Smart E-Labeling
Introduction
E-Ink displays are electronic screens that digitally display text and graphics. infsoft uses this low-energy technology combined with Bluetooth Low Energy to enable tracking of E-Ink components in addition to digital labeling.
The possible applications for infsoft E-Ink Display Beacons are numerous: available in various sizes (our range extends from 1.5 to 11.6 inches) and equipped with a multicolor LED indicator, they can be used for digital labeling of rooms, work areas, lockers, shelves, industrial containers, and much more. The displays are automatically updated with current real-time information.
LED Indicator (RGB)
Dynamic Real-Time Information (e.g., Room Occupancy)
Three-Colored Display
QR Code Interaction
Hardware and Functionality
We distinguish between fixed E-Ink displays (infrastructure hardware, e.g. digital door signs or floor plans) and mobile E-Ink displays that are attached to assets to be tracked (tag hardware, e.g. digital labels for goods, devices, etc.). Positioning and dynamic labeling of the displays are provided in a server-based approach using a Bluetooth Low Energy gateway (infsoft Locator Node). The Locator Nodes may be supplemented by a network of infsoft Locator Beacons, especially if a system for asset tracking and/or indoor navigation is used simultaneously.
Infrastructure Hardware
Tag Hardware
Software
The infsoft E-Inks tool enables registration and management of all e-ink display beacons installed on site. In addition, you can check the battery status, select/modify the content of the display and apply firmware updates. infsoft Automation allows for automated content updates on the displays by defining appropriate conditions.
Use Cases
Fixed and mobile e-ink displays can be used beneficially in a variety of applications. Here are some examples:
Functional rooms
E-Ink displays can be used as digital door signs for functional and service rooms (e.g., tea kitchens, recreation rooms). Interaction with a QR code can enable issue reporting. This allows users to submit tickets within a Workplace Experience app – for example, for a repair order. Integration with appropriate third-party software, such as ServiceNow, is used for this purpose. Thanks to the QR code, the corresponding room number is automatically assigned to the ticket.
Conference rooms
E-Ink displays can be used for efficient signage of conference rooms. Both the booking times of the meeting rooms and (when using appropriate sensor technology) the actual room occupancy can be displayed. Interfaces allow for information exchange with the room booking system. Additional information such as the room’s equipment and capacity can also be displayed. The interaction with a QR code can be used, for example, to book a room via a Workplace Experience app.
Scan of QR code on digital door sign
Room booking via Workplace Experience app
Lockers
E-Ink displays enable the implementation of a dynamic and flexible locker solution. In addition to displaying the name of the person who booked the locker and, if applicable, information about their presence, the LED indicator shows whether the locker is currently free or occupied. Through integration in a Workplace Experience app, users can find and reserve free lockers. Interaction with a QR code enables users to request a different locker location, for example.
Floor plans
Thanks to the digital signage solution, building users have access to live information on every floor of a building. Within the floor plans, current meeting room occupancy information derived from infsoft Occupancy is dynamically displayed. Also, points of interest such as restrooms or security-relevant facilities can be highlighted. Using infsoft Automation, the display can provide important information situationally, for example in the event of a fire. A QR code can link to the room booking system.
Mobile assets
Especially in the field of logistics and industry, the automated, digital labeling of goods or containers helps accelerate and improve processes. The system allows for tracking and labeling of the assets to be tracked. Via an interface to the ERP system, containers and transported goods are assigned to each other. The E-Ink displays can show information such as the next target work step or work station. The current status/condition can also be displayed. In addition to industrial assets, E-Ink displays are suitable for labeling medical equipment and hospital beds.
Implementation in infsoft Products
Digital signage with e-ink display beacons is part of our products infsoft Room Signage, infsoft Lead Time Tracking, infsoft Occupancy, and infsoft Workplace Experience:
infsoft Room Signage
This product is used for electronic room signage and can be used for lockers and floor plans in addition to meeting rooms and function rooms.
infsoft Lead Time Tracking
Our lead time tracking system monitors workflows and documents individual process steps. infsoft E-Ink Display Beacons attached to mobile assets can be automatically labeled with individual information such as the current work step.
infsoft Occupancy
infsoft Occupancy provides reliable utilization analysis of workstations and meeting rooms. The collected occupancy information can also be visualized on E-Ink displays.
