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SMART Hotel-Room Solutions: In-Room Experiences with an At-Home Feel

by | Jun 25, 2024 | Hospitality, Uncategorized

SMART Hotel-Room Solutions<br /> In-Room Experiences with an At-Home Feel

SMART devices are an essential part of staying connected, especially in today’s fast-paced reality. More and more, guests are looking for seamless technology solutions in their hotel rooms — technology that meets or exceeds their expectations. From charging stations to streaming services, hotels have the opportunity to provide an in-room experience that feels like home, only better. Let’s explore the latest SMART hotel-room solutions, perfect for enhancing the overall guest experience.

Rest, Relax, Recharge:

Provide guests with continuous charging for every device, all at once. Whether it’s a single phone or five separate devices, your guests should have every opportunity to power-up during their stay. Leading brands, like NonStop, offer a wide range of innovative charging solutions, designed specifically for hotel rooms:

NonStopStation P

As an all-in-one solution, this universal charging station is the perfect hub for ALL of your guests’ devices. This station features:

  • QI-Wireless Charging Pad
  • Dual USB-C and USB-A Charging Ports
  • Dual AC Sockets
  • Braided Cable
  • Security C-Clamp

Learn more about NonStop charging solutions »

Personalized and Powerful Viewing:

The evolution of SMART-TVs has redefined the meaning of in-room service and entertainment. With these recent innovations, you can send personalized messaging to individual guest room TVs, push real-time information like weather, hotel events, and guest amenities, and streamline in-room activities, such as check-out, in-room dining, and program selection. In addition, providing your guests with access to a wide range of entertainment options and streaming services has never been easier. Brands like Samsung and LG are leading the way in SMART in-room TVs, and their solutions are sure to impress.

Samsung In-Room SMART TVs

Samsung’s Pro TV series is designed specifically for hotels. Key features include:

  • Crystal UHD Display: Guests can enjoy stunning visuals with Samsung’s high-resolution displays.
  • Smart Hub: Access popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime directly from the TV.
  • Customizable Welcome Screen: Leave a lasting impression with personalized welcome messages and hotel-specific branding.

Explore Samsung’s Guest-Room TVs »

LG In-Room SMART TVs:

LG’s hotel-room TVs provide exceptional entertainment options for guests. Features include:

  • Pro:Centric Smart: LG’s platform allows hotels to customize content, provide local information, and offer interactive services, while allowing guests streaming options.
  • Ultra HD Display: Guests can enjoy vivid, eye-catching colors and sharp images.
  • Energy-Efficient: LG TVs are designed to be eco-friendly and cost effective.

Learn more about LG’s Guest-Room TVs »

Innovation that Leaves a Lasting Impression  

SMART hotel room solutions are essential for providing guests with an exceptional in-room experience. Whether it’s wireless charging or state-of-the-art TVs, hotels that invest in these technologies will create memorable stays for their guests, and keep them coming back for more.

Did you find this blog helpful?
You may also enjoy “The Future of Hospitality: Innovations to Watch in 2024”.

Connect with Hospitality at Exertis Almo on LinkedIn, or visit Hospitality.ExertisAlmo.com.

Behind the Panel: Effective Communication is the Key

by | Jun 20, 2024 | Business Development, Professional Development, Uncategorized

In the dynamic world of Professional Audio-Visual (Pro AV), where technology meets creativity, one fundamental aspect reigns supreme: communication. Whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned player, understanding the pivotal role of communication and honing your communication skills can elevate your success in this industry to new heights. At its core, effective communication serves as the cornerstone of collaboration. In a world where cross-functional teams, diverse stakeholders, and global partnerships are the norm, the ability to convey ideas, share information, and align objectives is paramount.

Let’s delve into why effective communication is so important in the Pro AV landscape.

building business relationshipsBuilding Strong Relationships

At the heart of any successful business lie robust relationships. Effective communication forms the bedrock upon which these relationships are built. Whether it is with customers, team members, or vendors, clear and open communication fosters trust and mutual understanding. I once had a boss who used to tell me I was communicating in the wrong fashion, because I would email my vendors, as opposed to picking up the phone and having a conversation. In my mind, I was communicating, but he had a point, because often with email or text, you can lose or gain meaning as people reading can take inflection where there was none, and it is a little less personal. Now, I was still able to get my message across, but to his point, when you have an actual conversation, it is easier to really get your message across. If you are truly trying to establish a relationship and rapport with someone, then you need to have a conversation. Pro tip: Everything starts with a conversation!

