Standalone Digital Communications Displays Are Dead
BY DOUG BANNISTER
CEO & DIRECTOR OF SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
APRIL 27, 2018
NETWORKED DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS ARE THE NEW STANDARD
In the early days of digital signage, screens were often standalone displays that didn’t communicate with others. The technology had not matured enough to create a fully integrated system; this, coupled with high costs, kept digital displays standalone. However, much has changed since then. With the barriers of complex connections and high prices gone, digital communications can now leverage data to create relevant and personalised experiences. The standard is for all displays and content to live on one network. The days of the standalone displays are officially dead. In its place is the ability for any space to be connected digitally — from campuses to offices to hospitals to just about anywhere!
CONNECTED NETWORKS STREAMLINE CONTENT CREATION
Before the connected era, standalone displays required every screen “owner” to create their own content; this was inefficient, time-consuming, and the content often was inconsistent. It built communications silos, where each installation had no ability to talk to another or share content. A connected system changes all of that. With a network, you have the ability to create content on a standardised template and share it across all of your screens.
For example, hospitals, which are often massive in size and have multiple buildings, can connect every display on one network. Each department or group at the facility may be responsible for their content, but the content is now cohesive and usable on any screen. Welcome screens may add some content from the food service screens announcing lunch specials. Or, the digital screens in the cafeteria, may run, with their menus, a reminder to complete a satisfaction survey or get a flu shot.
Networking your digital signage improves branding, allows for messaging to be unified and creates opportunities for cross-promotion. It’s also a significant time saver, streamlining the process can equate to significant time and cost savings.
IOT DEVICES’ DATA COLLECTION INFLUENCES DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
A major part of any connected space today is IoT (Internet of Things) devices. These devices are capable of making things easier for those in the spaces. They can track and store data as well as communicate with digital displays. Consider a busy parking lot and real-time parking availability. Beacons fire off data identifying where parking is available and where it’s occupied. That data is then publishable via digital communications on screens at the entrance, through mobile apps or coloured lights over the spaces. From college campuses to airports to shopping centres, parking is frustrating and can take considerable time. With this data, drivers know more quickly where they kind find a parking spot.
Regarding security and safety, sensor data could prompt real-time communications on every screen. Whether it is a fire alarm or other safety alarms triggered by disasters like tornadoes or hurricanes, a digital network can enable a quick systemwide message.
If you’re struggling with a disconnected digital system, it’s time to move to the new standard. With Omnivex, our platform enables you to connect, distribute, present and automate messaging to any screen.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Doug is Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer of Omnivex Corporation.
Doug is considered by many as a visionary in the digital signage space. In his role as CEO and CTO Doug is responsible for the long term product architecture and the overall vision for the company. He has always maintained direct responsibility for the architecture of the software to ensure the product remains at the forefront of the industry. Combined with his vision, leadership and experience as an entrepreneur in the LED sign market, Doug has used his understanding of customer requirements and knowledge of technology to create one of the leading software solutions for the digital signage industry.
