Choosing the right digital signage platform can make a significant difference in how effectively you communicate with your audience, whether it be customers or team members. Whether you’re a small business owner or managing a large enterprise, there are several factors to consider before making a decision. Let’s dive into some key points that can help you select the best digital signage solution for your needs.
How many screens do you need?
The number of screens in your deployment is a crucial starting point. If you’re planning to use just one screen, you might get by with a simple, open-source solution like Anthias by Screenly. It’s a great way to dip your toes into digital signage for free. However, as your needs grow and you start considering multiple screens, especially across different locations, you’ll benefit from a more robust solution.
For larger deployments, paid software like Screenly’s digital signage platform offers features designed for scale. For example, multi-user accounts and team management tools become essential when several people are involved in managing content across numerous screens. These features not only streamline operations but also enhance security by controlling who has access to what. Additionally, large deployments need advanced scheduling features and the ability to control multiple screens at once.
What kind of content do you want to display?
Your content needs heavily influence the type of digital signage platform you should choose. If you’re primarily showing just images and videos, most platforms will suffice. However, if you want to display live web pages or dynamic content that updates in real-time, you’ll need a more advanced digital signage player and accompanying software.
Resolution is another important factor. While 1080p HD content is standard and looks great on most screens, you might be tempted to go for 4K displays. Keep in mind that 4K content requires more powerful hardware and is more expensive to produce. Unless ultra-high definition is critical for your messaging, 1080p is usually sufficient and more cost-effective.
Do you need integration with your existing software?
Integration with your existing business software and databases can take your digital signage to the next level. If you want your signs to pull data from your business systems or react to certain triggers from this data, you’ll need a platform that supports this level of connectivity. Screenly Edge Apps allow you to integrate your digital signs with your existing tech stack seamlessly. Whether it’s displaying live social media feeds, inventory levels, or custom dashboards, these apps can be fully customized at the code level to fit your specific needs.
How important is security for your deployment?
Security should never be an afterthought, especially since most digital signs are customer-facing. Unauthorized access can lead to inappropriate content being displayed, damaging your reputation and causing PR disaster. Also, bad actors can use digital signs as an entry point into your business network and data. Screenly is security-first digital signage and uses modern security standards to protect both your digital signs and your business systems.
Also, with Screenly, you can securely display password-protected content, like company KPI dashboards. This means that you can share sensitive information with your team via digital signs without having public links floating around. Regular software updates and secure communication protocols further ensure that your digital signage network remains safe from potential threats.
Ease of use and support
Another critical consideration is how user-friendly the platform is. A steep learning curve can slow down your deployment and make it harder for your team to manage content effectively. Screenly’s platform is designed with simplicity in mind, offering an intuitive interface that anyone on your team can use with minimal training. Digital signage does not have to be isolated to a team’s IT resources, and non-technical users can fully install and manage Screenly by themselves.
Good customer support is also invaluable. Should you encounter any issues, responsive support can save you time and keep your screens running smoothly. Screenly offers comprehensive support and SLA plans to help you quickly troubleshoot problems and get the most out of your digital signage solution.
Ready to make a decision?
Selecting the right digital signage platform involves weighing multiple factors, from the number of screens and content you wish to display to integration capabilities and security features. By taking the time to evaluate your specific needs, you can choose a solution that not only meets your current requirements but also scales with your business.
If you’re ready to explore what Screenly can offer, sign up for a free 30-day trial. You can get started right now and experience firsthand how easy it is to manage your digital signage content securely and efficiently.