Example: Imagine you are working on a large-scale installation project. Clear communication channels between your team and the client ensure that expectations are aligned, potential issues have been addressed proactively, and the project progresses smoothly. Regular updates and transparent discussions build a rapport of reliability and professionalism, laying the groundwork for future collaborations. On the flipside, what happens when there is a break in communication, and someone is left in the dark? You get people that feel they are not taken care of, not paid attention to, and that can damage your relationship beyond repair. Even if you don’t have the full answer, just reaching out to let someone know you are working on a solution can go extremely far. Try and put yourself in their situation and empathize, you would want to know someone is addressing your concern.

Improving Workflow

In the fast-paced world of Pro AV, seamless workflow is paramount. Effective communication streamlines processes, minimizes errors, and maximizes efficiency.

Example: In a bustling warehouse, effective communication between inventory managers and procurement teams ensures that stock levels are monitored effectively. Timely updates on inventory status, equipment availability, and delivery schedules facilitate smooth operations, preventing delays and optimizing resource utilization. This is why it is so vital for all your forms of communication to be working in the world of distribution. Real-time information is constantly needed, so if there is “a break in the chain,” there are alternative routes for the information to flow.

proactive customer serviceEnhancing Customer Service

No matter what industry you are in, exceptional customer service is non-negotiable. Clear and empathetic communication can turn a standard transaction into a memorable experience, fostering loyalty and repeat business.

Example: Picture a scenario where a customer encounters technical difficulties with their order. Prompt and courteous communication from your support team not only resolves the issue swiftly, but also leaves the customer feeling valued and supported. Their positive experience becomes a testament to your commitment to customer satisfaction, enhancing your brand reputation and driving future referrals. If you keep this in mind, you will have earned a customer for life. It is not easy to do, and like any other skill, communication needs to be practiced every day. Fast response time is everything to customers, vendors, coworkers, the list goes on. Somebody once suggested that in the business world, treat everyone like they are your customer, be responsive, attentive, and respectful, and this can alleviate many ill feelings that could arise from the dreaded “Lack of Communication.”

Delivering Bad News

Sometimes, even if you have done everything right, problems will occur in the real world, but it is how effectively you communicate that can turn a negative into a positive. We live in a world now that has component shortages, rising freight costs, and turbulent political times. On top of that, with so many people involved in the sales process along the way, human error can also rear its ugly head.  Pro tip: Taking ownership is the key.

Example: A customer with a tight deadline has product(s) that is missing from their order. It turns out that when their order was entered into the system, the quantities were incorrect. You do not have a lot of choices here, but there are some that would do two things that will really never work: Blame and avoid. Blaming someone who may have made the error benefits you in the short term, as the customer is not angry with you, but it is a bad look for your company. Pro Tip: Be honest, take ownership of the situation and stay involved until a resolution is reached. You may end up losing a sale, but most people will have to respect that you communicated with them through the process and kept them as informed as possible.

Tips for Effective Communication in Pro AV

  1. Active Listening: Take the time to listen attentively to your customers’ needs and concerns. Understanding their requirements lays the foundation for tailored solutions and lasting relationships.
  2. Clarity and Simplicity: Avoid technical jargon when communicating with non-technical stakeholders. Clear, concise language ensures that everyone is on the same page and minimizes misunderstandings.
  3. Flexibility: Adapt your communication style to suit the preferences of your audience. Whether it is face-to-face meetings, emails, or phone calls, choose the mode of communication that resonates best with the recipient.
  4. Empathy: Put yourself in your customers’ shoes and approach every interaction with empathy and understanding. Acknowledge their challenges and demonstrate your commitment to finding solutions that meet their needs.
  5. Feedback Loops: Encourage open feedback channels within your team and with your customers. Constructive feedback fosters continuous improvement and strengthens relationships.

Conclusion

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape of technology, effective communication is not just a desirable trait – it is a strategic imperative. By prioritizing clear, empathetic communication with customers, team members, and vendors, you can build strong relationships, optimize workflow, and deliver unparalleled customer service. So, embrace the power of communication and watch as it propels you toward success in this exciting world of Pro AV. Don’t forget – everything starts with a conversation.

