3 Questions with Tom Lureman of AtlasIED

Learn about AtlasIED’s new Atmosphere solution, what it can do for hospitality and retail, and new capabilities for the platform in our 3 questions interview with Tom Lureman of AtlasIED.

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Commercial Integrator got the chance to speak with Tom Lureman, director of engineering and product management at AtlasIED, about the company’s innovative Atmosphere solution, what it can do for hospitality and retail environments as COVID restrictions lift, and new capabilities recently released to the platform.

CI: AtlasIED recently released the new Atmosphere audio processing and control platform that is really a unique solution in the market. How has it been received and how is it benefiting your current customers?

Tom Lureman: The reception has been absolutely incredible. A lot of people may have an outdated view of AtlasIED. They might think we’re just a ceiling speaker company, but over the last five years we’ve designed and released more advanced technology products like our IPX series IP endpoints as well as our GLOBALCOM system. These solutions are so flexible, reliable, and robust that they are built into mission critical mass notification systems in environments such as schools and airports.

We identified a market gap of a simple to use, easy to maintain audio solution, that’s also powerful and flexible; ideal for a variety of settings. Enter Atmosphere… we consider Atmosphere as part of the new era of AtlasIED engineering.

In the end we came out with something that was truly unique, which hit the right balance. That was the biggest takeaway from our launch and post launch efforts. We really were trying to address the needs of end user experience, installer experience, as well as focusing on their relationship post install.

CI: You’re already providing upgrades to the system. How will these upgrades augment the Atmosphere platform? What upgrades would you say are most impactful for your integrator partners?

TL: In September we released version 1.0. During the launch effort we let customers, and the entire industry, know this was just the beginning. Post-launch, we sat down with key end-users and integrators, pouring over the features to find out where we can get better, and what was lacking. Ultimately, it doesn’t mean anything until you act on that feedback, and this 2.0 update is our response to those interviews and discussions. We are releasing over a dozen new features, many of which can completely change or augment how an existing customer or new customer may use Atmosphere.

The most impactful ones are the addition of room combine, stereo support, and subwoofer support. We also have a fully integrated bell scheduler, accessory self-heal, as well as six or seven other upgrades.

CI: I know AtlasIED is really focused on helping retail and restaurant environments recover and come back stronger than ever post-COVID. How can Atmosphere and the new upgrades play into this recovery?

TL: The last year we’ve seen a lot of closures in hospitality and retail markets, both mandated and as a result of the unfortunate economic challenges. The good news is that there already seems to be movement toward recovery and a lot of rekindled excitement in these spaces.

We see existing businesses that are reopening and a great number of new businesses opening. Most important to businesses is attracting new customers and welcoming back loyal customers. People are becoming more accustomed to going out again. When they do go out they want a positive, comfortable, memorable experience. Businesses realize that the atmosphere of their environment is key in helping create that good and memorable experience.

I think business owners are looking for help, and technology integrators can help them! Some of the new features we have added to Atmosphere can help, particularly in retail. For example, subwoofer support and stereo support help restaurants and retail create a much more impactful and immersive environment.

We have patent pending automatic ambient noise sense technology that allows for the audio adjustment and background music to go up and down based on background noise, but also works with the end user and learns from their user inputs.

Things like accessory self-heal gives integrators peace of mind that if something were to happen out in the field there’s no programming needed to get them back up and running.

We have a patented QR code based virtual controller – scan it with your phone and you have instant audio control (credentialled, of course) that’s been optimized for use on any mobile device. We didn’t create that with COVID in mind, but now QR codes are common from gas pumps for payments to restaurant tables for menus. Imagine taking an audio controller or wall controller and putting it in your hand. That along with room combine allows for easy and safe user management of something like combined meeting spaces, banquet halls, or fitness centers.

These new features help facilitate a more immersive environment, an easier to use environment, or more flexible environment that will attract and retain customers.

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