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| Middle Atlantic’s configuration solution is accessible anytime, anywhere from any Web-enabled device and is available to all registered users |
Middle Atlantic Products recently announced that the Configurator, its award-winning Web-based configuration tool — included in the extensive resources available to registered users of Middle Atlantic's website, is the program behind planning the large-scale A/V installation at the Marine Corps University (MCU) in Quantico, Virginia. Integrator Karcher Group used the tool to effortlessly design the control system racks needed throughout the new building, saving critical installation time.
Easy integration of video systems
The building includes 29 classrooms, two tiered classrooms, three large collaboration rooms, five small collaboration rooms, a 300-person lecture hall, a 500-seat theatre, as well as other meeting and teaching spaces. Many of the rooms are outfitted with impressive video systems that are designed to adapt to today's bring-your-own-device (BYOD) environment and the interactive preferences of users. This includes video conferencing suites, video walls, flat-panel displays, and projection systems with an array of input options, all operated from a control system that's tied into the school's central help desk, where instructors can request assistance when problems arise. All system inputs and signals are fed back to more than 50 A/V equipment racks throughout the building.
"As an integrator and a Middle Atlantic customer, working with the Configurator simply made my job easier," said Hong Cheng, Vice President of Technical Operations, Karcher Group. "Many of the rooms had the same systems, so I was able to quickly order an identical rack configuration for all those classrooms. Instead of ordering a list of parts, my entire product list is bundled into one part number — streamlining the ordering process. While having the equipment racks shipped preassembled saved our team a ton of man hours, my favourite feature — by far — on Configurator is the ability to easily see the equipment and layout visualised exactly where I wanted each component. The tool is indispensable for large A/V projects; it's become a key step in our integration process."
The feature-rich platform |
Middle Atlantic ‘Configurator’ tool features
Accessible anytime, anywhere from any Web-enabled device, the leading-edge configuration solution that's available to all registered Middle Atlantic users facilitates the creation, personalisation, and design process by streamlining the selection of suitable products and accessories for any type of system via smart recommendations — along with a priced materials list. As part of the personalised digital experience, users can also export CAD and other design documents to be easily integrated into their standard design process, enabling the creation of new projects, a stored history of user projects, and convenient direct online ordering. Users can quickly browse through the Middle Atlantic catalogue, automatically generate quotes on projects with or without pricing, and receive orders pre-assembled or with downloadable assembly instructions from the site. The feature-rich platform eliminates scheduling woes normally associated with the design and specification process of large-scale projects.
"Part of the Middle Atlantic value proposition is the level of service we provide our customers, and that includes supplying the powerful support tools available on our site," said Dan Tarkoff, Vice President of customer experience, Middle Atlantic. "From beginners to experts, we want our customers to be able to build intuitive, personalised systems that match the exact design and installation needs of today's demanding A/V environments. By using the tools available on our site, including the Configurator, Karcher Group was able to successfully complete the installation at MCU with ease and time savings."
