Many digital signage platforms come with a variety of different capabilities, applications, and functions. However, not all are created equally. Some signage software providers offer more rudimentary or basic options, while others prioritize specializing in one or two specific functions. To get the maximum impact out of your digital signage displays, there are some essential features your signage software should allow. At REACH Media Network, we consider these must-have essentials to be:
- Cloud-Enabled Technology
- Media Library/Content Creation Tools
- Scheduled Playlists
- Integration Capabilities
- Calendar/Scheduling Apps
These features are determined by the tools and apps we see clients get the most out of and use the most within our content-management software. Additionally, they are common features you will see in other leading digital signage applications within the industry. When you are on the hunt for your digital signage provider, you’ll want to ensure these essential features are present before you sign on. Going forward, we will dive deeper into what each of these applications is and why they are critical to a successful signage platform. By understanding why each of these 5 features is so important, you will be better educated when deciding on a signage software for you.
Luckily, your search can end here. REACH Media Network is the best digital signage solution for any business. As both a software and hardware provider, REACH Media Network can provide full turnkey services to get your signage up and running as soon as possible. Additionally, our installation team will walk you through each step of the installation process to ensure your network is set up the exact way you want it. From there, you will be assigned an account manager who will be your point of contact and help with future signage expansions and integrations. Feel free to utilize our free creative design services, where our graphic designers will help you make eye-catching layouts that adhere to your branding standards. Of course, if you need assistance with anything, our 24/7 support ensures someone is always around to help. If you’d like to get started with your digital signage journey, click the button below to get started! In the meantime, let’s look at ways you can integrate digital signage with your existing business tools.
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CLOUD-ENABLED TECHNOLOGY
Many digital signage platforms are gravitating toward cloud-powered software platforms to provide users more flexibility & control when managing content playlists and assets. Instead of being restricted to a specific piece of hardware (like a USB dongle or a restricted software platform), cloud technology enables users to create, edit, and publish content from anywhere so long as they have an internet connection and proper login credentials. This cloud technology also extends to other aspects of the software platform as well. For example, media libraries (which will be discussed later) back up to the platform’s cloud to save client assets. This ensures created assets are never lost or deleted as they would if saved to a local device. Such a convenience extends to playlists, layouts, data lists, and any other application or integration saved onto the platform. This flexibility allows staff to take over in case content needs to be quickly updated or manage device health. Hence, cloud-enabled technology is essential to managing a successful overall signage network.
MEDIA LIBRARY/CONTENT CREATION TOOLS
As previously mentioned, media libraries are cloud-powered libraries that contain your uploaded assets. However, many leading digital signage companies are starting to incorporate their own design editors that allow users to create and upload assets directly to the CMS without leaving the platform. Going even further, some will even offer third-party media library storage or content creation options, such as OneDrive or Canva, respectively. From the media library, assets can be shared between facilities for companies with multiple locations. Therefore, in addition to providing a secure platform for storing assets, media libraries and creation tools help organizations achieve a cohesive, branded look across as many screens as they desire.
SCHEDULED PLAYLISTS
Once you have your content created, you will need an easy way to organize it so the assets are presented in the way you desire. Often, you will arrange these in content playlists. In addition to being shareable across facilities similar to media library assets, playlists can be completely customized in order to provide more control over your displays. Arranging the order of assets, scheduling certain assets to play during certain periods of the day, or disabling them when they have outlived their usefulness allows you to tailor your messaging based on your organization’s specific needs at the time. This lets you deliver consistent messaging across multiple screens, ensuring there are multiple touchpoints for your audience to engage with content.
INTEGRATION CAPABILITIES
One of the most important things to consider about modern digital signage solutions is their integration capabilities. Integrating third-party software expands the potential of a signage platform to achieve features not normally possible. For instance, integrating with calendar software clients may already be using can help them automatically pull events they have set up without having to manually enter the information again. Other integrations, such as RSS feeds, can help succinctly deliver information.
CALENDAR/SCHEDULING APPS
Finally, one of the most essential apps we see used in nearly every digital signage solution is some type of calendar integration. From posting employee schedules to event calendars to project deadlines, digital calendars prove essential in making sure an organization is on task. Static, fading, and scrolling effects can be customized to fit your branding standards and add dynamic flair to your display. To inform your team on important events and deadlines, having a digital signage calendar is critical to your platform.
CONCLUSION
With these 5 digital signage application essentials, you can get a fantastic start on your digital signage solution and expand from there. These will act as the building blocks for the rest of your digital signage network. If you’re ready to begin building your network, contact us today!
READY TO START YOUR DIGITAL JOURNEY?
Discover how digital signage can transform your communication strategy. Reach out to REACH Media Network today to learn more about our solutions, explore custom integrations, and see how we can help you connect with your audience in meaningful ways.
