From back-end technology to evolving applications, learn why adopting a digital signage solution is easier than ever.

Digital signage used to be a tool for only large-scale deployments or critical deployments such as airports or military facilities. Now, organizations ranging from mom and pop stores to universities are using digital signage in greater numbers.

Brent Sanders, business development manager, Panasonic, believes that digital signage manufacturers are working to make digital signage easier for everyone. His company, for example, has developed the OpenPort Platform to allow for easy integration of apps.

The two main reasons digital signage is becoming easier, however, is decreasing prices and improved education on digital signage's true role for improving customer experience.

Decreasing prices

Digital signage is getting increasingly less expensive to deploy and manage. Sanders pointed out how tools such as embedded displays have helped drive down the cost of media players.

"All the media players went down in price after they released embedded displays. You can pick them up for under $100 in some cases," Sanders said in an interview.

End users can also opt for simpler solutions such a basic LCD display and a plug-and-play USB solution to provide content.

The display side of the equation is also getting cheaper than ever, in part because of the consumer side of the business.

Sanders pointed out how everyone is constantly comparing consumer display prices to commercial displays. This in turn helps drive down prices for all displays, so manufacturers can stay competitive with each other.

Improved education on digital signage's true role

End users, however, shouldn't just be looking at the price tag, they also need to look at their goals, according to Rob Davidson, A/V project coordinator at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University's Daytona Beach Campus.

"A lot of organizations look at their budget first and then ask what they can buy with it. Instead, they should determine what they're looking to accomplish, who their audience is and how they want to reach them," Davidson said in an interview. "After that, they'll be able to determine which solution will help them meet their goals most effectively."

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, for example, was developing a 177,00 square foot student union building. It needed to attract and "wow" students," while also providing information, so it used digital signage to create an immersive and informative experience with video walls and smaller displays in group study rooms.

Digital signage is much easier than it used to be because end users and vendors understand its true purpose. It's not just a fancy toy, it's a tool to create better customer experiences. When your customers are engaged, your organization reaps the benefits.

As Davidson puts it, "ultimately, this technology helps our school by helping our students."

Copyright Networld Media Group DBA Networld Alliance, LLC Sep 20, 2018

This article was written by Bradley Cooper from Digital Signage Today. News Features and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@newscred.com.