If you enjoyed this blog, you should check out my CTS story: “Behind the Panel: Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks, or How I Learned to Study Again!“
Patrick Booth, BDM

About the Author

Patrick Booth | CTS, DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: Legrand AV – Chief, C2G, Da-Lite, Luxul, Middle Atlantic, Vaddio, Wiremold

ProAV Network Switches: A Harmonious Blend of Technology and Performance

by | Jun 18, 2024 | Networked AV, Pro Audio, Uncategorized

The World of ProAV Network Switches

In the realm of professional audio-visual (Pro AV) technology, where every decibel matters and every pixel counts, the unseen heroes orchestrating seamless operations are network switches. Often overlooked but absolutely crucial, these silent conductors form the backbone of modern AV systems, ensuring that audio and video signals flow flawlessly, without hiccups or delays. Let’s dive into the world of network switches in professional AV and uncover the magic they bring to the stage.

AV in ConcertsImagine a large-scale conference, a live concert, or a corporate presentation. Behind the scenes, there’s a complex network of AV equipment working tirelessly to deliver an immersive experience to the audience. At the heart of this network lies the network switch, serving as a central hub that connects various AV devices such as cameras, microphones, speakers, displays, and media servers.

Performance and Reliability

In Pro AV environments, reliability is non-negotiable. Network switches designed for this industry prioritize uptime and stability, utilizing advanced features like Quality of Service (QoS), redundancy protocols, and multicast support to ensure that audio and video streams are transmitted without interruption. Whether it’s a high-definition video feed or multi-channel audio, these switches deliver uncompromising performance, allowing professionals to focus on their craft without worrying about technical glitches.

Bandwidth and Throughput

One of the key challenges in AV networking is managing bandwidth and throughput effectively. With the rise of ultra-high-definition (UHD) content and immersive audio formats, the demand for data-intensive applications has surged. Network switches tailored for professional AV environments are equipped with high-speed ports, advanced traffic management capabilities, and ample throughput to handle the demands of modern multimedia.

Many AV installations require real-time streaming and low-latency communication, making ultra-fast switching crucial. With features like low latency forwarding and buffering, specialized network switches minimize delay and jitter, ensuring that audio and video signals reach their destination with minimal latency, preserving synchronization and enhancing the overall user experience.

Management and Control

In the world of professional AV, flexibility and control are paramount. Network switches offer sophisticated management options, allowing administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the network with ease. From intuitive web-based interfaces to powerful command-line tools, these switches provide a range of management capabilities tailored to the needs of AV professionals.
Netgear M4250 AV Switches
Furthermore, network switches play a crucial role in network security, safeguarding sensitive audiovisual content from unauthorized access or tampering. With support for advanced security features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs), port security, and encryption, these switches ensure that data remains confidential, and integrity is maintained throughout the AV ecosystem.

Scalability and Adaptability

As AV installations grow in complexity and scale, network infrastructure must evolve to accommodate changing requirements. Network switches offer scalability and adaptability, allowing organizations to expand their AV systems seamlessly without sacrificing performance or reliability. Whether it’s adding new endpoints, integrating emerging technologies, or supporting larger audiences, these switches provide the flexibility to scale up or down as needed.

Moreover, network switches in professional AV are designed to integrate with other components of the ecosystem, such as audio processors, video matrix switchers, and control systems. Through standards-based protocols like Dante, AVB, and AES67, these switches enable interoperability and seamless communication between different devices, creating a unified and cohesive AV environment.

Power over Ethernet and Future Innovations

Let’s also not forget about Power over Ethernet (PoE) for supplying power to the devices in our AV system.  Many AV devices, such as IP cameras, wireless access points, and digital signage displays, rely on Power over Ethernet (PoE) from switches for power and data transmission. Ensure that the network switch provides adequate PoE support, including the required power budget and compatibility with PoE standards such as IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at (PoE+), or IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++), depending on the power needs of the connected devices. (See PoE reference guide below)

Switcher PanelAs technology continues to evolve, network switches will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of professional AV, enabling new possibilities and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of performance, reliability, and scalability. One network switch manufacturer leading the charge in the Pro AV industry is Netgear. They provide purpose-built layer 3 switches with preconfigured network protocols like IGMP snooping, multicast routing, and fast leave mechanisms, to optimize multicast traffic delivery and conserve network bandwidth. Netgear also continues to develop switches that include certified profile setup configurations including NDI, SRT, Dante, AES, AVB and many others for audio/video/lighting/control. Adding a simplified custom AV user interface that doesn’t require an IT administrator to configure, and generous PoE power for all AV components in the system is a grand slam for Pro AV integrators.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is categorized into different classes based on the power levels they can deliver. These classes are defined by the IEEE 802.3 standard. Here’s a breakdown of the main PoE classes and their differences:

1. IEEE 802.3af (PoE, Class 1-3):

    • Power Output: Provides up to 15.4 watts of DC power per port.
    • Application: Suitable for low-power devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, many encoders and decoders, and IP cameras.
    • Classification: Devices are classified into three power classes (Class 1-3) based on their power requirements. Class 1 devices require the least power, while Class 3 devices can consume up to 15.4 watts.

