Written By: Ross Schulz

In today's digital age, getting content onto screens may appear straightforward. However, achieving it efficiently and reliably demands a purpose-built solution. With the cost of digital display panels on the decline and the rising popularity of streaming devices, the possibilities for digital signage are limitless. In recent years, many digital signage projects have evolved into concerted efforts to standardize content workflows, manage media player devices, and establish internal teams responsible for signage content workflows.

The Pitfall of "We Can Do It Cheap!"

When organizations begin evaluating the costs associated with a digital signage deployment, it might seem tempting to cobble together an inexpensive, homemade solution. However, over time, these seemingly budget-friendly deployments often encounter a range of challenges that can hamper effectiveness.

With increased manual workflow, support tickets and overall system fatigue, the long term problems of the do-it yourself signage become more apparent. This  “monster” that has been created, Frankenstein signage if you will, becomes harder to maintain until eventually it phases out and leaves your screens blank and unused, benefiting nobody!

Hardware Management

Selecting the right media player device for your digital signage deployment is crucial. Ideally, it should be remotely manageable for troubleshooting, configuration, updates, and provisioning. Without remote management access, you'll find yourself stuck searching for remotes, scaling ladders, and performing time-consuming manual tasks repeatedly. This not only consumes valuable time but can also lead to frustration and increased operational costs.

Content Control

In homegrown solutions, many organizations turn to traditional presentation tools to publish content to their screens. However, relying on such tools can result in content that doesn't adhere to brand standards, becomes outdated, or is published by unauthorized personnel. These issues can be detrimental to any organization, tarnishing its image and message.

Signage Fatigue

While homegrown solutions may work for some initially, many ultimately find them to be more burdensome than they're worth in terms of management and sustainability. The constant need for manual troubleshooting can deter even the most tech-savvy professionals from taking responsibility for digital signage within an organization. Consequently, display panels may end up hanging empty, devoid of any content, creating an unprofessional and un-engaging environment.

Grow at Your Own Pace

The ability to start small and grow over time can combat the issues brought up above. By choosing the right hardware to get your signage started, you can learn and expand at your own pace. The trial and error of finding your successful signage messaging comes with less risk of system glitches and hardware failure. Starting with a smaller system will also give your team the ability to gain experience in content management, preparing them to take on a larger load once you begin adding more screens.  

In conclusion, successful digital signage requires more than a budget-friendly approach; it necessitates reliability and efficiency. To ensure your digital signage deployment thrives, it's essential to invest in the right hardware, maintain tight control over content, and avoid the pitfalls of DIY solutions. By doing so, you'll not only enhance your organization's image and messaging but also save valuable time and resources in the long run.

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