Using SMART Board solutions in Architecture, Engineering and Construction

In B2B circles, great technology strides are being made in areas you don’t read about in the Web headlines each day. But these tech advancements are touching humans in ways not seen five years ago, designed for humans to lead, teach and instruct.

For professionals in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) communities, there are amazing tools being put to use. Real-time connectivity is allowing for increased communication on projects, work sites are being rendered in 3-D modeling and scores of workers are training in understanding the latest projects using audio-visual solutions with interactive technology innovations.

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Among the creative leaders in this area are leading-edge companies like SMART Technologies and AutoDesk Navisworks, whose technologies are bringing new excitement to the AEC community, while fostering new complementary opportunities for industry visionaries.

Autodesk Navisworks makes project review software products to help architecture, engineering, and construction professionals gain control over project outcomes. When combined with SMART interactive technology, its software can integrate, share, and review models and multiformat data with every project participant. Teams get better organized through complex installation projects using a comprehensive set of integration, analysis, and communication tools, even before construction or renovation begins.

It’s a fascinating leap into the future right now, and professionals are finding greater uses for these blending technologies. See below for a fascinating demo into how innovations from these two companies are helping design teams in AEC communities all over the country.

Other companies involved in installing integrated audio-visual solutions for business and education markets are also seeing opportunities with these technologies. CCS Presentation Systems, one of the country’s leading providers of audio video products and solutions, works on high-quality, on-time project installations for many leading audio-visual systems projects. From Ritz-Carlton hotel projects to large-scale casino installations and school classroom connections, CCS can utilize many digital solutions for discerning customers. It has found a growing market in using SMART Board interactive whiteboards in education, but also in corporate and government opportunities.

SMART interactive whiteboards and displays, software, services and support work seamlessly together, helping users move objects onscreen, or open files, applications, websites or multimedia. Project participants can write notes in digital ink, save them into files and share instantly via e-mail – and all participants can see and contribute to the work in real time, regardless of location.

Collaboration and training are key to the software’s potential in business. As construction projects become more sophisticated, engineers need to work with increasingly complex information from multiple cross-functional teams. Virtual design and construction (VDC) makes efficient communication between disciplines essential. SMART business solutions help by enabling these engineers to share information and plans, quickly and effectively.

How To Get Started With Wireless Presentations

We call this the digital age, and one of the most awesome things about the digital age is the level of inclusion that it has brought with it. Our devices work together to make work and life easier, and this has also catalyzed a heightened level of collaboration on projects within the business world. How, you ask, is this collaboration happening? Wireless presentation.

Wireless presentations will be soon be commonplace in most boardrooms, classrooms, conference rooms, and the like. Wireless presentations allow your apple, windows, and android devices connect to a centralized display, and share your information on a display that can be seen by all in attendance. This technology could do wonders for the flow of a board meeting or conference. Like much of the new technology that is utilized in many of our day to day practices, wireless presentations can greatly reduce, if not eliminate, the need for paper in your meetings.

Imagine that you are in a board meeting, and instead of the presenter coming before everyone gathered for the meeting opening a briefcase full of papers that pop out like biscuits from a can when he opens it. He or she begins handing out laminated copies of their vision for the project at hand. You see that they have done their best to make their presentation aesthetically appealing, however all you can think about is that this presentation is only the first of many. “OMG, this is going to be a long one…” you think to yourself as the first presenter tells you to turn to page one of your pamphlet.

Believe it or not, wireless presentation could actually turn those board meetings into a pleasant experience, and not just a necessary evil or cost of doing business. If you’ve fully recovered from the previous scenario given, then take some timeout to visualize a better day, one that has been made possible by IoT and the collaborative spirit of it. Instead of you and your co-workers pouring over endless pamphlets, fishing for the best ideas, imagine a streamlined series of presentations in which everyone can display their work on a digital screen that everyone’s laptop, smartphone, and tablet can communicate with. Now everyone’s engaged instead of have a boardroom full of bored people. The following is a list of companies and their products that are designed to engender collaborative effort in the boardroom, classroom, or conference room.

Mersive Solstice

Mersive definitely has their finger on the pulse of corporate America. They understand the need to streamline the presentation and sharing of info in a meeting, and have created a platform that allows and unlimited number of devices to connect to a Solstice enabled shared display. This hastens the flow of the meeting and decision making by allowing projects to be simultaneously from devices sharing a preexisting wifi or ethernet network.

