Choosing The Right CMS For Digital Signage
We’ve collated a list of key questions you should consider asking when looking for a CMS for your digital signage.
Article written in collaboration with Fusion Signage.
Over our years in the industry, too many times we’ve seen clients sold an expensive, overpowered digital signage software system that required a degree to operate. This leaves businesses thinking digital signage is difficult and time consuming, when in fact it shouldn’t be that at all.
To assist with your research in choosing the right Content Management System (CMS) for you and your business, we’ve collated a list of key questions you should consider asking.
The right CMS should:
Is it as simple as displaying images, videos, and websites on your screens? Or do you need integrations into back-end systems and custom add-ons. Make sure you are only paying for the functionality you actually use, but the software has the ability to grow as your needs change.
There are many systems that require detailed training or extensive manuals to send even a simple image to a screen. While these systems are very powerful and with a trained or dedicated team can achieve amazing results, most customers just want something simple. Check the process for uploading and sending an image to your screen to see how many clicks it takes and whether you can figure it out for yourself!
Is the solution cloud based, and accessible from any computer or browser? Or do you need specific software installed and to access the devices on the local network? Being able to make quick changes is crucial and offers versatility.
Most often IT teams will choose the platform, then hand it off to Marketing, or the Receptionist to handle ongoing. Understanding who will be using the platform as well as your actual needs will help ensure you pick the right solution for ongoing success. If it is too complex or too difficult to do for the person actually using it, it won’t get done.
If you are starting small there are systems out there that may seem simple, but as soon as you scale up and add more screens, they become cumbersome to manage. Make sure you know the system will suit your needs at all levels of your journey.If you are starting small there are systems out there that may seem simple, but as soon as you scale up and add more screens, they become cumbersome to manage. Make sure you know the system will suit your needs at all levels of your journey.
Knowing how big your network can get will help determine your ongoing costs. Too many times customers buy into a system that they realise too late is costing a fortune each year, especially when they aren’t even using all of the functionality! Make sure you know your needs so you only pay for functionality you are going to use.
There are many different brands and models out there, so understanding the compatibility of your hardware with your CMS can save you lots of money and hassle. Commercial grade screens with built-in media players save you from needing an additional media player, plus simplify the installation and setup as well as ongoing costs.
A lot of systems will require their own proprietary hardware that will lock you to their solution. Having the freedom to change systems if it doesn’t end up working out is really important. Make sure the CMS is agnostic to the hardware you choose, as it will reduce costs and limit headaches in the future.
Having a screen and a CMS is useless if you don’t have anything to display. Content creation is the most important piece as it is what your customers will see and care about. If you don’t have your own content creation capabilities, make sure the system can help you build content or provide templates to get you up and running quickly. Remember, without good content the solution will fail.
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