Which software should you choose for your digital signage project?

Whether you're a director at marketing, a purchasing manager or a retail network manager, your digital signage project is a step-by-step process. To choose the CMS that will support you in this project, think about your long-term objectives:

• Attract new customers to your store?
• Generate additional sales or sell off part of your stock?
• Find the right balance between investment and ROI by monetizing your screens?

Then, to set up your project, find your contacts: screen manufacturers, software suppliers, integrators, content creation agencies...

Digital signage software that encourages cooperation and multiple users

When it comes to installingadvertising screens in stores, the retailer is the key player. You are the decision-maker, and your integrator proposes a deployment strategy with different types of screens, installation and maintenance formulas, and a Content Management System (CMS).

What is a digital signage CMS?

Some definitions here.

To guarantee the long-term effectiveness of your digital signage, the choice of CMS is critical. It must meet both brand objectives and user needs.

What should you check before choosing digital signage software?

• Its operation and technology (on-premise, hybrid, SaaS...)
• Ergonomic interface,
• The training required and the speed with which you can get started,
• Its current and future functionalities,
• The team that makes this solution evolve and supports you.

Of course, screen specifics are important (brightness, indoor and outdoor exposure, etc.). But keep in mind that they're just the tip of the iceberg.

→ See deployment examples.

How to choose digital signage software

Digital signage management software must meet a number of criteria if your strategy is to achieve its objectives:

👥 Ergonomic operation

The interface must be intuitive and easy to use byall those involved in the project. The software used to manage the dynamic screen platform is a tool that is not generally used every day. It must therefore be intuitive to use. 

In this sense, you need to choose a CMS that is suitable for both experts and beginners.

👀 A global view of the screen park

Managing a fleet of dynamic screens requires real-time visualization of the campaigns broadcast and the health of the equipment. More than just content management, the software must provide data on broadcasts, inform on the status of the park, and thus become a management tool.

🌟 Dynamism

Attention must be paid to the content delivery system. Simple programmed playlists or intelligent algorithms? The software must be able to create stories, and adapt the scenarios to different audiences (gender, age, weather, etc.).

🔁 Automation and contextualization

The SaaS platform must also be capable of automatically delivering specific content in relation to its delivery context. Some context-driven software can be used to set customizable delivery criteria: weather, emotions, movements, audience gender and/or age, etc.

💰 Monetization 

The point of sale is the first medium to be exploited. Monetization can be one of the brand's objectives: to become its own advertising network and sell communications space to distributed brands, suppliers or other advertisers. You'll need to make sure you have software that provides sufficient data and proof of execution to ensure that partners comply with their broadcasting instructions.

→ See our tips for choosing the right CMS for your needs.

Choosing the right software to maximize ROI

Whatever your project, it's vital to ensure that your tool will enable you to maximize your Return on Investment (ROI).

Once equipped, you'll be committed to your software publisher for between 3 and 5 years.
What can you expect from your digital signage CMS?

• Short- and long-term profitability(beware of "free" solutions!),
• Practical use that meets operational needs,
• Deployment capacity: how big will your fleet be tomorrow?
• Adaptability of your communication strategy,

And to stay one step ahead, make sure you choose software that's flexible, adaptable and regularly updated. Choosing a CMS also means choosing the team that builds it, makes it evolve and helps you get to grips with it. 

All these parameters ensure compatibility with your future strategy and business tools. 

Cenareo offers you an intuitive, scalable Saas solution, perfectly adapted to the needs of communications professionals in all sectors of activity: POS, in-house communications, hospitality and DOOH.

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The software features a wide range of functions that are regularly updated by our team of 15 engineers, who work to improve and evolve the solution. Our experts are at your disposal to answer any questions you may have concerning the specifics of Cenareo and how it works.