Case Studies

Background of System Installation

Aiming to create signage that can rapidly provide information

JR Kumamoto City Co., Ltd. is engaged in a redevelopment project that is contributing to the local community around the Kumamoto Station. Amu Plaza Kumamoto, which opened in April 2021, is a commercial complex that is the core of this engagement. Their goal is to offer experiences made possible by pursuing the concept of a place "where the best things come together, discover your new favorite." Thus, the goal of the digital signage system was to provide useful information more quickly than anywhere else. A variety of functions were necessary, such as development of a system to allow tenants to post information more easily, and presenting facility guides and information that only a display system could provide.

Reasons for System Installation

Accurate proposals that meet a variety of needs are highly valued

A total of 155 LCD displays are installed in many locations, including inside the facilities, at train stations, and semi-outdoors. The required screen sizes, specifications, and installation methods vary depending on the installation location. "The rich lineup of 4K displays—from high brightness models to cost-effective models—and the high reliability and generous support experienced by our group's JR Hakata City were also key points." (Aguru Inagaki, Deputy Section Manager of the Sales Promotion Section of the Sales Department) In addition to our extensive product lineup and installation experience, we were selected for our comprehensive solution proposal that could properly respond to new application demands.

Effects Achieved by System Installation

The multi-screen that attracts attention with its high-brightness, high-definition images

The three high brightness 1200 cd/m² 4K LCD displays are located as the multi-screen displays at the main entrance to Amu Plaza Kumamoto, is located just outside of Kumamoto Station. Three 86-inch screens are installed vertically to achieve a large screen display equivalent to a 150-inch screen. The high-definition images stand out in the plaza in front of the station where many people pass by. It is easy to see even in its semi-outdoor bright environment. "We tried a number of products and compared their visibility and reflection on site before making our purchase. The design matches the design of the building, so it attracts the attention of many customers, and it has become a landmark where people meet. We are also seeing strong sales of advertisements, and we feel that the introduction of the new system will bring great benefits." (Inagaki)

The introduction of the new system includes new attempts to use the display to show floor maps and information board displays in the building, and to provide store information. "Floor maps and store information need to be displayed in fine, and photos of food at restaurants need to be shown in detail to appeal to customers, and the high-definition 4K display has made this possible. They have been installed in all areas of the facility, and the large number of installed units is possible thanks to the use of cost effiency models that can still provide 4K image quality. By operating the content all together as signage with AcroSign® system (This system is Japan only), information can even be changed quickly and easily. In particular, when tenants had to temporarily close their stores or change their business hours on a daily basis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it would have been very difficult to make changes with conventional information signs, such as by manually replacing them. With this digital signage we only need to update information timely, so it is very helpful." (Inagaki)

Building a system that allows tenants to easily send information from their smartphones

The distribution system that supports information dissemination is based on Panasonic's digital signage solution, AcroSign®, and a new system that uses components such as cloud services was created. "I myself have experience operating AcroSign® at JR Hakata City, so I requested that the system environment be created to allow tenants to transmit information from their smartphones while considering its ease of use. This is a very simple system that allows tenants to create signage content by uploading photos and text from their smartphones, and then displaying it throughout the building." (Inagaki) This system allows tenants to post new arrivals and new menu items immediately, and post other information in a timely manner. The system also allows for more detailed management of content distribution than the previous system, and the information displays that introduce the restaurant floors can switch photos between lunch and dinner, highlight newly opened restaurants, and provide information signs that are only possible when using displays.

Amu Plaza Kumamoto has more digital signage than any other commercial facility. Inagaki says that digital signage plays an important role in a facility located in a station that attracts many customers. "The role of digital signage is to materialize the needs that customers have in mind but are not yet aware of, and to create an opportunity for them to say, 'Oh, I wanted this.' We hope that this system, which can easily distribute the latest information from stores and be seen everywhere in the facility, will help customers find their 'new favorites'." (Inagaki)

*AcroSign® is a signage solution sold exclusively in Japan.

Comments from the Deputy Section Manager

The continued assistance after installation is very helpful