This is Signify
Signify (formerly Philips Lighting) is a global leader in lighting for professionals, consumers and lighting for the Internet of Things. Among other things, Signify produces Interact, a custom cloud-connected lighting system based on Philips hardware components.
“Interact Recreational Sports controls lighting on sports fields, for example. If a training session or match is scheduled, you book it in advance in the Interact system so that the lighting automatically switches on upon arrival. At the right strength, because a training session requires less lighting than a match, you can even light half a field to save energy. With Interact you control all this with one push of a button,” says Frank Keunen, expert outdoor control lighting systems and recreational sports lighting at Signify.
“To demonstrate the operation of this product to new customers, I had cobbled together a steel switch box myself. A large control cabinet on wheels, so heavy that I couldn’t lift it in and out of my car by myself. Not really practical to use. Moreover, the cabinet was now quite battered. In fact, we regularly shipped it to customers around the world in a wooden crate, but often it came back without the crate and full of dents.”
So Signify came to Faes with the request to develop a set-up. “I necessarily wanted to have the entire technology built into one handy case so that I could perfectly mimic reality during my presentation.”
A case with system integration
“In fact, the customer can use it themselves to experience how easy the technique works. The development process didn’t take me much time, I actually only had to draw the flowchart for the technology in the case. As early as the third meeting I gave a bang for the buck on the design, that’s how smoothly it all went.”
“Sales manager Bart Burmanje went over in detail with me all that was needed to present the system without a hitch. So now I am online anytime and anywhere thanks to a built-in SIM card. My case is quite a bit more compact and lighter in comparison to the switch box and yet everything I need is in there, there are even two small demo light fixtures built into the lid. Only when I really want to unpack, I take additional components, I connect 2 real 1700 watt LED sports light fixtures to the case. I can explain the operation of the system very well with this case. On Bart’s advice, there is in fact a window in the lid of the case, so that the customer can also have a good look at the demo fixtures. Moreover, this allows me to precisely point out the function of each component during a demo or training. We chose a sturdy but handy trolley on wheels, which is very practical for transportation. Furthermore, the case is now also suitable for training purposes. This is because it contains an extra set of buttons, in which some system errors have been deliberately built in. These should be detected during training, a very useful functionality for us.”
A suitcase with the wow factor
“Whether you explain the operation of our system or actually show it, it makes a world of difference. Now that prospective customers can operate the system with their own phones or laptops, they are immediately sold. ‘I want that too’ is invariably the reaction. This case with system integration makes my life a lot easier. My back is happy with it, finally no more lugging around that enormous switch box, and everything I need is neatly in one case. And last but not least, the case radiates one and all professionalism and quality, now I really put something beautiful on the table. I couldn’t wish for a better entrance!”