Introduction
Visual communication, advertising and promotion, real-time information and data, customer experience, there are many reasons to use a digital signage tool. A digital signage solution makes it possible to create, manage, and broadcast multimedia content on screens and connected devices. There are lots of tools out there to communicate visually and dynamically, but not all are the same. This article reveals the best digital signage solutions for professionals, with a crush on Cenareo, the No. 1 French solution.
How does a digital signage solution work
A modern means of communication, dynamic signage makes it possible to distribute information in a flexible and attractive way in various environments (public places, businesses, institutions, etc.). This technology is based on a client-server architecture. The system is based on the generation, administration and dynamic distribution of multimedia content
A digital signage solution makes it possible to program content. This could be ads, internal communications, live news, or other relevant content. These instructions are sent from the server to the clients via a display tool. The functionalities of these platforms make it possible to broadcast dynamic and engaging information on screens, video walls or other devices.
There are several options for businesses that want an effective digital signage solution. Some are designed in SaaS (Software as a Service) for a modern and economical approach to digital signage. Opting for a cloud digital signage solution means gaining in accessibility and personalization.
The 8 best digital signage solutions
Cenareo
Created in 2012 in Labège by 4 engineers from ENSEEIHT and now based in the IoT Valley, Cenareo has become the leading French solution in digital signage. Formerly CityMeo, the company took its current name (pronounce “scenario”) to better embody its vocation to help businesses script their communication.
The Cenareo SaaS solution makes it possible to create and distribute visual content on a large scale The solution now pilots more than 15,000 connected screens in 32 countries for more than 350 customers including AXA, Boulanger, EDF, Engie, Etam, Etam, Lagardère, Lagardère, Lagardère, Lagardère, Lagardère, Lagardère, Saint-Gobain, Shell, SNCF, EDF, Engie, Etam, Lagardère, Lagardère, Lagardère, Lagardère, Saint-Gobain, Shell, SNCF, Spie, Véolia...
Key features:
- Centralized and remote administration: control of all screens with a global vision of the fleet and users
- Intuitive platform: easy to use interface for rapid internal adoption (field teams)
- Intelligent programming: algorithm for contextualizing content according to numerous criteria (weather, traffic, time, stocks...)
- Broad compatibility: works with all screens, smart TVs and devices (Samsung Tizen, Sharp, Philips, Android)
- User rights management: glocal management to leave control to locals while maintaining global control
- KPI: dashboards with indicators of media attractiveness, content freshness and campaign contextualization
- Integrations: connection with Digital Workplace (Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Slack), social networks and others
- Anti-black screen solution: pre-programmed content in case of lack of programming, local storage on players
- Plug-and-play installation: quick and easy deployment, WiFi compatible
- Proactive technical support: automatic alert, remote intervention, free replacement of faulty hardware
The Cenareo solution is distinguished by its comprehensive SaaS model with ultra-simplified installation and responsive remote maintenance. For Marion Montambaux, Visual Identity Division Manager at Boulanger, “Cenareo's SaaS offer is a real paradigm shift for us. Having a subscription that is easy to manage with ultra-simplified installation and responsive remote maintenance has reduced our costs by 30% compared to the old software used.”
Cenareo has developed an exclusive AI technology that automatically identifies the ideal time to deliver a marketing message, by combining video metadata, trends, time, peak hours, and even weather. This contextualization increases the effectiveness of campaigns tenfold.
The company, Pass French Tech and Bpifrance Excellence, became “Co-Sell Ready” with Microsoft and embedded its technology into Samsung screens. With more than 40 employees in 5 cities (Paris, Labège, Lille and Munich), Cenareo supports its customers from project detection to deployment and empowerment on a daily basis.
Digital Signage
The Digitalsignage.com cloud platform makes it possible to create and manage visual content in an advanced way. Founded in 2008, it has supported tens of thousands of businesses around the world. The tool supports several multimedia formats and can be linked to social networks.
This digital signage software supports various devices and operating systems, screens, smart TVs or the recommended Android Player application. Its intuitive tools make it easy to design with a drag-and-drop system. The platform offers a library of predefined templates and stock images. With its intuitive interface, DigitalSignage allows you to create professional and dynamic content without the need for advanced technical skills.
Easy Signage
Easy Signage digital signage software is easy to use and secure. This tool offers several functionalities, with a web interface for administration and an Android player. Cloud display solution, create, schedule, and send content to any screen.