Crestron AirMedia

Crestron AirMedia has targeted not only the facilitation of collaboration in meetings, but have also put in place stoppages that reduce what they call “presentation chaos”. Their platform allows for interconnectivity of multiple devices to one centralized display, but they also incorporated a feature called moderator mode that allows for an admin to choose who will and won’t be able to present.

AMX EnZo

There isn’t much that AMX missed with their incarnation of a wireless presentation platform. However, the best feature offered by their system is the end of session purge. Any documents or files that are downloaded for your presentation are purged from the network when once your EnZo session is closed out. In a world where intellectual property is under constant threat of piracy, one can never be too careful.

Montage Display Note

While their might not be much that separates montage display from its competitors, they have the numbers posted on their website to show the positive affect that their system could have on your business. Their website boasts quantified improvements in sales, productivity, and even competitive advantage. Men lie, women lie, but numbers don’t.

Extron ShareLink

Extron ShareLink is another titan in the wireless presentation field. Their product is designed for efficiency, and ease for the end user. Their platform allows for multiple users to share at once for compare and contrast applications, but also has moderator mode so that an admin can cut down on possible presentation over-inundation.

If you have not brought your boardroom, classroom, or conference room into the 21st century, then you are simply conceding the upper hand to your competition. It is highly likely that those who have already made the change to wireless presentation are getting twice as much accomplished in half the meetings. So, what are you waiting for?

Choosing The Ideal AV Integrator For Your Business

With today’s evolving technological state, businesses must migrate towards advances that facilitate good communication. Confirming to such changes is useful in improving interaction in real time and strengthens working conditions and workflow. Applying audio visual integration system is one way of incorporating technological advances to improve intra and intercompany communication.

Simply put, audio visual integration combines hardware, both audio and visual, for a more unified communication experience. The system often comes with a user-friendly interface whose design is dependent on the client’s needs and functionality requirements. Once a business decides to upgrade to an AV system, choosing the right integrator is the next crucial step.

Here are some tips to help guide in the selection of a good AV Integrator.

CCS System Design And Project Management

The top choice of integrator should obviously be one that has experience in developing and managing AV systems for similar businesses. Thoroughly review their portfolio or seek external information from their clients regarding systems that they have designed. This way, making the decision is based on proof of their success in integrating AVs for other similar companies. Testimonials from clients may help establish a level of customer satisfaction with the integrator’s product.

Degree Of Technical Support And Maintenance

Integrators should essentially provide constant support to ensure smooth operation of their systems. The degree of support they offer should be enough to demonstrate their commitments to their clients. An Integrator that caters to the needs of their client and avails themselves to ensure seamless user experience is obviously the best option.

The ideal integrator should outsource audio and visual technologies from high quality, reliable sources. Nobody expects to use outdated hardware for a modern communication system. They should also demonstrate their ability to evolve with the changing technology. For example, equipping their clients with hardware and systems that can be upgraded expanded or replaced by upcoming, new models.

This means integrating a fluid system that can accommodate changes.

How Well Do They Respond To Servicing And Repair Needs

A good integrator should constantly offer a servicing option for equipment and repair in the event of damage. Anticipating damages or failure is a smart move to cover a business from risk and eventual losses. One should critically asses the ability of their integrator to respond to and service failure or damage within the AV system.
Installation Services And Quality Of Audio Visual System

Many integrators offer installation services for their systems. Aside from how well they can install the system, how reliable is the AV system function? If there are complaints about the subpar performance of previously installed systems, reconsider your options. Compromising on quality of installation invites delays, breakdowns and unexpected errors within the system. These are certain to inhibit rather than promote communication.

It is quite clear that in audio visual integration choosing the right integrator is elemental to the smooth transitioning of businesses to more efficient communication methods. These factors are sure to guide anyone in deciding on the most suitable integrator for their business.

Choosing The Ideal AV Installation Company For Your Business

The DIY trends has breached all sectors, audio visual industry and others alike with sites that offer tutorials and lessons from professionals or experienced users; anyone can do anything themselves. Sometimes, doing things without any trained assistance might be the right course of action. Other times, trained professionals are the right choice for better results.

Audio visual installations are one of those instances where everyone is much better off getting professional assistance. It may sound biased, but think about it this way, this person has been trained in all matters AV and is capable of solving any problem that may erupt during installations.

Here is why opting to go the professional route might be the wiser alternative:

Professional Audio Visual Installations

Other than say simple TV installations, most homeowners require the help of a professional. These installers know what to consider and look for while installing an AV system. They have a third eye for these things. Some people may be wary of letting strangers into their homes to do something they can seemingly do. Well, trust their professionalism and their abilities to give objective recommendations for the best AV choice and installation procedure.

