EMPOWER YOUR digital content WITH PADS4 AWA RD -WI N N I N G D I G ITA L SI G N AG E S O F T WA R E
CORPORATE COMMUNICATION | WAYFINDING | SMART MEETING ROOM SIGNAGE | DIGITAL MENU BOARDS | QUEUE MANAGEMENT | SOCIAL MEDIA | INTERACTIVITY | OUTDOOR COMMUNICATION | ADVERTISING | PASSENGER INFORMATION
pads4 as a platform From internal communication in corporate meeting rooms and offices, to external ads, wayfinding, and transit information, communication drives businesses. Today, we have more information to share than ever, and digital signage is the perfect way to share and leverage this information. PADS4 delivers a powerful all-in-one digital signage platform, capable of integrating your data, managing digital signage networks, and helping you do more with your displays. With full support for 70+ data sources, smart tools like context-based automation, dynamic content display, and real-time content updates, PADS4 meets the complex needs of various industries. Individuals can design presentations, schedule display content, play media, and manage and distribute content from a single location. We launched our first display solution in 1994 and we’ve worked to improve, expand, and
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Data is everything / everything is data
reinvent our software ever since. Today, PADS4 offers a complete digital signage platform, featuring Viewer, Designer, Crystal CMS, Scheduler, Server, and Agent applications to fulfill all your design, display, and digital signage networking needs. PADS4 connects seamlessly to existing data sources and shares content across your network, whether to a single screen or to 30,000+ displays. Leverage digital signage and connect with consumers, travelers, and employees.
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Advertise, offer wayfinding, provide corporate communication, integrate communication, inspire, motivate, or teach. PADS4 does it all.
Railpoint and PADS4 at Gatwick
Ready to find out more? Please continue reading and visit pads4.com
NDS Luchthavenweg 59-I
nds.global
5657 EA, Eindhoven
pads4.com
The Netherlands
service@pads4.com
All rights reserved. Copyright Š 2019
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02 PADS4, get in CTRL
10 Case: Atos
06 PADS4 platform overview
12 Smart Airport Signage
07 PADS4 Crystal CMS
13 Case: Billund Airport
09 Optimizing corporate and 15 Passenger information display
workplace communication
17 Hospitality
with digital signage
18 Case: van der Valk
years 25 experience
75
+
+
A p o w e r f u l d i g i ta l s i g n a g e p l at f o r m f o r :
countries
Smart meeting room software
Corporate communication
Wayfinding
Advertising
Social media
Interactivity
Digital menu boards
Passenger information
Queue management
Outdoor communication
500k Dis wo plays rldw ide
35%
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40%
Dec in wreas tim aitining e g
80%
sal booes st
Move people with dynamic display communication 3
FEATURE
How datafication creates opportunities for communication
Data is everything / everything is data Over the past two decades, technology has evolved at a rapid pace, bringing technologies that were once impossible, into the palms of our hands. Today, a large percentage of the world
is based on information. Digital signage
relies on digital for communication,
can play a crucial role in this, because
guidance, wayfinding, and entertainment.
people rely on signage for directions,
Paradoxically, this creates large volumes
answers, and inspiration. Using big data,
of data, while generating an increasing
corporations can anticipate consumer
demand for consumer access. 98% of
and employee needs to provide the right
all data is stored digitally and this means
information at the right time. This kind of
that the companies creating solutions
smart, targeted content enables you to
already own the information they need.
use your data to drive actions.
This process, known as datafication, has
By coupling data sources like MS
driven the creation of big data, enabling
Exchange, MS SharePoint, Delphi, and
corporations to learn more about their
SAP to PADS4, companies can create
consumers, about what they want and
these types of applications directly in
how they act.
PADS4. Subsequently, the platform
By combining this data with smart
allows you to filter and utilize data, to
solutions like the PADS4 digital signage
make smart decisions, and to automate
‘98% of all data is stored
platform, companies can deliver
real-time displays to create smart and
digitally, and this means
inspiration, wayfinding, guidance, and
personal communication.
much more.
that the companies
Because PADS4 enables companies to
Integrating big data with digital signage
distribute all their communication to
own the information
People use data to make decisions in
communication can be updated based
they need.’
every area of their lives. Every purchase,
on location, time of day, or other smart
every direction taken, and every choice
'If This Then That' rules like the weather,
creating solutions already
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every screen from a single network, this
traffic, or internal business data. For
large networks of 16,000+ screens can be
example, a company aiming to reduce
managed from a central location.
