Have you ever taken extensive notes on your conference room’s whiteboard; leaving it full of ideas, diagrams, strategies, and plans? The answer is likely yes. Whiteboards were created in the 1950’s, but really became a popular classroom and office implementation in the late 1970’s with the development of dry erase markers. What other technology in your office has been around, largely unchanged, since 1975? Probably not much, phone books and fax machines are rarely, if ever, used. In fact, a computer from the 1970’s would have cost over $4 million. And at 12.5 MHz, it would have been 128 times slower than and 8,000 times as expensive as the laptop you’re reading this on now. So, that begs the question: You wouldn’t use a computer from 1975, why use a whiteboard from 1975? Is it the information that gets erased before you’re done, the legibility issues from a dozen different people writing, or the markers that dry out? This is where interactive boards are changing the way companies meet, collaborate, and operate. Here are 4 business benefits that come along with interactive whiteboards.
1.) Enhanced Communication: Screen sharing, remote access, and end-of-meeting notes all make presentations and sessions more effective and efficient. Providing everyone involved with the same information at the same time dramatically improves communication and the sharing of ideas. And to make sure that everyone is on the same page, notes, annotations, even the entire presentation can be printed, emailed, saved, and shared.
2.) Collaboration: Whiteboard sessions, and even PowerPoint presentations are often led by one main person, making collaboration difficult. Even with a group effort, communicating different ideas to one point person can leave the possibility for items to get lost in translation. Interactive boards offer easy accessibility to everyone in a meeting. Files can be shared, saved, and edited. Iterating real time changes and additions, as well as feedback, will make meetings and presentations all the more effective.
3.) Touch Technology: Gone are the days of searching your desk drawer, conference table and supply closet for a fresh marker. No more trying to decipher the hieroglyphics that come from having several different people writing several different things. Interactive boards offer the same state-of-the-art touchscreen technology that you have on your tablet and smartphone. This feature also replaces your mouse, laser pointer, and wireless presenter (clicker/pointer).
4.) Mobile Connectivity: With the use of a single app, your interactive whiteboard can connect to your iOS or Android devices. This allows for a wider participation from remote employees, as well as more data sharing and interconnectivity.
In the same way your car gets better gas mileage, your TV has a better picture, and the internet has replaced phone books and encyclopedias, the whiteboard hanging on your conference room wall has evolved as well. When it comes to audio/video integration, knowing the needs of your space and the available solutions is essential. However, the benefits of this technology are only as valuable as the integration is reliable. Link Integration Group is a commercial integration firm that specializes in interactive whiteboards and other A/V systems.
