Situation

McGill University views itself as a leader in the standardization of audio visual equipment to enhance the learning process. Previously, McGill had used a traditional open-bid procurement model for each project. However, as is often the case, they faced ongoing problems in delays and cost fluctuations.

In order to resolve this, McGill developed a model to prequalify and award only two integrators to undertake all of their AV integration work for a contracted period. AVW-TELAV was successful as one of McGill's contractors since this model's inception in 2004.

One important attraction for McGill was AVW-TELAV's SAP operating platform. This allows us to operate using a "cost plus" operating environment, giving the University a high degree of confidence in our pricing model and making auditing easier for the organization.

Solution

McGill's approach to AV infrastructure within its classrooms highlights:

• McGill has standardized the installation of Sanyo projectors and screens with Crestron Quick Media Control for easy functionality.
• Nearly 400 classrooms and several auditoriums are equipped with audio visual equipment. About 200 of those rooms have Crestron-controlled hardware, which allows monitoring and support of these classrooms remotely.
• Select room installations of Smart Sympodiums and Flat Panel Overlays are used as teaching aids, allowing annotation of any presentation and archiving for future reference.

Results

McGill's approach to AV procurement and support has been so successful that other Montreal tertiary institutions are now looking to develop similar operating relationships and are drawing on McGill's model to do so.

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