Research Analysis Design Development
Case Study: Cascade
By RADD Solutions Limited
Overview
Cascade is a content and device management system used for managing presentation displays at train stations throughout the UK, usually in crew settings. This system is designed to facilitate the remote management of display content across a network of devices, making it highly suitable for environments where information needs to be updated frequently and consistently.
Solution Implementation
Cascade is a web application for centralised administration of digital signage and information displays, presenting real-time content over multiple monitors at multiple locations. Cascade is built with a focus on usability, featuring a simple and intuitive user interface that is comfortable for non-technical users.
The solution needed to integrate with existing infrastructure, as such the requirement for each physical display connected to Cascade is to present a web browser and connect to the network. This simple design was developed to allow the greatest compatibility with off-the-shelf devices. Displays without smart capabilities can be connected to small form factor computers and various other smart devices that will support web browsing.
Challenges Overcome
It took some time to persuade the clients communication team to take ownership of the solution. Once agreed there was a focus on developing a coherent content strategy to maximise the impact and usefulness of the displayed information. With social media now being the primary focus of most communications strategies, existing physical signage and information displays were being overlooked until the solution was adopted.
Business Benefits
The deployment of Cascade has brought several significant benefits:
- Enhanced Communication Efficiency: By centralising content management, Cascade has made it easier and faster to disseminate information across the company's locations, enhancing the overall efficiency of communications.
- Reuse Lowering Operational Costs: Reuse of existing monitors, displays and digital signage has meant that new equipment did not need to be purchased.
- Location Based Information Efficiency: Various tasks have been made more efficient by sending location specific information directly to appropriate displays. The most common example of this is sending wireless internet login details to crew rooms at the appropriate station. Each location has its own credentials that are changed regularly.
Future Developments
RADD Solutions plans to further enhance the functionality of Cascade by incorporating content creation and editing tools into the administration site. Currently content is scaled for each device automatically, however, allowing the content administrator more flexibility to alter the content within Cascade would reduce the need to open external content editing tools.
Some multi-media content types cannot be displayed by some older web browser technologies. RADD Solutions are considering the development of automated content conversion features to further enhance compatibility.
Conclusion
Cascade by RADD Solutions Limited is a powerful tool for managing presentation displays in a variety of settings. Its ability to centralise control and improve communication efficiency makes it an invaluable asset for any organisation looking to enhance its digital information presentation capabilities.