AV integration project, it’s all too common to draw your conclusion based on the revenue. But, if you want your AV integration projects to be truly profitable, you should look beyond revenue. In fact, fast-changing technology has made the AV industry a challenging area with product life cycles becoming shorter and systems and devices becoming more complex than ever before. This is why there’s a greater need to maximize profits from each individual project.
Here are four strategies that will help you make your AV projects more profitable:
1. Create an achievable project plan
Planning is the backbone of every project, and even more so in the field of systems integration where things can go wrong if a systematic approach is not taken. And, the best way to begin planning is by setting an achievable goal. So, how do you do that? Consider these two factors before you set the target for your AV integration projects:
Determine the scope of your project. Take time at the onset and make sure you understand the full scope and broad goals of the project — understand whether it’s a conference room, a boardroom or a home theater that you’ll be working for, as every need is different.
Estimate the time that you ideally need to complete the project. While you should ask the client when he or she needs the project completed, it’s advisable that you do not accept a deadline that will make you rush through the project resulting in a poor outcome.
2. Assign roles early and have regular pulse checks on the work
While it’s always safest to start with well-defined roles so people know what’s on their plate, the most important role to decide here is that of the project manager. The project manager is at the center of the project wheel – asking questions of key concern, delegating, connecting with people who will interact during the implementation of the project, and solving problems in the course of the project. Assigning roles is not the end of the road, though. It’s important to have regular checks on the workflow and make sure you’re not only on track, but also that the client specifications are closely followed.
3. Communicate with the client to make sure they are in the loop
Having seamless and high touch communication at all stages of the project helps to keep the client informed about the way the project is taking shape and it also keeps the team on track. This not only keeps the clients satisfied that the work is progressing according to his or her specifications, but it also allows you to be adaptable, especially if the client ultimately wants some changes along the way. In many instances, this is inevitable, so planning for that, and engaging in regular communication and review will help you along the way.
4. Make sure handoff at the end is well managed
A well-managed handoff is like dropping the curtain on a well-staged show. This is extremely important for the client and the integrator to come to a mutual understanding of the fact that their work was done and all parties are satisfied. In fact, most often the dissonance between an integrator and their client arises not due to the project itself, but due to the way it’s handed off to the client. Follow these steps for better project handoffs:
Review the contract to verify if the delivery of project is according to the commitment.
Provide a hands-on demo to let customers see if everything works as per their requirements.
Offer a crash course to teach your customer how to use the equipment.
Create an easy and comprehensive instruction manual for future references.
Successful AV projects require a strategic approach, along with good amounts of communication between the integrator and the client. As such, revenue is hardly the right unit to measure the profitability of a particular project. Instead profitable projects are better understood in terms of project co-ordination and client satisfaction.
How are you evaluating the success of your projects? Any tips you’d like to share? If so, we would love to hear them.
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