WHAT IS MANUFACTURING DIGITAL SIGNAGE?
Digital signage for manufacturing and production floors has become a standard across the industry. Many facilities will utilize multiple solutions for various purposes, fully taking advantage of the flexibility of signage displays. Large campuses often use wayfinding to guide visitors and staff, reducing confusion and frustration. Traffic routes can be displayed to help drivers learn shipping routes or prepare for road and weather conditions. Production line digital signage displays can leverage content to improve staff morale while streamlining work efficiency. However, using this content effectively requires more than just putting screens up in hallways. Digital signage involves the software, hardware, content, and team managing it to attract attention and communicate effectively. If you can nail down these aspects, you will have a much easier time integrating digital displays into your overall communication strategy.
Before we get into the hardware and software portions of a digital content management system, let’s go over your team and the roles they will play within your signage network. REACH Media Network’s CMS has two types of roles: Admin Roles and Facility Roles. These are umbrella categories that have sub-roles within them. To begin, let’s start with admin roles.
Admin roles are only accessible to those with access to the back end of your CMS. With this in mind, you will want to assign administrators, supervisors, and managers to some of these roles. This will give them greater access to your content settings, while also being able to oversee the work of others within your organization.
There are two options within Admin Roles. The first is the Full Access role. This role will have access to all applications under the Admin Panel except player + licensing and SSO. However, they cannot edit permissions for those considered “Owners.” Owners are the second and highest-tier role within the admin panel. As the “kings or queens” of the castle, they will have access to EVERYTHING and the ability to change permissions for other users. Only those who require the highest level of access to your signage should be assigned as an owner.
Next are facility roles. Facility roles are assigned to those with access to the front end of your CMS. These roles center around content creation within your facility. Facility roles are where you can assign and edit certain permissions to apps, integrations, and other CMS functions. Often, social media content creators, graphic designers, and other marketing specialists will have access to these types of roles.
Within facility roles, there are Admins and Content Creators. Admins have full access to every application within the facility. This mirrors our Admin-level access from our previous CMS solution. From there, you can also assign Content Creators. Content Creators receive full access to the dashboard, media library, and playlist applications. However, they will only be able to view player settings. This will help focus their workflows and prevent confusion that results from people accessing tools or files they shouldn’t have access to.
Now that you understand what manufacturing-based digital signage is, we can dive into the necessary hardware and software requirements. Once those are set up, we can begin diving into the nitty gritty of content creation and digital signage benefits!
THE NUMEROUS BENEFITS OF PRODUCTION FLOOR SIGNAGE
Getting Started With Manufacturing Digital Signage
Before we dive deeper into manufacturing signage, there are a few things you should be aware of. To get your displays ready out the gate, there are a few things you should prepare beforehand to guarantee success.
The first, of course, is your team! Deciding who you want to manage content and assets within your new content-management software is important for any signage strategy. Within REACH’s CMS, you can assign the previously discussed roles and edit app permissions for each user. If you’re trying to make broader changes, you can assign users to a group and bulk-edit the permissions of the entire group! This helps streamline employee workflows and prevents staff from accidentally seeing content or changing settings they shouldn’t have access to. This process strengthens security and boosts efficiency within your organization.
From there, you’ll want to ensure you have the proper hardware to display fresh content. REACH’s software is “hardware agnostic,” meaning it can run on most media players you may already have lying around. If you have any spare media players, Fire Sticks, or similar devices, you can use those (depending on the scale of your project, of course). However, if you’re starting fresh, you can always purchase a player from us! REACH is both a hardware and software provider, so we know what our clients need for any kind of project! For example, our REACH DS3 players provide clients with an affordable, enterprise-grade solution that is capable of high-level signage integrations.
Of course, REACH is also a Bright Alliance Premier Partner with BrightSign, a producer of some of the most popular and reliable media players on the market! Depending on the requirements of your project, you may be recommended one of BrightSigns premium models to help with live TV capabilities or large-scale video walls.
