Being Prepared. Equipment Life Cycles
Investing in AV systems is a major investment. Planning to replace the system is usually the last thing on anyone’s mind when the system is installed. After a few years, if working well, the system is taken for granted and over time individual pieces of equipment begin to fail or are outdated by advances in technology. Then comes a time when either there is a system failure or a partial failure and a cry goes out to replace the system! And there is a scramble to find the money to repair or replace the system! Is there a way to be prepared for the inevitable? Yes!
All equipment has a life cycle. Planning for future replacement can be organized.
Build a master inventory of each system and its components.
This inventory should list purchase dates, an estimated life of each piece of gear and space for recording repairs. For example:
Crown CTs 800 amplifier, Purchased 4/2012, Est. Life: 8 years, Repairs: _______
Shure SM57 microphone, Purchased 3/2009, Est. Life: 3 years*, Repairs: ________
* In the case of the very portable SM7, the life cycle includes a loss factor.
How does one determine what the life cycle is for each piece of equipment is?
Ask your Audiovisual Integrator! Or check manufacturer web sites. Look at the warranty for each piece of equipment. The warranty is a good indication of how long the manufacturer believes the equipment will last (a rule of thumb is two years beyond the warranty). Manufacturer’s estimates are usually based on average use. How the system is used will also play a part in how long a system will last. If a system is used 24/7, or is used in a hostile environment (outdoors) or is loaded in and out of buildings on a regular basis, the life cycle may be significantly shorter than a system that is build into a conference room or a church. Over time, the record keeping will be key to figuring life cycles for gear.
How can the life cycle of equipment be extended?
The most effective way to extend the life of an audiovisual system is to properly maintain all of the equipment. Proper maintenance can reduce repair costs and extend the life of a system. A good maintenance partner can point out potential problems before the system shuts down.
Live Technologies offers service contracts that can be tailored to meet the needs of any facility. Live can assist in doing an initial inventory, provide life cycle estimates and assist in planning for the future. Call today to find out more!
Looking forward to Summer?
Does the hectic pace of the life of your organization slow down a bit when Summer arrives? While members of your organization and/ or students are basking in the sunshine, it’s a great time to catch up on maintenance for equipment that experiences heavy use during the rest of the year.
Projectors, amplifiers, dimmers, even cables and connectors need attention to stay in good operating order.
Is the control system functioning correctly?
When was the last time that filters were cleaned?
What is the status of the lamps?
When was the last time that the software in any of your systems was updated? When was the last time that the speakers were tested?
How about wall jacks, cables and microphones tested?
Live Technologies to the rescue!
Live can be the Lifeguard for you AV systems.
Summer is a busy time for Live Technologies!
We want to make sure that Live can schedule maintenance for your facility.
Call now to insure that your summer can be stress free!
Filed under: liveblog