their energy usage or to reduce their
PADS4 also enables powerful internal
CO2 footprint could display data on C02
organization communication with
output and waste in real time, while a
the PADS4 Desktop Viewer and
company hoping to inspire employees
Messenger. These tools allow instant
could display KPI representation. Hotels
communication because companies
and venues can display room rental
can push messages to desktop displays
with maps and arrows, but they can
throughout their entire organization.
also integrate airport data and public
This technology could, for example, be
transport schedules, with ads for coffee
used to offer instant branding updates, to
or other beverages when planes or busses
communicate inside large networks such
are delayed.
as government infrastructure, to inspire employees with key data, presentations
High-end digital signage software
or to communicate with remote network
PADS4 is a digital signage software
branches.
package with all the tools to design,
In short, PADS4 enables you to couple
schedule, distribute, and view content.
data you already own to drive results,
By coupling data sources, you can access
improve communication, and translate
all of your business data right in PADS4.
information you own into actionable
Once connected, drag and drop features
messages and solutions. Harnessing
allow non-technical users to design and
big data is a major trend for 2019, and
schedule content for automatic delivery.
NDS is already making that happen with
Built-in analytics also enable companies
their PADS4 product. With 25 years of
to monitor network performance. This
experience in data-driven solutions,
tool also makes it easy to remotely
NDS is leading the way towards smarter
manage display content. Therefore, even
digital signage.
"Large (inter)national networks can be managed from a central location."
A POWERFUL DIGITAL SIGNAGE PLATFORM A high-end presentation viewer Develop stunning presentation designs Web-based digital signage CMS Simple internal communication tools ... and much more
PADS4 is a complete digital signage software solution, featuring everything you need to design, develop, display, and manage content on your screens. pads4.com
PLATFORM OVERVIEW
A comprehensive solution for targeted display communication From simple greeting messages to real-time information on thousands of displays, PADS4 is the reliable
.
PADS4 Scheduler
Determine when and where to show your
software solution for all your digital
presentations and use PADS4 Scheduler to
signage applications.
or drag & drop your presentation into the
make it happen. Use the step-by-step wizard calendar. It's that easy.
PADS4 Server
PADS4 Server delivers your content to the right displays in your digital signage network. From across the room to across the world,
PADS4 Viewer
Play your scheduled presentations perfectly with PADS4 Viewer. Delivery is crucial to your message, and PADS4 Viewer plays your presentations beautifully at the right moment.
PADS4 Designer
Create stunning presentations with endless possibilities and features, including the use of rich text, YouTube videos, internet pages, PDF, and live TV. Simply drag & drop your content into PADS4 Designer and compose an appealing presentation.
PADS4 Server is effective and efficient.
PADS4 Agent
With PADS4 Agent you can easily monitor your network status and performance. PADS4 Agent is the perfect tool to remotely inspect and manage network connections, memory usage, detailed system info, and more.
PADS4 Desktop communication
Extend your internal digital signage communication network to Desktop PCs,
PADS4 Crystal CMS
laptops and tablets with PADS4 Messenger and PADS4 Desktop Viewer.
Update and manage display content through a secure web portal from any browser with the modules of PADS4 Crystal CMS. With full control
CHECK OUT THE DEMO
over user access and rights, channels, and data sources, PADS4 Crystal CMS puts you in control of
Would you like to find out more
display rights and users.
about the PADS4 platform? pads4.com/pads4/
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PADS4 Crystal CMS
Take your digital signage content management to the next level with PADS4 Crystal CMS. Our simple, webbased content management system makes it easy to schedule, update, and manage display content across your signage network, social media, and more. One web-based interface
create your own with a range of smart
Simplify your content management
tools. Layer content integrate multimedia
with a web-based interface, accessible
with video, image, text, scrolling content,
from any browser-enabled device.
slideshows, IPTV, and real-time data
Key Features:
Setup and integration are easy. With
including news, weather, RSS, and social
• Secure web portal
complete access to all channels from one
media. PADS4 Crystal CMS is everything
• Modular layout for customizable
interface, anyone can log in, to manage
you need to make your displays functional
configurations
and schedule publications across your
and beautiful.
• Unlimited scheduling with Crystal
displays.
