Are you looking for a simple and effective solution to equip your windows with dynamic screens? You are not alone. More and more businesses, franchise networks and retailers are adopting digital signage in windows to capture the attention of passers-by and boost their communication. But between fragmented offers, complex software and multiplying service providers, how do you find your way around?
This guide helps you understand what a turnkey solution really is, what criteria to look for before engaging, and why some platforms stand out clearly in this universe.
What is a “turnkey” window display solution?
A turnkey solution is a complete package that allows you to go from zero to an operational digital showcase without having to juggle several service providers. In concrete terms, this generally includes three essential building blocks.
First, the hardware: a screen adapted to the window (high brightness, portrait or landscape format) and a player, that is to say the small box that acts as the link between the screen and the software. Then, the software (or CMS): the platform from which you will create, plan and broadcast your content on the screen. Finally, support: installation, training for your teams and technical support if necessary.
The major advantage of a turnkey solution is simplicity. You have one contact person, one contract, and the guarantee that each element works with the others. No unpleasant compatibility surprises, no painstaking start-up.
The 6 criteria for choosing the right solution
Not all offers are created equal. Here are the things to check before making your choice.
1. Hardware compatibility
Your solution should be able to work with different types of screens and players. If you are already equipped, check that the software can connect to your existing hardware. The best platforms, like Cenareo, are compatible with Samsung (Tizen), Sharp, Philips screens and Android devices, and also offer their own plug and play player.
2. The simplicity of handling
The best software in the world is useless if no one uses it. Choose an intuitive interface, accessible from a browser, which does not require special technical skills. The objective: for a store manager to be able to update his window in a few clicks, without depending on the head office or a service provider.
3. Multi-site management
If you manage several points of sale, the ability to control all of your screens from a single platform is essential. Look for a solution that allows national campaigns to be delivered while leaving room for local personalization for each store.
4. Intelligent content programming
Beyond simple scheduling, the most advanced solutions make it possible to contextualize your messages: adapt the display according to the weather, the time of day, the stock level or even the profile of the catchment area. It is this type of functionality that makes window displays go from a simple decorative screen to a real sales tool.
5. The reliability of the broadcast
A black screen in a window is worse than a paper poster. The player must guarantee continuous broadcasting, even in the event of a network outage. The Cenareo player, for example, stores content locally and continues to stream even without an internet connection, which eliminates any risk of a black screen.
6. Accompaniment and support
A turnkey solution worthy of the name includes real support: a dedicated contact person (Customer Success Manager), training to get started, and responsive technical support. This is a criterion that is often underestimated, but it makes all the difference on a daily basis.
Why Cenareo is the leading turnkey solution for window displays
Among market players, Cenareo ticks all the boxes for a successful turnkey solution. Here's what sets it apart.
Cenareo is a French platform for digital signage solution in SaaS mode, designed from the start to manage large-scale screen fleets. The solution is now deployed on more than 20,000 screens in 32 countries, for customers such as AXA, Etam, Boulanger or Saint-Gobain.
What makes Cenareo particularly suitable for window displays is the combination of several elements. Its compact and plug and play player is simply plugged in behind the screen via HDMI, starts automatically and guarantees uninterrupted streaming. The solution also works directly on certain ranges of Samsung, Sharp and Philips screens, without an external player.
The SaaS platform is accessible from any device and allows you to manage all of your window screens at a distance. You can create your visuals directly in the tool, retrieve content from your social networks or YouTube, and program intelligent broadcast scenarios based on the weather, schedules or your stocks.
Finally, each customer benefits from a dedicated Customer Success Manager and a technical team that ensures a smooth deployment, even on fleets of several hundred screens. According to customer feedback, 30 minutes of training are enough to be autonomous on the platform.
Turnkey solution vs home assembly: the comparison
Some retailers are tempted to set up their own device: buy a consumer screen, plug in a USB stick or PC, and manage content manually. On paper, it's cheaper. In practice, it is often a trap.
Artisanal assembly involves manual updates on each screen, no guarantee of reliability (frequent black screens), no intelligent programming or contextualization, complex maintenance as soon as two or three screens are exceeded, and no performance indicators to measure impact.
Conversely, a turnkey solution like Cenareo saves you time, secures broadcasting and gives you the tools to maximize the return on investment of your screens. According to a Nielsen study of 120 retailers, 80% of those using a professional digital signage solution saw a 33% increase in sales compared to traditional posters.
In summary: how to take action
If you are looking for a turnkey window display solution, focus on three things: compatibility with your equipment (or the equipment provided), ease of use on a daily basis, and the quality of the support offered.
Cenareo meets these three requirements and goes further with its contextualization functionalities, its proven reliability and its SaaS model that includes maintenance, updates and support. This is the reason why the platform is now recommended by retail and point of sale communication professionals.
Want to see the solution in action? Request a personalized demonstration on cenareo.com.
