What are the advantages of using digital signage?

What is digital signage?

When people say "digital signage", they're talking about digital displays used to inform and persuade, and it's popping up in public spaces all over the world. Retailers and transit systems using digital signage are increasingly common, and every day more and more businesses organizations and institutions are finding their own ways to benefit from this increasingly affordable technology.

But digital signage is not only hardware: it is a combination of hardware and software. Digital signage software can be used for a wide range of applications: lobby reception, student lounges, cafeterias, break rooms, banks, manufacturing, meeting rooms...virtually any public space or network.

Companies use digital signage to welcome visitors, show meeting schedules, or tell employees what's for lunch. Maybe students are reminded that registration ends tomorrow or directed to interactive path-finding on touchscreens to find their way around campus. As the day comes to a close, screens in your facility might show local weather and traffic so that people can plan their commutes. What you show is really only limited by what you can imagine and create.

Why?

But why use digital signage? Digital signage not only informs and engages more people through creative presentation, but also reaches them instantly and reliably - and messages can be updated or retired in real-time. It is a modern approach to communications that draws in viewers with bright, animated graphics and interactivity. Some other points are:

• Digital media signage eliminates the cost and waiting time compared to printing. Content can be updated any time, and almost immediately
• Digital signage attracts attention and it's a great way to attract customers. Not only that, but people are more likely to pay attention if you are displaying promotions, information or news
• Digital signage allows you to generate money from advertisers, especially for places such as large shopping centres
• Digital signage can be used as a tool to interact with your customers. This can act as an extra sales person or customer service rep when everyone else is busy - think of it as an entertainment medium whilst customers are waiting to be served
• Digital signage displays make the atmosphere much more lively, and they also look attractive. If you're after a unique atmosphere, this may be just what you need
• Digital signage is a great way to help out your marketing team as it allows you to effectively and efficiently communicate messages with your customers and your employees
• Finally, you can display anything you choose to. From news channels to twitter feeds, photographs to advertisements - the list is endless. You can put everything you need onto the same screen, at the same time.