To those of us who visit the local mall with any regularity, digital signage means checking out the latest shoes, jeans or other apparel (hopefully) on sale at any number of our favorite retailers. While this is one of the most common applications people would notice on a video wall or digital display board, this form of communication is rapidly becoming popular – and necessary – on college campuses.
One may even see such a display before even stepping foot on a university. Rather than desperately searching for an open parking spot a few minutes before class or visiting a faculty advisor to learn more about a graduate school program, digital signage may alert the driver about an open space in a multitier parking structure.
A video wall in a campus bookstore or visitor center could also remind students about an upcoming parent’s weekend, where to pick up tickets for a weekday basketball and soccer match or further detail on a close-out sale for school-themed hoodies.
While these applications are becoming more common for many universities, digital signage could serve a more noble purpose: preventing violent crimes.
In the event of a dangerous person on or near campus, bomb threat or perhaps even a weather-related event – such as a tornado or hurricane – students and staff may receive timely notifications on digital screens installed throughout a college community.
Much like a civic-wide emergency broadcasting system for the general public, students and staff receive warnings about potentially threatening situations while offering advice on what to do and where to go should such an event actually unfold.
A university’s digital signage implementation should provide those working and studying within an academic setting with encouraging updates on their law or medical school’s latest standing in the all important U.S. News & World Report rankings or lacrosse team’s player of the week. It is also available to serve a more vital objective, if need be.
About Joe Contreras, Toshiba America Business Solutions
Joseph Contreras currently serves as director, Product and Solutions Marketing. In this role, Contreras is responsible for leading the Product Marketing department to define product and software solution strategies, develop strategic marketing programs, and launch multifunction products throughout the U.S. market.
Contreras’ previous positions with TABS include senior product manager and product manager. He joined TABS in September of 2000, just after the company’s spin-off from Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. (TAIS). During his tenure with the company, he has led TABS’ MFP security and e-BRIDGE controller planning initiatives; overseen yearly strategic forecasting and budgeting; and coordinated marketing plans designed to penetrate and grow targeted markets for the business color multifunction product (MFP) and printer segments.
Prior to Toshiba, Contreras was a product manager for SMC Networks, Inc. based in Irvine, Calif. While at SMC Networks, he was responsible for all aspects of product marketing for the company’s networking hardware solutions, wireless networking and broadband products. Contreras holds a Six Sigma Green Belt certification as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University.
