DEMAND GROWS FOR INOVA SOLUTIONS’ FLEXIBLE DISPLAYS
As tragedies and public safety issues become more apparent, so has legislation to implement mass notification systems on campuses and in public areas. For example, the state of Virginia recently passed legislation requiring colleges and universities to establish “comprehensive, prompt and reliable” first-warning and notification plans by January 1, 2009. While other states are considering similar legislation, many campuses are proactively developing emergency mass notification systems to protect their staff and student populations. The process can be complex.
“Comprehensive notification systems rely on multiple technologies to deliver time-sensitive critical information. Because campuses and public spaces need to make different decisions based on their size, location and layout, warning and notification systems will vary,” explained Gerry Gorman, Vice President at Inova Solutions, a leading provider of real-time visual displays. “All of these systems need to include a combination of visible and audible messaging to address the specific needs of students and staff in various locations.”
Considerations When Choosing Emergency Mass Notification Systems
Inova Solutions recommends that campuses make the following considerations when developing a mass notification system:
- Use multiple technologies to deliver emergency messages, such as SMS/Email, Public Address and Visual Messaging. (Students often do not read text/email messages in real time. Plus, they may be required to turn off cell phones in class, and large buildings often reduce cell phone coverage.)
- Coordinate public address and textual messaging systems for optimal reach, especially for large congregation spaces like student unions, cafeterias and lecture halls to: a) minimize the impact of noise often accompanying a crisis and b) support the disabled population as required under the ADA.
- For visual displays, LED is better than LCD screens to deliver crisp clear messages to large areas. LEDs are brighter and can be read easily at +100 feet, even through smoke and dust. (LCDs have up to 20-foot viewing range.) LED displays are more durable, with an expected life of 10 years, three time longer than LCDs. LED displays consume far less power that LCDs and ethernet-powered displays can use redundant network power to survive outages.
The Benefits of Ethernet-Powered Displays
Inova Solutions has developed the first Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) displays that are highly flexible, networked and centrally managed, and have impressive viewing capacity. The demand for Inova’s full line of networked displays and clocks, OnTrackTM and OnTimeTM, has increased significantly in the past year.
PoE devices are easy to install and maintain, and are extremely energy efficient. In fact, PoE-powered displays and clocks can save up to 75% in energy costs compared to AC-powered displays, without sacrificing brightness. The flexibility factor is huge: because there is no need for an AC outlet, the devices can be placed almost anywhere.
“Organizations that need to communicate quickly with dispersed communities in public access areas such as college campuses, K-12 schools, hospitals, mass transit facilities, utility companies, and more, are looking for affordable solutions to keep people safe,” said Gorman. “PoE devices are an economical, flexible and environmentally friendly source of power that enables emergency messaging to be managed centrally and remotely.”
About Inova Solutions
Founded in 1984, Inova Solutions is a global provider of real-time visual communications that help inbound and outbound call centers, public transit systems, schools, manufacturers and others instantly communicate vital information. For details, visit www.inovasolutions.com.