When it comes to deploying an effective network of digital signage screens, nothing is more important than choosing the right digital signage content management system (CMS) for your business. If your signage CMS doesn’t help your team get content up and running seamlessly, your signage will only hinder your growth. But how do you know what an optimized digital signage CMS offers? Similarly, how exactly do you evaluate the benefits it brings to your specific sales strategy? Read on, and we’ll demystify the ins and outs of digital signage content management systems.
What exactly is a digital signage content management system?
In a nutshell, a signage CMS is computer software that allows you to display media files (such as videos and images) on screens. Also, it helps you create playlists and screen layouts using the media files you uploaded. Additionally, it offers you the ability to schedule content and manage your screens, no matter where they are. Think of it this way. Your CMS software is the command center for your digital signage deployment. Nothing can be displayed on your TVs if it doesn’t go through the CMS. Most importantly, it should be easy to use and offer reliable, seamless service.
The benefits of a cloud-based CMS vs downloadable software
When you start evaluating the different CMS options available to you, your first step is to decide whether you prefer a CMS that you access online and which stores your data on the cloud, or if you’d rather go with a more traditional option, such as purchasing a software license and installing it on your computer. Both of these options offer benefits and disadvantages, so you must evaluate your business needs first. Most companies opt for cloud-based CMS solutions, primarily for their ease of use. All you do is simply go online and sign up with a digital signage provider, who then handles all the upgrades and support.
However, with a more traditional, downloadable software option, your team needs to install it, set up servers and handle all configuration. It could lead to time-consuming setup processes, but if your business needs very specialized customization or if you would rather handle your own security, it might offer a viable solution.
On the other hand, a cloud-based digital signage content management system makes it easy to get started immediately. Firstly, all you need to do is sign up for the service, log in and you instantly have access to your content dashboard. Similarly, your employees can handle content creation and deployment no matter where they are, as long as they have an internet connection. Also, your provider handles all updates and support issues. Most importantly, new features get rolled out at regular intervals, so you keep getting more capabilities. Furthermore, most signage providers offer a free trial, so you can give it a spin before purchasing a subscription.
What do businesses usually choose?
In effect, most businesses opt for a cloud-based, online service because of the benefits it offers and its ease of use. Additionally, keep in mind that signage providers offer security features that rival locally-installed software licenses. Similarly, corporations that offer cloud services usually offer data protection measures that align with your own security protocols.
A digital signage CMS will maximize the impact of your screens
Your CMS helps you power your screens. Without it, you would have to physically go to each screen and display content stored on a USB stick. Therefore, your CMS helps you remotely display content on screens across continents, towns or within stores. Most importantly, it helps you upload, edit and schedule content. It also gives you an overview of your digital signage deployment, so you quickly identify and rectify any glitches.
A digital signage content management system lets you quickly upload files, such as videos, images and documents. Also, it supports various file formats, so you don’t have to waste time on format conversions. Additionally, it lets you customize media. For instance, with a retail digital signage solution, you can upload a flyer for a sale, and edit prices and dates using an in-platform editor. Similarly, it offers an easy way to display weather and traffic updates that display information for your specific region. You can also display news tickers, or create your own. Most digital signage content management systems designed for enterprise use also offer free stock images and videos.
Furthermore, your CMS will have a scheduling option so you can display promotions at certain times or days, on certain screens. It offers a way of optimizing the impact of your signage network, so you can tailor content based on clientele. Scheduling features help you organize your advertisement strategy, especially during peak sale periods.
Finally, through your CMS, you will be able to monitor and troubleshoot your signage network. Your digital signage content management system will give you the capability to check connectivity issues, playback problems and system reliability. That way, you can monitor your digital signage screens remotely, no matter where you are. In effect, it guarantees your content plays seamlessly and impacts customers at all times.
These are the features a stellar CMS offers your business
The best digital signage content management system for your business must make signage tasks quick and easy for your teams. You want them to focus on their jobs, not your TV screens. Therefore, make sure the CMS you choose offers these capabilities:
- It’s easy to use: A user-friendly CMS means you can get the job done professionally and quickly. Look for features such as drag & drop media upload, free stock images and videos, free screen layout templates and apps. Most importantly, your teams should pick it up with minimal training. In fact, the more intuitive it is, the faster you will get great content on your screens.
- It offers customizable user control: Whether you run a small retail store or a conglomerate, you want to tailor access rights to the right people. Most importantly, you must be able to add users with different levels of access. Similarly, make sure you can customize roles based on your business needs.
- It guarantees top-notch security and support: Your digital signage CMS must offer data and hardware encryption, as well as safe IP address designation. Most importantly, the CMS you choose must align with your corporate security policy. Similarly, your digital signage software provider must provide quick-response tech and customer support.
- Your provider rolls out new features regularly: You want your digital signage CMS to keep offering you more capabilities and features. As your business grows, you might need more specialized functionalities. Therefore, choose a CMS that not only offers new features with updates but also does so remotely. So you don’t waste time with setup.
Choose the best digital signage CMS for your business
Firstly, think of how you want your digital signage screens to help your business. Choosing a CMS must support your growth strategy, as well as provide an easy-to-use interface that helps teams get the job done fast. Also, make sure you get stellar security and support when you sign up with a digital signage provider. Lastly, keep in mind that your CMS will be your link to your screens, and as such must offer system monitoring and troubleshooting features. If you choose a digital signage content management system that supports these priorities, your digital signage deployment will become a key part of your business.