On your way to BVE? – how to get more from your equipment investments

Investment in new equipment is supporting student recruitment – the better the kit available, the more attractive the course. Aside from boosting admission levels it helps prepare students for their future careers. Access to the latest high tech resources gives them crucial hands-on experience for entering the competitive media and broadcasting industry. Developing graduates’ competency and professionalism in handling the latest hardware is a core objective of many film and media production courses.

Now with the student intake cap off more enrolments are possible. Competition between institutions is increasing and universities are keen to ensure they’re investing in the best resources. Many are visiting the annual BVE media production and broadcasting show to conduct their research. It provides a great opportunity to see the latest developments in media equipment and technology with a view to making new purchases.

Universities can have greater confidence that they're making the right choices by understanding the projected return on investment (ROI) for new kit, particularly when it involves purchases of more specialised, big-ticket items. Usage of existing equipment is being scrutinised as part of the decision making and this is one reason why the connect2 solution from Lorensbergs is gaining in popularity.

Already in place in over 50 institutions, connect2 showcases available equipment and resources, leading to raised awareness. It allows students to book what they need online and tracks all usage. So it simultaneously improves access and usage levels while gathering data on it. This provides much-needed intelligence when making new spending decisions.

Connect2 also supports students in acquiring essential new skills. It becomes part of how students build their competency and knowledge in working with specialised equipment, as connect2 customer Falmouth University reports:

“Students can get the equipment and facilities they want when they want it and they can plan in advance. It presents our service in a more professional way and that in turn leads the students to operate in a more professional way, reflecting the industry that they are then hopefully going to be working within

“Another great advantage is that the students are far more knowledgeable about the names of bits of equipment and how to put an equipment list together as a result of having to make their own bookings. It forces them to think for themselves and have less reliance on the stores staff and this obviously reflects really well on the quality of graduate leaving us to join the industry.” *

With resource utilisation improved and understood, it may be possible to maintain fewer standard equipment items  – real-time availability is always clear in connect2 for more efficient scheduling and booking, and students are encouraged and reminded to return items promptly. This can help free up more funds for the latest innovations, perhaps leading to further visits to BVE!

Connect2 booking system improves equipment ROI.

In the high-demand environment of universities, equipment durability carries great importance, contributing to a resource’s ROI. Connect2 helps here too – the software ensures only students with the right training and course needs get to handle more specialised items, minimising time out for maintenance. It’s achieved by automatically managing equipment access according to a student’s course, year and completed training.

In summary, resource usage and ROI improves with connect2 while you become better informed to make the next purchase decision. Connect2 supports students in getting the hands-on experience needed to be a success in the industry and controls access to more specialised university assets for those that need it. Visit us on stand no Q64 to find out more – we look forward to seeing you at BVE.

* To read more about Falmouth University’s experience of using connect2, please see our case study here.