Commercial Integrator November 2022 - 33

the worlds of residential and commercial
manufacturers, at their core? Both sides of
this industry serve many of the same users,
focusing on applying technology to enhance
their lives, provide convenience, enrich
technology experiences and allow them to
be more efficient. Both sides also offer the
same foundational products - audio/video
distribution, amplifiers, speakers, displays,
lighting, shades, etc.
The technology needs of those who
work from home have grown significantly
since the pandemic. Those who now work
from home are used to commercial-grade
technology. They need technology solutions
to achieve the same commercial-type
outcome, but in a residential environment.
This shift in work style also means the
technology within the office - which has
become the new " offsite " - must be as
easy to use as home technology is.
This shift has also brought about a
change in how the industry views products.
In the past, residential-focused products
were often considered low budget, inferior
or less reliable than commercial products
were. The latter, by contrast, were
regarded as well built, fully featured and
able to withstand more rigorous demands
of high usage. We have now seen this gap
narrowed, resulting in products that are
interchangeable between markets as needs
and applications warrant.
Where the Lines Overlap
Integrators who are not staying
open-minded about new opportunities,
products, clients and solutions might
Throngs of AV professionals swarmed the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in
Dallas, eager to experience three days of technology, education and networking.
be doing themselves a disservice, while
also disserving their clients. Although
we're seemingly on the other side of the
pandemic, it has not only led to disruption
in product availability and workforce
deficiencies but also caused clients to
rethink how they use their offices and
meeting spaces. We do, in fact, see a
growing trend to return to the office in
some capacity. However, workers are
seeking justification to warrant them
leaving the comfort of their remote-work
arrangement. Forward-thinking organizations
are pursuing integrated technology
as a means of providing a more enticing,
more productive workplace. This results
in opportunities for integrators to offer
solutions above and beyond the typical
meeting space.
Common areas and collaborative
environments should include some of
the conveniences of home, while also
presenting exciting possibilities for
engagement that are unavailable in a
work-from-home arrangement. These
solutions will likely include a blend of
commercial and residential technologies
that are interactive and collaborative, and
which offer convenience, flexibility and
balance. With the drive toward blending
remote and office work, integrators may
see a greater desire to integrate mobile
and personal devices, as well as voiceand
sensor-driven controls, along with an
increased ability to engage with others in
non-traditional meeting spaces.
At the same time, many people are recognizing
the need to invest in permanent
home offices. This will involve installing
high-quality lighting, cameras and audio in
order to move toward transforming a home
office into a personal conferencing suite or
broadcast studio.
The Innovation Hub stage on the CEDIA Expo show floor offered a platform for industry
thought leaders to discuss increasing convergence of commercial and residential worlds.
commercialintegrator.com
Where We Go from Here
Residential and commercial integrators
have a unique opportunity to learn from
each other. Residential integrators understand
the pitfalls and workarounds of the
home; commercial integrators understand
the technology standards of the office. So,
where can integrators across these markets
go to meet, learn and move forward,
together?
NOVEMBER 2022 Commercial Integrator 33
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Commercial Integrator November 2022

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