Technology in 2024 and beyond

MADE

The Importance Of The Customer Experience

When you hear about innovative technology, does the term ‘audio visual’ spring to mind? It should, because AV is the best part! It’s the exciting shiny displays, the sound quality or the ability to control all your electronics with the touch of a button.

Drawing on the experiences we’ve had providing solutions to clients including Gaucho, M Restaurant, Pollini at Ladbroke Hall and other high end venues, it’s apt to say that AV brings a space to life.

Think about it – you could eat at the finest Michelin star restaurants, but without quality audio the ambience wouldn’t feel right. A curated playlist heard through perfectly balanced speakers can subtly bring the flavours to life. This is just one way fine dining and audio technology work together to create an enhanced experience for the customer.

At MADE AV we have a responsibility as impartial audio visual experts to advise clients on how AV technology can transform their business. We’re all about creating experiences that resonate with their emotions and make them feel a certain way.

We installed the audio at luxury London hotel

The Savoy, and our aim was to ensure the guest experience began the moment they walked through the doors. Technology plays a huge part in creating a brand experience, for example, by providing perfectly balanced audio for atmosphere, digital maps and signage for ease, and automated check-in with touch screens for efficiency. Competition in the hospitality sector is high, with each venue wanting to be better than the next, and AV is integral to a technology solution that reflects a brand’s image.

The Growth Of Video Conferencing

Corporate work practices since 2020 have seen huge changes in the way teams function. The move to video conferencing has given businesses the flexibility to collaborate effectively, quickly and, most importantly, easily. This has not only kept the economy moving, but also enabled smaller businesses to have a bigger reach and accelerated growth.

Not only are companies implementing new video conferencing solutions, but we’ve seen a real commitment to improving systems too, with software being updated regularly and hardware being replaced, often annually.

One of the reasons we’ve seen for this activity is the desire to create the right first impression and show technical competency when pitching to potential new customers. It’s a recognition that audio visual is a crucial sales tool.

MADE AV has service contracts in place to remove any complexity. For example, we handle updates and security maintenance for clients such as Orange Cyberdefense and Aeon Investments. They see value in this as it keeps their systems healthy and easy to use for all staff.

Advances In Home Technology

It’s also clear to see the impact of new technology on our daily lives at home. This may be the new robot vacuum floor cleaner or the voice control systems that we are all so familiar with now. The key for us is to simplify technology for our clients and bring all the small bits of tech together so they interact seamlessly.

Affordability is a big factor when deciding on home technology. Electric blinds, smart heating, multi-room audio and the king of all home luxuries, home cinemas, are becoming more popular, and with a host of products and new technology available, these solutions are also becoming more affordable.

We’ve developed many home snug areas, which can be used as everyday spaces and transform easily into immersive home cinemas. We’ve seen homeowners opting for cinema grade equipment, even if they don’t have a dedicated room.

Considering all the information above, it’s easy to see how our lives are changing due to technology. Are some of us spending more time looking at screens than before?

Yes, of course, but that can also have a positive effect. Maybe that screen time is used for working from home or a hotel on the other side of the world, saving time on travel and giving freedom? Maybe that screen time is being used to monitor our home security system while we are on holiday, or to speak to a relative too far away to visit regularly?

The evolvement of technology, including audio visual solutions, has undoubtedly changed our world and will continue to do so. Our mission at MADE AV is to guide clients to ensure they get seamless solutions that transform their businesses and are future-proof for the years ahead.

“As the owner of a technology-led business, I experience first-hand how innovative technology can transform businesses and benefit people too. I’m a firm believer that if technology doesn’t simplify your daily tasks and just creates more complexity, then it’s not fit for purpose.”

Ashley Bond, MADE AV, Managing Director

AV & SPORTS A game changer

The integration of audio visual solutions in the sports hospitality sector has been a game changer. Businesses now have the ability to create immersive atmospheres for customers watching big ticket events on large high quality screens, keeping audiences entertained at venues long after the live action has ended.

MADE AV partners with Kent Cricket and Canterbury Rugby, and has installed systems at Matches in Ashford, Kent, Wing Kingz in Canterbury and the soon to open Square One Padel Club, also in Ashford.