Not convinced? Try going through several installers’ websites and consult on their services.

Take The Low-Risk Option

Most times, DIY installations are driven by the misguided notion that it might save the user some money. Well, the truth is, hiring a professional installer puts the client at less risk of poor installation. Why is that a good thing? With a professional, the client is assured a certain level of quality in both the items provided and the installation technique. The AV system is sure to look good and sound great. If it doesn’t, the client is entitled to complain and get exactly the quality they’re paying for.

This is unlike personal AV installation where, if the setup quality is mediocre, too bad. The consequence: having to live with a poorly installed and coordinated AV system in an attempt to save a buck here and there.

Keep It Simple

Hiring a professional to do installations is likely to save the client a lot of time. Often, some steps are complex and require experienced professionals to navigate through them. Trying to do these installations may end in an incomplete or dysfunctional setup. The client can choose to save themselves a lot of heartaches while trying to figure out what goes where: and allow trained individuals to do so. Most times, the installer ends up simplifying the process without compromising on the quality of the system.

Once the system is successfully installed, try to avoid making changes and keep anything as is. If during the installation there is an aspect that isn’t pleasant, speak up. The installers do not work according to their preferences; their goal is to work under the mandate and requirements of the client. Understanding this makes it easier to communicate any thoughts or preferences during installation services for customer satisfaction.

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Enhancing The Meeting With Unified Communication

In today’s fast-paced and ultra-competitive world, businesses and corporations are looking for ways to utilize technology in a more efficient manner. This is particularly evident when technology used for meetings or video conferencing is outdated, requires too many plug-in cables and remotes, or has poor sound and visual quality. Navigating these technological challenges is time consuming and if unresolved, meetings may be delayed or cancelled, resulting in customers getting frustrated and considering taking their business to a competitor. The potential for lost revenue and diminished status of your company’s reputation could cause your business to suffer due to inefficiencies associated with your technology platforms and infrastructure.

Crestron Flex has positioned itself as an industry leader in offering high-end technology that helps accelerate the ways in which information is shared internally within a business or how content is externally deployed to customers. Whether your meeting is scheduled far in advance or is suddenly arranged to put out some “emergency fires,” the primary goal of your business should be to establish unified communication with technology that supports the successful flow of information and collaboration. A prominent feature among Crestron’s impressive line of products is its digital signage platform, where you can present content for your business on LED screens for internal and external purposes. This is accomplished through integration with NEC display solutions, a global leader in visual technology innovations.

Digital signage is nearly in all aspects of our lives, whether it’s displaying information for the public, promoting products and services, or growing a brand’s presence in a competitive industry, it surrounds us constantly. The meeting room of a growing business serves an essential purpose, especially when the goal is to plan how information will be strategically integrated through platforms such as NEC display solutions. Customers need to see a visual representation of the products and services your business has to offer, in addition to reading clear and concise content that characterizes your unique brand. Whether you’re engaging customers in the conference room of your office or drawing customers to your booth at a mega conference attended by thousands, how you use technology can determine if you will make the sale and/or land the new account.

We understand the importance of having technology work in a way that saves you time throughout the work day. The Crestron Mercury device, an all-in-one technology platform, is another solution-based product that sets the standard for easy interactive collaboration and communication. Utilizing a touch-panel interface that functions as a table-top device, you can establish unified communication with your team through platforms such as Skype-for-business, Zoom, GoTo Meeting, or Google Hangouts. Essentially, the Mercury device allows you to control how information is displayed on your screen so that you can focus on the important tasks at hand.

The meeting room is a place to plan, strategize, and confirm that everything is running smoothly with your business, but scheduling time for an available room can be difficult. If you’re looking to find a way to make booking rooms more convenient, consider a room scheduling system! The TSW room scheduling system provides neon signs that display distinct colors to signify if a room is available and interfaces with the TSW scheduling panel, whose secure wall attachment shows meeting details for any connected space. This efficient use of technology uses integrated software solutions such as Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Office 365, and Google Calendar. You can also use the Flex TSW panels for promotional background videos, customized background images, and to display your company’s logo.

Crestron devices run through the XiO Cloud service, which enables you to monitor and manage your devices from anywhere in the world with a standard web browser. Clearly, Crestron Flex is a leader in cutting-edge technology, with products that are easy to use, interactive, and improve the way communication is deployed in the modern workplace.

