InfoComm International has introduced theAPEx Advocate program, recognizing AV manufacturers that are dedicated to supporting AV integrators and design consultants focused on “high standards of employee training and certification” who provide “exceptional solutions to their clients.”
Zdiwas thefirst companyto earn APEx distinction in 2014 and has since been joined by more than 50 other companies. The certification is based on the company achieving prescribed percentages of training and client satisfaction and must be renewed regularly.
The new APEx Advocate program “is designed for manufacturers to support APEx systems integrators through promotional consideration, outreach and preferential services,” according to InfoComm’s announcement. APEx Advocates “commit to promoting APEx integrators and consultants in their marketing and dealer training programs,” the press release says.
The first class of APEx Advocates includes Belden,Crestron,FSR,Hall Research,PeaveyandRGB Spectrum.
“Crestron is signing on to the be one of the first APEx Advocates because we support a more qualified integrator workforce,” said Dave Silberstein, director of inside sales at Crestron Electronics and chairman of InfoComm’s Manufacturers Council. “We encourage our integrators to earn the APEx designation because it proves that they believe in quality and it ensures that our products will be shown and configured to their true potential.”
FSR has been very supportive of the APEx Advocate Program since the InfoComm Manufacturers Council first proposed the initiative, says George Fournier, FSR senior sales engineer and a member of the InfoComm Manufacturers Council.
“As a manufacturer, FSR has been committed to our consultants and dealers over the years, and we have consistently supported them in their pursuit of the highest quality solutions they can provide their end users,” says Fournier. “InfoComm’s APEx program has been very successful in recognizing systems integrators, consultants and dealers who follow best practices and standards developed by InfoComm International.”
RGB Spectrum “is proud to be among the first manufacturers to become an InfoComm APEx Advocate,” says John Henkel, director of product marketing, noting the company offers InfoComm-certified training. “As we celebrate our 30th year, our commitment to helping system integrators and dealers gain the knowledge they need to excel remains a key tenet of our business. APEx-designated integrators help the entire industry by providing more efficient and intelligent system design and implementation.”
High standards on products and installations can help to cut down on problems for customers, which increases overall satisfaction for the industry, said InfoComm senior VP of member services Betsy Jaffe.
“Like APEx integrators and consultants, APEx Advocates are champions of industry quality, devoting time and resources to supporting companies that prioritize superior customer satisfaction, training and certification,” she said in the announcement. “We are proud of the companies that have committed to the APEx program, which ensures our industry continues to advance.”