2. IEEE 802.3at (PoE+):

    • Power Output: Provides up to 30 watts of DC power per port.
    • Application: Designed for higher-power devices such as PTZ cameras, video conferencing systems, and access control systems.
    • Classification: PoE+ introduces a higher power class (Class 4) to support devices with greater power demands. Class 4 devices can consume up to 30 watts.

3. IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++):

    • Power Output: Provides up to 90 watts of DC power per port.
    • Application: Intended for high-power devices such as pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, high-performance wireless access points, and IoT devices with integrated sensors and actuators.
    • Classification: PoE++ introduces four power classes (Class 5-8) to support a wide range of devices with varying power requirements. Class 5 devices can consume up to 45 watts, Class 6 up to 60 watts, Class 7 up to 75 watts, and Class 8 up to 90 watts.

*The primary difference between these PoE classes lies in the amount of power they can deliver to connected devices. As the class number increases, so does the maximum power output per port.

**It’s essential for users to choose the appropriate PoE class based on the power requirements of their devices to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.

***Don’t forget to calculate the system’s Total Power Budget when factoring in PoE requirements.

Curious about Programming Services? Check out this conversation between Tom Kehr and Drew Metherall.
Eric Olson headshot
About the Author

Eric Olson​​ | CTS, DSCE

Senior BDM – Technical Lead

Supported Manufacturers: Netgear, LG, Lumens and Atlona

Maximizing Visibility: Outdoor Signage at Its Brightest

by | Jun 13, 2024 | Uncategorized

When it comes to outdoor displays, there are a variety of factors to consider based on the environment. Whether you’re considering installing a display in direct sunlight or in a shaded outdoor area, understanding the key differences and requirements can increase the effectiveness and longevity of a display.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand the Ingress Protection (IP) ratings, which detail a display’s ability to resist dust, water, and other elements to a certain degree. The rating system indicates resistance to solids and liquids, with higher numbers indicating a greater level of protection.
IP Ratings Chart

When understanding an IP rating, the first digital represents the resistance to solids, and the second digital represents the resistance to liquids. For example, IP54 offers protection against dust and water, making it suitable for partial shade environments, whereas IP56 or higher is suggested for areas in direct sunlight.

Shade: For shaded areas, such as covered patios, the requirements for a digital display are distinct. Commercial-grade panels with protective glass are ideal, as they provide durability against environmental factors while maintaining an impressive display quality.

Sun: Direct sunlight poses its own set of obstacles, as excessive heat can lead to brown spots in the display and over-heating, affecting the visibility and functionality of the technology. To combat this, displays designed for direct sun need to be constructed with features like temperature control and air-flow considerations for keeping the panel cool.

Displays in the sunBrightness is another key factor when choosing an outdoor display. Displays intended for direct sunlight should have high brightness levels, typically around 4,000-nits, ensuring visibility even in extremely bright conditions. Additionally, auto-sensing capabilities, which adjust the brightness levels based on ambient lighting conditions, can further enhance user experience and energy efficiency by providing a proper brightness throughout the day.

Along with the IP Rating, an Impact Protection (IK) rating measures the amount of protection provided against external damage and impact. An IK00 rating provides no protection, and an IK10 rating protects the display against 20 joules of impact.

IK code IK00 IK01-IK05 IK06 IK07 IK08 IK09 IK10
Impact Energy (Joules) <1 1 2 5 10 20
Rmm (Radius of striking element) * 10 10 25 25 50 50
Material * Polyamide 1 Polyamide 1 Steel 2 Steel 2 Steel 2 Steel 2
Mass KG * 0.2 0.5 0.5 1.7 5 5
Free Fall Height M * * * 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.4
Pendulum hammer Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Spring hammer * Yes Yes Yes No No No
Free fall hammer * No No Yes Yes Yes Yes

Sporting Events

Outdoor sports displaysIn many cases, displays require projection against external damage, in addition to dust and water. The Peerless-AV Neptune Partial Shade has a rating of IK10 and IP54, which protects them from dust, water, and mechanical impact. These are particularly useful at sporting events, as there is a higher chance of damage to the exterior of the display.

