AV-IT Convergence and the Future of the AV Industry

For the past twenty years we have been talking about and witnessing the convergence of IT and AV industries in real time. Is the IT/AV convergence leaving the AV integration industry behind, or just making it more specialized?
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In the past twenty years I have witnessed first hand the merger of AV and IT. We have been talking about it and witnessing it in real time for decades now.

Let's face it, manufactures have innovated products that are cheaper and easier to set up for the purpose of working directly with end users. Now, typical meeting rooms can be set up with the gear that comes in the box, no programming required. Many products are smaller and more light weight and do not need professional integrators to install. Other than specialty spaces, where does this leave integrators? Let's face it. AV Integration is not about system design as much as it used to be. So, what is it becoming, other than more specialized?

It has felt like an adapt or die situation for years now. But are we adapting affectively?

These are the kind of questions I have been asking myself more lately. 

  • Why do clients want to work with you?
  • What practical value do you add beyond AV Integration?
  • How do you make your client's job easier?
  • Are you concerned with client KPI’s and making the client look good?
  • Do you consider other factors in your AV Integration like acoustics and lighting?  

What does the future hold for the AV industry?

I would love to hear about the questions you are asking yourself. What keeps you awake at night?