Updating Digital at the Granite Club
Gail Chiasson, North American Editor
Toronto’s Granite Club, which installed a series of digital signs a year ago, is already looking to upgrade with sound and touch screens within the next few months.
“We already are having people from Omnivex Corporation in to train 
our people in upgrades to the next level in software,” says Peter Fyvie, general manager.
The Granite Club, which is taking things a step at a time, implemented Omnivex software on big-screen LCD panels throughout its facility last year, building the screens right into the walls of the famous club and replacing the colurful paper posters used in the past. The screens are used only to promote club events and to give members information.
“We don’t advertise commercial brands because we have members who belong to rival companies and don’t want to upset them,” says Fyvie.
The results of the current screens include improved customer service, more members enjoying Club activities, and additional publicity for upcoming events.
The Omnivex system also keeps members informed of regular facility maintenance, so there are no unexpected surprises.
The current system includes 20 screens, in both portrait and landscape format, located in areas such as lobbies, elevators and locker rooms. Granite Club staff create video clips and custom content on-site and use the Omnivex software to create and manage, schedule, and distribute content to the network of digital displays.
“The next step is to use Omnivex`s data management capabilities to automatically pull information from our property management system, so the content on the signs will automatically update based on what information is in our main database,” says Stephen Ghigliotty, director of digital merchandising for integrator Artisan Live. “That will allow ballroom scheduling details and wedding party welcoming messages to update in real-time to better serve Granite Club guests.”
Founded in 1875 and with past Canadian Prime Ministers among its members, the Granite Club is known as the most exclusive health, fitness, golf, tennis and social club in Toronto. In keeping with its image, 
the Granite Club wanted to create an elegant visual communication system to keep its 11,000 family members of all ages informed and involved in the Club`s offerings.
“We strive to deliver the best experience in everything we do and provide for our members,” says Fyvie. “The Omnivex digital signage solution definitely meets our objective. Not only does this digital signage solution enhance the aesthetic appeal of the Club, it also gives members a visual preview of scheduled events so they can find great activities to maximize their social time.”
The network of LCD panels helps build a sense of community among members, many of whom have grown up, married and bring their own families to use the pool, restaurant, athletics facilities and other offerings and events.
“We have weddings and we have funerals,” says Fyvie , who says he is looking forward to seeing screens at the club eventually have such features as facial recognition, “in five or 10 years.”
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