It’s no secret that newer business technologies have dramatically changed how companies attract and retain employees and customers. Many of these technologies have gone from optional to key components of larger data ecosystems. As a result of this shift, a group of audiovisual (AV) experts from Commercial Integrator1 recently got together to discuss which technology options present the greatest return on investment (ROI) for businesses and organizations.
- AI platforms that improve collaboration and workflows to improve employee productivity.
- Building Management Systems (BMS) to control access, energy usage, and building security.
- Wireless connectivity for customers, in-person, and remote workers.
- The Internet of Things (IoT) continues to grow as more cities become connected to share and conserve valuable resources.
- Large-format displays that provide an immersive experience for visitors and employees.
As a result of these integrations, AV professionals must adapt their infrastructure strategies to include the flexibility and quick access needed for ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and a complete reconfiguration to meet space or new tenant needs. Having the best, most adaptive cabling distribution system allows businesses to provide a satisfying, immersive digital experience, which will attract qualified employees and more customers.
What is an Immersive Digital Experience?
An immersive digital experience is a technology-driven interaction that engages multiple senses, such as sight and sound. These technologies can help AV professionals create a feeling of being transported to a different place or time, often blurring the lines that typically separate physical and virtual worlds.
Immersive digital experiences typically rely on the following technologies:
Virtual Reality (VR) can be used across various industries to improve training, simulations, and individual engagement.
Augmented Reality (AR) for enhancing real-world connections between employees and customers.
Mixed Reality (MR) blends virtual and real environments to improve collaboration between in-person and remote workers.
Immersive Virtual Worlds (IVWs) provide a simulated environment where people can connect and interact with others.
Large-format LED Screens for touchless navigation and presenting changing content and information to employees and customers.
These technologies can help foster a sense of connection, making employees and customers feel like an integral part of the story. This connection boosts employee productivity and improves customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and word-of-mouth advertising.
Why Large Format LED Display Screens?
The latest generation of LED display screens includes new features designed explicitly for today’s AI-generated content. A high dot pitch (or pixel pitch) is suitable for larger viewing distances and outdoor locations, which is necessary for today’s 4K content. In addition to costing less than screens with smaller pixel pitches, high dot pitches use fewer LEDs and less energy to operate.
According to Commercial Integrator1, many existing installations “are now underpowered, unserviceable and expensive to run due to their higher power consumption. However, the biggest driver is due to the “generative content” revolution where creators are using AI tools to develop richer more customized content quicker at a lower cost. This will drive faster adoption with a higher ROI for enterprises, retailers, entertainment venues and hospitality.”
For many companies, this cost-effective “technology refresh” is complicated for properties that rely on traditional above-ceiling cable trays. Accessing the hidden data and AV cables requires removing the ceiling tiles from the server room to each connection point for maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. Many property and business owners are turning to low-profile raised access flooring systems to simplify future cable access.
These systems, like the Gridd® Adaptive Cabling Distribution System®, use modular steel components to create a small air space (less than 3”) above the concrete floor. With the data and AV cables relocated, facility teams can gain quick access by removing a few floor-covering pieces. As new technologies become available, this flexibility and adaptability will be essential for shortening project timelines and future upgrade costs. Gridd allows these spaces to evolve organically as the building, tenant, or work team needs change over time. Future compatibility is always a concern when addressing infrastructure systems. Today’s Gridd components are 100% backward compatible with the first Gridd systems installed 25 years ago.
The Ability to Adapt to Meet the Needs of the End User
Since no two companies or tenants will have the exact technology requirements, a flexible and adaptable data cabling system is paramount for property owners and facility teams. Systems like Gridd enable the power and cabling flexibility required in this next season of dynamic in-person and remote end-use environments. In addition to handling your data cabling needs, Gridd offers two additional solutions to improve further the digital experience for employees, visitors, and customers.
Gridd Power® provides flexible power management through an integrated 50-amp modular bus system designed and approved to work seamlessly with the Gridd Raised Flooring System. Currently, Gridd Power is available in three different configurations to meet a company’s needs for future growth and expansion.
Field Wired – with this option, home run circuits must still connect to the primary or central panel. However, the MX cabling is now installed within the raised flooring system, not in the walls or attic (plenum) space above the finished ceiling.
Modular Branch Circuit – typically, the power tracks are installed at a maximum of 48’ on center and rely on the (up to) 24′ whip of the power and data enclosures to easily reach the desired service location.
50 Amp Modular Power Distribution—This option provides 50-amp, 3-phase power connectivity throughout the area at 20-25′ intervals. Ideal for large open offices and shared and multi-use spaces, it offers the most significant design flexibility for architects, builders, and property owners.
Another option to improve future adaptability is the Gridd Mobile® app, which creates a centralized data location for all your project files. Using the Augmented Reality (AR) app, you can quickly test, upgrade, isolate, or modify your cable networks to meet the needs of property owners and tenants and reduce construction costs and timelines. Workers, contractors, designers, and engineers can access all the project details using a smartphone or tablet.
These are three cost-effective examples of opportunities to make the in-person office experience and the customer’s digital experience more immersive and attractive. An adaptable data cabling management system is a solid investment for businesses and commercial property owners looking to reduce future upgrade costs while remaining competitive in a challenging market. To learn more about improving your data cabling infrastructure, contact a Gridd Advisor.
