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Scala's InfoChannel IC200 And The "Honda News Network," Brings Timely Information To Auto Manufacturing Associates.
Updated, Focused News Helps Improve Communications And Employee Morale.
Calabasas, Calif. (April 10, 2000) -- What connects the more than 13,000 associates employed at the four Honda of America Manufacturing (HAM) facilities in Central Ohio. Beyond the great products they produce, associates stay connected via the "Honda News Network," a closed-circuit television system powered by Scala's InfoChannel IC200
"Information is power and communication is the key," said HAM's Cornelia Hostetler. Ms. Hostetler is the company communications corporate editor responsible for Honda News Network (HNN)
Open communication is a top priority at HAM. Many channels exist to ensure the flow of accurate, complete and timely information to Honda associates. One of the most effective channels for information is the HNN system, where plant and company-wide information is shared
HNN is viewed on more than 200 TV monitors located throughout manufacturing, support and wellness centers. Monitors are located in cafeterias and break areas
"What drew us to Scala was its animation capabilities," explained Ms. Hostetler. "The elements, the wipes, the WYSIWYG and open environment, were key factors." IC200 includes hundreds of push, zoom, dissolves, fades and fly-on transitions
Ms. Hostetler and her site editors update HNN throughout the day. "We keep it up-to-date and timely," she said. The material includes a mixture of information-- the most important, company and automotive news, comes first, followed by department reports
HNN also uses "newsjet" which is offered through Alpha Video, an authorized Scala value-added reseller. Based in Edina, Minnesota, Alpha Video takes advantage of InfoChanel's flexibility by offering subscriptions to news from United Press International (UPI)
ScalaNet software, which is included with InfoChannel IC200, allows content to be distributed to players at TV monitors via local networks or the Internet. ScalaNet automatically delivers newsjet content (via the Internet) five times a day
HNN uses the newsjet feed to liven up its content. Ms. Hostetler edits and modifies the newsjet stories, then sends them out to the four sites using the same ScalaNet software
Site editors at the Anna Engine Plant, Marysville Auto Plant and East Liberty Auto Plant coordinate with the corporate editor (who doubles as the site editor) at the Marysville Motorcycle Plant. Each editor has the ability to scan and import graphics and video. This way, local and HAM-wide (80% to 90% of the information) content is available to all associates
Ms. Hostetler explained HNN is "stimulating to watch, and is more of a newsletter -- what's happening type of information versus business procedures, although company procedures are shared periodically in short messages.
Typical information found on HNN includes
- Honda world news
- National and international industry news
- Monthly sales updates
- CART race results
- Motorcycle race results
- Retirement announcements
- Safety and health messages
- Sports activities and related events
- 401 K updates
- Plant visitors
- Daily production numbers
- Award winners and associate recognition
- Ceremonies
- Volunteer program information
- Meeting schedules
- Special events and much more!
On average, a daily loop on HNN runs between 10 to 15 minutes before repeating. Monitors run 24 hours per day, seven days a week. HNN will occasionally air Honda product commercials and videos. According to Ms. Hostetler, the programming produced with IC200 "is a wonderful communication tool and Honda associates appreciate watching the news."
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