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport
CMS or Scheduler ... and much more
Manage users and access rights
In 2017, Toulouse-Blagnac airport began a
Protect your data and network with
redevelopment project to modernize and
complete access rights management and
improve their terminals, with new digital
secure web access through an internal
departure/arrival boards and signage
or external portal. Set up custom user
across the shopping area and food courts.
profiles and manage users and access
The airport chose PADS4 Crystal CMS
rights, so you stay in control. PADS4
because of the high security and the
Crystal CMS offers a scalable user
user-friendliness of the system. Another
licensing to support your entire team, for
advantage is PADS4’s native support
as many administrators as needed.
for real-time data and data-driven rules, which were key for delivering real-time
Get in CTRL. All your content. All your channels. One web-based CMS.
Creative control meets design
information about flights and for safety.
Create, edit, and manage beautiful digital
The new digital signage system includes
signage presentations right in your CMS.
Duty-Free screens, digital banners, and
Import PADS4 Designer templates or
two video walls.
FEATURE
"PADS4 was the first digital signage platform to be tested and approved by every major SoC provider."
PADS4 pioneers in global SoC support for Samsung SSSP,
As technology advances, SoC (System on Chip) displays are evolving significantly. Nowadays you will find signage implementation capable on SoC displays delivering the same smooth playback as traditional media-player systems. A unique alliance with Samsung
iteration of the software. Nowadays,
LG webOS and Philips
In 2015, SoC-pioneer Samsung teamed
WebOS is available in version 4, and
up with software pioneer NDS to develop
PADS4 still offers native support.
Professional Displays
and enable an advanced range of digital
™
signage features. The goal was to improve
Recently, NDS developed PADS4 to
the overall performance between software
support Philips Professional Displays,
and hardware, for a smoother digital
to further broaden support options and
signage experience.
to offer end-clients the support they need for mixed displays. This way, each
As a result, in 2017, PADS4 became the
developer can use screens matching their
first digital signage software in the world
technical strengths.
to receive an official certification for (SSSP). PADS4 is native to various Tizen
Close collaboration with ProDVX and IAdea
displays, firmware, and older SSSP
From Samsung and LG to Philips, all the
screens. In addition, this unique alliance
big players in electronics are producing
between NDS and Samsung prompted
SoC screens (primarily for large
Samsung to approve and certify PADS4
formats)… and PADS4 supports them all.
as the data driven signage software for
System on Chip offers a cost-effective
advanced requirements.
solution for quickly installing digital
the Samsung Smart Signage Platform
signage without investing in a large-scale
Native to LG webOS and Philips
media player.
PADS4 is also LG webOS software partner for more complex projects. NDS has been
In addition there are companies - like
there from the start, developing seamless
ProDVX, IAdea and Elo – that focus on
support for webOS from the very first
small screen displays (ideal for meeting rooms, digital price tags, and for adding 2nd screens to a cash register). Adding these into the mix allows anyone to create a seamless solution managed by one software platform. Cost-savings, easy implementation, and having fewer third parties involved are among the big pluses for both AVintegrators and end users. With PADS4's close partnerships, we are the first to provide strong support for all projects.
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ARTICLE
Optimizing corporate and workplace communication with digital signage Effective communication drives successful companies. From the board room to the work floor, digital signage helps to take you there. Displays present a simple and effective way of pushing information across your organization, guiding, motivating, teaching, and reminding – so that everyone
using context-based rules, individuals can
with touchscreen opt-ins or real-time
engage with and update signage in real
signup and placement availability data.
time – using screens for whiteboarding,
Live mapping can share smart updates
digital dashboards, and media-sharing.
regarding building maintenance or
Smaller screens and tablets on doors and
repair, keeping individuals informed of
at entranceways provide value in other
out-of-order stairways, restrooms, and
ways, integrating room-booking systems,
equipment. Digital screens affordably
sharing guest-branding, and streamlining
highlight employee-of-the-month or
wayfinding. Individuals can effortlessly
other achievers, alert individuals of new
check when rooms are full or empty, book
employees or new promotions, and
room-time through an interactive display,
quickly share new rules and regulations.
and share indoor wayfinding to specific meeting rooms to help guests and
Signage also allows you to quickly share
individuals from other departments easily
motivational and inspirational messages
find their way.
across the workplace. With support for real-time data, screens make an ideal
stays on track.
