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Case Study: Crestron powers office automation that’s almost invisible

Crestron along with Columbia-based Advanced Video Group integrated a highly collaborative communication and presentation systems with simplistic operations that is automated to not be seen when not in use. The integration was implemented at Alliance Consulting Engineers, a civil and environmental engineering firm. The provide infrastructure designs for industrial and residential developments, including water supply and wastewater systems, railways, roadways, and stormwater management.

The client needed a multi-purpose boardroom that could be used for conferencing, client meetings, staff and management meetings, and training sessions. The engineering firm’s president wanted all the technology to be hidden when not in use. The challenge was to integrate tremendous amount of technology and functionality, while still maintaining a simplistic user interface and experience.

Solution by Crestron

Advanced Video Group, the system integrator incorporated four displays and multiple video sources available to users via a Crestron DigitalMedia network. The 22-seater boardroom has a Sony widescreen projector and Da-Lite projector screen, both mounted on lifts to retract into the ceiling when not in use. Apart from this, the interactive displays are designed to be hidden in the millwork until needed along with a cloud-based video conferencing solution.

12 sets of motorized shades are programmed to work individually or as group to provide complete privacy when required. Ten zones of Crestron lighting control provide the flexibility
needed for the numerous ways the room is used. The conferencing system ties into the interactive display along facilities for data/document sharing. Crestron technology is used to connect the newly designed room and the company’s four existing conference rooms. Crestron controls’ prowess to combine complex tasks was leveraged bringing control via a single button.

Four hard-wired Crestron input plates are built into the table with digital and analog inputs along with wireless connectivity through Apple TV and Barco ClickShare. The integration company used a Crestron DigitalMedia network with a large matrix switcher to allow users to project to any of the display devices. The DM network ensures that every device, including new 4K laptops, projects content at the highest possible quality. This helps Alliance engineer employees view high-resolution CAD files and other data with ease and great clarity.

All of the routing and switching, video conferencing solutions, camera, along with lighting and shading are simplified using a Crestron 3-Series Control System along with control via iPads. Finally, a 10” Crestron touch screen control device is also provided to be used as backup, during redundancy.

The result of installation

The outcome of this installation is a highly collaborative communication and presentation systems with simplistic operations. At a flick of switch, all visible equipment retracts and gets out-of-sight. The Crestron-backed solution provided has help the client get efficient, by better training, avoiding unnecessary travel, time-saving, and improved client interactions. The solution provided by is invisible yes always available. Here’s to a office automation that is functional yet invisible.

 

(Content and image courtesy: www.crestron.com)