Purchasing Services in cooperation with Classroom Technical Services (CTS) has developed a Best Practices program for the purchase of data/video projectors. This data/video projector purchasing program allows CTS to help the University of Minnesota realize savings by taking advantage of lower costs associated with standardization.

The Best Practices framework facilitates standardization of technology. CTS has applied its expertise to narrow the field of projectors from 100's to a select dozen which run the range of prices and capabilities. The Data Projector Purchasing Form allows University of Minnesota purchasers to submit information and facilitate billing through CUFS. A CTS representative will contact you within 2 working days of submitting the form with technical consultation and a cost estimate. As the U's largest purchaser of data/video projectors, CTS has the technical capability to make this program a success and to assist cost-effective acquisition of this equipment.

CTS has engineers on staff whose expertise is focused on data projector technology and who participate on a national level on projector technology issues, maintaining cutting-edge knowledge of hardware, software and the audio visual marketplace. CTS meets regularly with manufacturers for new equipment demonstration and testing.

The long-term benefits of standardizing the 350 data/video projectors purchased annually are:

• Reduced system down-time (temporary replacement projectors are available on the Twin Cities Campus)
• Reduced maintenance costs (long term track record of reliability)
• Reduced replacement bulb prices (through bulk purchases of select bulbs)
• Improved user experience (fewer projector types to adapt to)

Among the immediate short-term benefits of the program are:

• Reduced purchase prices (volume purchases of fewer models)
• Qualified vendors (vendor qualifications examined in RFP)
• Assured product availability (back-up vendors included in contracts and inventory carried by CTS)
• Product selection assistance (technical consulting without vested product interest)
• Reduced installation costs (improved technician practices w/fewer projector options)

In addition to technical consultation,

CTS engineers offer design and installation, as well as follow-up repair and maintenance services. CTS partners with Inventory Services for University Asset ID labeling and tracking and provides theft protection options ranging from cabling to password authorization to automated theft notification to the UofM Police Department.

CTS can also assist departments with the Manufacturer's Warranty through tracking, documentation and analysis of problems.

The Best Practices program extends significant cost savings benefits that the Office of Classroom Management (OCM) realizes from volume purchasing for the University of Minnesota community. As OCM's technical department, CTS has installed the UofM Projection Capable Classroom Standard in more than 220 central classrooms and has over one half million hours of successful operation.