SMART Workspaces

Are you constantly being asked to 'Do More' with the same budget?

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Having seen the impact that Covid has had on businesses, not just in terms of the devastation it has had but also how it has forced many Technical and Business Managers (including HR Departments) to come to terms with remote working, Zoom and Team meetings. Also converting ordinary meeting rooms into Audiovisual Conference Rooms with capacities from 2 or 3 up to 15 to 20 or more!

This, all needs planning, budgeting, and integrating into your existing systems and Network and it’s all relatively new to you and as you are finding out managing Audiovisual technology can be very different to what you’re used to.

This will be an even more daunting task as you are asked to 'Do More' with your existing budget …on top of everything else that you need to do on a day-to-day basis!

Before you can even consider that, you need to draw up specifications for an Audiovisual Solution that is probably as alien to you as knowing all the component parts of the ‘Millennium Falcon’!

You then need to convince your board that this is an important and valuable addition to the company’s ‘Network’ to remain competitive in today’s economy. This movement towards investing in SMART Workspaces is now a necessity in todays’ work environment whether your staff and managers are working from home or in the office. It makes sense to look at all the options and how your business can realistically afford the best possible solution.

By using an Audiovisual Consultancy, however, like Astratto Technologies with years of experience we will guide you through the process and look to demystify the situation. In the first instance, we will discuss with you what you really need achieve with from this Audiovisual Solution and develop a plan, that includes designing and quoting for the right system for you (not what happens to be on the shelf)! This can be supported with demonstrations with our key manufacturers if required.

Once the system or systems have been installed, we will then make sure they are properly tested and commissioned with training provided…the aim being to leave you with a set up that is complex enough to provide the best quality possible, for your budget, and yet simple enough for your staff to operate efficiently and effectively. We will then ensure that all the warranties are in place and that support is available to ensure smooth running after completing the installation.

So, what are the next steps? In the first instance you could well want to establish the need and for what kind of system together with an idea of budget. So, you will need to understand if the demands on your current Network with Zoom or Team enabled computers and other devices is sufficient and that you have a capable broadband supply to manage the additional bandwidth. Also, what is the appetite of your Managers/Directors for the additional services and equipment, are they invested in this development because they need to also understand the benefits it brings as will other departments. If cost is a possible issue, then establishing some comparisons or even better savings that could be made by implementing an Audiovisual Solution will add weight to your proposal. Talk to us as early as possible in the process as we can help with all these questions and help you plan for the ideal solution. As far as budgeting goes, we have developed a simple excel template that will enable you to quickly assess the current costs of your various meetings and provide you with an idea of costs that could be eliminated, thus providing you with an outline budget.

Even if you believe you are not ready to address this area of responsibility it still makes sense to see how much potentially your company could save and re-invest in Audiovisual equipment and associated technologies to make your life better. Hopefully you will be pleasantly surprised or even shocked at how much this could potentially save! Also feel free to share it amongst department heads but ensure they feedback the savings and questions to you. Then contact us and we will arrange a suitable meeting time and date.

Don’t forget our aim is to provide you with an Audiovisual Solution that is complex enough to provide the best quality possible, for your budget, and yet simple enough for your staff to operate efficiently and effectively. That your director’s will also be pleased with and want to use to demonstrate their commitment to a new future for doing business and your FD will be even happier to support as it’s saving him money and HR a load of stressful staff issues!

Let us show you how you could employ a suitable and affordable Audiovisual Solution for your business, that will integrate with your existing system processes and provide you with a realistic ROI.

Why should I get my Audio & Video system 'health checked'?

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In the first instance let’s just clear up what we mean by audio video or even audio visual – this can mean anything that you might have installed in your Smart Home or Workspace.

In your home it could be your video system, audio system, home cinema, lighting controls, window blind controls, energy controllers, exterior lights, security systems, remote access controls and exterior audio & video systems.

In the Workspace it could be your audio visual meeting rooms – from your boardroom and town hall space to huddle rooms and individual meeting booths or pods. There could be elements of digital signage, video walls, broadcasting environments and again much like the home lighting controls, window blind controls, energy controllers, exterior lights, security systems, remote access controls and exterior audio & video systems.