The only thing left is to find a trustworthy software provider for your project. Luckily, if you’re here, your search is over! REACH will be with you at every step of your signage journey. You and your team will first be assigned to an install coordinator, and they will train you in all aspects of your new software. Once your training is complete, you will then be assigned an account manager. This will be your point person for all things following your installation. They will assist with projects, integrations, and troubleshooting. However, if something proves too arduous or your account manager is unavailable, you will have access to REACH’s 24/7 support. Once you submit a ticket, someone on our support team will reach out to help solve whatever issue you are facing! At REACH, there is always someone ready to help.
PAIN POINTS DIGITAL SIGNAGE FOR PRODUCTION PLANTS CAN ALLEVIATE
Factory floor communication displays can alleviate a lot of pain points commonly found on the production floor. For instance, safety reminders and instructional videos can be placed instructing staff on how to remain safe while working. This will reduce work-based accidents and instill trust within your staff. Implementing a counter application that counts up the number of days without incident can also motivate workers to work with safety in mind. Breakrooms can be outfitted with live TV signage or news headlines to entertain workers and energize them for when they return to their duties. Installing interactive kiosks can help management improve certain workflows with interactive surveys through QR integrations. Each screen can also be outfitted with a playlist of announcements that can promote important messages you want to convey.
All of these use cases can help your manufacturing facility run more smoothly and provide assistance to visitors. Studies show digital displays capture 400% more attention than traditional signage, so if you’re trying to get an important message out, digital signage is the way to go!
A MANUFACTURING DISPLAY CASE STUDY
Now that we have a general idea of what encompasses production line digital signage displays, let’s look at a case study we conducted with a real client and analyze what makes their signage successful. Rainbow Energy Marketing Corp. is an industry leader in energy production that focuses on the acquisition, drilling, and production of oil and gas to provide gas and electricity around the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. With such a large operation, REMC decided it was time to ditch traditional bulletin boards and posters and replace it with a modern communication solution. After some time, they partnered with REACH Media Network. to implement internal communication displays and breakroom signage.
In breakrooms, staff can enjoy interactive trivia and fun facts, unwinding during the day by quizzing each other on their knowledge. Instead of plugging in PowerPoint slides, the team is able to update announcements in real-time to ensure everyone has the most up-to-date information. PowerBI and other corporate metric integrations keep the team on task and allows them to analyze potential weaknesses and adapt their strategy accordingly. Shift schedules can be posted by management to keep everyone informed and things moving along smoothly.
The result is a more relaxed, driven, and efficient workplace that are able to use signage as a contributor to its seamless production. Since beginning its digital signage initiative, REMC has expanded its solution to multiple other facilities. Eventually, the company aims to move from internal messaging to more outward displays, with welcome and lobby room signage being the next digital signage goal.
THE NUMEROUS BENEFITS OF DIGITAL SIGNAGE FOR MANUFACTURING & PRODUCTION FLOORS
In the fast-paced and often chaotic production plant environment, effective communication is paramount. Digital signage has emerged as a transformative tool for manufacturing floors, providing numerous benefits that enhance communication across the board and improve efficiency in the workplace. This article explores the multifaceted advantages of digital signage in manufacturing settings, highlighting its impact on communication, patient engagement, operational efficiency, and brand awareness.
ENHANCED COMMUNICATION
One of the primary advantages of digital signage is its ability to facilitate real-time communication. In large manufacturing plants, information often needs to be disseminated quickly and clearly. Digital displays can be updated instantaneously, allowing managers to share critical information such as production schedules, inventory levels, and safety protocols. This immediacy helps ensure that all employees are on the same page, reducing the risk of misunderstandings and errors.
Signage can also be tailored to specific departments or workgroups, delivering relevant information directly to those who need it. For example, a production line might display live updates on performance metrics, enabling operators to make informed decisions on the fly. This level of targeted communication helps optimize operations and keep employees engaged with their tasks.
IMPROVED SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE
Safety is a critical concern in manufacturing environments. Digital signage can play a vital role in enhancing workplace safety by displaying real-time alerts, safety reminders, and emergency procedures. For instance, if a hazardous situation arises, digital displays can quickly communicate evacuation routes or safety protocols, ensuring that employees are informed and prepared.
