Don’t be fooled by all the digital signage systems that are claiming they deliver the moon. With all the new technology hitting the arena, everyone is scrambling to be the first to incorporate it all and will tell you they can. How do you wade through the muck and find what really works and more importantly works for you?
Start at the beginning, write a digital content outline mapping out what you want on your digital signage and most importantly, who do you want it to reach. Is it a multi-page touchscreen or do you just want a simple revolving slideshow? Do you only want one monitor that hangs in your lobby or do you want your content to be viewable and interactive with all of your employees or anyone who wants to see it. Then after you have figured out your content and your audience, do some research for a company that fits your needs and is reliable. If you have seen a digital sign you like, talk to the marketing or facilities people that probably had the task of getting it done.
Ask questions about the company that sold the system:
• Did they use a third party vendor
• What was the initial expense
• Can they allow you to do the content editing or do they
• How much do they charge for content editing
• What is the yearly upgrade charge
• How do they handle service
• How reliable is the system
Digital signage is complicated to most of us, but by knowing what you want at the start and researching recommendations you will get what you want, avoid the companies that can’t give you what you want and spend only what you need too.
Jill Burgess, President ARREYAtm digital signage software www.arreya.com