Rethink DIY: 3 Reasons to Hire an Integrator

Before an integrator begins an installation, they often take the time to do site-surveys of the area in which they are installing a new system or technology. During site-surveys, integrators take measurements and examine the walls and floors of a space in order to ensure proper installment and implementation.

“What is important about going with an integrator is there’s that peace of mind that you’re going to have proper cable-management done, you’re going to have someone who is actually looking at all of the distances and calculating how large a display screen needs to be so students in the back can see. They know how to put all the cabling together and have everything look professionally done,” says Minich.

“There is still some magic that happens behind all this even if the technology appears to be plug and play-ish. That’s what end-users sometimes underestimate.” —Chuck Wilson, executive director of NSCA

Another important factor for schools to keep in mind when considering DIY is that simple connectivity does not always mean simple installation. While schools may think purchasing user-friendly technology will help to eliminate installation challenges, the actual implementation of the technology is often far more complicated than it appears.

“There is still some magic that happens behind all this even if the technology appears to be plug and play-ish. We have simplified for the end-user the seamless connectivity to a classroom system or some form of video conference or smartboard, but that doesn’t mean it’s as simple in the back. That’s what end-users sometimes underestimate,” says Chuck Wilson, executive director of National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA).

The ultimate goal of implementing new technology is to improve students’ educational experiences. Integrators stay up to date on the new technology available in the market and not only understand how to install the technology, but can also provide insight on how the technology can help students learn better. Using their knowledge of the tech field, integrators can advise teachers and school administrators on how to use new technology in a way that will create an enhanced learning experience for students.

No. 2: You Eliminate Safety Hazards

Maintaining a safe learning environment in schools is of the utmost importance to school districts. Installing technology without a professional integrator can greatly jeopardize the safety of your school and is perhaps the biggest risk a school can take when installing technology themselves.

“There have been many schools that I have walked into and I see cables and extension cords strewn about, it’s a safety hazard and a tripping hazard and that’s potentially a big problem,” says Minich. “That’s the reason they call us in, there’s just so much to know.”