AV Integration is the bringing together of component audiovisual devices and subsystems into one system and ensuring that the devices and subsystems function together as a whole. East Coast Audio Visual runs a formal methodology for these more complex projects and a dedicated experienced technical integration resource. The main areas of AV integration are:

• Requirements specification
• Technical architecture
• Technical risk management
• Specification and inventory
• Costing
• Installation, configuration and programming
• Integration testing
  

Requirements specification

This is established by client interviews and site visit. It is important to establish that we are listening to the right people to specify requirements. Requirements will be expressed, as far as possible, in functional terms. That is, they will describe the problems to be solved, not necessarily how they are to be solved. The output from this stage will be a document headed "Our understanding of your requirement". If not discussed with the client before, this document will as a minimum be included in the East Coast Audio Visual proposal, to ensure we have understood the customer correctly.

Without proper requirements specification, the integrator may not correctly understand the business and its needs, leading to a disastrous disconnect!

Technical architecture

From the requirements, a technical architecture for the project is developed. It identifies all the technologies, protocols, device types, device features utilised and interfaces to external systems required. Examples of external systems include customer power, IT network and building management. The technical architecture may include options for evaluation by the customer.

Without a technical architecture there is no basis for technical risk management.

Technical risk management

The technical architecture is the basis for technical risk management. Each technology, protocol, device type is evaluated as:

1. Proof of functioning in that configuration - If not proven, demonstration models and samples will be sought, and in-house tests conducted. For external interfaces, interviews or site visits with client staff (eg IT manager) may be required.
2. Ability to install, operate and support - Skills assesment of ECAV, sub-contractors and/or client's staff, and the need for additional training.

Without technical risk management, there is a danger that the solution will not work when it is implemented, or a danger that the skills to get it to work are not available.

Specification and inventory

Now comes a detailed specification and component inventory, including:

1. Schematics
2. Devices and quantities required
3. Lengths of cables and quantities of connectors required
4. Likely labour requirements and source of labour (in-house or sub-contractor)
5. Items to be provided by client

The detailed specification and inventory will be the basis of ordering and will ensure that all required materials are present for implementation, and that the client clearly understands what will be required of them.

Costing

The specification and inventory is the basis for a detailed costing, which in turn becomes the basis for the proposal to the client, which may summarise elements of the detailed specification. Once accepted by the client, who may indicate their choices amongst proferred options, the detailed specification is turned into a firm Scope of Work. More detail on what is in the scope of work is identifed in the Installation section.

Detailed costing and scope of work at this stage minimises the possibility of cost overruns.

Installation, configuration and programming

Where appropriate configuration and programming will be done in-house at East Coast Audio Visual before equipment is delivered to the client's site. Some assembly may be done off-site as well, for example cabinetry, special cables.

Integration testing

Before handover to the client, comprehensive integration testing will be done on site, and any consequent remediation undertaken. Remediation is relatively unlikely if the AV integration process described above has been followed.

 

In summary, a formal AV integration process, minimizes delays, rework and cost overruns and maximises client satisfaction.