As leading global technology and engineering Group, Oerlikon operates its business in two Divisions – Surface Solutions and Manmade Fibers. Oerlikon has a global footprint of around 11,000 employees across 182 locations and in 37 countries.

With its Oerlikon Barmag, Oerlikon Neumag and Oerlikon Nonwoven brands, the Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Division is one of the leading providers of manmade fiber filament spinning systems, texturing machines, BCF systems, staple fiber systems and solutions for the production of nonwovens. As a service provider, the division offers engineering solutions for the entire textile value added chain.

The Challenge

Before the introduction of Xibo, Oerlikon’s internal communications on KPIs, shift schedules, health and safety announcements, as well as other company information was printed on paper and displayed on notice boards on the shopfloor.

The paper based system had limited visibility and was often outdated before it had even reached employees. As a modern, forward thinking company focussing on digitalisation and industry 4.0, it was becoming clear that the paper-based system needed to be replaced.

The Solution

On discovering Xibo, Oerlikon quickly moved high-priority internal communications digital. Starting with KPI dashboards and shift schedules, Oerlikon soon began to see the benefits of great visibility throughout the business.

Impressed with the changes, Oerlikon used Xibo to start exploring how all their internal communications could benefit from what Xibo digital signage has to offer.

Oerlikon are now automating the generation of some digital information and their screens are updating KPI dashboards and charts hourly.

As well as internal communications Oerlikon have also started to use Xibo to communicate with external audiences. Oerlikon use Xibo to manage a video wall which displays KPIs and greets customers.

From success with the video wall came the use of Xibo on small Android displays for the meeting rooms. By connecting Xibo to the meeting room’s Microsoft Exchange calendar, displays now show the status of the room, upcoming appointments and the room’s technical equipment specifications.

In addition, Oerlikon recognised an opportunity to use Xibo for a ‘digital building information display’ and are currently testing a display in the entrance of their headquarters. The display will show the floor guide, which integrates all the details from the meeting room displays as well as company information and news ticker.

“We are inspired by the features of Xibo, and have found new applications across the business.”

The Benefits

The current Xibo configuration operated by Oerlikon consists of a self-hosted CMS with 43 displays, 35 of which using Android and 8 using Windows Players.

Oerlikon have discovered that by using Xibo, employee engagement via buy-in and involvement has improved significantly, and by sharing KPIs effectively, employees can see how their contribution influences company results.

By being easily accessible with no long lead times, specific hardware requirements or expensive licenses, plus extensive applications, Xibo have become an integral part of Oerlikon’s communication strategy.

Oerlikon are looking forward to introducing Xibo’s touch functionality, part of version 3, so they can implement interactive notice boards.

Why Xibo?

Oerlikon chose Xibo as their Digital Signage provider for the following reasons.

• Open Source
• Cost effective
• Comprehensive permissions
• A thriving support community

Download the Oerlikon case study here