Cadillac Fairview (Chinook Centre)

Challenge

The Chinook Centre has many internal systems for gathering data on mall usage and internal systems. People counters, traffic counters, fire alarm systems, HVAC systems, video surveillance - all operate independently. Chinook wanted to consolidate the output of as many systems as possible into one terminal in order to: 1) allow for a central console for security staff 2) better utilize data produced for existing systems 3) provide better integrated marketing data for the staff and their clients 4) potentially control one system based on the output of another Since each system had no relation to the others, and was designed for totally different purposes and sectors, tying them together was a big challenge.

Solution

Claero performed an in-depth audit of all the systems within Chinook, contacted the vendor(s) of each system, and produced a detailed design document. The report specified not only how each of the systems could be integrated together, but also incorporated the design of the resulting user interface, all output reports, and harward systems needed to serve the various departments within Cadillac Fairview.

Results

The system has not been implemented within the Chinook Centre due to considerations from Cadillac Fairview head office. However, staff throughout the organization continue to pursue the project, mainly due to their desire to better leverage the existing systems. Based on Claero's work, staff from this project recommended Claero for other Chinooks projects which have since been completed.

Challenge

The Cadillac Fairview Marketing staff had attempted isntalling a computer kiosk in the centre of the Chinook Mall. The kiosk was to allow the public to register for contests and view limited information about the mall. Although the concept seemed sound, mall-goers ended up surfing the net and checking personal mail using the kiosk, as well as re-booting the computer and causing numerous problems. The staff approached Claero asking for a computer which would not be connected to the internet, but could still collect contest registrations.

Solution

After discussions with the Marketing staff, Claero proposed a solution wherein software would be used to lock down a computer that was still connected to the internet. This would be a much less expensive solution since the website and server would not have to be re-created on a standalone server. Rather, the existing web registration and user profiling system that Chinook had already set up for other web based marketing activities could be used. Claero found an appropriate software package, tested it, and installed it on the kiosk computer.

Results

The contest and the kiosk were a success. Chinook Centre is planning on re-using the system, and due to its success head office has also been looking into implmentation. Cadillac Fairview spent a fraction of the budget they had anticipated, and the contest and marketing data gathered is easily reviewed and reported using the system they already use for other web based marketing activities.