8 tips for comparing digital signage software

With hundreds of content management solutions (CMS) to choose from, how do you select the best digital signage software? How do you compare them and their functionalities? In this article, we'll look at how to formulate your digital signage software needs, so you can narrow down your search criteria.

Once you've defined your criteria in line with your communication needs and objectives, you can compare numerous SaaS (Software as a Service) software packages on online comparators like Capterra. You'll be able to compare software and all its aspects: technical, technological, but also services such as support, business model, etc., and discover users' opinions.

Note: If you're taking your first steps with digital signage, you can start with this page: Understanding digital signage.digital signage. It describes how the different digital signage models work: SaaS, Hybrid, on-premise.

1/ Digital signage software compatibility

Digital signage consists of several elements:

• screens,
• a player, which connects the screen and transmits content to it. It may or may not be integrated into the screen.
• and a content management system, i.e. a platform/interface for controlling the content displayed (software).

If you already have a player, check that the software is compatible with it. If you have a latest-generation screen, some Content Management Systems may already be integrated with it, making deployment of your new solution even smoother.

2/ Support for all media formats

Make sure the display software you choose is capable of playing all the types of content you want to communicate: are you planning to broadcast in 4K? or retrieve content directly from YouTube or Vimeo?
If in doubt, consult the offer details or ask the software supplier.

3/ Dynamic content distribution

To broadcast dynamic content, i.e. to contextualize your communication, your solution display must broadcast content according to external "triggers". For example, you can display messages according to the weather (weather-reactive content), or your stocks. Your software must be able to interface with external data or your other business software.  

4/ Scalability of digital signage software

Are you rolling out your screen fleet in waves, or planning to expand in the future? Will your software be able to keep up with your evolution? Make sure you can negotiate your type of contract with your supplier!
Then make sure it's easy to add additional users or licenses. 

You're about to contract a partner for a long time. Make sure he'll be able to follow you in all your projects and be a source of new ideas! 

5/ Getting everyone up to speed and using the software

You won't be the only user of the software, so be sure to ask other people for their opinions and let them try it out before you buy. Your solution digital signage system should allow multiple users and collaborators to add content (rather than having to share logins). Check that the software offers different levels of rights to your team members: this can make day-to-day management of the system much easier.

→ Why is ease of use a key criterion in choosing your CMS?

6/ Content management software security

Pay as much attention to the security of the software installed on your displays as you do to the security of the applications installed on your laptops. Whatever digital signage model you choose, you need to pay particular attention to your overall security policy, andidentify sensitive points upstream, in collaboration with your service provider. Issues such as data loss, broadcast continuity and management interface availability may also be of concern.

7/ Remote management of digital signage software

If you use several screens, at one or more sites, it's better to be able to manage your solution remotely than to have to intervene on each screen. Choose software with remote control functions that enable you, at the very least, to centrally manage the switching on and off of your screens, and to receive immediate notifications in the event of a problem.

8/ Quality of your service provider's support

Make sure you're not left to fend for yourself once you've signed your order form! Ask your potential suppliers about training material (paper user manual? online? help center? tutorials? demonstration with a trainer?), about support technical schedules and conditions, about the languages they support... If you have a screen installed in Spain, will the manager be able to troubleshoot easily? Here's a non-exhaustive list of questions to ask your suppliers about their service after-sales service.

Selecting a digital signage supplier can be a daunting task. Whether you're looking for software or a complete solution solution, we're here to advise you. By opting for our services, you'll benefit from our help every step of the way, as well as personalized support.

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Cenareo offers an intuitive, scalable solution Saas solution perfectly adapted to the needs of communications professionals in all sectors: Point of sale, Internal communications, Hotels and Restaurants but also DOOH.