Author: Lisa Ridgwell, Experience Center Manager
Technology is an investment not to be taken lightly
When you consider investing in a new technology, you expect it to meet multiple important criteria: it’s easy to configure, deploy and manage; it’s simple and intuitive to use; it fits into your environment and solves your challenges; it’s “future-proof”; and the value it brings will be worth the expenditure. To make the most thorough assessment and informed decision, though, requires hands-on experience with the product. That’s where Experience Centers and Showrooms come in.
Think about when you need to purchase a new car – a purchase that means a large monetary investment and a long-term commitment. You may be an especially knowledgeable buyer, comfortable with written specifications. But specs are no substitute for the actual hands-on experience. You need to spend time with the car in-person to see how it makes it you feel, how it meets your wants and needs – from its overall design to control and performance. No number of online reviews compare to what the hands-on experience gives you or gaining a true understanding of the brand behind the product.
That same process should apply to outfitting your organization with technology solutions.
Welcome, Experience Centers and Showrooms
End users, influencers, and decision makers want to see technology in action in real-world settings, to touch it, to feel confident in its performance and simple operation. The technology industry has invested greatly to create these spaces, dedicated to showcasing their products and making the experience possible. Set up properly with your specific needs in mind, you get to be yourself, experiencing and visualizing the technology as if it were in your own spaces. You become more informed and knowledgeable, your interest is expanded, your strategies confirmed – possibly new ones come to light.
These spaces are designed to not only excite and inform, but to also establish a connection with the brand and the people behind it. Are the interactions pleasant and positive? Does the company live up to the standards they preach? Do they utilize their own products? Are you confident after this visit that the partnership will be supportive and positive, from purchase to after sales services? Not only do you want the “technology shoe to fit,” but you also want the partnership outside what’s in the box to complete the outfit.
As the Experience Center Manager at our Rockleigh, NJ headquarters, I can tell you from my daily interactions with customers that nothing is as satisfying as when they experience the “Aha!” moment and see the value of our offering in their own use case. It’s the exciting click of a new relationship and partnership forming.
Interested in getting a hands-on experience with Crestron solutions for your organization? Reach out to your Crestron RSM to schedule a personal visit today.
Already visited a Crestron Experience Center or Showroom? We’d love to hear about your experience, reach out to Experience@crestron.com.