Lightware Integrates GUDE Driver Into LARA For Unified AV And Power Control

Lightware has broadened its LARA (Lightware Advanced Room Automation) platform with a driver for GUDE Power Distribution Units, enabling GUDE devices to operate natively within LARA. The move brings intelligent power distribution into the same environment as AV control, allowing system integrators to manage both through a single set of automation workflows and helping to streamline deployment, day-to-day operation and maintenance.

By incorporating GUDE power management into LARA's automation engine, users gain direct control of GUDE PDU outlets. Integrators can automate start-up and shutdown routines, power‑cycle individual endpoints and monitor real-time and historical power consumption, with change events logged to improve system visibility and diagnostics.

Gergely Vida, CEO of Lightware, said: "Modern AV systems increasingly bring together technologies from multiplemanufacturers, so interoperability and centralized control are becoming essential. Our integration with GUDE extends the capabilities of LARA, allowing integrators to bring device control, room automation and GUDE power management together within LARA. The result is greater visibility, simpler system operation and a more streamlined experience for both integrators and end users."

Unifying AV and power control can simplify routine tasks and reduce support overheads. Power cycling over the local network minimises the need for on-site intervention when devices require a restart, while automating repetitive power-related processes improves operational efficiency and ensures consistent opening and closing procedures across rooms and sites.

Philipp Gude, CSO of GUDE Systems, added: "The integration of our smart PDUs into Lightware's LARA delivers real added value for our customers: they gain a centralized solution for monitoring and controlling their AV setups – resulting in faster AV service, less downtime and increased energy efficiency."

As AV estates grow more complex, centralised management from a single pane of glass can simplify both rollout and ongoing operations. The GUDE integration extends LARA's capabilities across corporate offices, education spaces and meeting rooms, as well as larger distributed AV and other networked installations where many devices must be monitored and managed together.

The GUDE LARA Driver is available now for download from the Lightware website.