News & Insights

Risk Management in AV Projects: What to Plan For

Written by BPAV | 10/21/25 9:34 AM

Delivering a successful AV project requires more than technical expertise, it demands proactive risk management. From design to deployment, every phase carries potential challenges that can affect budgets, timelines, and system performance.

Identifying Common Risks

1. Incomplete project requirements
Poorly defined scopes are one of the leading causes of delays and cost overruns. It’s essential to document functional requirements, use cases, and integration points from the start.

2. Integration complexity
Modern AV systems connect with IT networks, control platforms, and cloud-based services. Poor coordination between AV and IT teams can lead to network conflicts and security issues.

3. Vendor dependencies
Relying on multiple suppliers increases the risk of compatibility gaps and support delays. A single point of accountability or consultancy oversight can help mitigate this.

4. Site and infrastructure readiness
Delays in construction, power, or network availability can stall commissioning. Conducting readiness audits before installation helps prevent downtime.

Strategies for Effective Risk Management

  • Conduct a risk assessment during the design phase to identify potential issues early.

  • Implement clear documentation for system design, cabling, and programming standards.

  • Maintain transparent communication between stakeholders - AV, IT, construction, and client teams.

  • Schedule milestone testing to validate systems before full deployment.

  • Plan for change management and define how variations are handled.

Good risk management doesn’t eliminate surprises, but it prepares you to handle them. With structured planning, experienced partners, and disciplined execution, you can deliver AV projects that perform as expected every time.

Need expert guidance to plan and deliver your next AV project with confidence? Talk to BPAV’s consultants today.