Port of Tacoma launches Port News Network
May 5, 2008
TACOMA, Wash. — The Port of Tacoma has introduced the Port News Network, an employee communications digital signage installation that relies on technology from StrandVision LLC of Eau Claire, Wis.
The digital signage system distributes up-to-date information to the Port's 250 employees. Originally conceived as a way to keep staff informed about progress and development of the Port's Integrated Management System (IMS), an Information Technology department initiative, staff and management soon realized that the digital signage system could serve a number of communications needs.
"We wanted to keep people informed about IMS schedules, but we soon realized that we could use it for other purposes," said Diane Jordan, IMS communications specialist. "Now, any information that needs to be communicated Port-wide is handled over the digital signage network. This way the information is available to everybody at the same time. We don't have to go through the courier or the mail system, saving both paper and time. People are getting used to looking to the Port News Network for information."
Covered topics include notices about special events, Human Resources topics, retirement parties and commission meeting schedules. The StrandVision digital sign is also used to post the Port Vision, Mission and Goals, as well as motivational messages and answers to employee questions and suggestions.
The Port News Network, named through an employee contest, includes five 50-inch plasma monitors – two displays in the main administration building, one in the engineering project office, one in security and one in the maintenance break room – connected via the Port's wired and wireless networks.
"The Port of Tacoma is making excellent use of our digital signage system," said Mike Strand, StrandVision founder and CEO. "The employees are spread out across several locations, yet, using StrandVision digital signage, management is able to reach them all at once with updates taking only seconds to do. Port staff are just beginning to discover the potential and we are looking forward to learning the new ways that they are utilizing the system."