The shift in value from hardware to software is one that has been slowly taking over the professional AV space, with companies like LEA Professional leading the charge, but ask Dan Augsburger, Residential Business Development Manager why, and he’ll tell you that the transformation has been a long time coming.
AV’s Push Towards Network Driven Infrastructure
Augsburger points to the case of the amplifier. More and more, he explained, amplifiers are being designed not just as hardware components, but as intelligent devices connected to a broader network ecosystem, a move that mirrors a much broader trend across AV: IT-driven infrastructure.
In this way, Augsburger describes AV systems as becoming more network-aware, which, while presenting new challenges for integrators during installation, holds so much untapped potential in the realm of servicing and troubleshooting components.
Rather than responding only when something goes wrong, integrators can proactively track system health through real-time data and alerts. If an amplifier reports abnormal behavior or connectivity issues, technicians can diagnose resolve the problem remotely.
Augsburger: The Service Potential is Just Starting to Get Tapped
According to Augsburger, this shift allows integrators to reduce service calls, improve system reliability, and deliver a higher level of support to clients.
It’s not just all about convenience, though, as the move toward connected AV infrastructure also introduces new business opportunities for integration firms.
Ultimately, Augsburger frames IoT-enabled audio systems as part of a larger industry transition toward connected infrastructure that can be monitored, maintained, and optimized over time.
Cloud-managed systems make it possible for integrators to offer ongoing service agreements built around remote monitoring and maintenance. Instead of a traditional install-and-depart model, integrators can provide long-term oversight of the system’s performance.
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