Installation of digital signage often turns out tricky. Especially if a project involves a large network of screens, advanced solutions using AI, complex content delivery, gesture and facial recognitions, Augmented Reality or Virtual Reality.
As far as reality is concerned, a large number of companies miss out on crucial aspects like installation and post-implementation training in their digital signage drive. In the following sections of this blog post let us go through the steps involved in digital signage installation. Let us explore the basic challenges that usually pop up during the time of set up. We will also discuss on cost budgeting.
Major highlights in this blog post
1st step – Involving planning and preparation
This step includes identifying the location of screens, performing a thorough site inspection and securing necessary permits and approvals from relevant authorities.
2nd step – Covers costing and budgeting of a digital signage project
While implementing digital signage it is important to get an estimated budget. Moreover you have to calculate the total cost of digital signage equipments, the recurring maintenance cost as well as the service charges of your hired professionals.
3rd step – Selecting the hardware and the software
Selecting the hardware and the software components in a digital signage drive depends on a number of factors including like purposes of a business and scalability.
4th step – Hardware and software installation
Hardware installation includes fixing or mounting the display units in one hand while on the other connecting the displays and media players to the sources of electric power and the Internet. Software installation is about downloading the software on each display unit, pairing the screens to the Central Monitoring System, configuration of the CMS settings and such other tasks.
Step 5 – Training the staffs after installation
In the opinion of a skilled digital signage TV installer this is a vital step in the overall process. Employees require extensive training and guidance on different safety precautions, diagnosing devices, troubleshooting procedures and handling software.
1st step – Planning and preparation
Installing digital signage is not possible without proper planning and preparation. You must identify the purpose of its installation and know who your target audience are. It is also important to select the placement of the screens and select the right and suitable variety of digital signage.
In the planning phase few aspects may prove lengthy and time-consuming. These include the following –
Site inspection – Surveying the site is important before you deploy digital signage displays outdoors. Only a team of technical experts can perform this site inspection. The experts will visit the site and scrutinise potential issues covering crucial aspects of the installation like power supply, internet connectivity, environmental factors like lighting and temperature and others. When the location is a high-traffic zone, in that case the survey ensures whether the digital signage will be visible as well as accessible to the target audience.
A number of crucial strategic decisions depend on the result of inspection of a site. Here example can be cited of display size. a site inspection may bring out the fact that the display size is large and the proposed installation site requires more space to accommodate the large size of display. Site inspection also helps determining additional requirements like permit acquisition and structural support.
Necessary permits and approvals from relevant authorities – in many cases you will require necessary approvals from relevant authorities before installing digital signage displays. Public streets are a preferred place to install electronic posters and billboards. But for that one is likely to acquire necessary permit from the local authority or city council. While installing electronic signage like a video wall in a mall you are likely to get approval from the mall authority. As far as permits related to digital signage display are concerned, the time and complexity involved in acquiring those vary from case to case. This depends on certain factors like the type of display, the scale and the duration of a project, the location of a display and others.
2nd step – budgeting and costing
Digital signage installation is a costly affair. You should better plan and budget these costs beforehand. Typical cost involved in an electronic signage installation includes the cost of hardware, software, installation and recurring maintenance. It is possible for businesses to spread the cost of digital signage over time. They may go for financing options for that like renting or leasing the hardware. This saves a business from making a capital investment to enjoy the fruits of electronic signage. For small and start-up businesses that usually have limited funds this strategy works fine. Renting or leasing digital signage hardware proves beneficial for businesses in its own way. They can change and upgrade their digital signage more frequently without burning a hole in their pocket. In other words staying upgraded with technology proves easier this way.
3rd step – hardware and software selection
Let us go through few common FAQs that businesses keep asking while deciding on the hardware and software.
Is it possible to use my existing hardware for electronic signage?
In the present times it is common for businesses to have monitors, tablets and TV sets lying around in their offices or storerooms. It is usually possible to make use of those devices or hardware components to run your digital signage programme. Digital signage installation experts have something to say in this context. In their opinion with a suitable electronic signage player and a content management system almost every type of screen can be transformed into electronic signage.
While purchasing new hardware for digital signage how should I choose the right items?
Investing in new hardware is also a great way to implement your electronic signage programme. It that case you must be aware about a few key factors like the following –
- Energy efficiency
- Resolution of the screen
- The angle of viewing
- Display brightness
- Compatibility of electronic signage software
- Operating hours of the players
Features that you should look for in your electronic signage software –
There are varieties of electronic signage software available in the market. The list includes analytics, schedulers and content management systems. There are a few software solution providers that provide all these features together in a combined pack. Pickcel is one such name says an expert who has years of experience in handling digital display screens.
You should better select a CMS that has an easy UI (user interface). It is also important to make sure that the supporting software must be easy to control. Even individuals with zero programming knowledge should be able to use it effortlessly.