Why Interactive White Boards Might Need For Your Business

Interactive whiteboards are displays that serve the same main purpose as traditional whiteboards. They can be used for sharing information, exchanging messages, and collaborating on the same medium.

But interactive whiteboards go one step further. They connect people and devices over the internet and have the ability to digitize tasks and operations. Different interactive whiteboards exist and see plenty of use in modern offices. Some come with their own chips, while other setups require multiple devices, including smart projectors.

Reasons to Use Interactive White Boards

Although many think interactive whiteboards replace traditional classroom blackboards, they can play a crucial role in modern offices. This type of office equipment makes presentations more engaging, and can even help hybrid remote workplaces interact more easily.

Today’s business environment is highly competitive in any field. The more tools you use to increase productivity and streamline workflows, the better everyone performs.

Regarding interactive whiteboards, there are a few scenarios that can benefit significantly from having one.

  • Brainstorming sessions
  • Interactive product and strategy presentations
  • Client meetings
  • Hybrid team sessions
  • Videoconferencing
  • Training programs
  • Creative workshops
  • Previewing wide-format prints

These boards can replace chalk, sticky notes, large screens, and many other items people use to share ideas, draft plans, and present products.

What Differentiates Interactive WhiteBoards

Getting the correct interactive whiteboard for a company or organization can be challenging. They all seem similar but can differ greatly in features and functionality.

Display Technologies

Many interactive whiteboards come in one of four sizes – 55, 65, 75, and 85 inches. But as they are essentially monitors, they differ in many other ways. For instance, high-brightness boards work better in bright, sunny environments. And light boards are easier to move around the office for various meetings.

There’s also the matter of connectivity. Not all interactive whiteboards have as many ports or the same variety. That’s why matching the board with existing office technology and devices is essential.

The Touch Screen

Integrated touch technology is one of the best features of interactive whiteboards. But touch technology has evolved significantly since the first touch screen was created back in the 1960s. Some displays are vastly more advanced and can recognize complex gestures.

The simplest touch screens might not be interactive enough for workshops, brainstorming sessions, and similar interactions between multiple coworkers and teams.

Touch technology is one of the main differentiators between interactive whiteboards for office use. Great boards have multiple touchpoints and can identify an entire palm.

These can be the best medium for writing and drawing. It eliminates the risk of smudging and having to redo your work. Even better, a simple hand gesture can make erasing content much quicker.

You can typically choose between the following touch technologies.

  • Projected capacitive touch
  • Infrared touch
  • Resistive touch
  • Optical imaging touch

PC Configuration

Not many people realize that interactive whiteboards come with integrated PCs. They often utilize an Android or Windows operating system and determine the board’s range of functionalities.

The interactive whiteboard may lack power when opting for an Android-based integrated PC But that doesn’t mean it can’t have many app integrations. Windows PCs deliver the better image quality and extra processing power. They’re more helpful when working with 4K images and high-end applications.

Integrated PCs aren’t always necessary. Interactive whiteboards can complement workstations and other devices. This is one way to save money when upgrading office equipment. In many cases, connecting personal devices to the interactive display is enough to do whatever you want with the whiteboard.

Alternatively, you can get a whiteboard with an OPS computing model. This can allow you to configure and embed a PC at a later date with your choice of RAM, CPU, and other specifications.

Pen Support

Many interactive whiteboards come with proprietary pen technology. That means you get the best pen for your board. But that doesn’t mean every pen is equally reliable or versatile.

For example, a stylus or passive pen isn’t plugged into the board. This can give you a lot of freedom. Active pens are vastly superior in functionality. The downside is that they are more expensive and require batteries and a connection to the board.

It’s essential to match the screen technology and pen support. Not all screens differentiate between fingers, pens, colors, input speed, and other factors. Picking the correct option based on the range of office activities can expand or limit your new board’s functionality.

For instance, Sharp AQUOS Boards take their interactive display systems to the next level. Their high-performance whiteboards use pen technology that enables multiple simultaneous inputs. It makes it easier for large teams to collaborate, even in a hybrid workplace environment.

Time to Digitize Your Office

Using interactive whiteboards is not only fun but highly efficient. While coworkers have many ways to cooperate these days, an interactive display can optimize communication between on-site and remote employees, partners, vendors, and clients.

Whiteboards can be a great addition to creative brainstorming sessions, make it easier to share product ideas, train new team members, etc. You can stream many types of content, including 4K images and video, provided you have a high-quality board. There are more reasons to get one than not, especially when thinking about upgrading your office equipment.

Learn more about interactive whiteboards and complementary office equipment that can boost productivity and streamline workflows. Contact DTS today for your Bloomington, Minneapolis, or St. Paul business needs.