Share motivational messages and data
solution for sharing data dashboards for
Enhance meeting room communication
Companies ranging from ATOS to BASF
to progress towards a goal. If you are
integrate digital signage across offices
measuring data, you can connect it
Meeting rooms are built for
to push corporate messages, news,
through PADS4 and share it into a
communication, and digital signage
and branding. Digital signage networks
beautiful layout or dashboard to keep
works to enhance. Large-scale screens
update effortlessly from one central
everyone up to date.
in meeting rooms present interactive
location, allowing managers and HR to
and HD alternatives to projectors,
instantly share messages, reminders, and
From wayfinding to sharing live data,
driving engagement and reducing room
motivational data.
digital signage integrates into nearly
everything from stock to work output
every aspect of corporate messaging
requirements. With technologies like touchscreen, web-portals in the form of
Screens can push workplace events
to enhance, streamline, and simplify
PADS4 Crystal CMS, and real-time data
and workshops in real-time, complete
communication.
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CASE
Atos BTN develops digital transformation concept Atos Benelux & The Nordics (Atos BTN) is part of Atos SE (Societas Europaea), a leader in digital services with approximately 100,000 employees in 72 countries. In 2015, Atos BTN relocated their headquarters, moving from a simple and universal building to a diverse working environment. The new headquarters missed the
their own next-level digital signage
connection with the Atos core brand
using PADS4 to improve their visual
message (being a Business Technology
communication.
Leader) and Atos BTN needed a solution
We sat down to have a few words with
to connect with and inspire employees
Gerrit Kraal, Offering Manager at Atos
and visitors.
BTN.
To support their corporate identity, Atos
Why did you choose PADS4?
BTN developed a digital transformation
‘We selected PADS4 because of its rich
concept, ‘MyCampus’ and deployed
range of interactive functionalities and
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open .Net based Software Development Kit.’
What did you do with PADS4 that is unique? ‘Our data centers in the Atrium are
• •
•
•
What solutions did you create with PADS4?
prominent and visible. We created a
‘We leveraged the opportunity to develop
digital screens, displaying service
custom-made applications with PADS4
hosting and monitoring information. We
in order to create a centrally managed
also use the screens for marketing and
internal and external communication
communication.’
real time data wall with three 84-inch
Unique applications to provide
platform driven by digital signage.
digital signage in every area
Actual examples include an interactive
Custom-made applications with
vending solution at the facility desk, a
How will you be using PADS4 in the future?
PADS4 help create a centrally
meeting room solution with interactive
‘The MyCampus interactive signage
managed platform
wayfinding near the entrance, on-demand
solution at the BTN headquarters will be
The MyCampus interactive
touch project solutions showcasing Atos
used as an example for future housing
signage is an example for future
references and videos in every coffee
projects at every other Atos location in
Atos projects
corner, and an open demo corner as
the Benelux, France, Denmark, Sweden,
On demand touch project
part of the Business Technology Solution
Finland, and Estonia.’
solutions showcasing Atos
showcase.’
Atos BTN was able to integrate PADS4 to
references
develop unique applications to provide
What did this achieve for Atos BTN?
digital signage solutions in every area of
‘PADS4 allowed us to convert the office
their headquarters. By communicating
into a working environment that exudes
information, providing inspiration, and
digital technology. The center of the
offering guidance, Atos is able to save
office, the Atrium, showcases our digital
time and money, while helping visitors
transformation with inspiration outlets
and employees to connect with their
and interactive touchscreen solutions.’
brand.'
‘PADS4 allowed us to convert the office into a working environment that exudes digital technology.’
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ARTICLE
‘Smart signage software in an airport can offer targeted and personalized information for passengers, according to their location and travel needs.‘
Smart airport signage To provide the perfect travel experience as a modern airport, you need a strong communication with every passenger, as individually as possible. With today’s technology, displays play a crucial role in sending a personal message, perfectly timed and at the applicable part of the airport.
One integrated approach
about walking distances and duration.
The most important use of displays at an
This could dynamically adjust itself to
airport is to relay flight information. Most
the waiting times at the security check to
of the time, the displayed information
ensure a timely arrival.
is a simple list of departures or arrivals. Nothing more than a straightforward
Future trends
interpretation of the flight information
Nowadays, big data and sophisticated
display system (FIDS).
technologies enable airports to know everything about their passengers, their
In addition to FIDS, airports use various
interests, their needs, and how they move
individual standalone signage solutions
around the airport. New technologies like
to communicate with passengers. Why
audience recognition, iBeacons and near-
not support all displays and all signage
field communications enable airports
applications from one powerful digital
to connect with passengers at a more
signage platform? This provides the
personal and targeted level.
opportunity to be flexible and to use each screen in the terminal building
To give an example, with Wi-Fi technology
individually, optimally meeting the display
it is already possible to determine the
requirements of that moment.
nationalities of people at a waiting area and to adjust the content on the screens.