To learn more about the different technologies that can enhance your meeting room, conference room, or office space, reach out to a CCS Representative!

https://ccsnewengland.com/contact-us/

The Value of AV Integration in the Beginning Stages of Design

When building your business, there’s a lot of different things you will have to take into account. After the funding, location, and direction have been figured out, that’s when the physical building of your business starts.

One of the biggest pieces that companies usually overlook is the first impression they give to potential clients. In the past, companies just had simple paintings or inspirational slogans in their respective reception areas. And while that approach has a traditional, vintage feel, that style really fails to showcase the modern technologies and accomplishments that a modern business has.

With the new era of modern AV integration, companies now have the ability to wow potential clients or customers before they even have to speak with them. The use of digital signage and interactive kiosks help clients see the history or direction of a company, allowing them to reinforce their decision to pick your business before anyone else’s. Even something as simple as a crawl that show’s the day’s weather or top stories sends the message that you’re plugged into the world around you and keeping pace with everything modern.

And thanks to modern wireless technologies, AV integration has never been easier. Hanging a lightweight flat screen TV at eye level with a thin-client computer that can be controlled by your company’s IT department can help peak your cleint’s interest. With motion sensor equipped wireless speakers, you can easily help your client find their way around your office as they enter.

As I mentioned before, modern technology makes AV integration simple. There are no cables to be run across the office, just the worry about where to place the outlets. The low level of input needed gives both the contractor (who is building the building) and the business (who is renting or owning the building) the freedom to make an aesthetically pleasing room without having to put too much thought into exactly where all of the digital parts and pieces will go.

Investing in an AV welcoming experience will help take your business to the next level.

What Were The Greatest Distance Learning Tools of 2018?

Distance learning tools have become a reality for students as young as elementary age. At the college and high school level, distance learning has become commonplace as a way for students to have more flexible schedules and effectively combine their home and work obligations with their education commitments.

Between 1998 and 2008, the number of college students opting into distance education has grown by 150%. The Instructional Technology Council reports that two-thirds (64%) of full-time faculty and one-third (35%) of part-time faculty at community colleges now teach distance education classes. According to the U.S. Department of Education, by the year 2020 it is projected that about 1 in 5 undergraduate students will receive as much as 80% of their education through online courses.

With the rapid demand and availability of online learning, it follows that helping students experience and manage distance learning tools in preparation for their college education and careers is important.

These are the 5 top distance learning tools of 2017.

iTunes U: Apple has been a long-time staple in the education community. iTunes U is no exception. It has an intuitive interface that people have come to expect from Apple products. It allows educators to load their teaching materials into the system and create lessons and assignments. It allows educators to pull interactive content from iTune’s library of apps, podcasts, and videos into one interactive lesson plan. Students then get access to assignments and complete and submit them online. iTunes U includes a grade management tool that collects assignments into a clean digital interface and then allows teachers to grade them on their apple device. Educators can see analytics for individual students and assignments, and the entire class. It’s a remarkable ecosystem for digital course management for grade school or college level instruction.

SmartBuilder: SmartBuilder is an online course authoring product for educators. It’s streamlined for 100% e-learning. SmartBuilder is used by many companies for training purposes, and has a reputation for being user friendly. The interface is easy to navigate and is compatible with Windows or Mac. The system allows users to build templates, which is convenient for setting up multiple courses with a consistent theme. The system allows in-built testing/quizzing but does not have an interface for general assignment submission. This system is preferred for course content delivery and testing.

edX: edX was developed in 2012 by Harvard University and MIT as an online learning environment for universities. Today it offers over 1,300 courses with more than 10 million students enrolled. It’s a great training ground for high school students to supplement their classroom education and get their feet wet with distance learning. With courses covering nearly every subject from biology to graphic design, there is content that can enhance just about any course.

Scrible: Scrible is an online collaboration platform that allows students to interact and share content and participate together in learning and project planning. The platform allows for real time notes, comments, and annotations to be shared with the group. It’s a wonderful tool for collaborative research and projects.

Dropbox: Dropbox is already well-known and widely used in the business world, but its features are great for education as well. Dropbox is a cloud based storage system. In addition to having folders where students can download course materials or upload documents, it also allows for real time editing and collaboration. Groups can work on a document together with everyone’s notes and edits tracked within the online interface. Educators and students can also share documents one-on-one for individualized feedback and revisions. This is a staple that can make receiving assignments – particularly written assignments and graphics – much easier.

