The partnership combines cloud-based content management with local audiovisual design, installation, and support so customers can move from an idea to a working signage network.
REACH Digital Signage and Automation Arts approach digital signage as a shared responsibility. REACH supplies the content management platform and ongoing software support. Automation Arts turns each customer’s communication goals into a physical system, specifying the displays and players, managing installation, and remaining involved after launch.
A partnership built around the whole system
For a digital signage solution to be a success, it requires hardware and software to interact seamlessly to achieve the best results. It also often helps if customers approach a project with communication objectives, screen locations, and necessary equipment in mind. Of course, the best digital signage solutions also provide a reliable path for support when a display, player, or network connection does not behave as expected.
The REACH and Automation Arts partnership embodies these aspects through a comprehensive and clear division of work. Automation Arts begins with the environment and the customer’s operational goals. Its team of industry professionals scopes out projects by evaluating locations, designing the audiovisual system, selecting compatible equipment, and completing the installation. REACH then provides the cloud-based digital signage platform that customers use to build layouts, schedule content, and manage screens after the physical system is in place, while also providing technical support.
Local expertise with a flexible software platform
Automation Arts has worked in commercial and residential audiovisual integration since 1993. Its commercial team designs and installs systems for corporate offices, schools, hospitality venues and other shared environments. They aim to provide an experience that helps customers make practical decisions about screen placement, sightlines, mounting, connectivity and service before content goes live.
REACH adds the software layer that can adapt to those environments. Organizations can manage content from a central platform, allowing them to update multiple screens at once from a single location. Each screen can display a shared message across the facility, or individual screens can host messages tailored to their location or audience. The arrangement allows Automation Arts to focus on a dependable system design while REACH helps the customer build a repeatable publishing workflow.
SEE DIGITAL SIGNAGE IN ACTION
Want to experience the power of digital signage firsthand? Request a free demo today and explore how REACH Digital Signage can enhance communication and engagement within your organization.
A consultative partnership
REACH acts as an extension of Automation Art’s consultative approach. Their team can bring REACH into a project when a customer needs an approachable content platform, then remain the local point of contact for the installed system. REACH also supports training and can answer software-related questions while Automation Arts handles the physical environment and field services. This yields benefits for both organizations, as REACH can serve more clients through Automation Arts’ referrals, while Automation Arts benefits from having the software and support sides of the business handled by REACH. This division of labor also allows each company to home in on their areas of expertise, providing a superior digital signage experience at every touchpoint.
“Automation Arts takes the guesswork out of digital signage deployments,” President of REACH Division Kiersten Gibson describes. “The excellent groundwork they do makes it easy for REACH to help customers manage their network through our cloud-based platform. Together, we help organizations move from concept to ongoing success with confidence.”
The partnership in practice
Throughout the years, REACH and Automation Arts have enjoyed several successful deployments that have yielded great results for their clients.
One example took place during the construction of a new middle school. Automation Arts found the building to be a good fit for digital menu boards using REACH’s software in the cafeteria. The installation was such a success that administrators around the district have now been sending requests to implement digital displays within their facilities, transforming its digital signage initiative into a district-wide expansion.
Other clients can find multiple use cases for digital signage based on the different branches their organization serves. For example, one client leveraged marketing messages and internal communications at their corporate headquarters. However, on the manufacturing side, they were able to leverage PowerBI integration for tracking the progress of production for things such as sheet metal throughout an entire facility.
Such stories serve to highlight the flexibility Automation Arts and REACH offer clients through their partnership.
“It is easy to use, it is cost-competitive, and you get a personalized touch,” Senior Account Executive at Automation Arts Zach Short explains. “Our clients need ease-of-use, and they need support. That is where REACH really shines.”
A platform that can grow with the customer
Clients have reported extremely positive results and benefits from working with the REACH and Automation Arts teams. One of the biggest has been visibility. Rather than information living on an internal website, getting ignored in emails, or missed entirely, teams now have a reliable destination to go to where they can get important, concise updates on relevant information.
Larger campuses have reported that wayfinding and digital directories have helped improve visitor experiences. These displays reduce visitor frustration by providing clear map layouts and guides on how to navigate the facility, which helps the organization as a whole run more efficiently.
Of course, the biggest benefit to clients is the speed at which operations can get up and running. Because Automation Arts and REACH can focus on their specific areas of expertise, oftentimes, content is up and running by the time screens are installed. This allows clients to hit the ground running, resulting in fewer delays and less downtime.
Shared support after installation
The partnership continues after a screen is mounted and connected. Automation Arts can diagnose hardware, cabling, and installation issues in the field. REACH can help customers with software training, publishing questions, and content workflows. That division gives users a clearer route to the right expertise and lets both partners work within their strongest areas.
As REACH expands its capabilities through its recent acquisition under Poppulo, Automation Arts looks forward to how that will grow its relationship as well.
“I think our partnership with REACH will continue to grow as we bring in new clients and they get to experience what our two companies provide,” Vice President of Automation Arts Ron Moore stated. “Once they experience what we offer, they expand on it every time.”
Partnership takeaways
- Begin with the communication need and the physical environment, not a list of
- Give customers one connected path through system design, installation, software onboarding
- Define each partner’s responsibility clearly so software and field issues reach the right team
- Design the first deployment for expansion, including new screens, locations, and automated content
REACH Digital Signage has been an excellent experience for us! The platform is easy to navigate, offers great features, and the training is clear and comprehensive. Their support team is always available and ready to help whenever needed.
– IT Manager, Corporate Communications
Request a Demo with REACH Digital Signage
Our team is ready to deliver easy-to-use digital signage solutions to your business. With dedicated support teams and powerful design tools, anyone from any skill level can design professional-looking designs in minutes!