Situations change in seconds
There is no doubt that in the upcoming
With intelligent digital signage software,
years, more examples like this will follow.
a display can ‘recognize’ a situation by itself and dynamically respond to it with
All of this, and much more, should
relevant content that suit the personal
contribute to a better passenger journey,
needs of the audience best. For example,
which starts when they arrive at the
the flight information displayed on the
airport. PADS4 is a digital signage product
departure screens can be expanded
that can do this today.
with directional arrows and information
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CASE
A new digital signage solution for Billund Airport
Better flight and passenger information With air traffic exceeding an annual 3.3 million passengers, Billund Airport is Denmark’s second largest airport. So, when Billund decided to improve their passenger experience, it was key to offer improved and modernized facilities, including better flight and passenger information, shopping facilities, and wayfinding across the terminals.
Client Billund Airport
Market A new digital signage solution was chosen
signage, including real-time updates,
as part of the renovation, featuring 175 new
support for 70+ data sources, IATA and
NEC screens paired with OPS players and
ICAO standard support, and smart tools to
Challenge
Windows PCs media players, powered by
improve viewer experience.
To improve the passenger
PADS4. The new system was integrated by
Transportation
experience.
the Cross-Channel team at Billund Airport,
With tools to share FIDS data, connect
supervised by manager Martin Hjort
gates and flight belts, share delays in
Solution
Nielsen.
real-time, and share wayfinding as flight
PADS4 neatly fulfilled the airport’s
information changes, PADS4 offered smart
needs, offering a data-driven
digital signage solutions.
approach to digital signage,
At the time of the renovation, Billund Airport’s aging FIDS solution was more
including real-time updates,
than 10 years old and had a negative
Billund Airport chose PADS4 as their
support for 70+ data sources,
impact on the passenger experience.
future-proof solution, capable of
IATA and ICAO standard support,
PADS4 neatly fulfilled the airport’s needs,
continuing to meet the growing digital
and smart tools to improve viewer
offering a data-driven approach to digital
demands of the airport.
experience.
Central management With 175 new screens spread across the airport, Billund Airport needed central management. PADS4 offers remote and central management across the entire network, with PADS4 Crystal CMS, PADS4 Scheduler, PADS4 Server, and PADS4 Agent. Anyone can easily manage content across every screen to quickly update existing content, push new data, and maintain the network.
‘PADS4 successfully integrated flight information, wayfinding, and commercial content into our signage. It also reduced audio calls and dwell times, leading positive feedback from both airport staff and guests.’
With smart tools like context-based
– Martin Hjort Nielson
automation, new data is automatically pushed to screens using contextual rules. Plus, with a complete network management system in place, Billund Airport is able to monitor the network health and thereby to minimize technical errors and keep the passenger flow optimized.
Engaging content
content delivered by the PADS4 content
Billund Airport developed and
team, as well as automated real-time data
implemented their own PADS4 setup,
from sources like SKY weather forecasting,
following a training by NDS.
flight radar, and more, so passengers stay
Their network now shares engaging
up to date.
SMART AIRPORT SIGNAGE POWERED BY PADS4
Use PADS4 to steer the flow of passengers at your airport.
Influence passenger decision-making and enhance their travel experience.
Integrate targeted advertising to generate additional revenue.
Make your passenger communication smart and personal with Smart Airport Signage powered by PADS4. fids.com
ARTICLE
Passenger information display Today’s transporters are able to share data across a vast network of apps and websites, but often rely on digital signage at stations and platforms. Digital signage is becoming increasingly popular, with studies showing that passengers prefer digital information. 78% of all passengers prefer to use wayfinding kiosks. Queue management screens reduce perceived waiting times. Digital displays capture 400% more
weather, traffic, social media, and live TV
reflect changes in gates or departures,
views than static signs, with 47.7% more
and IPTV for infotainment and security
and emergency information. PADS4 does
effectiveness. Digital also drives value,
camera feeds. Need more? Get smart with
it all with smart solutions, drag & drop
with display ads boosting sales up to 23%
native support for System on Chip and
tools, and a simple interface. Reduce
over no advertising, increasing customer
interactive touchscreen solutions.
late arrivals and missed transfers with
satisfaction up to 46%, and driving
real-time updates. PADS4 offers central
revenue from third-party advertisers.
