Setting up the System
As with any other project, a digital signage solution also needs to be done in a systematic way so that the pieces are built from the ground level, taking into consideration all of the needs and requirements of the organization deploying the system.
Goal Setting
Think big, start small...
Typically, a digital signage network will begin with fewer displays and grow over a period of time to include more displays in more locations.
It is important to look at digital signage in terms of "think big, start small" since digital signage is not a product but an on-going process and as such has to be done in a systematic and streamlined manner.
It is important to understand what digital signage is and what it can do for your business, before committing time, money and other valuable resources. Before embarking on a digital signage project of any scale it is important to highlight the objectives of the project.
There can be (and normally are), multiple objectives to most installations including sales uplift, marketing, brand and product awareness, among others.
Site Evaluation
Assessing the location
With any type of on-site system installation there is a fair amount of work that needs to be done at the site itself. During the site evaluation, our technical experts will assess the solution needs and make the right product and placement recommendations.
High impact solutions
This part of the process, allows us to figure out the locations that your displays will be placed so as to have the maximum amount of impact on your target audience. We will, for instance, recommend to you whether a wall mounted, ceiling mounted or freestanding display is the best fior for your location.
Working out the details
The site evaluation also allows us to measure for cabling and see if we can use existing network cabling to pass video and audio signals using converters. Other factors that are taken into consideration while doing a site evaluation include where the media players will be placed, the effect of lighting on displays, any other issues that may cause issues with the proper functioning of the system (such as grease, dirt or grime).
Component Evaluation
Our established partnerships
Multigraphics regularly works with manufacturers and Pro AV companies to test and recommend the latest products and technologies that can benefit our customers. As a result, we are able to offer an end to end solutions that also involves the procurement of hardware components for our customers. Of course, if you have your own suppliers and prefer to work with them for your hardware purchase, you are welcome to do so.
A wealth of display choice
As part of our consulting we can recommend all forms of displays from small form factor to the largest commercially available screens. We can also provide you with LCD and LED screens for both indoor and outdoor usage, along with a variety of non-standard shape (including 360 degree) displays. Projection systems are also being used more and more in digital signage solutions and we can recommend a wide variety of brands and models for the task as hand.
Evaluating system components
Our technical staff are well versed in many small form media players and we can customize our systems to work in your specific environment taking into consideration such as factors as operating environments, network accessibility, and type and frequency of content to be displayed among many others. From proper displays to media players and from custom mounts to kiosks, Multigraphics can assist you in shortlisting, evaluating and purchasing all the hardware components for your digital signage solution.
Content Distribution
Organization and management of your content
Once your content needs have been identified and the relevant components have been created, the next step is to make sure that your scheduling and distribution strategy is in place. Our custom solutions allow for the proper organization and management of the content that will be displayed on the signage system. The software allows inserting new pieces of content into the system's library, organizing it in a hierarchical fashion using a tree structure or tags based metaphor.
Timely content scheduling and delivery
Our system allows the network owner to build playlists of content segments, since the goal of a digital signage network is to show relevant, time- and place-specific information. These playlists can be simple linear lists or dynamic lists that extract and integrate data from external data source (from weather and stock info to inventory and other business systems). The content management software must identify which files are needed and deliver them correctly, along with the necessary scheduling information, over the computer network, which may be a combination of virtual private networks and the Internet.
Methods of content transfer
Content transfer can happen between content servers and media players either by using the push method (content server is responsible for sending the necessary content and schedules to down each player), the pull method (each player is responsible for requesting new content files and schedule updates from the central server) or a hybrid method using a combination of the two (typically in larger, more widely dispersed networks).
Systems Management
Network management and administration
By using the Internet as a backbone for a digital signage network, operators can easily and quickly setup complex configurations using established industry standards for connectivity and security. Of course, for added security, most networks will also have virtual private networks or VPNs – a network that uses a public telecommunication infrastructure, such as the Internet, to provide remote offices or users with secure access to their corporate network.
Player management
A key component of the CMS system is the player management component. This piece of software is responsible for tracking the status and 'health' of the network by listening to status messages from each player, and querying them for additional information as appropriate.
Our management services
We also offer client's our services in managing their digital signage solution, which may involve building campaigns and appropriately scheduling them at certain times, remotely managing and trouble shooting of media player systems and screens, updating content and scheduling maintenance, ad-hoc message and alert display, etc. Our management services also include detailed and auditable playout reporting.
