What Are The Key Components of a Smart Digital Signage System?
Digital signage is a growing sector of the marketing and communication industry. It allows companies to display real-time information to customers in-store or remotely. The system offers instant access and viral communication on a grand scale, which can prove invaluable to any business.
What is a Smart Digital Signage System?
A smart digital signage system is a software package that allows users to create and deliver content on screens throughout their facility or business. It typically includes an interactive touch screen and a digital sign controller, allowing you to upload your content or use pre-made templates.
The software allows for easy management of content and scheduling so that messages can be delivered when needed. This can include video, images, sound files, and text.
Dynamic Content and Programmatic Updates
A smart digital signage system allows you to create and edit dynamic content much easier than traditional static media. This means you can use your business’s real-time information to customize your digital displays. For example, suppose a customer purchases an item that is out of stock. In that case, the system can automatically update the product details on the screen so that customers know exactly what they will receive when purchasing it. This feature is handy in retail stores where customers may have questions about products before making a purchase decision.
Remote Content Management
Remote Content Management (RCM) allows you to update your network remotely from anywhere in the world via the Internet. RCM eliminates the need for physical access to each screen on your network so you can manage them from anywhere at any time without leaving your office or home.
What Are The Key Components of a Smart Digital Signage System?
Regarding cloud-based digital signage, many different types of hardware and software are required for the system to work. The key components of a smart digital signage system include:
Media Player
The digital signage player is what displays all of your content on screens. This can be either physical hardware or virtual software that runs on a computer or mobile device (such as a tablet). You can choose from multiple players that support different types of display technology, including LCD panels, LED screens, and projectors. Some players are designed to work with specific types of monitors; others can connect to any display.
Digital Signage Software
The digital signage software is the program that drives the player. It’s responsible for handling everything related to displaying your content: playing videos, showing photos, scrolling text messages, and more. There are many different options available when it comes to choosing a digital signage software platform. Some of these platforms are easy to use, while others require a bit more technical knowledge, but they all have one thing in common: they allow you to update your content without connecting wires.
Display Hardware
Digital display hardware includes everything from the LCD/LED displays to the hardware that connects them to your network (or even your computer). You’ll also need cables to connect all these devices, such as HDMI cables connecting your computer to your display or VGA cables connecting a media player to your display.
Several options are available when choosing the right display hardware for your business needs, including monitors, touchscreens, and interactive kiosks.
- Monitor displays for digital signage are fit for purpose hardware. They are ruggedized for 24/7 usage. They are designed to be installed in landscape or portrait mode, and they include RS-232 communication protocols for remote monitoring.
- Touchscreens are often used as interactive kiosks where customers can use their fingertips to interact with digital signage content.
Cloud-Based Content Management System
Cloud-based content management systems (CMS) provide access to all of your digital signage assets from anywhere you have an internet connection. The EnGage CMS is the core software platform that combines all the components of a smart digital signage system and makes them work together seamlessly. The cloud-based CMS also enables you to:
- Create custom layouts with different images and videos for different times of the day or different locations within your facility
- Upload files directly from your computer or access existing ones on Dropbox or Google Drive
- Schedule updates for all your screens at once so that they are all ready to go when it’s’ time to launch a new promotion or event at your location
You can integrate the CMS with other software applications to provide additional functionality such as interactive kiosks or other forms of engagement with visitors based on their specific needs or interests.
The Content
Content is king when it comes to digital signage. The content is what will engage the audience and keep them coming back for more. It’s’ important that your message is clear and concise, with no room for misinterpretation or confusion. You can also use the content to help people remember your brand by using memorable phrases or images in your messaging.
A smart digital signage solution lets you upload and manage your content directly from your computer or mobile device. This makes it easy for anyone in your organization to create new content or edit existing material without relying on IT support.
Smart Digital Signage Systems
Overall, digital signage is a relatively new concept in marketing and advertising. It is still less expensive than other traditional methods such as print or television ads, but it is also much more accessible and interactive. The possibilities for customization make it a fun way to keep customers returning, and the benefits quickly add up.
While digital signage can be a great addition to many businesses, there are certain factors that you have to consider before leaping, or else you might end up in over your head. Of course, with ComQi as your partner, you don’t have to worry about that. Our team is experienced in helping businesses find the perfect solution for their needs, putting together a plan, and providing the services needed for optimum performance.
Learn more about our cloud-based digital signage services here.