If your company is struggling to keep track of its video feeds and overall incoming data, it might be time to invest in modern audiovisual technology. The right solutions here can help your team work faster and smarter. In this post, we’ll show you how AV tools help you manage data.
Your company might ingest data from many “feeds” at once, not all of which will be video-based. Even so, a video format is often the best way to actually show the data, live or otherwise.
For example, a trading floor has to manage:
● Live prices
● Volume and liquidity changes
● Futures pricing
● Breaking news
● Earnings reports
● Hedge ratios
● And much more
While it’s unlikely that the same person will need all of these in front of them simultaneously, just two or more could quickly become overwhelming. These data points all update at different rates, but a few seconds’ delay could still pose a problem.
Multi-viewers, however, give users a way to structure incoming data and put it all on one screen, with intuitive sizing and a custom layout that works best for them.
On the topic of overwhelming data volumes, it’s incredibly difficult for even seasoned experts to switch between screens all day. Every time this happens, a user needs to reorient themselves – this only takes a second, but even this decision lag can be a serious problem.
For example, security centers manually manage camera feeds. For some operations, this could mean every feed has its own display. Cognitive load here could lead to:
● Slower decision-making in a time of crisis
● Missing an incident on a screen not currently in view
● Struggles finding other angles of the same footage
● Overemphasizing certain feeds over others
● Forgetting which feeds have already been checked
● Other general mistakes
Managing these feeds and the data they generate becomes a lot easier with AV technology. You can keep everything on a single multi-viewer or spread key feeds across a video wall. You’ll also have full control over where each feed goes, letting you prioritize major bottlenecks.
Expanding on that last point, professional AV solutions let you control the layout. You can set up your own visual hierarchy that maintains maximum clarity. Modern video processors (and similar devices) come with presets, but it’s worth finding the right custom setup.
For example, a seamless video wall might put the most important data feed in the middle so it’s always the easiest one to check. Something as simple as moving the screens and feeds around can change everything.
Depending on your devices, you might be able to make a custom layout for everyone. However, it might be more practical to create a shared setup that becomes muscle memory for everyone.
A clear visual hierarchy is often just one part of the puzzle. There are other steps you could take to simplify incoming data streams. Here are just a few:
● Smart grouping: Make sure data is collated by “type.” For example, business KPI feeds should stay together, separated from security alerts and industry updates.
● Color coordination: Color is a great way for users to instantly “read” data. For example, a camera feed flashing red may be detecting movement in a restricted area.
● General prioritization: Assess each feed and see which ones are necessary. You won’t need all of them all the time; some will just clog up your team’s focus.
● Avoid latency: Use video wall controllers to keep every feed synchronized; once again, a few seconds of lag can make a world of difference.
● Less noise: Low-priority information shouldn’t be visually busy. Save flashing icons and animations for important alerts, such as a massive drop in an asset’s price.
Smart data management begins with setting up screens and equipment to effectively visualize it. A good video wall controller or multi-viewer, combined with a well-designed dashboard, lets your team understand (and react to) information more intuitively. Invest in AV technology today to find the most suitable setup and streamline your company’s data strategy.
