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Commentary Integration Methodology and Why It's Important

One of the least understood aspects of creating and implementing a GPS-guided audio tour, is the behind the scenes architectural design that is at the heart of every successful project.

We, at AudioConexus, have heard about “failed tours’ from too many tour operators. In all cases, the failure was not in the hardware they had purchased – but in the lack of a proper integration methodology.

These are the pitfalls “failed tours” tend to fall into:

Any company merely selling “hardware solutions” do not understand what is required for commentary integration. Therefore, “real world tour scenarios” are not taken into consideration.

Unfortunately, there are manufacturers with no real world implementation experience that just want to ship systems built without the features necessary for successful on-site implementations.

You simply cannot assume that script writers or sound production companies have the expertise or experience to create commentary that fits seamlessly into a GPS-guided audio tour. They simply don’t understand how the Creative side meshes with the Hardware side. Within this domain, there are very specific “do’s” and “don’ts”.

Tour Architecture and Design is Essential

AudioConexus has developed proprietary hardware and software, that overcomes a variety of logistical challenges – on land and over water. Our end-to-end solution takes into consideration the most complex operating environment. For example, we take into account traffic patterns; construction zones; and mandatory alternative routing.

Another important logistical consideration for “urban-oriented” tours is “GPS-drift. GPS-drift happens in urban canyons like Times Square in New York, when GPS signals bounce off buildings - “drifting” up to two blocks away. How does the company selling the listening devices manage this? The short answer is – more than likely, they don’t. GPS-guided tour systems are not created equally.

Because no two tour operators are the same, our Multilingual Commentary Integration strategy for managing commentary is customized to your specific needs. We look at a variety of considerations your tour will encounter - including: drivers, routes, traffic, and alternative routes. For example, how will your tour sound when your bus is stuck in traffic? How does this impact your passenger entertainment? How can you develop a tour that always sounds ideal, regardless of extenuating circumstances? What’s the solution?

A GPS-guided audio tour requires more than just great content, and dependable hardware. It also requires two levels of integration between the two. There is, in fact, an architecture that is essential.

Seamless Integration of Commentary and Hardware

We have developed a Commentary Integration Methodology that focuses on tour development from prior to us arriving on-site; right through to going live with your tour(s). During the planning we create the architecture of your route logistics (our on-site assessment and understating of your location); and customize the approach to the script writing and sound production for your tour. Once the content has been produced and approved, our staff will come for a second on-site visit specifically to install the newly created content into the hardware; test the entire system; and guide your staff, so they feel completely comfortable with all aspects of your new system.

What makes us different from other companies is our holistic approach to implementation. We are there for you every step of the way – and we take the time to train staff and management, so your team is empowered to self manage your software and hardware when we leave.

This eliminates the biggest problem that we see and hear about: companies that sell hardware and software, but do not develop the seamless integration of the content into the hardware. This failure to effectively manage the implementation link, leads to failed projects and unsatisfied customers.

It is impossible to overstate the importance of the seamless integration of content into hardware. Because each tour has unique circumstances, an “off-the-shelf” architecture for the integration is not possible. Our answer is the “ACI Geek-squad” – the team we send to create the architecture necessary to script and produce effective content, that, once programmed into the hardware, creates a tour that has taken all the logistics into consideration. This is your best insurance against a “failed tour”.

The bottom line is simple: AudioConexus provides a turnkey solution - focused on all aspects of passenger and visitor entertainment. We’re proud that leading sightseeing companies choose us. Here is a graphic representation of how our Commentary Integration Methodology works.

If you need assistance with your project, please contact us to learn more about our Commentary Integration Methodology and how we can help.

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