So You Need an A/V Partner. What Should You Ask?
When it comes to selecting an audio-visual (A/V) partner, the decision is more than just about choosing a company with the latest technology or the best price. Not all A/V teams approach their work the same way, and the differences in their processes can directly affect the success of your project. Whether you’re a general contractor (GC), project manager (PM), or facility planner, asking the right questions before you bring an A/V partner on board is key to ensuring a smooth experience and a system that performs flawlessly.
Why Asking the Right Questions Matters
A/V systems are more complex than ever — they integrate with multiple platforms, control lighting and sound, and are expected to deliver seamless experiences for users. But the installation phase is just the beginning. How your A/V partner handles commissioning, trains your team to use the equipment, and supports your facility after turnover is critical to the long-term success of the system.
Let’s walk through the three key areas you should focus on during your conversations with potential A/V partners.
1. Commissioning: More Than Just a Final Check
Commissioning is the process of testing and calibrating your A/V system to make sure every component is operating as intended and optimized for the space. It’s a critical step that some companies rush through or don’t emphasize enough. Poor commissioning can lead to performance issues, user frustration, and costly fixes later on.
What to ask:
How do you approach commissioning for this type of project?
What specific tests and calibrations do you perform?
Do you provide detailed commissioning reports?
How do you handle troubleshooting if something isn’t working as expected?
A thorough commissioning process means your system will perform reliably from day one, avoiding delays or headaches.
2. End-User Training: Empowering Your Team
No matter how sophisticated the A/V system, it’s only as good as the people who operate it. Comprehensive end-user training is essential. Your A/V partner should offer training sessions tailored to your staff’s experience levels, ensuring everyone feels confident using the equipment.
What to ask:
What type of training do you provide?
Do you offer both in-person and virtual training options?
Will you provide user manuals or quick reference guides?
Is follow-up training available if needed?
A partner that invests in thorough training empowers your team, reduces support calls, and maximizes the value of your system.
3. Post-Turnover Support: A True Partnership
Once your system is installed and your team is trained, the work isn’t done. Questions arise, issues can pop up, and technology inevitably needs maintenance or updates. Understanding your A/V partner’s support model after turnover is critical.
What to ask:
What does your post-turnover service look like?
Do you offer ongoing maintenance contracts?
How quickly do you respond to service requests?
Is remote support available?
Can you provide upgrades or future-proofing advice?
A reliable partner won’t disappear once the project closes. They’ll continue to provide expert support to keep your system running smoothly.
Making the Right Choice for Your Project
Choosing the right A/V partner means finding a team that is not only technically skilled but also communicative, reliable, and invested in your project’s success. Taking the time to ask the right questions upfront will save you time, money, and frustration later. It will also ensure your A/V system delivers the performance, ease of use, and reliability your space demands.
If you want to make an informed choice that leads to a smooth project and a system that truly works, don’t hesitate to dig deeper. A trusted A/V partner will welcome these questions because it shows you care about quality, and so should they.
Ready to learn more about how to choose the right A/V partner?