PAI marks DFS digital milestone

As DFS’ first digital signage project completed last year, PAI immediately transitioned from installation to proactive support and monitoring through its dedicated Network Operations Centre (NOC). 12 months on PAI is marking the anniversary, with our AV/IT team now supporting almost 100 digital signage players for DFS throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland.

PAI’s NOC has a rich heritage. Technical Director Andy Bonehill explains: “We envisaged the NOC while working with Warner Cinemas throughout Europe and Asia in the mid 1990’s. Of course, at that time the wide area IP networks we use today were not available and we configured systems for dial up support. Naturally as communications technology has developed, we’ve ensured our NOC keeps pace and adapts to offer best-in-class, immediate client support, tailored to our clients’ budgets.”

PAI has also become Europe’s first adopter of Panasonic early warning software, allowing projector status to be actively tracked and investigated should sensors infer an impending fault. The system layers on top of some of PAI’s guiding principles for system design – redundancy and sustainable support.

Bonehill continues: “We design systems to be supported in the long term, both in regards to how we integrate equipment and how we work with our clients. The result is a compelling proposition – a ‘one stop shop’ for design consultancy, installation and proactive/reactive support packaged into simple and cost effective ongoing agreements.”

PAI assists client marketing and operations teams with content management, and monitors systems proactively, with full transparency and reporting. If site visits become necessary, these are easily escalated to PAI’s network of UK-wide engineers for attendance within agreed SLA’s.

PAI has a directly employed team of CRB checked, highly qualified engineers based throughout the UK, managed from the Group’s Head Office in Wales.