The example of a complete solution: focus on Cenareo
Among the players in the French digital signage market, Cenareo has established itself as a reference since its creation in 2012 by four engineers from ENSEEIHT in Toulouse. The company is a perfect example of how a solution can meet the requirements of large organizations while remaining accessible.
A proven solution on a large scale
Cenareo now manages more than 20,000 screens in 32 countries for more than 500 customers, including prestigious references such as AXA, Boulanger, Etam, Engie, Saint-Gobain, Shell, SNCF, Shell, SNCF, SNCF, Fitness Park, Fitness Park, Accor Hotels or Veolia. This adoption by large companies testifies to the robustness and reliability of the platform.
The choice of AXA France is particularly revealing: the group replaced its former digital signage solution with Cenareo to equip all its establishments, attracted by the transparent business model, the security of the platform (hosted on Microsoft Azure) and the data protection guarantees.
A user-centered approach
From the start, Cenareo has chosen design and user experience rather than technical complexity. The objective: to allow communicators to create an infinity of distribution scenarios to guarantee ever more relevant messages to their audiences.
The platform is distinguished by its ability to contextualize content according to multiple parameters: schedules, weather, stock status, traffic, audience criteria, commercial performance. This intelligence makes it possible to automatically deliver the right message at the right time, maximizing engagement and ROI.
Technological and ecological innovation
The company has developed a proprietary player based on a Raspberry Pi transformed into a “plug & play magic box” after two years of R&D. This technical choice allows:
- ultra-low power consumption (around 3.5W), which is 10 times less than a conventional player
- universal compatibility with all screens on the planet
- simplified installation: simply connect the box to the screen and to the Internet
- maximum reliability with local content storage
Cenareo also offers player-free solutions on certain ranges of Samsung (Tizen), Sharp, Philips and Android screens, further reducing the ecological footprint and installation costs.
A complete ecosystem of integrations
The Cenareo platform connects natively with:
- digital workplaces: Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Google Workspace, Facebook Workplace, Slack
- business tools: dashboards, data flows, inventory management systems
- standard feeds: weather, traffic, social networks, news
- external content: YouTube, websites, RSS feeds
This openness makes it possible to fully integrate screens into the company's overall communication strategy and to ensure consistency between digital and physical channels.
Support and business expertise
With a team of more than 50 experts, 45% of whom are in R&D, Cenareo offers comprehensive support:
- audit and advice to define the display strategy
- rapid deployment with team training
- responsive and multilingual technical support
- regular update of the platform with new features
This partnership-based approach, combined with hosting in IoT Valley (the largest B2B IoT ecosystem in Europe), allows Cenareo to offer a scalable solution that grows with the needs of its customers.
Measurable results
Cenareo customers attest to concrete results:
- La Maison de la Presse has modernized its digital customer journey, directly impacting the sales of its stores.
- Etam has replaced its old solution to benefit from better ergonomics and a contextual adaptation of content
- Boulanger uses screen sync to create immersive in-store experiences
- PPG (Comptoir Seigneurie Gauthier) boosted its revenues thanks to the monetization of its screens
These success stories demonstrate that digital signage, when properly deployed, is a real driver of digital transformation and business performance.
Best practices for a successful digital signage project
Preparation phase
- Define clear goals: before choosing your solution, identify your goals precisely. Is it about communicating internally, increasing sales, improving the customer experience, generating advertising revenue? These goals will guide all of your future choices.
- Identify strategic locations: at points of sale, focus on high-traffic areas, queues, windows and strategic departments. In business, target reception halls, break rooms, production areas and collaborative spaces.
- Define target audiences: adapt your content and locations according to whether you are addressing customers, prospects, employees, visitors or partners.
- Build a project team: mobilize stakeholders — communication, marketing, IT, purchasing, human resources.
Deployment phase
- Start with a pilot: test your solution on a limited perimeter before large-scale deployment.
- Take care of visual quality: invest in the creation of professional content.
- Vary formats: alternate images, videos, animations, live data, and interactive content.
- Respect good duration practices: for point of sale displays, a duration of 7 to 15 seconds per content is ideal.
Operational phase
- Update regularly: update your content at least every 1 to 2 weeks.
- Measure performance: track your key indicators and adjust your strategy.
- Train and support: make sure that your teams master the tool.
- Leverage automation: Take advantage of automation features.
- Capitalize on data: use insights to optimize your communication strategy.
Future trends in digital signage
Digital signage continues to evolve rapidly with the emergence of new technologies and uses:
- artificial intelligence and personalization
- increased interactivity
- omnichannel integration
- Retail media
- sustainability and eco-design
- Cloud and 5G
Conclusion: a strategic investment for the future
Digital signage is no longer a simple technological gadget but a real strategic communication medium.
The success of a digital signage project is based on three pillars:
- the choice of an adapted, scalable solution supported by a solid publisher
- The quality of the content broadcast
- human and technical support
