Digital signage software should allow users to update displays remotely. This gives network administrators a streamlined method of integrating their signs into existing audiovisual and information technology systems to check on and fix signage problems without requiring interface changes.
Look for a digital signage system that allows you to create display groups and custom user roles with varying access permissions like operator, manager, editor, and more. For example, Pickcel’s cloud-based software offers this.
Security
Digital signage is an innovative way to create a modern and eye-catching retail experience, and it can help brands increase sales by boosting impulse purchases, cross-sells, and up-sells. It can promote customer engagement with engaging, informative visuals and raise brand awareness with compelling call-to-action messages.
To get the most out of your digital signage, ensure your software supports various media formats to attract and engage your audience. Look for a platform that offers an extensive library of templates and apps to enable the use of multiple media types, including videos, photos, and live web links.
The best digital signage software platforms are cloud-based or accessible over the internet, so they can be managed remotely from any device. Look for software that allows you to create custom user profiles and access permissions such as operator, manager, and editor. This will enable you to assign responsibilities for large screen networks while keeping the system secure.
Most vendors offer a free trial to let you test their tools and features. Go for it! It’s a great way to decide whether their software is right for your business.
Content Management System
A Content Management System (CMS) is a computer software that allows you to upload media files (like videos and images), create playlists, screen layouts, and schedule them to play on your digital signage screens. It is the command center for your entire signage deployment, allowing you to manage every aspect of your digital signage network no matter where your screens are located.
Quality CMS software will provide a user-friendly interface that does not require technical expertise to navigate and use. It will be organized and straightforward, so you can easily find the tools to bring your digital signage to life.
CMS systems can be either web-based or a desktop download. A web-based solution is hosted on your provider’s website and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. In contrast, a desktop download requires a physical IT infrastructure to host and run the software. Both can offer great flexibility, but deciding which deployment model is right for your organization is important. A reputable service provider like Pickcel will happily discuss both options’ pros and cons.
Customization
A good wayfinding digital signage solution should provide the flexibility to create custom content for each screen. This will help businesses maximize the benefits of the technology and create a unique experience for their audiences.
Another key feature to look for is scalability. Some digital signage software solutions work well for smaller networks but must grow their scope for larger deployments. When evaluating software, ask your vendor about their scalability and request examples of large-scale projects they have worked on.
Lastly, look for software that is easy to use. It’s important that different stakeholders in your business can comfortably update the displays and ensure that everything is current. A difficult-to-use system will not be productive and may cause frustration for your team.
Other features worth considering include data integration, remote management and audience analytics. These capabilities will give you the power to create an impactful experience for your audience and measure the performance of your signage solution. For example, you can track how long customers spend viewing the content on your screens and gauge engagement levels.
Scalability
If you’re a business owner with an established digital signage network, your software should scale with your growing needs. Whether it’s the number of screens, locations, or even geographical areas, the system should handle an increase in deployment with ease and without adding complexity to your AV/IT operations.
For instance, if your restaurant has been seeing an increase in demand for seafood dishes, you should be able to quickly introduce new menu items and update them on digital screens. In addition, your software should be able to display different types of content, including live dashboards and data visualization, which will enhance the overall user experience.
During your software demo session, ask your vendor about their scalability capabilities and if they’ve handled any large-scale projects in the past. You can also request case studies or examples from the vendor’s previous work. Additionally, your software should offer remote management capabilities to manage your displays from anywhere with an internet connection. This is essential to ensure uptime and allows you to make changes if required.
Integrations
Your digital signage software should support an extensive range of integrations. This will allow you to link your content with several workplace tools, like social media platforms, business intelligence, and news and weather services. This will effectively reduce the workload for your IT team and allow you to create content relevant to your audience.
You can also leverage data from internal systems, such as ERP, CRM, and POS, to display on screens. For example, you can connect your Google or Office365 calendar with your digital signage system and show the availability of rooms. This will help streamline your meetings.
Another advantage of an extensive range of integrations is that you can display dynamic data on your screen in real-time. For example, you can connect your digital signage to Power BI to automatically update data dashboards on your displays. This will ensure that your audiences are constantly updated with the latest information. Moreover, it will provide your employees with valuable and interactive data to keep them engaged and motivated.