THE BRIEF

Pro AV Solutions, in conjunction with Optus Business, was engaged by AMP to enable workers to collaborate more effectively and efficiently, connecting their teams globally. AMP was facing difficulties holding video conference calls from their remote offices due to the difference in VC and UC platforms, the age of some of the technology,

the outdated programming, and differing UX functionality in each country. Due to their extensive experience delivering UC/VC Collaboration solutions for AMP in Australia, GPA was called upon to rollout the set global standards in their Australian, London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York, and Chicago offices.

THE SOLUTION

As GPA’s Australian Regional Business Unit, Pro AV Solutions had already commenced planning a 72-room rollout for AMP in Melbourne. Given the extensiveness of this rollout and the large-scale deployment of the project, the challenge globally was to adhere to the standards already developed by Pro AV Solutions for the Melbourne project to ensure global consistency. The room standards set needed to be flexible yet functional to enable integration into pre-existing rooms as a refurbishment for all other locations. Technology solutions had to be adaptable, contemporary, and easy to use so that staff members and the wider AMP community were confident using them to improve productivity and collaboration, delivering on AMP’s aspirations.

With the clever design from our solutions architect, who was guided by the Global Account Manager, we were able to negotiate and align with many key vendor partners to specify and scope a standard room type for AMP.

LG’s premium commercial displays ranging from 43” to 98” were used across huddle, meeting, collaboration, and boardrooms, maintaining high-quality results as well as durability for demanding use. Barco ClickShares were integrated for wireless presentation in all the meeting rooms to improve ease of use and reliability. Wired HDMI inputs with USB-C tethered adaptors were also made available at tables making BYOD quick and easy.

Poly Group series, including 310s, 500s, and 700s, were used to upgrade all the videoconferencing rooms, which was key to the global rollout to enable connectivity between all offices. AV over IP systems were used in complex spaces for video content distribution, while non-complex spaces used HD-BT and wireless content sharing.
The quality of audio for AMP was paramount. Crestron NVX and Crestron DM lite were used for larger spaces and digital signage to deliver real-time images at a visually indistinguishable quality from the source. The sources were encoded into the NVX network and distributed by a centralized AV network switch within the MCR. Sources are encoded into the NVX network and distributed by a centralized AV network switch within the MCR.

 The system included a Dante audio network with an antenna distribution system for the wireless microphones. A combination of Shure MXA910 ceiling microphones, Shure P300s, and QSYS Core 110Fs were deployed in all larger spaces (mainly at the Sydney and Melbourne AMP sites), with Shure SLX Wireless Microphones also available for use in these environments. Centralized QSYS DSPs handled processing for complex spaces, while local spaces used Shure DSP with Crestron amplifiers and Crestron Saros speakers. For event spaces, Bose EdgeMax speakers were installed around the perimeter for use in town hall mode.

As an integral part of the scope was to improve the spaces’ useability, Pro AV dedicated our expert User Interface Developer to custom build the Crestron user interface, ensuring a consistent user experience throughout all AMP rooms globally. This undertaking was a challenge, as there were multiple user groups with differing levels of expertise providing input and feedback. Pro AV took on board all feedback received during the project from IT departments, team managers, and everyday users. The end result was an optimal user-friendly interface for each panel that was suitable for all different user groups.

Attention to detail with factors that may be considered minute for local rollouts, such as language, were critical considerations for this global project. For example, common icons and wording needed to be easily referenced and understood across all countries. Pro AV’s User Interface Developer worked closely with his counterparts in each location to ensure the standard was unchanged and assisted them remotely during the commissioning of these spaces. This process took approximately four months in the development phase and six months in the rollout phase. However, the result was an excellent outcome with zero support calls lodged for users confused about running a meeting or controlling the space.

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