Conference Room Renovations
Project scope
The conference room renovation required the following changes and improvements:
- Quote, purchase and install plant-wide customer wireless network allowing for secured internet access.
- Remove and properly dispose of all unnecessary/obsolete/damaged equipment and supplies allowing for a cleaner working environment.
- Phase out digital projectors and move to more cost effective displays.
- Allow for audio in presentations to large audiences.
- Add robust table-top electrical outlets, VGA, Audio, and Ethernet hookups.
- Clean up and hide all wiring.
- Purchase new furnishings and install electrical devices.
Background
During my 2012 internship at ABB, the first task I was assigned involved repairing several conference rooms with failed Ethernet hookups, projectors, and outlets. After getting everything back in working order, I decided to propose a project where all of the devices would be mounted under the tables and the wiring cleaned up. This was vitally important since all of the electrical devices and wiring were set on the floor under the table and were frequently broken after being stepped on, tangled in chair wheels, and becoming wet. At this time, I also proposed the replacement of several digital projectors which were in need of lamp replacement in a short amount of time. After several meetings, the project was expanded to include each of the 10 conference rooms in which I was allowed the opportunity to replace all of the aging furniture, damaged electrical devices and wiring, and install brand new audio/visual systems.
Several weeks of research later, I was able to complete research and find the appropriate tabletop interface products, audiovisual systems, and furniture for the renovations of each unique room. Lastly, I decided that the cost, life expectancy, viewing capability, and energy consumption of large-format LED televisions was far more beneficial than the projectors currently in use. After completion of a cost breakdown and other necessary documents, I finished a final revision of the plans and was given a green light for the project. I hired the appropriate electrical contractor to assist with the new wiring, and collaborated with the union employees and local maintenance worker to assist with the refurnishing of the rooms before continuing with the electronic upgrades.
Project Results
Overall, from start to finish, the project took about two months from ordering the parts to finally opening the rooms for use. Each room was fitted with a high contrast 70-inch LED television to provide the audio and video display for the smaller of the rooms. The largest of the conference rooms was fitted with a long throw digital projector and audio system. All of the conference rooms were fitted with phone-conferencing systems, one also included the installation of a full video conferencing system. Each tabletop provided retractable audio and video hookups, outlets, and numerous Ethernet hookups for those who do not prefer wireless.
The customer internet consisted of 6 PoE High-Speed Wireless Access Points, a new internet line into the building, and the necessary network hardware to support the infrastructure. This system was implemented so guest access to the internet was available in the plant. In addition, a separate VLAN was set up to allow factory and cafeteria vending machines to use the connection instead of multiple costly AT&T mobile internet hotspots.
The gallery at the bottom of the page shows only a handful of the conference rooms, one image before, one during, and the final product as they each show essentially the same improvements. I also provided images of the network installation while in-progress and after installation. Enjoy!
