an internal communications system that allows PCR to send news feeds, details of client projects and assignments, contractor and permanent placements, from its internal information systems to a number of large format screens
in a fast changing environment digital signage provides immediate access to vital information
11 September 2007
PCR scores with narrowcast technology
PCR Recruitment has hit a century – with over 100 contractors placed this year in a range of positions for some of the country’s leading broadcast and digital media companies. To keep staff motivated and on-task, PCR has invested in its own digital narrowcast technology from Visual Planet.
Judith Blair, Managing Director for PCR Recruitment, headquartered just outside Cambridge, explains that she is keen to demonstrate to clients and contractors how the potential of digital media can be exploited in a business environment.
“PCR’s clients include many of the UK’s top broadcasters and new media agencies, all of whom are pushing back the boundaries in digital media, so it is important that at client meetings we demonstrate familiarity with the latest communications technology,” she said.
Visual Planet, digital signage specialists, created an internal communications system that allows PCR to send news feeds, details of client projects and assignments, contractor and permanent placements, from its internal information systems to a number of large format screens strategically placed throughout the headquarters. The information can be updated remotely, mixed on a split screen and even made selectively accessible to clients and candidates through an extranet.
Narrowcast technology allows organisations to communicate effectively with staff across a number of different locations without the need for each member of staff to have access to a computer or to log into an intranet.
PCR wanted to improve internal communication and enhance staff motivation.
As Judith explains, in a fast changing environment digital signage provides immediate access to vital information.
“We had been using whiteboards to provide consultants with an update on projects and targets reached by both teams and individuals, but the boards were always out of date and messy. Now as consultants make calls and get results this information is extracted from our systems and displayed on a screen in real time, so we know it’s 100% accurate.
“Creating awareness of new projects has improved productivity as other consultants may already know of a candidate that might be suitable, enabling an instant response.
“Staff motivation has definitely increased. Teams of consultants compete against each other, setting targets for numbers of candidates placed or calls made within a time frame. Having a news feed playing in the background creates ambient noise, which makes staff less self-conscious on the phone at quiet times and maintains a constant buzz in the office.
“Additionally screens in the meeting rooms can be connected to a laptop and used as a large display to show clients’ service level data and candidate information. This makes meetings more productive,” comments Judith who plans to integrate Skype and a webcam into the system to facilitate conference calls and allow candidates to be interviewed online.
Vernon Spencer, Technical Director for Cambridge-based Visual Planet, believes that taking the intranet out of the computer and making it more visible creates a useful tool for staff communication.
“Dynamic images catch the eye. By positioning a split screen in a coffee area it is possible to inform people about changes in the work place, as they check the screen for national news and sports results. You can also incorporate social events and local information, such as what’s on at the cinema.”
PCR has seen huge growth in demand for contractors as well as permanent staff since late last year, and particularly since the launch of its on-line candidate showcase in areas such as web development and broadcast engineering. As broadcast and media companies have made the move to digital broadcast and expanded their use of interactive television, PCR has been able to leverage its vast database of contractors, and wide network of contacts within the industry, to successfully feed the demands of this continually changing and growing industry.
Judith, who set up the UK’s first Internet engineering team in the early days of Pipex sees an expanding opportunity in digital technology:
“Our targets are even more ambitious for the rest of the year and beyond. It is good to see that Cambridge technology and its people are still at the forefront of the Internet revolution.”
This press release appeared on the Cambridge Network.
About Visual Planet
Visual Planet develops, designs and implements dynamic broadscreen displays – specialising in interactivity. It is based in Cambridge.
Its technology – called ‘Broad Screen Interaction’ – extends the scope of proven techniques such as touch screens, streaming media, projection and holography, thus enabling large screen dynamic displays to be created in shop windows and reception areas.
Innovative Digital Visual Messaging is used to control and distribute content to an individual device or a network of visually interactive devices via the Internet, and information is projected onto specially formatted screens incorporating laser treated holographic film.
Further information: Vernon Spencer, Visual Planet Ltd, 77 Shelford Road, Trumpington, Cambridge, CB2 9NB.
Tel: 0845 1235370 Email: sales@visualplanet.biz Web: www.visualplanet.biz
Media Information
Please contact Rachel Holdsworth / Helen Goldrein at Holdsworth Associates on 01954 202789 or e-mail helen@holdsworth-associates.co.uk