Videoconferencing is a Board Decision
Video Conferencing for a Global Business
When Mr Akira Karasawa, was appointed Director of Toray Textiles Europe Limited he faced a problem common businessmen involved in a global operation – the cost and time involved in international travel. As a Director of the parent company, Toray Industries Inc. in Japan, Mr Karasawa was faced with frequent journeys to attend board meetings there.
Knowing the Advantages of Video Conferencing
However, he had an advantage over others facing this dilemma; he was familiar with videoconferencing and its benefits through its extensive use within the Toray organisation in Japan. As a result he recommended its installation in their Mansfield-based operation which is the largest manufacturer of woven polyester and nylon fabrics in Europe. Their specialist high tech fabrics are used in demanding applications such as medical and sports clothing as well as in the home and the fashion industry.
Video Conferencing in the Mainstream
Questmarks’s status as an accredited reseller of Simplicity Conferencing Services (SCS) helped Toray Textiles realise that Video Conferenceing was accessible for their budget.
“We had investigated videoconferencing a few years ago, “explains Robert Brealey, Systems Analyst at Toray Textiles, “but the infrastructure on a 2meg leased line costs at that time were prohibitive. Now we can deploy it as another web-based application on a 10meg bearer. As a result videoconferencing is now a viable proposition.”
Working with Questmark
Toray textiles took full advantage of Questmark’s knowledge of the industry, technology and services to make the final decision. Coming to trial video conferencing systems at the Questmark Offices, Toray were given knowledgeable advise to help the choose a system that fitted with their company. Their choice:
The Lifesize high-definition Room
System. “We trialled a couple of systems, but LifeSize stood out in terms of price and performance,” says Robert Brealey.
More than just Meetings.
Since its installation the system has been used on a regular basis for a monthly two-hour meeting and for a number of ad hoc sessions. One spin-off has been through plugging in a VGA cable from a laptop into the screen for internal presentations.
One Business class ticket to Japan :£3750
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Cost of a Hotel
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Cost of Food
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Cost of Employee’s Time
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A quick return on investment for Toray.
The cost justification for videoconferencing can be gauged by the price of a business class return ticket from London to Japan. Add other travel and hotel costs into the equation and it will not take long for Toray Textiles to recoup its investment in the Lifesize system.