Complete control of your public transit data
management, so every screen can be
PADS4 PIDS
PADS4 integrates your existing data to
the terminal, or on the bus, taxi, or metro.
PADS4 was originally designed to meet
create dynamic displays that guide, inform,
Our smart tools help you organize, define,
the demands of flight information display.
and update passengers as you move them
and create rules for sharing, including
We’ve come a long way, but still focus on
on their way. Share conditional maps and
context-based workflows, creating
transit. Our unique data-driven approach
wayfinding, with real-time updates to
situation-based ads, alerting travelers
updated from a single location, whether for
puts you in control with a complete
to weather and traffic, and even up-to-
platform supporting everything you need
date hotel booking information through
to create, manage, share, and utilize data across your display network. PADS4 offers display software management, network management, content development, and a Web-Based CMS. Create information screens, employment rosters, wayfinding, interactive kiosks, and more. Centrally manage thousands of stationary or mobile networked screens from a single location. Integrate 70+ live data sources to feed
'In 2018, passengers made more than 300 billion public transit journeys, relying on bus, train, tram, metro, and taxi to move from one location to another. Behind that seemingly effortless transit is a network of information sharing, keeping travelers up-to-date with gates and platforms, departure and arrival times, and fees.'
databases ranging from Oracle and MSQL Server to JSON and XML. Plus, digital signage brings improved readability for information, multi-lingual support, and all information available on one display.Digital signage moves communication and passengers in transportation hubs and terminals around the globe. Take yours to the next level with PADS4, a full-service digital signage platform.
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CASE
Railpoint and PADS4 at Gatwick When Gatwick Express, Chiltern Railways,
status, passengers can see everything
Live travel updates
South West Trains, and others, totaling
they need to know, at a glance.
PADS4 offers full-networked signage,
7 UK railways, decided to modernize
New Railpoint kiosks offer friendly
enabling real-time updates and a data-
terminals, digital signage was the ideal
and accessible service-information to
driven approach to signage. Terminals
solution. Railpoint - a touchscreen kiosk
passengers, regardless of the time of day.
can update signage across the network
solution operated by Kadfire and powered
from a single location, offering real-time
by PADS4 - was chosen and installed,
With native touchscreen support, PADS4
schedules and arrivals, with updates based
alongside updates to existing digital
makes it easy for travelers to navigate
on delays, platform changes, and even
signage facilities and replacing old, static
timetables, departure/arrivals, schedules,
schedule changes.
signage with digital.
repair and maintenance schedules,
Emergency information is immediately
and even fees, improving customer
broadcasted across the displays, as well
Information at a glance
satisfaction, reducing the need for
as manual schedule changes. The result
New digital signage solutions offer
human customer support and decreasing
is an increased accessibility and quality
accessibility and readability across
queue times. Plus, with user-friendly
in service information, increased physical
terminals. With digital signage offering
A-Z timetable posters, featuring filtered
space in the station, and improved
clear timetables, schedule stats, platform
indexes and shortcuts, users can find
information quality across platforms
numbers, and live route diagrams and
information easier than ever.
and terminals.
The most complete PIDS solution Share real-time passenger information Full-service digital display advertising Create smart queueing screens Keep visitors entertained ... and much more
One digital signage platform to optimize the passenger experience at transit terminals. pids.global 16
ARTICLE
Digital signage in hospitality environments From hotels to restaurants and from event to conference halls, hospitality organizations revolve around people.
With booking, airport pickups, organizing events, meetings, and simply keeping guests informed, catering to the needs of these people requires a massive amount of data and communication. This process has more and more moved to digital signage, as new technology allows hospitality locations to seamlessly push data to digital displays, keeping guests up to date. Virtual concierge
guests around conferences and event
PADS4 links to many databases and
halls, with dynamic maps based on
sources, seamlessly importing data in
bookings, to display current room-users
real-time and pushing to displays as
for improved wayfinding. With smart
information changes. Venues can link
features like Viewer Variables, PADS4
data sources, pushing room-booking
makes it easy to update location or time
information, weather, events, reward
specific information for meeting rooms,
programs, and much more. With
wayfinding, and door signs, without
touchscreen and other smart solutions,
creating new presentations each time.
