We all know how to get to the harbour. All the signs show us where to go and before arriving we can even see a giant sign of the building that confirms our suspicions. But how do we get from the gates to the actual ship?
This is the moment, when great last mile digital wayfinding system can actually help the port speed up the process, needs fewer resources and eventually helps the company make more money.
Static or Digital
This question actually has only one right answer and that is of course – digital. Why? Because when your loading area is equipped with static signage, then your only option in case of a problem is to send out a worker to regulate the traffic and communicate the possible confusions.
With digital wayfinding, you can easily change all the signs to redirect your cargo through another route. It’s fast, it’s universally understandable and it doesn’t need a professional to do it. So the answer is definitely digital. 100%
But isn’t a digital sign more expensive than a regular sign?
If you are going to use it as a one purpose sign, then yes. But why would you want to do that? Ampron has helped many harbours in their way of becoming a Smart Port.
Smart Port = Last Mile Done Right
Smart Port is a harbour traffic-flow management solution for pre-check in, check-in, and lane management, which is suitable for ports with multiple operators. The goal is to minimise the time spent in the harbour by providing a fully integrated, easy to understand service for travellers with vehicles and cargo trucks.
The faster the ships are loaded, the more frequent the operators can make their scheduled traffic.
70% Design, 30% Tech
If used right, Smart Port displays and managing software can be a really powerful tool. But what happens, when passengers does not understand what you are showing to them? That is why we have teamed up with Velvet Design Agency. They help us think through all the possible situations, that you will need to address in your daily work and then give it a clear and beautiful form.
In order to create a system that answers every passengers needs and looks beautiful and clear, Velvet’s design team will first map out all the possible routes that a person in that specific area could take. It takes a lot of empathy to understand everyones needs and possible problems.
After understanding the needs of the passenger, Velvet will create a concept, that can answer questions like: “What colors should we use?”, “How many signs do we need?”, “How should we address our passengers?”, “What kind of style should we use?”, “What sign should be digital and what should be analog?” etc.
It gives us a 360° understanding of your port and how people are using it.
When Velvet has enough data to create a proper wayfinding system, then Ampron will digitise and automate it with screens and Velvet will design a signage that answers all the needs of a passenger, is universally understandable and makes the harbour look really good.
Need some examples? Get a glimpse of strategic wayfinding @ Velvet
In conclusion
To create the greatest last mile digital wayfinding for your company you’ll need 3 components:
• Best LED displays out there;
• Powerful software;
• Clear and functional design.
Without digital displays your beautifully designed signage would be limited. Without strategical design your digital displays would be wasted and without a software, that makes it systematic, it would be a pointless hustle.
That is why Velvet and Ampron want to team up with you and take your last mile to a 100%.
