How to deploy a digital signage solution in a multi-site company?

With a SaaS content management system such as the one proposed by Cenareo, managing a large number of digital signage screens is child's play, regardless of the location chosen to install the screens. Thus, it is now possible to manage the content broadcast on 1,000 screens spread over 200 sites as easily as with 10 screens located in the same establishment.

But what can we do to reach this level? Find out in this article five aspects to take into account when deploying digital signage screens on various sites, namely:

• the choice of the location of the screens
• the creation of content adapted to different locations
• adapting your communications to the local public
• programming and broadcast schedules
• the fight against black screens

Where should the screens be placed if installed on different sites?

The sites selected may present similarities; this is the case, for example, if you decide to add a display solution on the counters of a restaurant chain. Each of these sites can also be unique, such as regional offices of an international company. In both cases, choosing the location of your new screens should be based on who you want to reach, where they will be, and when they will get there. Determining these elements will allow you to determine where the screens should be installed.
Displays should be placed visibly in a prominent, unobstructed area. The content shown on the screen must be able to be viewed and read at a distance that is comfortable for the audience. This is especially important if you present text, headlines, or stock prices on the stock exchange, for example.

The ideal is to determine the location of your digital signage screens when planning a site or as part of a redevelopment, by integrating it into the design. If you install the display screen on a site afterwards, be sure to go there in order to put yourself in the shoes of the person you want to reach. If you are unable to visit each site, entrust this task to A member of the local team.

How to create content adapted to your sites?

Your content will need to be adapted to the location where your screen is installed. So, if your screen is in a hallway, there is no need to use it to broadcast a 10-minute video presenting the brand. At best, people will only watch for a few seconds. On the other hand, if your screen is in a reception area, you'll have a chance to catch the audience's attention with longer screenplays. If you manage a fleet of screens spread over 200 sites, you will not be able to visit all of them; you will therefore need to be sure to talk to the local teams so that they provide you with an accurate description of the locations. Use this information to tailor content so that each screen is as effective as possible. Cenareo simplifies the centralized management of this aspect, allowing you to unlink or mark screens and to send campaigns to screen groups distinct according to format, location, or location.

How do I create content for multiple sites?

One of the benefits of a SaaS dynamic content management system is the ease with which it is possible to deploy the same content on any number of screens. Nonetheless, to create a truly appealing display, you need to adapt your communications to the local audience. Maybe you're planning to deploy screens in multiple countries; in this case, you'll need to manage different languages. Ideally, your content will be created by both your central marketing team and your local marketing teams (or by your central and local HR and communication teams, if you use your screens for internal communication purposes). Your dynamic content management solution should allow multiple users and contributors to add content. Cenareo thus offers cooperative management, with different levels of access for the various members of a team. Another very valuable feature in a multilingual context is the Marking screens by language and the sending of specific content to these screen groups. This feature is widely used and appreciated by our customers who have branches in many countries, such as The international Diana Pet Food Group established in 14 countries and which communicates in 8 different languages.

Regardless of the number of screens on which you will broadcast your information, the same rules apply to content creation: the best thing is to keep it simple by keeping the data up to date, for constant attention and impact on your audience.

How do I program content for multiple sites?

The most effective programming will make it possible to spreading the right message at the right time. It will therefore require having a good knowledge of your audience. A local team will always be in a better position to define it; again, we recommend using multiple levels of access to your content management system in order to share programming rights. However, if you manage screens centrally, the most important thing is to take into account different time zones and holidays. You will also need to think about variations in the opening hours of your various sites. When planning your deployment, ask for this information from each institution or local manager. A content management system such as the one offered by Cenareo gives you the possibility to control all the screens on your network centrally. Business hours allow you to schedule the screens to turn off (for example, during the night) in order to carry out energy savings on all sites.

Scheduling also allows you to update your content; be sure to change it according to the days and seasons. So, whether you use signage for internal communication purposes or to address your customers, the tone of your content should be different on Friday afternoon and Monday morning. Also, be sure to prepare default content for quieter moments, or to allow a break between two messages so you can change the subject.

How do you fight against black screens?

Our last piece of advice is about maintenance. Black screens are a fleet manager's worst nightmare. If you are looking for a dynamic content management system, be sure to opt for a solution that will allow you to: receive alerts when a screen is disconnected of the Internet (thus preventing the reception of any new content). The Cenareo solution sends alerts in case of a problem with a screen; and since it is based on the cloud, we are in a position to solve most problems remotely.

Businesses and companies with an important park trust Cenareo For their dynamic signage, because our system is easy to use, simple and flexible. The operation of installing 1,000 players is almost as easy to perform as installing twenty players. Readers are delivered pre-configured. Once connected to the mains, it only takes a few minutes to have full remote access to the screens.

Contact us to discuss your project!