In 2020, the world underwent a significant shift as society became more concerned with social distancing, video conferencing, and the ability to communicate information swiftly and effortlessly in times of crisis. Whether it was for responding to a pandemic or a natural disaster, the ability to disseminate information quickly and effectively was crucial in saving lives.
According to Chris Feldman, a product manager at Sharp NEC, getting the right information to the right people in a timely manner is key to making suitable decisions in emergency situations. One example is the use of video walls at the Colorado State Emergency Operations Center to monitor crises like fires. During a pandemic, the staff could view more data simultaneously from different sources, speeding up decision-making.
The American Red Cross' San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter also implemented NEC technologies to improve the efficiency of its disaster response procedures. With these technologies, the organization can now handle a crisis within an hour, which used to take four to six hours to prepare for. This shows that even with a small staff on the ground, organizations like the American Red Cross can complete their goals more swiftly by being able to react promptly to any event.
The pandemic also provided a practical test for remote work, with the majority of people across different professional sectors demonstrating that they could still be effective outside of the office, thanks to technology like video conferencing and presentation tools. Display technology that can be adapted for remote workspaces, social distancing signage, or seamless emergency operations could mean the difference between offices and public spaces opening safely or suffering the effects of a second wave as states move through reopening phases on different timelines.
Sharp NEC Display Solutions customers have adapted current LCD displays and video display technologies to link personnel in distant locations, promote social distancing measures, accept touch-free options, and be easier to disinfect and clean. These adaptations have made it safer to use in network operations centers, command and control facilities, and situational emergency operations centers.
In conclusion, technology has played a crucial role in responding to crises in 2020, and it will continue to be a critical factor in the future. Adapting current technology to meet the needs of changing circumstances will be key in ensuring that organizations can respond quickly and effectively to any event.
Digital Signage Adaptation of Presentation Screens
In the current era of social distancing, many conference rooms and huddle spaces in offices may remain unused. To encourage safe practices such as frequent hand-washing, maintaining distance, and wearing masks, businesses can use screens in these areas to post reminders.
The simplest and most cost-effective way to do this is by using a USB media player, which can be easily inserted into the display's USB port. This feature is available on 95% of NEC's large-format displays, making it easy for transportation hubs, shops, and other public buildings to communicate important messages without having to invest in additional digital signage equipment.
By using the USB port, businesses can display messages and reminders on their existing screens, making it a convenient and cost-effective solution. Whether it's reminding employees to wash their hands or informing the public about safety measures, the USB media player is an effective way to keep people informed and safe.
With the ongoing pandemic, organizations are facing practical challenges in maintaining their technology clean and sterile. NEC displays, however, offer solutions to these challenges with their OPS technology and easy-to-clean surfaces.
NEC screens with OPS technology allow for DIY programming and scalability, making it easier for enterprises with more demanding requirements to examine traffic conditions and maintenance projects. By using OPS, the ITS team at the Washington State Department of Transportation coded their video wall and gained full licensing over the apps. This reduces the need for multiple system units and on-board computers can connect via Cat-6 cable to a back room switch.
Hiperwall software is also integrated with NEC monitors with OPS capabilities, resulting in a 6.75 by 96-foot video wall that seems to be a single piece of glass. This software can show a single, huge image or a number of smaller images spread across the wall. The displays may be controlled individually, collectively, or in groups, and users can set the screens to turn on or off at particular times, modify brightness in response to ambient light, or switch the video stream or source when people are nearby.
NEC displays also offer touch-free technologies and easy-to-clean surfaces, making them suitable for use in low-touch environments such as Command-and-Control environments. An IR/proximity sensor from NEC can modify the source, volume, or brightness when someone approaches a selected NEC display. NEC's ECO Mode™ can be utilized to switch off monitors when not in use, fostering sustainability and a low touch working environment.
Finally, NEC screens offer solutions to organizations' worries about handling things in a safer way. Projected Capacitance (PCAP) touch overlays that are simple to clean and disinfect can be added to existing NEC screens, and glass retention bezels on individual displays can produce a clean, safe surface.
In conclusion, NEC displays and video wall technology have helped businesses move into the future with technology that improves emergency scenario monitoring and speeds up decision-making in mission-critical situations. With touch-free technologies, easy-to-clean surfaces, and simple, affordable control techniques, NEC technology can now assist in building safer, healthier workplaces.