Most critically in both areas will be the foundation for both is your IT Network as this will often be the gateway to your systems.

There are several reasons why you should get your audio visual system "health checked":

Ensure Optimal Performance: Over time, audio visual systems can experience wear and tear, which can impact their performance. Getting a health check can help identify any issues with your system and ensure that it is functioning at optimal levels. This can improve the overall quality of your audio visual experience.
Extend System Lifespan: Regular maintenance and health checks can help extend the lifespan of your av installation. Identifying and fixing issues early on can prevent them from turning into more significant problems that can damage your system irreparably, forcing you to replace it entirely.
Save Money: Regular health checks can help you identify any potential issues with your system before they become more significant problems. By addressing these issues early on, you can avoid costly repairs or replacements down the line. Additionally, well-maintained systems consume less power and last longer, which can save you money on energy bills and system replacements.
Improve User Experience: Audio visual systems play a critical role in creating an engaging and memorable experience for users. By ensuring that your system is functioning correctly, you can enhance the user experience and create a positive impression.
Keep Up with Technological Advances: As technology evolves, so do audio visual systems. A health check can help you identify any outdated components or technologies in your system and recommend upgrades to keep your system up-to-date with the latest advancements.

Overall, regular health checks can help ensure that your audio visual / audio & video system is functioning at optimal levels, to extend its lifespan, save you money, improve the user experience, and keep up with technological advances. It is a worthwhile investment to ensure that your system is functioning correctly and providing the best possible experience for you and/or your users.

Book your AV Health Check NOW!

For further information about how Astratto Technologies can help you please email hello@astratto.tech or call us.

US +1 720 912 6171

UK +44 (0)20 8135 8350

Ten Top Tips for a Desk Booking & Room Scheduling System

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

When searching for a desk booking & room scheduling system, there are several key features and benefits that you should consider. These will help ensure efficient and organised booking processes, maximise space utilisation, and enhance productivity within your organisation:

User-friendly Interface: Look for a system that offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface. This makes it easy for employees to navigate and book meeting rooms or desks without the need for extensive training or technical knowledge. A clean and simple interface promotes adoption and encourages employees to utilise the system effectively.
Centralised Booking System: A centralised booking system allows employees to view the availability of meeting rooms and desks in real-time. This feature prevents conflicts by displaying only the available options, making it easier to find suitable spaces for meetings or work.
Flexible Booking Options: This includes the ability to schedule meetings or book desks for specific time slots, recurring meetings, or ad-hoc bookings. Flexibility in booking options ensures that employees can easily adapt to changing schedules and requirements.
Integration with Calendar and Email: Integration with popular calendar applications like Microsoft Outlook or Google Calendar is essential. This allows employees to seamlessly sync their booking information with their personal calendars. Additionally, email integration enables the system to send automated booking confirmations, reminders, or updates to relevant participants, ensuring smooth communication and reducing the risk of missed bookings.
Customisable Booking Rules: The system should allow administrators to set customisable booking rules to align with the organisation's policies and requirements. This includes defining booking lead times, maximum booking durations, or restrictions on certain rooms or desks. Customisable booking rules help optimise space utilisation and prevent misuse or overbooking of resources.
Desk and Room Analytics: Look for a system that provides analytics and reporting features. These analytics can offer insights into room or desk utilisation rates, peak hours, frequently used spaces, or booking patterns. Such data helps organisations identify opportunities to optimise space allocation, identify underutilised areas, or make informed decisions regarding workspace planning.
Mobile Access: A system with mobile accessibility allows employees to book meeting rooms or desks on the go. Mobile access via a dedicated app or a responsive web interface ensures that employees can make bookings even when they are away from their desks or outside the office premises.
Visitor Management: An integrated visitor management feature is beneficial for organisations that frequently host external visitors. This feature streamlines the process of registering and managing visitor access to meeting rooms, ensuring a smooth and secure experience for both employees and guests.
Reporting and Insights: Look for a system that offers comprehensive reporting capabilities. Reports can provide valuable insights into space utilisation, booking trends, and resource allocation. These insights can help organisations make data-driven decisions to optimise space usage, plan for future needs, or identify opportunities for cost savings.
Integration with Other Systems: Consider a meeting room and desk booking system that integrates well with other workplace management tools, such as facility management systems, access control systems, or collaboration platforms. Integration with these systems allows for seamless data exchange and enhances overall productivity and efficiency within the workplace.

