Driving performance at Lloyd’s Register

A dynamic global engineering, technical and business services organisation with over 8,000 employees in 78 countries – Lloyd’s Register works at the cutting-edge of innovation to meet the most complex industrial challenges. When it needed to take a major step forward in collaborative working, Visavvi was called upon to deliver.

Challenge

The challenge was clear. Our brief was to transform business communication and collaboration at the company’s new flagship office in Aberdeen. The task was to liberate the Lloyd’s Register team from the shackles of outdated practices and restrictive technologies. Seamless interaction needed to replace time-consuming and frustrating working methods. And crucially, our work needed to be geared towards improving safety, quality and performance.

The prestigious new building sits at the heart of the oil and gas industry in the Granite City. More than 400 personnel were converging on it to start work. We had a challenging four-week deadline to welcome them with exceptional presentation technology in more than 30 meeting spaces, as well as digital signage, room booking, wayfinding systems and much more.

Solution

We delivered complete facilities for audio visual presentations plus high definition video and audio conferencing, and a series of bespoke audio conferencing booths. We added two Microsoft Surface Hubs to the mix, to promote collaborative working and embrace operational and financial benefits. Harnessing the power of Skype for Business, they enable video and content meetings across the organisation’s worldwide offices.

State-of-the-art audio/video conferencing

Our installation encompassed all key areas of the building. The locations of the specialist suites we created included a large presentation and dining room space, a versatile, dividable meeting room and an emergency response control room. Here we installed an LED video wall to improve communication during times of critical crisis management.

Other key features included:

Centralised room control to maximise efficiency

The bespoke AMX-driven touch-screen room booking system features a floor plan to show room occupancy and availability
Several booths equipped with Polycom VVX 600 or Trio 8800 conference phones, including AMX Hydraport connection interface and sound bar with one touch control connected to a 55” LED display
Eight small collaborative meeting spaces with Polycom Trio 8800 or Group 500 conference phones, AMX Hydraport interfaces and one touch control connected to to a 55” LED display

New generation video conferencing

Two large rooms are equipped with Logitech Group HD video conference cameras with IR camera remote (giving users the flexibility to use their own device to host calls), Barco ClickShare and AMX Hydraport table modules
Connected to a Microsoft 55” Surface Hub for unbeatable levels of interactive video, audio and content collaboration
A larger, dedicated VC room for up to 20 people, with Polycom EagleEye cameras and conference phones, twin AMX Hydraport panels and connections to a Philips ultra-thin bezel 2×2 videowall with four 55” monitors
FreeSat news receivers, Apple iPad Air AV room control
Polycom RP touch panel for controlling VC calls with simplified interface and one-touch meeting dialling
JBL ceiling speakers and a Polycom HDX ceiling mic array
Control and amplifier equipment rack-mounted in a bespoke Quadra Classic lectern

Technology tailored for the dividable multi-function suites

6000 lumens Christie D series projector with a ceiling recessed, drop-down 3 metre screen in one suite
In the other, one of seven Polycom Group 500-720 video conferencing systems, along with dual 75” Visavvi HD-PRO75 screens, a SoundStructure matrix mixer and Polycom Skype for Business conference phones
Inherent flexibility allows rooms to be used separately or as a unified environment for larger groups

AMX digital signage players

As well as the key meeting room systems, we added AMX digital signage players behind LED information displays in the reception area and resource hubs, plus two 32″ Totem freestanding podiums providing wayfinding information on each floor.

As ever at Visavvi, total reliability and service back-up is paramount for our client. The mission-critical nature of most Lloyd’s Register business demands a guaranteed, round-the-clock regime of technical support. Video conferencing is covered by a comprehensive Visavvi contract which includes a 24 hour test line with unlimited working hours, telephone support and a dedicated video helpdesk. The Surface Hub systems include full 3-year Skype for Business software and hardware support via telephone and by a Microsoft certified onsite engineer.

Outcome

The transformation was delivered without any hitches. The Lloyd’s Register team arrived at their new HQ and hit the ground running. The old days are long gone. Visavvi technical manager Karl Long was particularly proud of the smooth transition that staff enjoyed. He said: “The installation required expert project management and close interaction with the client teams to manage the changeover from their existing offices. It was also necessary to keep rooms operational for as long as possible, especially as we had to incorporate existing technologies and equipment from the other centres, such as ClickShare collaboration and AMX room booking systems.”