Source URL: https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/chrome-enterprise/chromeos-powered-digital-signage-guides-the-way-at-gerald-r-ford-international-airport/
Source: Cloud Blog
Title: ChromeOS powered digital signage guides the way at Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Feedly Summary: Today’s post is by J.J. Swain, IT Manager for Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The airport serves more than three million passengers annually and over 100 cargo flights per day. GRR partnered with ChromeOS and Art of Context to upgrade and modernize the airport’s extensive digital signage system.At an airport, the entire passenger journey is dependent on clear communication with accurate, accessible, and timely information. Wayfinding begins right at the curb and continues through terminal walkways, gates, and luggage carousels. At Gerald R. Ford International Airport, we use ChromeOS powered digital signage and Art of Context, an industry leader in airport data systems including flight Information and wayfinding, to inform the entire passenger experience, pointing everyone in the right direction.A trouble-free OS is the perfect match for airport signageFor travelers, nothing disrupts a smooth airport experience like delays. Our IT team manages 200 screens throughout the airport in both operational and public areas that are essential for airport operations and the passenger experience. Blank screens or delayed information is not an option, especially since we operate 24/7.Seeking modern screens and effortless IT management, we partnered with Art of Context, the airport interactive solution specialists. Their Airport Display Platform (ADP) was ideal, but our existing solution posed a challenge. Frequent, disruptive software updates plagued these devices, causing downtime and burdening our IT team. Art of Context recommended switching to ChromeOS, which was a win-win! Instead of replacing our entire 200-device fleet, ChromeOS Flex allowed us to seamlessly upgrade existing devices.Not only did we quickly revitalize half our fleet, but we also achieved significant cost savings. Compared to buying new hardware, ChromeOS Flex saved us $80,000. Thanks to ChromeOS Flex, we achieved a major upgrade that afforded us reliable uptime without breaking the bank.Central management and secure design for 200 screensSince we switched to ChromeOS and Art of Context’s Airport Display Platform, we estimate we’ve saved approximately 300 hours of IT time. All of our ChromeOS and ChromeOS Flex devices are visible in the Google Admin console which makes it really easy to centrally troubleshoot.A secure-by-design OS safeguards systemsSecurity of our airport systems is a constant concern, but we worry much less than we used to with ChromeOS. With a much smaller attack surface than other operating systems, ChromeOS is easier to defend and control. Devices update automatically in the background, without taking the screens offline. Furthermore, ChromeOS is a read-only OS that blocks executables and prevents third party applications from pushing updates that will impact uptime. In instances where ChromeOS integrates with third party cybersecurity service providers, they develop internal tools to interact with their software rather than leveraging the third party software directly. This means that it is not possible for these services to disrupt the standard operation of our ChromeOS fleet so we can rest assured that there are no missed patches and upgrades.
ChromeOS automatically updates in the background ensuring our digital signage runs without delays.
J.J. Swain
IT Manager for Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)
With ChromeOS, on-screen disruptions are minimal. Content, including videos and interactive displays, run flawlessly—giving us peace of mind for even the most innovative ideas of future signage.Time to plan the future of digital signageChromeOS has given our IT team more time to dedicate to other tasks. Since ChromeOS eliminates day-to-day concerns about patches and updates, we gain time for more proactive investigations and upgrades. We also have more time to brainstorm ways to improve the passenger experience, like our plan to add AI-generated American Sign Language (ASL) to content.The thousands of people traveling through and working at the airport — all on different parts of their journeys—depend on us to guide their experiences. ChromeOS and Art of Context keeps us and travelers focused to make sure we get where we need to be.
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses the modernization of digital signage at Gerald R. Ford International Airport through a partnership with ChromeOS and Art of Context. The upgrade enhances operational efficiency and security, aligning with IT management needs while reducing costs and increasing reliability in passenger communication.
Detailed Description:
The provided text outlines the strategic implementation of a digital signage system at Gerald R. Ford International Airport, emphasizing the role of ChromeOS and Art of Context in ensuring a smooth and efficient passenger experience. The main points of significance include:
– **Operational Scope**: The airport handles over three million passengers and 100 cargo flights daily, highlighting the critical need for effective communication tools.
– **System Upgrade**:
– Partnered with ChromeOS and Art of Context to modernize the airport’s digital signage, which plays a vital role in wayfinding and delivering real-time information to travelers.
– Art of Context’s Airport Display Platform (ADP) provided a solution to existing challenges with software updates and device management.
– **Cost and Efficiency**:
– The transition to ChromeOS Flex enabled the airport to revitalize its existing fleet of devices rather than purchasing new hardware, achieving savings of approximately $80,000.
– By reducing downtime and workload, the airport IT team estimates having saved about 300 hours of troubleshooting and maintenance.
– **Security Enhancements**:
– ChromeOS is characterized as a secure-by-design operating system that minimizes the attack surface compared to traditional operating systems.
– Features such as automatic updates and read-only architecture prevent unauthorized software interference and ensure that cybersecurity measures operate smoothly without disrupting system performance.
– **Future Opportunities**:
– With reduced IT concerns, the team can focus on innovative improvements, such as potentially integrating AI-generated American Sign Language (ASL) into digital content for better passenger accessibility.
– **Passenger Experience**: The ultimate goal of the digital signage system is to facilitate clear communication and guide passengers smoothly throughout their airport journey.
In conclusion, this case study exemplifies the intersection of cloud computing, information security, and infrastructure management, showcasing how modern technology can enhance operational efficiencies and passenger experiences in a high-traffic environment like an airport. The insights gained from this implementation can be valuable for security and compliance professionals looking to optimize digital display systems in similar settings.