Explore the lineup of Peerless Neptune Partial Shade, offered in 55”, 65”, and 75” landscape sizes.

Retail DisplaysRetail Applications

Although retail spaces are mostly indoors, they frequently utilize window advertising to promote new products and sales. For this application, it’s best to install an indoor, window-facing display designed for high-brightness environments.

Take a look at the indoor, window-facing displays from LG (55″ / 75″) and Samsung (55″ / 75″).

Quick Service Restaurants

Restaurant DisplaysAlong with sporting arenas, the IK10 rating is also applicable to quick service restaurants (QSRs). These displays are at a higher risk of external impact and damage, therefore a rating of IK10 appropriate for the space. Also, quick service restaurants benefit from displays that manage content. The Outdoor LCD monitor from LG runs webOS and includes Connected Care monitoring, which reports on the health of the panel.

Explore the LG Direct Sunlight lineup, available in 22”, 49”, 55”, and 75”, offered in portrait-mode only, with ¼-in. air flow between the display and IK10 glass to prevent overheating.

If you’re looking to get started on an outdoor project, connect with me to learn more about our extensive line-up of outdoor display solutions.

Looking for more on outdoor AV? Try “Exploring Outdoor Spaces: the Power of AV in QSR Drive-Thru and Outdoor Dining“

Jennifer Fisher

About the Author

Jennifer Fisher

BDM – Brand Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: LG Business Solutions (SW, W, NW)

Contact Exertis Almo for product info, inventory availability, or to start a quote.

AI – The Sincerest Form of Flattery?

by | Jun 11, 2024 | Collaboration, Uncategorized

I could have let Artificial Intelligence write this blog for me.  However, I would have considered that cheating.  But is it?  I’ve learned from a close Microsoft contact that she often lets AI create her slide decks.  She feeds CoPilot (a Microsoft tool that leverages AI) a small amount of information and it compiles a detailed, powerful PowerPoint presentation.  WOW!  Doesn’t sound like cheating to me.  More like working smart instead of hard.

Using AIArtificial Intelligence – it’s all the buzz!  By definition, artificial intelligence mimics brain behavior to perform tasks using data and algorithms quickly and effectively.  Some people are hesitant to use AI, so they say.  However, we are all using it in our everyday lives whether we realize it or not.  Who can finish your sentences besides your spouse? AI!  The same applies to automatic grammar corrections and spellcheck. No one wants their spouse correcting them, but why not AI?!  A simple Google search delivers you what you want instantly using AI.  The list goes on and on, from banking to Amazon recommendations, smart home devices and digital voice assistants.  I would go as far to say that we would be lost without the basic help of AI at this point in our lives.

As a Pro AV distributor, we have several vendors/partners whose very products depend on AI to deliver the best features, functionality, and experiences to meet the needs of all types of businesses around the world.  One of our newest offerings is Microsoft Teams Rooms (MTR).  Microsoft is one of the biggest proponents of AI.  To use MTR in a business setting, you need compatible equipment for the best experience.  While many of you are familiar with standard PTZ cameras, AI has taken these cameras to the next level giving fantastic results.  “Computer Vision” works much like human vision.  Enabling computer vision in PTZ cameras allows the camera to analyze faster than the human eye for features like tracking and auto-framing.

We have experienced a rapid growth of remote workers over the last few years.  This has led to a significant increase in the use of online collaboration via tools, such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom.  Fast forward to our current status, we have a hybrid environment, meaning many employees are in the office part time and working from home often, as well.  So, how do we juggle interaction and communication when employees are often not in the same place?  How do we have seamless meetings that are as close to the “real thing” as possible, and with ease?  I think we all know by now, it’s from daily use (perhaps hourly!) of online collaboration.  To have the best experience when meeting with employees, customers, vendors and such, you need the right tools.  This is where we, at Exertis Almo, come in.  We not only have over 100 sales reps across the nation to assist in fulfilling your communication needs, but we also have a seasoned team of AV experts to help design the perfect experience in any office space.  We offer a group of professionals who will recommend the best solutions for all to meet from near or far.  Some of those offer AI functionality. This is where I return to PTZ cameras using AI to enhance your virtual meetings.  By using the right camera and taking advantage of the AI features, you will find your meetings are better received and much more impactful.

Embrace AI.  Use it to improve your efficiency and enhance your meetings.

If only I could use AI to do my three-mile walk each morning while I reap the benefits. One day perhaps, one day.

