Videoconferencing

Videoconferencing is a two-way interactive communication by a set of telecommunication technologies such as telephone or internet technologies. Video conference can be between two individuals or involve hundreds of participants. A basic video conference is very easy to setup as one only needs a camera and a microphone.

What is Videoconferencing Used for?

Videoconferencing is used for many reasons. However, today the top five applications in which videoconferencing is used for are:

• Training
• Manufacturing, production or engineering 
• Sales
• Marketing
• Management Meetings

Training

New employees no longer need to travel to receive training. Also, trainers are able to train multiple students at once. 

Manufacturing, production or engineering

In the past, products were designed, manufactured and produced without video. For engineers, whenever a problem occurred they will need to travel to the location to fix the problem. Travel could be just a couple of hours or take days. Thus, wasting time and causing long delays due to the need of engineers travelling between sites for repairs.  

Sales

With videoconferencing, businesses can communicate with their customers, train sales people and close business more quickly.

Marketing

Videoconferencing has allowed marketing departments to share creative ideas more quickly and with a larger group of individuals. It has also allowed marketing organizations to make decisions faster and more efficiently. 

Management Meetings

Board meetings, town hall meetings and investor relations meetings can be held through videoconferencing. Videos can be recorded and made available to those who may have missed the meeting.  

Benefits of Videoconferencing

Many organizations first thought the major benefit of videoconferencing was the reduction in travel costs. However, there are many qualitative benefits. A few are:

Increased productivity and efficiency

• shorter meetings
• faster decision making
• reduced travel expenses
• larger participation
• faster response
• Receive information anywhere and anytime

Improved Management Communication

• Increased flexibility
• More interface 
• Interview job candidates

More business Opportunities

• Customer service
• Competitive advantage

Over the years, videoconferencing has grown and business have found their own unique ways to use video to increase productivity and efficiency. 

Food for Thought:
How important and effective is video conferencing for businesses today? 

References:
The University of Lowa.(n.d.).  Video Conferencing. Retreived from: http://its.uiowa.edu/support/article/100451#setup

Earon, Ann.(2014). The Real Business Benefits of Video Conferencing. Retrieved from: https://www.lifesize.com/~/media/Documents/Related%20Resources/White%20Papers/The%20Real%20Business%20Benefits%20of%20Video%20Conferencing.ashx