3 features to look for in a digital signage software
What is digital signage? It is an installation showing various multimedia content, images, videos, or live content on any digital screen such as smart TVs, video walls, shelf displays, and electronic billboards. Unlike traditional signs, digital signage can be powered by software; and, that is what adds to its superiority over static media. Thanks to digital signage software, we see a menu in a restaurant, a timetable at bus stops, prices in museums, line numbers in retail stores, etc.
This technology constitutes a whole and centrally managed network of electronic devices showing messages. They are not just aimed at advertising. Companies also use digital signage to inform customers and sell them goods or services in real-time. The advertising industry has grown from annoying sun-bleached big bards with outdated information to cutting-edge technologies that show, interact, and pull content from various resources. Here are some takeaways, on what features are the most crucial for high-performing digital signage software.
IT IS AVAILABLE ON DIFFERENT PLATFORMS
It means several things. Digital signage components have to connect with various hardware systems. A content management system should smoothly operate on different platforms and be easy to use. Before you start using it, check if the software supports your hardware operating systems. Most people like to use hardware-neutral digital signage software for their business; such applications are compatible with multiple operating systems (Windows, Android, Linux, macOS, ChromeOS, and so on). This lets you run the same application across all existing devices.
Good software easily handles various content types too. If your company has specific requirements regarding high resolution, speed of content display, streaming formats etc, make sure the chosen digital signage software copes with your demands.
IT IS USER-FRIENDLY FOR EVERYONE
In the previous section, we mentioned how significant it is to have digital signage software that handles various formats and connects well with any hardware. Another crucial point is its user-friendly interface. Huge advertising campaigns involve many specialists. To ensure productive cooperation, they need to learn how to deal with digital signage software.
If the content management system successfully allows multiple users and contributors to work on the platform, they could fix possible problems sooner, add valuable information faster, and maintain its work. Modern software also offers different levels of access, so some team members have limited capacities while senior managers could influence the system more.
YOU CAN CONTROL IT REMOTELY
One of the most crucial features to keep in mind while purchasing digital signage software is its default function to update regularly. Doing that manually (especially if your campaign is disseminated around the city or country) is tiresome and expensive. Since many advertising companies are widespread, specialists won’t be able to monitor and update all the displays physically. It is a software company that has to be in charge of providing operational and security updates.
Talking of widely distributed advertising campaigns, let us emphasize another crucial feature. Digital signage software needs to allow remote management. That means your software vendor can host the entire platform on the cloud. Cloud software can be accessed from any physical location. Anyone with a set of login credentials can use the application to remotely control a geographically-distributed network of screens. Restaurant owners can update their drive thru menu boards from their living rooms!
Digital signage software offers solutions for various business purposes and helps achieve larger brand awareness. Although it is well-known and seems to be self-explanatory, there are many technical subtleties worth your attention before choosing the right software. To narrow down the list of potential instruments, check if they support various content formats and handle any hardware you are going to use.
Conclusion:
The chosen technology has to be user-friendly and clear for anyone involved in the project. Another crucial point is the ability to control and monitor software effectiveness remotely. The provider should be the one to provide security and operational updates. Otherwise, you will spend a lot of money on doing that on your own.
