Use of Omnivex Digital Signage Software Expands to FIDS Screens at Vancouver International Airport

Omnivex Corporation, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and provider of enterprise software for digital signage networks, has announced that Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has expanded their use of Omnivex software throughout their facility to include YVR’s flight departures and arrivals information displays, and their gate information display screens, in addition to the many existing wayfinding and entertainment screens managed through Omnivex software. YVR signed an agreement with Omnivex for a site license to manage all of their visual displays at the airport facilities in June 2009 in preparation for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. In total, the network now includes approximately 1,300 screens.

Vancouver International Airport began using Omnivex digital signage software in 2005, primarily for an informational and entertainment based visual communications network. The original deployment consisted of various types of content, including dynamic multi-lingual wayfinding, entertainment displays and traditional digital signage. Following the success of the Omnivex powered displays, YVR decided to replace their existing flight information management provider with Omnivex software to manage all of the screens in the facility. "Omnivex software has given YVR the ability to manage their entire display network in-house, eliminating the need for third party management services," said Jeff Collard, President, Omnivex. Collard continued, "The expanded use of Omnivex software to include the management of YVR's flight, baggage and gate informational displays has reduced operating costs and provides greater flexibility over what YVR can do with the visual communications system."

The ability to quickly distribute real-time information is essential in an airport environment where things can change in an instant and the delivery of information to passengers is vital to the success of their journey. Omnivex software is used by many airports because of its ability to easily manage a large network of screens by automating many of the processes associated with running a real-time information system. "YVR needed a software system that could interface with their existing databases and automate much of the work associated with maintaining an accurate, visually captivating, real time digital signage network in a fast-paced environment," said Doug Bannister, CEO & Director of Software Development, Omnivex. The software has the ability to automatically display appropriate content, specific to each location, time and audience, through data updates. The instant that information changes in YVR’s flight information database, the Omnivex software will pull that information, format it and display it on the appropriate screens, all without any additional input required by the network operator.

Vancouver International Airport is Canada’s second busiest airport. The airport has sixty-one gates throughout their connected International and Domestic terminals and is served by seventy airlines, including scheduled carriers, charters and cargo carriers. The airport employs the latest technology and offers more than 160 shops, services and restaurants to provide first class customer service to passengers and airport visitors. Last year, YVR saw a significant increase in the number of travelers using the airport, since Vancouver hosted the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. To ensure that the airport meets the growing demand for air travel and continues to be developed as a premier global gateway and economic generator for British Columbia, Vancouver Airport Authority is currently undertaking a $1-billion construction project to expand their service offerings. The digital signage system at YVR is one way the airport is ensuring they will meet the needs of the thousands of travelers using the airport. The airport has plans to deploy several hundred new displays on the network in the next 12 months.