Calgary-based E Display recently installed a customized touch screen for Cana Construction, a 70-year-old local company that had recognized a need to enhance its lobby and create stronger brand goodwill with visitors and customers.

Cana has managed construction for many major facilities in Alberta over the years, including Calgary International Airport, the Petro-Canada Centre (now the Suncor Energy Centre) and the Calgary Courts Centre. It has grown to comprise several business groups, including high-voltage and utilities divisions, and has been recognized for 11 consecutive years as one of Canada’s 50 best-managed companies.

In October 2013, Cana moved to a new head office, amalgamating its various divisions under one roof to encourage them to collaborate more effectively. The facility includes 6,503 m² (70,000 sf) of offices on three levels and a 1,858-m² (20,000-sf) shop for the high-voltage and utilities staff.

In the past, there was no information centre set up to allow visitors to learn about the company and its accomplishments while waiting in the lobby. Instead, Cana had relied too long on traditional ‘static’ signage that no longer presented a viable corporate image. So, as part of a broader brand development initiative for the new head office, the company determined the guest area needed a fresh, vibrant look. Digital signage was seen as a way to provide on-demand information in the lobby, including company history, profiles of the various divisions and briefs about completed projects.

E Display specified a commercial-grade 1.4-m (55-in.) touch-sensitive liquid crystal display (LCD), which connects to a networked media player running a custom-designed interactive application. In addition to the aforementioned company resources, the screen allows users to access the date, time and weather forecast and view Flash videos showcasing Cana’s work.

Meanwhile, an administration interface allows Cana staff to make changes and updates to the layout and content at any time.

“This new head office will maintain Cana’s brand, image and reputation,” says Christie Simpson, vice-president (VP) of Cana’s Shepard Development division. “With a 70-year heritage in Alberta, we want to ensure the best possible use of the site.”