Project Overview
Siemens Healthineer, a leading name in healthcare innovation, has embarked on an ambitious expansion of its R&D center. Our team at Online Instruments was selected to design and implement a state-of-the-art audiovisual system for the first phase, which includes 23 meeting rooms. The project anticipates future expansion in Phase 2, which will include over 180 meeting spaces. This comprehensive AV design and build project aims to enable seamless collaboration across Siemens Healthineer’s vast team of researchers and developers.
Challenges
The primary challenge was to create a unified and scalable AV system that could accommodate a variety of meeting types and sizes while being easy to use. Additionally, the solution needed to be robust enough to handle high-resolution content sharing and complex video conferencing needs without compromising on the ease of connectivity.
Solution Highlights
Our solution was built around several key technologies designed to enhance user experience and foster effective communication:
- Large Format Display: Each room was equipped with a large-format LCD display to ensure that all content is showcased in high resolution, essential for detailed medical presentations and collaborative sessions.
- Wired & Wireless Connectivity: We enabled both wired and wireless content sharing capabilities that do not require additional apps or dongles, simplifying the process for all users.
- UC Calls with MS Teams: Integration with Microsoft Teams for Unified Communications, featuring one-touch join functionality, allows users to start meetings effortlessly.
- Intelligent Camera: Smart cameras with built-in microphones and speakers were installed to optimize the video conferencing experience, featuring auto-adjusting framing and focus.
- Single Touch Panel Control: User-friendly control panels in each room make it easy to manage calls, share content, and adjust settings without complications.
Technology Used
- Main Display System
- High-resolution, large-format LCD displays.
- Supports seamless content sharing, both wired and wireless.
- Video Conferencing System
- Integrated with Microsoft Teams for easy access and complete room solutions with BYOM (Bring Your Own Meeting) and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) capabilities.
- Intelligent Camera System
- Advanced features like face and group framing, along with active speaker auto-focus, enhance the collaborative experience.
- Audio System
- Equipped with acoustic-fenced microphones and integrated speakers that ensure clear audio, minimizing background noise.
- Cable Management System
- Features like USB Type-C and HDMI for seamless connections and the capability to charge laptops directly from the setup.
Outcomes
- Seamless Collaboration: The project significantly enhanced the video conferencing experience, ensuring high-quality audio and video.
- One-Touch Meeting Access: Simplified user experience with direct integration into MS Teams, enhanced with BYOM and BYOD features.
- Efficient Content Sharing: The large-format displays with versatile connectivity options facilitated easy sharing of content.
- Smart Automation: The intelligent cameras and user-friendly interfaces ensured a responsive meeting environment.
- Improved Audio Clarity: The state-of-the-art audio system provided crystal clear communication without distractions.
Impact
- Increased Productivity: The streamlined and intuitive AV system enabled quicker, more efficient virtual meetings, crucial for a global team like Siemens Healthineer’s.
- Standardized Experience: A uniform AV setup across all meeting rooms ensures a consistent user experience.
- Future-Ready Infrastructure: The designed system is prepared for future expansion and technological updates as part of a 5-year lifecycle refresh plan.
- Enhanced User Satisfaction: The reliability and ease of use of the AV systems have led to high user satisfaction and reduced demands on IT support.
Conclusion
This project at Siemens Healthineer’s R&D center stands as a testament to how thoughtful AV solutions can transform the effectiveness of collaborative spaces in critical environments like healthcare. Our tailored approach not only met the immediate needs but also laid the groundwork for future expansions, demonstrating Online Instruments’ commitment to delivering forward-thinking technology solutions that adapt to client needs.
