How do you manage and maintain outdoor digital signage systems and devices?

In my experience the key to the right hardware is to determine two major items: 1) viewing distance and 2) overall resolution. Many focus purely on viewing distance for outdoor digital signage but resolution is critical as well. The first critical decision is to determine the correct technology medium. This can be based upon viewing distance and interactivity for the target audience. For example, if the OOH signage is meant for wayfinding and advertising at ground level, LCD kiosks may be the best option; however, we are seeing a trend of 2.9 mm LED displays being used for kiosks in these situations as well. For advertising displays with a larger reach, LED displays will be the best medium. The pitch will be determined based on use case.

From working with multiple publishers’ infrastructures, I’ve noticed that is important to consider when choosing the right hardware is to evaluate the limitations of the device, i.g., when choosing a digital screen and player. Some companies, offer the media player, embedded in the screen with an specific "free CMS" and Operating System. This is, in many cases, not scalable since there could be a lot of limitations, on integracions with Programatic and monitoring platforms.

1. At the designing stage, to choose first very suitable hardware for outdoor high brightness, high UV, high humidity circumstances. You need to consider a shield above if possible for the digital signage for waterproof and strong UV, this can avoid digital signage occurs normal electronics problems. 2.regular monitoring and make record;3.Know well your product components warranty period, do advance checking when the warranty time is near and do necessaries changes of the components.

Also, critical that you design, build, and have a program to maintain a secure dust free cool CMS room to support the digital signage components.

One thing we have found helpful is the diagnostics of the system. Various manufacturers have different levels of overall capabilities. One of the most critical items for monitoring is being able to get real-time health of the displays and content management systems. It is key to work with display providers who provide customer access to the health of the display system. Also keep in mind to select technology that has the proper operating temperature for the selected environment. Often we see failures due to technology not being appropriate to the environment. This includes both thermal conditions and taking into account the elements.

Remember that your media player is basically a PC, with limited space, that can freeze, close apps unexpectedly and randomly update. It is important to minimize possible failures with very basic actions like: - Programming a daily autommatic restart. - Uninstall apps not needed. - Block any automatic update, and plan ahead the dates to do so, to not impact the advertising. - Make sure your remote info are up to date and secure. Once that base is covered, you can get apps to monitor in real time the status of your devices, send notifications when an incident happens and keep metrics for inventory and maintenance planning.

I found very helpfull to have a simple check list to go throught while troubleshooting. It has also helped me, when dealing with infrastructure failures that compromise the screen, to have an accurate time incident detection and when it was solved, backed by a visual proof (picture). Next is to use adecuate systems that can help you detect failure, manage technical teams and get over all up time of your Digital Inventory.

Step four is absolutely key to maintaining the lifetime of your investment. Work with manufacturers who will provide extended parts and labor warranties. For LED display systems, you should be getting extended warranties up to 10 years which is getting closer to the 100,000 hour life expectancy of the diodes. For LCD display systems in outdoor environments, it is key to purchase extra spare parts during the initial investment so that you will have like for like replacements during the shorter product life-cycle of LCD displays.

Content is key is an industry term we often use. In the end, display manufacturers only create large monitors. What distinguishes a standard impact vs. a spectacular impact is based upon the content that is displayed. Working with key content providers and making sure to budget for content creation are very important factors to the success of any outdoor digital signage application.

Evaluating the impact of your displays and network can be accomplished through several means. Selecting a content management system (CMS) that has great proof of play reporting is critical. Beyond that, customer feedback and adjusting to that feedback are also important factors. Here are a few key indicators to monitor: 1) provide a proper service plan to maintain a high percentage of up-time of the displays 2) create amazing content with key content creators (happy to make recommendations here) 3) monitor, monitor, monitor the display technology and diagnostics 4) maximize industry reach through great platforms like Linked In

Too often in the industry I see improper recommendations made to upsell pixel pitch or supply product that isn't best suited for the application. Understanding the client's content approach is key. What does the client mean to accomplish with the display technology? Pixel pitch determination is critical not only on viewing distance but also on overall resolution. Does the client intend to break up the display into layers or zones or maintain one overall template? Prioritize the client's goals and audience experience, steering clear of unnecessary upselling. By fostering trust through honest guidance, you not only enhance the client's satisfaction but also build a long-term relationship based on integrity and value.