48 ROUND TABLE
We stress test new tech during show prep as close to real-world conditions as possible. We’re looking for stability over time, not just ‘it works once’
also feeds into acceptance testing, training and documentation.
project plan and technical architecture lets you respond swiftly to unforeseen challenges, so the project remains on track and the final installation delivers lasting value. Adam Corrie Datasheets are great, but there’s no substitute for thorough R&D and getting hands-on with equipment. Developing good relationships with manufacturers, distributors and resellers can often open up access to product roadmaps, engineering samples and loan equipment for testing. A proof-of-concept early on that rules out or confirms the potential suitability of a particular device can avoid painful discoveries later down the line. As installation is hugely beneficial and often highlights previously unknown or unknowable characteristics – things like real-world performance when it comes to heat dissipation and noise output. A methodical approach to soak testing, both before installation and during final commissioning, is essential for any mission-critical deployment. We identify as many edge case scenarios as we can imagine, push the system to failure and document outcomes so that we can determine what is an acceptable limitation of the system versus what needs improving. It is a process that
rigging points, load-in paths or noise restrictions can all impact performance and safety. For outdoor or temporary installs, weather and ground conditions can force last-minute redesigns of cable runs, rigging and equipment placement. Just as critical, and too often underestimated, are venue changes and new venue rules. Updated venue policies, load-in requirements, union labour restrictions, temporary structures or new limits on tape, cable routing and hanging points can create major on-site roadblocks. These issues don’t show up in a drawing, they show up during load- in, when time is already tight. Mitigation starts early: detailed site surveys, building flexible cable and rigging plans, confirming venue rules in writing, using proper cable protection and planning alternate equipment locations and power strategies. Markus Beyr It will widely differ depending on the specific venue. Humidity presents a significant risk in environments such as caves, where high humidity levels are more common. When mounting equipment on moving parts such as motion platforms, it is essential to take into account the equipment’s potential ability to absorb dynamic forces.
Kyle Slaugh Environmental and venue changes are the most overlooked logistical risk because they can change everything – even when the technical plan is solid. Temperature, humidity, wind, dust, uneven power, limited What are the most overlooked logistical risks during installation? Kyle Slaugh We stress test new tech during show prep as close to real-world conditions as possible: full signal load, long runtimes, power/network variability and failure scenarios. We are looking for stability over time, not just ‘it works once’. But the truth is that the real test is always a real event, so we never make new technology the centre of the design on the first attempt. We introduce it as an additional experience to the overall design: in a non-critical role or with a proven fallback that is ready to take over should it fail. If it performs consistently in the field across multiple events, only then do we promote it to a primary design element and create a piece centre around the new technology.
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