Over the last few years the audiovisual industry has experienced rapid and fundamental change. Many of the technologies that were established as the norm for AV professionals only a decade ago have fallen into disuse and been replaced by newer IP-based technology that requires audiovisual professionals to acquire new skills and participate in an ongoing process of training and re-training.

At the same time, the use of audiovisual technology is expanding rapidly into new areas including business, government, healthcare, sport, education and more. The traditional supply chain has expanded and many vendors who have traditionally supplied IT equipment have now expanded their product offering to include audiovisual technology and services.

While individuals are able to prove the knowledge of the audiovisual industry by earning the ISO-standard CTS credential, companies active in this market are only able to demonstrate their commitment to professional standards through their membership of international industry organizations like InfoComm International or PLASA, and local Associations like the TPSA or MECIA.

Because of the rapid state of change in the audiovisual industry many buyers have experienced great difficulty in evaluating tender proposals relating to the supply of audiovisual technology. MECIA (the Middle East Communications Industries Association) is therefore proposing an organizational-level recognition programme in recognition of corporate professionalism and expertise achieved through professional development, training and continuously updated certification for your employees.

The AVSP programme is based on InfoComm International’s world-wide AVSP programme and is relevant to all suppliers whose primary business is the manufacture, sales, integration, design, consultancy or rental of AV equipment, systems and services.

The AVSP is based on the percentage of your personnel (technical, sales or customer service) who have completed certain InfoComm Academy courses, achieved either the General CTS or the specialized CTS in Design or Installation.

Diamond AVSP: 50 percent of all technical, sales and customer service staff must have and maintain general or advanced CTS certification or certain InfoComm Academy course completion. No more than a quarter of the 50 percent of designated staff can qualify exclusively through InfoComm course completion. Of the 50 percent, 15 percent must have advanced CTS designation. A minimum of one advanced CTS is required.

Emerald SAVSP: 35 percent of all technical, sales and customer service staff must have and maintain general or advanced CTS certification or certain InfoComm Academy course completion. No more than a quarter of the 35 percent can qualify exclusively through InfoComm course completion.

Sapphire SAVSP: 25 percent of all technical, sales and customer service staff must have and maintain general or advanced CTS certification or certain InfoComm Academy course completion. No more than a quarter of the 25 percent can qualify exclusively through InfoComm course completion.

These 10 standards of excellence were developed in collaboration with industry experts to emphasize the best practices of AV businesses. The AV Solutions Provider (AVSP) adheres to the following standards:

1. Complete Solutions — The MECIA AV Solutions Provider works to provide a comprehensive AV system that meets the client’s communications needs.
2. Informed Advice — The AVSP pursues a collaborative relationship with the client to understand the needs and recommend solutions to achieve complete customer satisfaction.
3. Best Value — The AVSP seeks to give the client the best possible value and return on investment.
4. On-Going Technical Support — The AVSP provides on-going support for the AV system through warranty and maintenance programs to ensure the system's usability and the client’s satisfaction.
5. Systems Compatibility — The AVSP designs or provides a seamless operational interface for components used in a rental environment or permanent installation to create a stable and viable system.
6. Scalability — The AVSP designs and integrates AV systems that promote ease-of-use, long-term cost-effectiveness and upgradeability.
7. Clear Scope of Work — The AVSP specifies in the proposal and quotation all the necessary components and services required to create the AV system and clearly calls out and discusses any exceptions.
8. Appropriate Documentation — The AVSP provides appropriate and complete documentation of the system as specified in the vendor's proposal and quotation or the consultant's specification.
9. Expert Technical Staff —AVSP staff are in programmes to become industry certified, to maintain their certification and to keep current on new developments in AV technology.
10. Training Support — The AVSP is a source of professional training services to help the client become proficient in using AV technologies and systems and to advance their communications goals.