6 PRO-TIPS FOR MANAGING A LARGE DIGITAL SIGNAGE NETWORK

While digital signage software becomes more and more intuitive, managing a few screens has become virtually a piece of cake. However, large digital signage networks (including 15 or more players) can still be quite the challenge for marketing and IT departments. At Empire Digital Signs, we manage particularly large networks for our clients including a 30 + player network for a banking institution. We know this is no easy feat, so our lead techs are sharing some of their tips on how to effectively manage a large network without losing time, money and your sanity.

  1. Hard line.digital signage

    We can’t say it enough- always hard line your system, even if you are not planning on a multi-player network. Sure, there will be some minor upfront costs to pull an Ethernet line to your desired location, but in the long run will save you thousands in service costs. Hard lining helps insure that your sign is always online allowing your provider and you to access it remotely (which usually costs less than having a provider on-site).


  1. Naming Components.

    When it comes to managing a large network, organization needs to start from the first installation. Make sure you’ve named every player and every software license meticulously. License names should always correspond with the media player they are integrated with and should be tracked (we use a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet).


  1. Organizing your Players.

    This tip is completely software dependent. The cheap (or supposedly “free”) software providers will not give you this option. While cheap software might do the trick for one or two players, it simply will not be practical enough for a large network. Advanced digital signage software will allow you to organize your players by geographic location, date of install, time-zone or any other category you may need. This will allow you to push particular messaging based on categorization, which will save you a thousand headaches in the long run.


  1. Check for Offline Players Daily.digital sign

    First and foremost, be sure you have selected a digital signage software that caches content. This means when a player goes offline, previous content will be saved locally on the media player and will continue to play on the display. This avoids black screen or error messages. The only possible issue is employees might not notice if the sign as gone offline and won’t be able to send fresh content to the player. To prevent this, include checking the health of your players into your everyday morning routine. If you have hard lined your players, you will see much less of this, but it’s better to be prepared.


  1. Take Advantage of Scheduling.

    Scheduling and day-parting are possibly the most useful tools of digital signage software and will make managing a network simple if used properly. Scheduling tools allow you to appoint a piece of content to appear and disappear based on certain dates/times. For example, your company has completed is holiday marketing plan by October. Instead of reminding yourself to upload content in December, you can schedule it right now and essentially forget about it. You’ll save time and will be able to get right to work when inspiration strikes.


  2. digital sign RS232.

    Speaking of scheduling, did you know that you can essentially control all aspects of any display via Rs232? Particularly useful is the power function for multi-building networks. With RS232, you’ll be able to schedule when displays turn on and off remotely, the same way you would schedule content. This will eliminate human error and give you a better scope of the overall health of your network.

When all is said and done, organization and strategy are key to maintaining a successful digital signage network. The unspoken 7th tip we have is to partner with the right digital signage company to take some of the burden off your departments. A reliable digital signage provider can often take care of the technical aspects of your network, while you can focus on creating dynamic content and effective digital signage campaigns.

For more on digital signage networks: Click here.

For more on our work with Canandaigua National Bank: Click here.