guests can access direct-room-booking screens, reserve meeting rooms or other
Corporate branding
amenities, access wayfinding, or link to
Brand your displays with logos and
external services such as car rental.
information and offer that same service to guests and customers. Drive engagement
Wayfinding
and customer satisfaction with in-room
Integrate indoor mapping and wayfinding
branding of door signs and in-room
to guide guests across facilities. With
displays, giving organizations and events
real-time data integration, PADS4 offers
more control. Plus, PADS4 displays easily
dynamic mapping, live updates based
update to offer information in a language
on traffic, repairs or out-of-service
familiar to your guests, so your signage is
elevators, or to meeting rooms based
as welcoming as you are.
on use or current bookings. Or, guide
Infotainment Keep guests informed and up-to-date with a range of real-time infotainment. Incorporate IPTV to share live news feeds. Integrate RSS and offer news. Or include weather, public transit, and other data to help guests make decisions as they come and go. PADS4 also makes it easy to share promotional content, ranging from live menus and dining information to upcoming events, so guests can maximize their use of your facilities and offerings. Digital signage offers value in every area of hospitality, from infotainment to wayfinding, to internal guidance though booking systems and
Learn more at pads4.com
room management.
17
CASE
Creating new solutions for modular conference rooms
Dynamic filtering essential for Van der Valk Hotel PADS4 offers a dynamic filtering feature called Viewer Variables. A feature enabling modular presentations with interchangeable data using variables.
number (#meetingroomnumber), guest,
Van der Valk is centrally located in a business area and many of your guests are from out of town or even from abroad, how did that affect your planning for the hotel?
Market
meeting room, address, opening hours,
‘Bringing people together is the primary
Hospitality
etc. This allows you to centrally manage
function of our hotel. For example, we
one presentation with numerous variables
offer modern conference rooms in
Integrator
and cut costs and time-investment
combination with luxury hotel rooms.
EasyInfo InfoScreens
immeasurably.
This naturally necessitates a strong
Challenge
Although it is still new, Viewer Variables
information is a crucial element of our
A reprogrammable digital
is already essential to PADS4-based
business concept.’
signage system to suit the
projects, enabling business owners to
modular conference rooms.
stretch the capabilities of digital signage
With this feature, you can develop a
Client
single presentation for multiple areas
Van der Valk hotel
and spaces, only swapping out specific
The Netherlands
information based on variables like room
communication system, because
further than ever.
You chose to use EasyInfo InfoScreens in combination with PADS4. Can you tell us why?
12 infotainment/wayfinding
At Van der Valk Utrecht, this resulted in
‘We chose to work with InfoScreens, a
screens, touch screens in
a modular system using no special code
company which already provides similar
modular conference rooms
and no custom solutions - just out of the
services in Van der Valk hotels Vianen
on EasyInfo InfoScreens CMS
box PADS4 software.
and Houten. We've also had an excellent
+ PADS4 to support dynamic
Peter den Burger, Marketing
experience with PADS4 in our reservation
wayfinding, meeting summaries,
Communications Manager for PADS4,
system and InfoScreens’ EasyInfo, so it
custom layouts for guests and
discussed the project with Coen
made sense to use the same system in
conference, and more.
Poelmans, General Manager of the hotel.
our new hotel.’
Solution
There are differences between the system in Utrecht and the ones in Vianen and Houten. Your modular conference rooms were quite the challenge to find a digital signage for, correct? ‘That's right, Hotel Utrecht features 22 conference rooms, 5 of which can be
‘With Viewer Variables, we were able to use one presentation by simply changing variables to reflect the room layout and guest.’
linked together in any order to create 9 different layouts. In previous hotels, we’ve set up signage by matching a room code using a room number. In Utrecht, a single client can rent multiple conference halls to use as one large room – so screens must reprogram to show the same data when necessary.
How are you using it in the hotel? With Viewer Variables, we were able to
‘Good information is an inseparable
use one presentation by simply changing
part of our concept, and signage plays
variables to reflect the room layout and
a crucial role. Currently we use PADS4
guest. Using variables, our staff can
as part of our reservation system, with
assign a single presentation to any room
our meeting room software, and for
or configuration in the system. We also
wayfinding. We use signage to support
assign rooms and update background
events, meetings, conferences, and to
images and displays using PADS4 Agent.
guide guests to their destinations in the
Overall, it's a very simple, stable, and
hotel. It's an important part of what we do.
efficient solution.’
We are very pleased with the result.’
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