In conclusion, a comprehensive meeting room and desk booking & scheduling system should have a user-friendly interface, centralised booking capabilities, flexible booking options, integration with calendars and email, customisable booking rules, analytics and reporting features, mobile accessibility, visitor management, and integration with other systems.

By considering these key features, you can select a system that meets your organisation's specific needs, streamlines the booking processes, maximises space utilisation, and enhances productivity in the workplace.

As there are so many systems on the market currently it is always worth talking with an experienced integrator like Astratto Technologies who can help you sort through the various options and help you install and manage the system.

To find out more please email: hello@astratto.tech or call:

US +1 720 912 6171

UK +44 (0)20 8135 8350

See our page all about Room & Desk Booking Systems

Developing Better Lines of Communication in Your Workspaces

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction

Effective communication is crucial for success in any workspace. Developing better lines of communication can lead to improved collaboration, increased productivity, and greater engagement among employees. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of interactive workspaces and how they can enhance workforce collaboration. We will dive into the benefits of using interactive online whiteboards and other interactive collaboration tools. By leveraging these tools, you can create an environment that fosters open communication, encourages idea sharing, and boosts overall team performance. Let's begin!

The Power of Interactive Workspaces

Interactive workspaces revolutionise traditional communication methods by providing dynamic and engaging platforms for collaboration. These workspaces leverage interactive online whiteboards and other innovative tools to facilitate seamless communication and idea exchange among team members.

By utilising interactive online whiteboards, teams can brainstorm, visualise concepts, and collaborate in real time, regardless of their physical location. These digital platforms offer a wide range of features, such as virtual sticky notes, drawing tools, and collaborative document editing, enabling teams to work together effectively, even when geographically dispersed.

Enhancing Workforce Collaboration

Improved workforce collaboration is a significant benefit of interactive workspaces. By breaking down communication barriers, these tools foster a sense of unity and shared purpose among team members. With interactive collaboration tools, employees can actively participate in discussions, share ideas, and provide feedback, leading to more innovative solutions and better decision-making.

The interactive nature of these workspaces also promotes inclusivity, as every team member has an equal opportunity to contribute and be heard. This strengthens teamwork and boosts employee engagement, ultimately driving overall productivity and satisfaction.

Increasing Employee Productivity

Interactive workspaces have a direct impact on employee productivity. By providing a platform for streamlined communication and collaboration, these tools eliminate the need for lengthy email threads and disjointed communication channels. Team members can quickly access and share information, reducing time wasted searching for resources or waiting for responses.

Moreover, the visual and interactive elements of these workspaces enhance information retention and understanding. Complex ideas can be conveyed more effectively through visual diagrams, charts, and illustrations, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and reducing the risk of miscommunication.

Leveraging Interactive Collaboration Tools

To develop better lines of communication in your workspaces, it's essential to leverage the right interactive collaboration tools. In addition to interactive online whiteboards, there are various other tools available, such as video conferencing platforms, project management software, and team messaging applications.

Choosing the right combination of tools depends on your specific needs and work dynamics. It's important to select user-friendly solutions that align with your team's preferences and facilitate seamless collaboration. Training and support should also be provided to ensure that team members can fully utilise the tools and maximise their benefits.

Conclusion

Developing better lines of communication in your workspaces is key to fostering collaboration, productivity, and engagement among your workforce. By embracing interactive workspaces and utilising tools like interactive online whiteboards, you can create an environment that encourages open communication, idea sharing, and effective collaboration. Explore the power of interactive collaboration tools and experience the transformative impact they can have on your team's performance and overall success.