Bluefin Displays Streamline Exhibit Updates at the Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium faced challenges updating static signage for exhibits. To improve efficiency and reduce costs, they implemented digital signage using Bluefin screens. The screens offer features like Power over Ethernet and embedded SoC, simplifying installation and maintenance. This transition to digital signage not only streamlined operations but also enhanced the visitor experience by providing more dynamic and informative content.
The Setting: A Sea of Possibilities
The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the western hemisphere and home to over 500 species including beluga whales, sea otters, and whale sharks. It is one of the hottest tickets in Atlanta with over 10,000 visitors on average per day. The logistics of running this enormous venue that cares for so many animals, requires attention to every detail.
Visitors walk through a labyrinth of tanks showcasing some of the ocean’s most beautiful creatures. Educating people about the animals and the environment in which they live is one of the things that sets the aquarium apart. Their mission to inspire awareness and preservation of the ocean is demonstrated through their strategically placed content through out the facility.
The Goal: Smooth Sailing for the IT Team
The team realized that they were spending a lot of time trying to update static signage for exhibits every time there was a change. This divested their resources from focusing on maintaining the thousands of touch points in the building’s infrastructure. Clint Swartzlander, head of the five person IT team, realized that he could free up marketing and achieve their goals by making a shift to digital signage.
He turned to Bryan Patten of ASW, an Atlanta based AV Integrator, for additional help and guidance in choosing the right product to meet these needs. They chose the 19” Bluefin All-in-One screen with BrightSign Built-In. The embedded SoC meant was a big plus for any already busy team. “Not having to put a player somewhere was a game changer.” Said Patten of ASW. Additionally, he praised the Bluefin Screens for having had a no failure record since their installation in 2020.
Another advantage they found in Bluefin Screens was the optional Power over Ethernet. This proved essential as pulling cable was not only very costly but also nearly impossible in some areas. Swartzlander explained, “there is a big cost difference between 120V power cable and network cable. You can spend as much on cabling as everything else in the project. PoE saves a lot of money and a lot of time.”
In the past they purchased custom screens directly from factories but it was labor intensive and no back up. “We were ordering custom screens directly but the logistics and support wasn’t there. When we found someone local we realized we don’t need to do all the labor and Bluefin is a strong company that can support us.” Said Patten.
The Tech: Bluefin Screens with Bright-Sign Built and Appspace
The Bluefin custom screens with BrightSign Built-In host the CMS, Appspace and are placed all throughout the discovery zone. They are oriented in both landscape and portrait. In some cases, the content mimics paper in appearance even as it transitions to new images and text. With these installations they are able to keep people engaged while moving through the often crowded space.
“It is big time and cost savings to run this content through digital signage.” Said Swartzlander, “We can change content in seconds. Changing out print signage was labor intensive and we would run into issues like the font being too small. We can put whatever we want on the screens now. It makes an over all better visitor experience and we can provide more content.” This decision by the team supports the Aquarium’s mission to educate about global ocean ecosystems and conservation.
The Actualization: Inside, Outside, all Around
The indoor screens were such a success that the team went with Bluefin 55” outdoor screens for their walk way. “They not only look good but are built to last,” said Patten. “They are nice and thin with the player built in, giving a clean look.” Both the indoor and outdoor installations have been so successful that the IT team is looking to make another round of updates that will include additional Bluefin screens in other areas of the aquarium.
Connect: Bluefin Screens Can Make the Difference in Your Project
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