Easy Signage is quick and easy to set up, it only takes a few minutes to create and deliver your content. The platform offers pre-integrated templates and applications (Canva, YouTube...) to create multimedia content easily. Users have access to over 250,000 free templates. Additionally, drag and drop ensures simple and professional layouts. Easy Signage offers free updates with the provider's new features.
Concerto
Developed since 2008, Concerto is a dynamic web signage system under the Apache v2 license. This open source digital signage software allows flexible visual content delivery. Users can upload graphic content, text content, and RSS feeds. Features such as content programming and access control are also available.
Designed with modern technologies, it has an API for integration. The software is based on a modular architecture with the Ruby on Rails framework. This flexibility allows users to personalize their digital signage by integrating plugins adapted to their needs. Advanced users can even write their own plugin and add as many as they want to extend functionality.
Xibo Xibo is a simple, intuitive, and secure solution. This open source digital signage solution is composed of a web CMS and a Windows player. Compatible with numerous media and OS, the tool offers commercial players for Android, LG webOS, and Samsung Tizen.
Xibo's open source digital signage software has advantages: By opting for this platform, businesses benefit from cost-effective software licenses. The tool is distinguished by its ability to adapt to the changing needs of the world of work. In addition, Xibo offers numerous options for integrating and using existing infrastructure. Xibo offers many features such as a drag-and-drop layout editor, a web CMS hosted in the cloud, or DOOH advertising with simple advertising features.
Screenly
Screenly is a popular digital signage software that is appreciated for its simplicity and efficiency. More than 10,000 screens in operation for several brands around the world use Screenly. This open source solution on Raspberry Pi has a free version and allows users to design and deliver content to connected devices with total freedom.
The tool is simple to set up and does not require technical expertise. Its features make it easy to update and program content, monitor screen status remotely from anywhere with an internet connection, and easily display visuals. In addition, Screenly's API allows the tool to be connected and integrated with other platforms. The open source digital signage software Screenly is suitable for SMEs as well as large businesses.
ViewNeo
The viewNeo display software makes it easy to broadcast information and advertising on screens. This digital signage tool has a base of 20,000 users in over 150 countries. Easy and quick to install, it is ideal for setting up digital signage screens and interactive installations.
Whether it is to broadcast advertisements, information or entertainment, the software allows centralized management through a simple interface. ViewNeo is rich in features and cutting-edge technologies. Beyond essential functionalities, it integrates advanced technologies such as the video camera system with artificial intelligence.
Info-beamer
Info-beamer has 10 years of experience in the management of display installations. With this platform, users can deploy professional cloud-based digital signage installations with Raspberry Pi. This open source solution offers a web dashboard and an API to control connected objects from anywhere.
The digital signage software offers advanced features such as dual-screen playback and HEVC videos up to 4K. Info-beamer is easy to install, just copy a few files to an SD card and the OS does the rest. The installation takes one minute.
How to choose the right digital signage solution
Choosing a digital signage solution depends on several key factors:
- Size of your screen fleet: for large fleets (more than 100 screens), opt for solutions like Cenareo that are designed to manage large-scale fleets with intelligent programming and granular rights management.
- Ease of use: If your team is not very technical, choose an intuitive platform with a user-friendly interface and responsive support.
- Business model: SaaS solutions such as Cenareo offer a subscription model that includes maintenance, updates, and technical support, reducing the total cost of ownership by 30-40% compared to on-premise solutions.
- Contextualization: for powerful messages, opt for a solution with intelligent programming (weather, attendance, real-time data).
- Support and maintenance: opt for solutions with proactive technical support with remote intervention and replacement of faulty hardware at no cost.
- Hardware compatibility: Verify that the solution is compatible with your current screens or those you plan to buy.
Conclusion
Digital signage has become an essential communication tool for modern businesses. Internal communication, retail, hotel-restaurant, DOOH advertising, a tailor-made solution can change the situation.
Among the solutions proposed, Cenareo stands out for its global and professional approach, its AI for the contextualization of content and its ability to manage large screen fleets. With more than 10 years of experience, prestigious customer references and a team of experts, Cenareo is the partner of choice for companies that want to implement an effective and sustainable digital signage strategy.
Open source solutions (Xibo, Screenly, Info-beamer) can be adapted for businesses with technical teams to manage infrastructure, while cloud platforms (DigitalSignage, Easy Signage) are easier to use for small businesses.
Whichever option you choose, the important thing is to clearly define your goals, assess your needs in terms of functionalities and support, and choose a partner capable of supporting you over the long term to optimize the ROI of your digital signage project.