As industries accelerate toward a more connected and immersive future, the lines between audio-visual (AV) and information technology (IT) are blurring. Mandar Jadhav, Business Head – AVSI at Syntel by Arvind, believes this convergence is pertinent for the next phase of digital transformation. AV-IT solutions are enabling organizations to build seamless, secure, and intelligent environments where collaboration and customer experience take center stage. He also shares how the solutions are impacting hybrid workplaces, smart campuses, healthcare, retail, and smart cities.
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TAM: How do you see the convergence of AV and IT systems shaping the next phase of digital transformation for industries?
Mandar Jadhav: The distinction between AV and IT has become increasingly vague now, they work hand in hand as essential drivers of digital change. AV adds that immersive experience, while IT provides the backbone of scalability, connectivity, and security. Together, they’re paving the way for a new era of transformation, crafting environments where communication, collaboration, and data analytics come together effortlessly. Whether in businesses, educational institutions, healthcare, or smart cities, this integration will shape how organizations function, connect with their stakeholders, and prepare for the future.
TAM: With hybrid workplaces and smart campuses becoming mainstream, what role do you see AV-IT solutions playing in ensuring seamless collaboration and business continuity?
Mandar Jadhav: In today’s hybrid workplaces and smart campuses, it’s all about creating an equal experience for everyone whether they’re working from home or in the office. AV-IT solutions are key to achieving this by bringing together smart video conferencing, unified collaboration tools, IoT controls, and efficient scheduling. On campuses, these solutions also cover digital signage, security monitoring, and environmental automation. They not only facilitate seamless collaboration but also ensure that businesses can keep running smoothly by making work environments more flexible, secure, and responsive.
TAM: What innovations do you foresee in intelligent AV systems that can adapt to evolving enterprise needs?
Mandar Jadhav: The future of AV is all about being smart, adaptable, and driven by AI. We can expect systems that automatically adjust audio and video quality based on the room setup, network conditions, or the number of people present. Cloud-based AV will enable real-time scalability and remote management. Features like voice and gesture control, along with AI-driven predictive maintenance, will become standard. Plus, personalization will take center stage – AV systems will learn user preferences and provide tailored collaboration experiences.
TAM: As CIOs and CTOs face pressure to deliver both efficiency and security, how should they balance the integration of AV-IT solutions with concerns around data privacy and cybersecurity?
Mandar Jadhav: CIOs and CTOs need to view AV systems as vital IT assets. Every AV endpoint be it an interactive display, video conferencing tool, or security camera should be protected with the same level of care as traditional IT infrastructure. This means implementing encryption, zero-trust models, secure authentication, and regular updates. However, it’s crucial that this focus on security doesn’t hinder usability. The ideal approach is to design AV-IT systems with security as a priority while ensuring they remain user-friendly and intuitive for everyone involved.
TAM: How do you see the demand for enterprise-grade AV-IT solutions evolving in the Indian market compared to global trends?
Mandar Jadhav: India is experiencing a significant digital transformation. While global markets are busy fine-tuning their hybrid models, India is still in the process of scaling up across various sectors like education, healthcare, BFSI, hospitality, and government. This creates a huge demand for AV-IT solutions that are scalable, cost-effective, and tailored to specific needs. Interestingly, India is also making impressive strides in advanced technology adoption think hybrid classrooms, telemedicine, and smart campuses sometimes even outpacing more developed markets. The Indian enterprise landscape is a unique mix of affordability, innovation, and scale, setting it apart from global trends.
TAM: Beyond enterprise collaboration, where do you see the biggest growth opportunities for AV-IT integration in the near future?
Mandar Jadhav: The potential for growth extends well beyond just boardrooms. Sectors like live entertainment, retail, and hospitality are leveraging AV technology to create immersive customer experiences from projection mapping at events to AI-driven personalization in shopping. In healthcare, smart hospitals and telemedicine will increasingly depend on AV-IT solutions. Moreover, with the rise of smart cities, AV will play a crucial role in transportation, public safety, and citizen services. Ultimately, the most significant growth will come from AV solutions that blend functionality with experience, transforming spaces into interconnected, intelligent ecosystems.
