How Cloud Computing Tools Can Improve AV Team Work?
The audiovisual (AV) industry has seen massive growth and change over the past decade. AV teams now face greater complexity in their event production and management, with more devices, inputs, outputs and team members to coordinate. Thankfully, cloud computing tools provide innovative new ways for AV teams to collaborate and streamline their workflows.
In this blog, we'll explore how cloud audio visual tools can benefit AV teams in event production, remote work, asset management, and more. We'll look at leading examples of cloud AV tools and see real-world examples of how they enable AV teams to work faster, smarter and more efficiently.
Streamlining Real-Time Collaboration for AV Teams
One of the biggest challenges in live event production is coordinating all the moving parts. From multiple camera feeds and live mixes to venue tech and speaker support, AV teams have to collaborate closely to pull off seamless events. Traditionally this required expensive audio mixing consoles, video switchers, intercom systems and more proprietary hardware.
Cloud computing now enables AV teams to collaborate in real-time using flexible software platforms.
These cloud AV platforms allow dispersed teams to:
Access the same virtual mixing console to adjust audio, video and lighting in real-time during an event.
Chat and confer within the platform to coordinate on the fly.
Switch instantly between camera feeds and live inputs.
Mix audio from remote contributors or musicians.
Streamline cues for theater or live shows.
With cloud AV tools, teams can collaborate dynamically no matter where they're located. This enables more flexibility for REMI / at-home production as well as better coordination onsite.
Key Benefits for AV Teams:
No need for expensive proprietary hardware at each location - just an internet-connected device.
Ability to rehearse and modify cues together pre-show.
Platforms provide better oversight and communication during live production.
Changes can be made quickly without having to run cables or re-patch inputs.
Fewer manual errors since cloud platforms reduce complexity.
By transitioning critical show production tasks to centralized cloud software, AV teams gain better flexibility, visibility and coordination. This leads to smoother event production with less stress.
Enabling Remote Work and Decentralized Teams
Another major benefit of cloud-based AV tools is the ability for remote work. As AV teams become more dispersed geographically, cloud platforms enable collaboration from anywhere. Team members can shift to working from home while still maintaining full access and involvement.
AV platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Gather provide virtual meeting spaces for distributed AV teams. Key features include:
HD video conferencing with screensharing to virtually "meet" and assess issues together.
Collaborative whiteboards and annotations make it easy to draw diagrams or schemas.
Built-in chats and messaging enable quick questions and clarifications.
Ability to create "rooms" to split into smaller groups or breakouts.
With the shift to hybrid and remote work, having cloud collaboration tools is crucial for AV teams. Without the need to be in the same physical location, AV technicians and managers can work flexibly and avoid disruptive travel. Some key benefits include:
Ability to onboard and train new team members virtually.
Flexibility for parents, caregivers and those with accessibility needs.
Wider range of qualified candidates since location is not a limitation.
Cost and time savings by avoiding excessive travel to meetings.
Continuous collaboration before, during and after events.
Virtual technologies make it possible to coordinate major events with team members across multiple locations. Cloud platforms give distributed AV teams visibility and alignment leading to better decentralization.
Simplifying Asset Management and Administration
Managing large inventories of AV gear, rentals and vendors is another huge undertaking. AV teams maintain extensive databases of equipment, including item details like make, model, serial number, rental costs, etc. In the past this required error-prone spreadsheets and paperwork.
Modern cloud AV asset management systems enable teams to gain control of their inventory. Platforms like Landr, BirdDog and Mobilitas provide centralized cloud repositories with key features like:
Searchable equipment libraries with custom fields and categories.
Tracking of item rental costs, availability schedules and assignments.
Dashboards for real-time visibility into gear out on rent.
Chain of custody and movement logs.
Maintenance schedules and repair workflow.
Integrations with accounting, CRM and procurement software.
Consolidating all asset data into a cloud management platform has huge benefits for coordinating AV teams including:
Complete visibility into equipment inventory and assignments.
Prevent gear conflicts or double bookings.
Automation of rental workflows and cost tracking.
Easier oversight of maintenance needs and repair cycles.
Analytics for smarter purchasing and investment decisions.
On the administrative side, AV teams can leverage cloud tools for scheduling, time tracking, invoicing and more. Platforms like HoneyBook and 17Hats provide an all-in-one management hub including:
Client management with bookings, contacts and documentation.
Staff and contractor scheduling and calendars.
Timesheets, payroll and job costing.
Billing with invoicing and payment processing.
Project management and collaboration.
Centralizing the business operations side through cloud administrative systems keeps AV teams better coordinated on the financials and logistics. This enables more efficient workflows and less time wasted on administrative tasks.
The Future of AV Team Management
Cloud-based AV tools open entirely new possibilities for coordinating teams, decentralizing work and simplifying management. As more innovation occurs, cloud platforms will enable ever-greater efficiency and transparency.
Some emerging trends to expect next from cloud AV technologies:
Real-time tracking and oversight - Gauge team performance and event progression remotely using data and metrics for smarter optimization.
Enhanced accessibility - Support more flexible, neurodiverse and accessible working styles through assistive cloud technologies.
Automation - Leverage AI to handle repetitive scheduling, pre-production and administrative tasks.
Expanded integration - Connect cloud AV tools into more centralized ecosystems including procurement, logistics and marketing.
Volumetric video - Blend AR/VR with cloud platforms for highly immersive remote collaboration.
Already cloud computing has proven transformative for AV teams looking to streamline real-time coordination and decentralize work. As cloud technologies continue evolving, they promise even greater improvements in flexibility, performance and oversight.
The key for AV managers will be keeping current with the latest cloud innovations and finding opportunities to implement those that maximize their team's efficiency and capabilities. By leveraging cutting-edge cloud platforms, progressive AV teams will gain important competitive advantages through improved collaboration, simplified logistics and centralized insights.
Action Steps for AV Teams Looking to Improve Through Cloud Computing
Audit current workflows and identify areas for better real-time collaboration during events and productions.
Research leading cloud AV platforms for mixing audio, streaming video and coordinating cues. Set up trials to test their capabilities.
Survey staff to assess needs and preferences for remote work and flexible scheduling. Define policies to support hybrid and decentralized work.
Evaluate AV asset management needs including inventory tracking, cost management and maintenance. Explore cloud platforms that can centralize data and provide real-time analytics.
Consider administrative bottlenecks that reduce productivity. Implement cloud-based tools for scheduling, timekeeping, project coordination and financial management.
Commit to regular training so staff build skills and familiarity with new cloud technologies. Supplement with expert support.
Stay on top of emerging tech trends in the AV sector. Pilot innovative new cloud tools to see if they can amplify team performance and efficiency.
The cloud offers game-changing potential for AV professionals to work smarter and gain competitive advantages. By proactively seeking ways to implement cloud platforms across critical workflows, AV managers can build teams that thrive both onsite and virtually.
