technology.

Then, there are tools in which upgrades will take your work to a new level. Touchless technology, for example, could drastically streamline your meeting practices. Integrate your call system with your AV system and have a one-touch meeting start, seize the energy in the room, and start right on time.

Technology that empowers hybrid and remote workers is also crucial. Per Barco, 35% of employees would like to have personal touchscreen devices, for example, and 36% want tech that enables them to use their laptops as the centers of their in-office and home-based work.

What Can Teams Gain From Tech Upgrades?

There’s obviously a cost involved in staying proactive about upgrading tech. Still, the benefits and costs saved from increased efficiencies will most likely outweigh the initial expenses of hardware and installation. Consider these benefits:

• Overall improved productivity. Upgraded AV can cut time and inefficiencies, saving meeting time for more productive tasks. People in meetings will feel the benefit of enhanced engagement because they can see, hear, and collaborate with each other more clearly. This has an inevitable impact; working relationships are more effective, and morale becomes higher.
• Increased actionability of meetings. The human brain has a limit, and now that we’re more immersed in technology than ever, we’re also more distracted. The average American looks at their phone 344 times per day, and people remember only about 10% of content two days after hearing or seeing it. Better presentations mean increased engagement and better recollection of information, which in turn makes meetings more actionable.

How Can Companies Successfully Upgrade Their AV and Hardware?

The aim is to better engage workers and make workflows smoother and more efficient. The process for identifying your AV needs and installing upgrades should bear those objectives in mind. Start here:

Stage a walk-through.

To make sure upgrades are practical and needed, walk through the rooms that need technology. What do you use this room for? Who uses it? The exec team? Sales? What kind of meetings take place here? Are investors or clients present? Create an inventory of these rooms. This will help you understand the type of tech you need and how “mission critical” each upgrade choice will be.

Identify which tech is best.

You can use an AV integrator to identify your needs and what the best, most reliable and well-priced equipment options are. Because an integrator is manufacturer-agnostic, its role is to understand your situation and make recommendations based on how you use rooms in your office. Pay attention to how experienced an AV integrator is. Supply chain issues are plaguing the world right now, and an experienced integrator will know which items can be sourced the quickest, so you can move forward with the critical job of running productive meetings.

Updating your organization’s AV setup has been important for a while, and it’s becoming impossible to overlook this task. As we gear up for even more hybrid work in the future, we all need to hear and see each other as best we can. Start upgrading today!

Bob Marsh is the chief revenue officer at Bluewater, a design-forward technology company that helps craft moments that connect and inspire. Specializing in retail technology, displays and fixtures, as well as AV integration and event tech services, Bluewater works with top brands like Walmart, Ford and Rocket Mortgage.

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