7 Steps for Upgrading and Enhancing a Digital Signage Network

Digital signage is now a must-have technology in many industries, including retail, hospitality, healthcare and transportation. The market has more than quadrupled over the past decade. Organizations have learned to leverage signage to enhance the customer experience, build brand loyalty and increase sales.

Early adopters may not be experiencing all the technology’s benefits, however. Digital signage has evolved in profound ways since the days when many organizations used DVD players to display content on flat-screen TVs.

Today’s high-resolution displays and LED video walls offer stunning visual experiences with high resolution, vibrant colors and seamless integration across multiple panels. Interactive displays allow users to engage with that content through touchscreens, gestures and even facial recognition. Advanced content management systems (CMSs) provide centralized control, scheduling and analytics. This allows organizations to customize and optimize their messaging for targeted audiences.

Affordable, Efficient, Reliable

Today’s systems are also more affordable, energy-efficient and reliable. Plus, they’re easier to use with simplified content creation and workflow scheduling, drag-and-drop functionality, and visual editors that require little to no coding knowledge. They provide user-friendly dashboards and centralized control panels where users can manage multiple screens, content playlists and scheduling from a single location.

In addition, cloud-based technologies make it easier to manage and update signage remotely. With cloud-connected systems, users can update content, make scheduling changes and monitor display performance from anywhere with an Internet connection.

Upgrading digital signage networks can present some challenges, however. For example, new software or hardware components may not be fully compatible with the existing setup. In addition, some types of content may require reformatting before being migrated to new systems. Finally, there’s always a risk of downtime or service interruption during an upgrade.

SageNet’s Approach

Few organizations have the resources or expertise to complete signage upgrades. SageNet’s experts are here to help, with a seven-step process to ensure a successful transition.

1. Assess the current network. Our team will create an accurate inventory of all hardware and software components, including displays, media players, content management systems (CMS) and network infrastructure. We will then perform a thorough assessment to Identify any shortcomings, performance issues or outdated equipment.
2. Define upgrade objectives. Through our consultative approach, we’ll determine what specific improvements you want to achieve. This could include enhancing display quality, expanding network coverage, increasing scalability, improving content management capabilities or implementing new features such as interactive displays or real-time data integration.
3. Define system requirements. When determining the best design for your network, we’ll consider factors such as screen resolution, display size, connectivity options, software capabilities and future-proofing potential. Our engineers will solicit feedback and recommendations from your IT team and key stakeholders to help them make informed choices that meet your needs and budget.
4. Create a plan. Based on the assessment and defined goals, we will create a detailed plan for upgrading the hardware and software components. The plan will include a timeline for executing the project, and define the tasks required for each phase so you’ll know what to expect.
5. Upgrade and migrate. We’ll handle the upgrade process, which may involve installing and configuring new media players, displays, touchscreens, sensors and other peripherals. We can also help you migrate your existing content to the new CMS.
6. Test and troubleshoot. Before deployment, we will test the system to identify any compatibility, connectivity or playback issues. By conducting tests in various scenarios, we’ll ensure that the network performs reliably under different conditions.
7. Implement and train: Once testing and fine-tuning are complete, we will proceed with the network-wide implementation of the upgraded digital signage network. We will also provide training for those who will be responsible for managing the network.

Upgrading a digital signage network requires careful planning, a thorough understanding of the existing infrastructure and a well-defined upgrade strategy. However, the process can produce a powerful impact through enhanced visuals and better content. Consulting with experts such as our SageVIEW team can help ensure a successful upgrade. Contact us to learn more.