When precision and speed are paramount to your meeting room technology order, there is a new name in the AV industry that you should get to know: David Watkins. As manager of AVI System’s new Velocity Logistics Center, David not only navigates the complexities of supply chain management – he has redefined what it means to operate at peak efficiency in the systems integration business. David has witnessed the evolution of designing logistics to meet customer demand and the shifting demands of a global marketplace.
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David has witnessed the evolution of designing logistics to meet customer demand and the shifting demands of a global marketplace. In this interview, we explore David’s journey in logistics innovation. He shares his insights on his challenges, the strategies utilized at our Velocity Logistics Center, and his vision for future execution. |
1. Can you describe your role at the Velocity Logistics Center and what a typical day looks like for you? The role of the VLC is to act as an assembly line for the simple core solutions that are installed in small, medium,m and large conference rooms across the United States. We test, provision, pack, label, and ship these meeting room solutions. Our average rate is 20 to 30 systems per day with an estimated maximum capability of up to 60.
2. What do you find most rewarding about working in logistics and supply chain management? I enjoy pushing the boundaries of our throughput. Ultimately, my goal is to enable AVI Systems to efficiently process 100 room solutions per day. Currently, the most rewarding part of Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM) is when I see small adjustments to a process make a large improvement to the overall processing time of a project.
3. How does the Velocity Logistics Center ensure efficiency and accuracy in its operations? We do this through a thoughtful approach that focuses on standardization, repeated verification, and checklists. Our team at the VLC is fully trained in the process we’ve established. And we remain flexible to adjust as needed when we identify a more efficient way of completing a customer order.
4. How has technology impacted your work and the overall operations at the VLC? Hardware advancements have made core components easier to work with and less complex. Our manufacturer partners are adding more functionality to hardware and software offerings while focusing on the overall user experience.
5. Can you share an example of a project or initiative that you've managed in the VLC that you are particularly proud of? KATZ Media Group was one of the first VLC projects. The customer has been excellent to work with, and our team in Austin (Sara Landkammer and Austin Branch) is phenomenal. The installations have been perfect. The system complexity or number of installations isn’t astronomical, but it is a perfect example of the VLC Certification capability and how it should be used.
6. What specific services does the Velocity Logistics Center provide, and how do they differ from other logistics centers in the AV industry? We offer customers a variety of solutions that are configured, delivered, and installed with speed and efficiency. Offerings include:
- Velocity Classic and Signature meeting room solutions, Digital Signage and Workspace Solutions. These are off-the-shelf solutions that are tried and true.
- Velocity Certification is another unique offering AVI created to simplify ordering for our customers. When a customer has a specific solution, they have designed and standardized for their organization, AVI can certify that room standard and add it to our catalog. This makes it easy to order and deploy nationwide for the customer.
- Velocity Kitting and Logistics Services is another new service for our customers. This offering ensures that no matter the size of an order or where the customer may be located, AVI can stage, provision, package, label, and kit the solution efficiently and effectively.
- Another unique service we plan to ramp up includes an e-waste service that allows for decommissioning and eco-friendly recycling anywhere in the United States.
7. Can you describe how the Velocity Logistics Center supports employee collaboration and engagement? The VLC is designed as an open space with moveable furniture. All employees are within talking distance and can share ideas or request assistance at any time.
8. How might the Velocity Logistics Center manage supply chain disruptions or peak season demands? If our supply chain is disrupted in any major way, our primary focus will be to ensure equipment arrives and communicating any changes with our customers. We can reprioritize based on demand and deadlines regardless of disruptions or spikes in demand.
9. How does the center prioritize customer service and client relationships in its operations? Customer service and relationships are our highest priority. While a Project Manager will manage most of the communication with the customer, we take ownership of the onsite experience and expect our technicians to represent AVI by being polite, prompt, and effective.
10. Can you share any recent initiatives or projects that have improved efficiency or productivity at the center? The world’s largest retailer was the initial proof of concept for the VLC back in January of 2024. We’ve now moved into phase 2 with them in October of 2024. The simplicity of their systems and regular weekly volume provides us with the opportunity to improve the fundamentals of our operation.
11. What future trends do you foresee impacting the logistics industry, and how is the Velocity Logistics Center preparing for them? LSCM’s focus prior to COVID was digitalization and systems. The pandemic pushed the needle and showed the logistics industry what it was lacking from a system perspective. Today, companies are providing off-the-shelf warehouse management systems and process management systems. Using these new software tools helps AVI stay ahead of the curve so we can easily expand as our pipeline grows during the next three to five years.
It’s clear David’s passion for logistics and innovation drives the success of the Velocity Logistics Center. His insights into the ever-evolving landscape of supply chain management not only highlight the challenges that exist in the audiovisual industry but also inspire a vision for a more efficient future. With leaders like David guiding AVI System’s industry-leading logistics capabilities, the VLC is poised for exciting advancements. His strategic approach will continue to shape how modern workplace technologies and solutions move throughout the United States and around the globe.