Additionally, digital signage can be used to highlight compliance with safety standards and regulations. By regularly updating displays with safety statistics, training reminders, and best practices, companies can foster a culture of safety and accountability. This ongoing reinforcement of safety protocols not only helps reduce accidents but also demonstrates a company’s commitment to employee well-being.
INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY
Digital signage can significantly impact productivity levels in manufacturing plants. By providing instant access to important information and performance metrics, employees can work more efficiently. For example, digital displays can showcase real-time production data, such as output rates and machine performance, allowing teams to identify bottlenecks and make necessary adjustments promptly.
By reducing the reliance on paper-based communication, companies can save time and resources. Digital signage eliminates the need for printed materials that can become outdated or lost, ensuring that employees always have access to the most current information. This streamlined approach can lead to improved workflow and overall productivity.
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT & MOTIVATION
Engaging employees is crucial for maintaining morale and motivation in any workplace. Digital signage can serve as a powerful tool for fostering a positive work environment. Displays can be used to recognize employee achievements, share success stories, and highlight team contributions. This recognition not only boosts individual morale but also encourages a culture of teamwork and collaboration.
Additionally, digital signage can be utilized for training and development purposes. By providing educational content and training modules on digital displays, companies can facilitate continuous learning and skill enhancement. Employees are more likely to stay engaged when they see opportunities for growth and development within their organization.
COST & ENVIRONMENT CONSIDERATE
While the initial investment in digital signage may seem substantial, the long-term cost savings can be significant. Traditional signage often requires frequent updates, leading to ongoing printing and labor costs. In contrast, digital displays can be updated with a few clicks, eliminating the need for physical materials and reducing waste.
Moreover, digital signage can help optimize resource allocation. For instance, by monitoring real-time data on equipment performance, companies can schedule maintenance more effectively, reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of machinery. This proactive approach to equipment can lead to substantial savings over time.
However, sustainability involves more than just the bottom-line. As businesses increasingly prioritize sustainability, digital signage offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional signage. By reducing paper usage and minimizing waste, companies can lower their environmental impact. Digital displays also contribute to energy efficiency, particularly when using LED technology, which consumes less power than traditional lighting solutions.
Implementing signage not only demonstrates a commitment to sustainability but can also enhance a company’s reputation among customers and stakeholders who value environmental responsibility.
DATA VISUALIZATION
In manufacturing, data drives decision-making. Digital signage excels at presenting complex data in a visually engaging manner. By utilizing graphs, charts, and infographics, companies can transform raw data into actionable insights that are easy for employees to understand and act upon.
This capability is particularly valuable for tracking key performance indicators and other corporate metrics. These can encompass production efficiency, quality control metrics, and safety compliance. Visualizing data on digital displays helps employees quickly grasp trends and identify areas for improvement, fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making.
FLEXIBILITY & SCALABILITY
Another compelling and widely celebrated benefit of digital signage is its flexibility and scalability. Manufacturing environments can be dynamic, with changing needs and priorities. Digital signage systems can be easily adjusted to accommodate new information, promotions, or operational changes. This adaptability is crucial in fast-paced settings where conditions can shift rapidly.
Furthermore, digital signage can be scaled to meet the needs of different plants or facilities. Whether a company operates a single location or multiple sites, digital signage can provide a unified communication platform that enhances consistency across the organization.
CONCLUSION
Digital signage represents a significant advancement in how manufacturing and production plants communicate and operate. By enhancing communication, improving safety, increasing productivity, and engaging employees, digital signage provides a comprehensive solution that addresses many of the challenges faced by modern manufacturing environments. As technology continues to evolve, the potential for digital signage to transform operations will only grow, making it an essential tool for any forward-thinking manufacturing facility. Embracing this technology not only drives efficiency and effectiveness but also positions companies for future success in an increasingly competitive landscape.
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Many facilities are updating their signage approach. With that in mind, we HIGHLY recommend reaching out to your account manager now if you want free spring content, interactive integrations, or other signage implementations. While the process itself should not take too long, we do like having time to test the connection and ensure stable connectivity. Additionally, if any issues arise in that time, our support team can quickly sort them out. For more information, click the button below!
