1. Objectives….what are you trying to achieve in deploying digital signage?
One of the first question we at JDS ask new clients is “What you are trying to achieve by installing a digital signage system?” Many people say that they are not sure exactly, or that they only have a brief idea. The answer to this question can change many aspects of the system including the hardware and software choice. This can change from a $300 stand alone media player to a $1,500+ computer and software solution so it is an important question to answer.
Of course different industries will have very different requirements but many times it is up to us, the digital signage experts to inform our potential customers of what they can expect to be able to do with the signage system. In my experience, expectations have varied from simply wanting to replace an old fashioned light box through to designing a system which completely integrates with a clients existing POS software and to be essentially “self operating”. Both of these are quite valid and very achievable.
So thought needs to go into what you are trying to achieve. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you wanting to attract people into a retail store or cafe?
- Do you want to increase brand awareness?
- Do you want to inform people of products and services which you offer that the customer may not know you offer?
- Perhaps you want to decrease perceived waiting times for your customers.
- Do you want staff or customers interaction with your signage?
- Will your clients have any specific needs when you deploy a system?
- Do you need to direct customers around your venue?
- How often will you be updating the content?
- Do you want to place any KPI’s on the digital signage in order to track how it is going?
Before you go and speak to a digital signage company, take the time to have a brain storming session with your colleagues to answer these sort of questions. It will lead to the solution provider being able to offer you a product which is the most suitable for your needs.
Once you have an idea of what you are trying to achieve you will find this leads you to the next steps. What Network do I need? What is my content strategy and what hardware and software will suit my needs best. These questions and more will be addressed over the next few weeks.
