Among the hundreds of content management solutions (CMS), how do you choose the best digital signage software ? How do you compare them and compare their functionalities? In this article we will see how formulate your software needs digital signage to allow you to refine your search criteria.
Once your criteria are well defined according to your needs and communication objectives, you can compare numerous software in Saas mode (Software as a Service) on online comparators like CapTERRA. You will thus be able to compare software and all their aspects: technical, technological, but also services such as support, business model etc. and discover user opinions.
Note: If you are taking your first steps with digital signage, you can start with this page: Understand the digital signage. It describes how the various 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 the content to it. It may or may not be integrated into the screen.
- and a content management system, namely a platform/interface to control the content displayed (software).
If you already have a player, check that the software is compatible with it. If you have a last-gen screen, it may be that some Content Management Systems are already integrated into it, which makes it easier to deploy your new solution.
2/ Support for all media formats
Make sure the display software you choose is capable of read all types of content that you want to communicate: do you plan to broadcast in 4K? to retrieve content directly via YouTube or Vimeo?
If in doubt, consult details of the offer or ask the software vendor.
3/ Distribution of dynamic content
To broadcast dynamic content, that is to say to contextualize your communication, your display solution must broadcast content based on external “triggers”. For example, you can display messages depending on the weather (weather-reactive content), or from your stocks. Your software must be interfaced with external data or your other business software.
4/ Scalability of the digital signage software
Are you deploying your screen fleet in waves or planning to expand your fleet in the future? Will your software be able to follow 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 are about to contract a partner for a long time. Make sure that he will be able to follow you in all your projects and be a source of proposals!
5/ Getting started and using the software by everyone
You won't be the only user of the software, so consider asking for the opinions of others and having them try it before you buy it. Your digital signage solution should allow multiple users and collaborators to add content (rather than having to share identifiers). Verify that the software offers different levels of rights to your team members : it can considerably facilitate management of the system on a daily basis.
→ Why Is ease of use a key criterion in choosing your CMS?
.avif)
6/ Content management software security
Take care of the software security installed on your screens in the same way you think about the security of the applications installed on your laptops. Whatever the digital signage model chosen, it is necessary to pay particular attention to the global security policy andidentify sensitive points in advance, in collaboration with the provider. Issues such as Data loss, Continuity of broadcasts, the availability of the management interface may also be a concern.
7/ Remote management of the digital signage software
If you use several screens, on one or more sites, it is better to be able to manage your solution remotely rather than having to intervene on each screen. Choose software that has remote control features allowing you to at least manage the switching on and off of your screens centrally and to receive immediate notifications in case of problems.
8/ Quality of your service provider's support
Make sure you are not delivered to yourself once you have signed your order form! Ask your potential suppliers about equipment for training (paper user manual? online? help center? tutorials? demonstration with a trainer?) , about the hours and conditions of the helpdesk, of their supported languages... If you have a screen installed in Spain, can the manager be easily repaired? Here is a non-exhaustive list of questions to ask your suppliers about their after-sales service.
Selecting a digital signage supplier can be tedious. Whether you are looking for software or a complete solution, we are here to advise you. By opting for our services, you will benefit from our help at every stage of the process and personalized assistance.
Cenareo offers an intuitive, scalable Saas solution and perfectly adapted to the needs of communication professionals in all sectors of activity: Points of sale, Internal communication, Hotels and restaurants but also DOOH.
All the news about digital signage and video