Want to know more about AI in AV? You might enjoy this recent blog: “Innovate Corporate Collaboration with AI-Powered Solutions for Microsoft Teams Rooms”.

Lisa Lingo, BDM

About the Author

Lisa Lingo

Category Manager – Collaboration

Supported Product Category: Collaboration

Contact Exertis Almo for product info, inventory availability, or to start a quote.

Leveraging Distributor and Manufacturer Services in the AV Industry

by | Jun 6, 2024 | Business Development, Pro Services, Uncategorized

As the Exertis Almo Business Development Manager for the Panasonic Connect product line, I have familiarity with the Panasonic service offerings and the Exertis Almo Professional Service offerings. It’s interesting that there’s so much demand for service offerings today – I remember 10 to 15 years ago when distributors started coming up with service offerings for the reseller community.

There was so much controversy about both the distributors and manufacturers going direct and their intent was to replace the value add of the reseller.  Over time, that was quickly considered false.  In fact, many of you quickly jumped on the opportunity to use both distributor and manufacturer service offerings to expand your business.  Today, it’s much more accepted practice to leverage both the manufacturer and distributor for assistance.

Do manufacturers and distributors compete with one another for service offerings?  I decided to reach out to do some personal exploration on just this topic, and the short answer is no.

Customer ServiceLet’s explore the differences between distributor and manufacturer services and how they can complement each other to unlock value.

First and foremost, we must understand the different approaches between distributors and manufacturers when it comes to their service offerings. At the core, manufacturers focus on providing services that are tailored to their specific products. Whether providing support for installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and beyond, their aim is to ensure that their customers have a seamless experience with their technology.

On the other hand, Exertis Almo takes a broader approach to professional services. Rather than being associated with a specific product line, we deliver a holistic approach, meaning we can address the AV system as a whole, irrespective of the brand or manufacturer, while focusing on the best outcome for the customer.

In turn, our services provide the convenience of having a single point of contact for a wide range of products and services. In my conversation with Cory Allen, VP of Services at Exertis Almo, we discussed the comprehensive approach to distributor service offerings.

“From implementation to commissioning and closeout, one entity can confidently take over the whole system to provide assistance,” he explained. “We are one, single partner that they can rely on to confidently service each part of that entire solution.”

From large integrators to small integrators (and everyone in between), we strive to help our customers grow with our resources and provide them with support knowledge about each piece of technology within their entire setup.

“We serve as a single source for a myriad of products and services, and no matter where you’re located and no matter your product, we can help you,” said Allen.

ServicesLike distributor services, manufacturer services focus on creating a long-lasting relationship with customers by delivering support for all products within their brand. In my conversation with Michael Walton, Executive BDM for Services & Engineering for Professional Imaging and Visual Solutions at Panasonic, he provided key details regarding Panasonic’s approach to their service offerings.

The manufacturer’s mission is to create a relationship with the end user through engineering services to support and complement their knowledge base.

“This is all particular to the Panasonic ecosystem,” Walton said. “All of those pieces need to work in concert with each other, so Panasonic can support those products as a full ecosystem.”

In the case where there is an outside product within a Panasonic ecosystem, the distributor can step in and quarterback the situation.

As a unique offering specific to their product lineup, Panasonic provides a branding service for customers to receive personalized technology that aligns with their particular brand identity. This service utilizes color matching to allow customers to change the color of Panasonic technology to fit the room design. This service is an ideal option for corporate spaces and educational institutions looking to incorporate specific colors and vinyl decals into their classroom technology, or for spaces that require technology that blends in with its surroundings. This service is notably popular for projectors, and usually takes around 5-10 business days to complete. And the best part – all warranties remain.

So, how can you leverage both manufacturer and distributor services?

While manufacturer and distributor services may differ in their scope and focus, both strive to develop a lasting relationship with their respective customers. And as the industry continues to evolve, manufacturers and distributors alike are constantly seeking new ways to add value. From innovative service offerings to proactive maintenance solutions, the focus remains on delivering exceptional experiences and fostering long-term partnerships.

My takeaway from this quick review – they do not compete with one another.  In fact, they both have developed viable service offerings for you, the reseller, to leverage both to grow your business without increasing your overhead or cost structure – all while providing high quality service.

Looking to learn more? Connect with me to get the details on Exertis Almo Professional Services and extensive Panasonic Connect lineup.

Check out Angie’s previous blog, Unlocking Success in the Pro AV Industry: Understanding the Role of the Sales Manager.
Angie Greene
About the Author

Angie Greene | DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: ScreenBeam and Panasonic

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