Barco Clickshare Wireless Presentation for Your Business

The Barco Clickshare wireless presentation system is a type of gadget that makes it possible for business professionals to wirelessly and seamlessly present content from a smartphone, tablet, or PC onto a bigger screen. This is done through the use of Barco’s screen mirroring technology. Barco’s Clickshare Wireless Presentation System is ideal for use in various collaborative environments, e.g., huddle spaces, meeting rooms, and conference rooms.

What Is the Barco Clickshare Wireless-Presentation System Used for and Why Should You Get One?

These systems play an integral role when it comes to sharing information among people working on the same project. They make it possible for their users to transmit various types of content (apps, videos, images, docs, and desktop) together with audio from all types of devices to TV’s, video walls, large displays, and projectors. As a result, many users are able to seamlessly exchange, share, and present ideas. The systems can be used with a broad range of applications, e.g.,

  • Enabling unrestricted interaction between various users through the sharing of content on a shared screen.
  • Mirroring or streaming audio and video content from any device onto a projector or bigger screen.
  • Connecting a tablet, smartphone, or desktop PC to a TV wirelessly.

Where Can You Use A Wireless Presentation System?

This particular type of presentation systems allows video/audio collaboration in places such as:

What are the Advantages of Using the Barco Clickshare Wireless Presentation System?

  1. Multi-Platform Devices
    The system is plug-and-play friendly. This means that the system can easily be used with any projector or display device for quick presentation. You can use any device to display the content that you would like to present.
  2. Multi-User Collaboration
    Multiple people are able to access the system at the same time. This helps provide a simple and smooth wireless presentation capability for all those involved. It is a system that is able to provide great interactivity, making it ideal for use in open-forum discussions as well as in conference rooms, regardless of their size.
  3. Long-Range Connectivity (Wireless)
    Unlike wired presentation systems, this type of presentation system is able to cover a very broad signal range. This means that it can even be used in very large rooms, making it possible for those using it to showcase their presentations over distances of up to ninety meters.
  4. Streaming Over Wi-Fi, LAN or Dual Network Modes
    Wireless systems are capable of supporting Wi-Fi (wireless) and LAN (cabled) deployments. This is in addition to supporting dual network modes. For example, company personnel can connect to the systems via the corporate networks as the invited guests connect to it via the wireless network. This can easily be done without compromising the internal corporate network. This kind of connection is very useful, especially when the presentation system has been connected to the corporate network via Ethernet, and the invited guests are asked to join the employees in a collaborative project.
  5. It is Mobile and Compact
    One of the standout features of this system is the fact that it is very slim and compact. This makes it easier to move it from one room to another as it can easily be mounted behind a projector or a display screen.Even though the system will require a cable connection to the power socket, network, and to the display, all those who will be using it will be connected wirelessly. This means that they will be spared from all the unnecessary clutter.
  6. VGA and HDMI Compatible
    Whereas legacy interfaces are still popular in corporate environments, it is always better to choose a presentation system that can offer both digital (DVI or HDMI) and analog (VGA) interfaces. HDMI displays are considered to be the most effective as they can easily match with the source’s definition.

Interesting in learning more? Reach out to a CCS representative today!

The Emphasis of AV Integration in the Initial Stages of Design

When building your business, there’s a lot of different things you will have to consider. After the funding, location, and direction have been gauged, that’s when the physical building of your business begins.

One of the biggest pieces that companies usually overlook is the first impression they give to potential clients. In the past, companies just had simple paintings or inspirational slogans in their respective reception areas. And while that approach has a traditional, vintage feel, that style really fails to showcase the modern technologies and accomplishments that a modern business has.

With the new era of modern AV integration, companies now have the ability to wow potential clients or customers before they even have to speak with them. The use of digital signage and interactive kiosks help clients see the history or direction of a company, allowing them to reinforce their decision to pick your business before anyone else’s. Even something as simple as a crawl that show’s the day’s weather or top stories sends the message that you’re plugged into the world around you and keeping pace with everything modern.

And thanks to modern wireless technologies, AV integration has never been easier. Hanging a lightweight flat screen TV at eye level with a thin-client computer that can be controlled by your company’s IT department can help peak your cleint’s interest. With motion sensor equipped wireless speakers, you can easily help your client find their way around your office as they enter.

As I mentioned before, modern technology makes AV integration simple. There are no cables to be run across the office, just the worry about where to place the outlets. The low level of input needed gives both the contractor (who is building the building) and the business (who is renting or owning the building) the freedom to make an aesthetically pleasing room without having to put too much thought into exactly where all of the digital parts and pieces will go.

Investing in an AV welcoming experience will help take your business to the next level.