COVID 19 response


Digital signage and Covid-19 - the opportunity nobody wanted


Like those who profit from war, it is almost embarrassing to admit that your company has seized the opportunity presented by Coronavirus to sell appropriate digital signage solutions. And yet, AV suppliers have much to offer in the battle against the virus, be it in staff and visitor management:: wayfinding; signage with integrated sanitation, people-counting or public health messaging. Here AV News editor Bryan Denyer with the help of AV News Award Winner and Technical Solutions Architect for NEC Display Solutions, Graham Kirkpatrick look at ways digital signage helps customers fulfil their Covid-19 security obligations.


In the corporate world, digi- tal signage solutions have in- creased in importance as they start to bring employees back to the office. Staff and visitor safety is paramount and digital signage can help in reinforcing safety protocols. No organisa- tion will want to be held ac- countable for an infection out- break or for their staff getting


messages must be consistent and up to date in accordance with the latest government guidelines. Considering that these can change almost over- night, using digital signage can prove far more cost effective compared to printed posters. Dynamic images are also far more effective at attracting at- tention with mobile solutions


to limit the number of people gathering in spaces according to an identified maximum ca- pacity. Signage can be used to guide people to other areas of the building or to utilise differ- ent routes in order to control numbers.


NEC is currently evaluating, along with key supply chain partners, an integrated system which enables staff to gain ac- cess to buildings using facial recognition, but also senses heat which means you are im- mediately


refused access if


there is any question of raised body temperature. This infor- mation will then be consistent across all points of access to the building.


Many corporate organisations have already invested in room booking systems and this has become of great benefit in managing the number of staff using the building in any one day. Rooms can be pre-booked remotely and sanitisation can take place before the next booking arrives.


Communication sick.


At its very simplest, digital signage is used to convey an organisation’s infection control measures – hand sanitising, so- cial distancing, use of masks, once way systems etc. These reminders should be positioned at all entrances and in any ar- eas where people gather. The


moved to wherever they are needed.


Monitoring


Monitoring throughput of peo- ple using counting cameras is a hot topic at present, not only in the corporate space but also in other venues. This helps


Keith Dutch, MD of Peerless-AV, recognises that. now more than ever, companies understand the importance of keeping a constant flow of communica- tion to their staff and visitors. In cases of emergency, digital signage is a powerful tool for conveying important informa- tion in public and staff areas. Displays and digital signage can be especially effective in a crisis for many different uses:


1. Deliver Accurate & Time- ly Data


The many different uses of digital signage allow a busi- ness to accomplish a variety of


anything from directories, floor maps and answers to common questions on screens in pub- lic areas. This implementation of digital signage minimises human interaction among cus- tomers and staff, keeping di- rect contact at minimum and making others feel safer.


4. Push Out Positivity


In times of uncertainty, it is important to have a for- ward-looking mindset. Digital signage can be used for more than just a means for informa- tion flow. Show appreciation for those on the frontline and essential workers with the help of eye-catching signage. Deliv- ering inspirational messages to the public on screens is one of the ways digital signage can be used for good during a crisis.


P12 AV News November 2019 P8 AV News October 2020


QSR outlets now have apps to order in advance and therefore reduce contact times for mixed audiences. Voice


control has obvious


challenges, with regional dia- lects, speed of speech, depth of voice, and maturity of voice. Gesture control may be some- thing that could be widely de- ployed, but platforms are not common.


Facial recognition has an ob- vious opportunity here, or any- where there is a camera. Video conferencing can be contact- less, just by simply walking into the room, sitting down and the camera launching the call because it can sense your presence. In corporate buildings, facial recognition is often already used to allow access to staff, it can equally


they are as comfortable as pos- sible when using our new Riva touchscreen.” Branded ‘Wipe & Shine’ kits will ship with all the new CTOUCH Riva touch- screens. For customers who have already purchased, they can also claim theirs through the CTOUCH website.


Integration


EDBAK have repurposed their factory to manufacture prod- ucts to enhance safety in pub- lic spaces. Their latest solution is a series of ProClean products for hand sanitation. The time- less design and robust con- struction allow it to blend into any commercial environment including offices, schools, shopping centres and hotels. ProClean is available in two versions: free-standing and


goals, and conveying accurate messaging is one of the most essential during a crisis. With the power of digital signage, we have the ability to send out crit- ical updates with information and instructions at any point in time. Having the most current and transparent data not only instructs readers but will ease and comfort them.


2.Promote Proper Hygiene


Digital signage can be used to send out friendly reminders to the public for maintaining healthy habits. When a health crisis occurs, it’s important to emphasise proper hygiene. By encouraging healthy habits through digital


signs, people


can remain informed on appro- priate precautions.


3. Minimise Direct Contact


From interactive displays to vir- tual information desks, digital signage can lessen direct con- tact. Businesses can display


Interaction


One of the problems with in- teractive signage is that that, while it is the most effective means of exchanging data with signage, touch also carries a risk of infection. Personal devices can be key to touch- less interaction with signage. Whilst this is not cutting edge, being able to interact via an app or QR code is on the rise and allows users to remain con- fident that they are not touch- ing a contaminated display. It also reduces the cognitive challenge for employees since they can already operate their own


devices to efficiently access and


safely. Personal devices which support Bluetooth could be an alternative


control


systems that have been heavily dependent on ‘keypad touch’. Banks and retailers have re- acted to this by increasing spending limits for contactless payments, with Apple Pay at £100 max per transaction, and


deny access according to other available data such as staff in quarantine or demonstrating a raised temperature.


But supposing that you want to grant direct access to the touchscreen? Some vendors are supplying sanitation kits with touch screens or at least directions for keeping touch screens virus free. NEC has produced cleaning guidelines and a video to support safe cleaning practices https://you- tu.be/GeWpogOMMUg. Gregg Ringer, Head of UK Market Development for CTOUCH has announced that: “In a time where surface cleaning is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, we want to ensure we are doing our bit to help our customers. As a company, we have launched a series of ini- tiatives which ensure we are as environmentally and socially aware as we can be, and this is another example of many more to come. We want to provide peace of mind for our users, so


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