Digital Signs: Can Power-over-Ethernet Make a Diff? [Part I]

Is every area of life going digi-tech? Or is it just me? At least one particular market—digital signage—seems to fall squarely into that trend.

Writing for SKYKIT, Irfan Khan, predicted: “Rather than an afterthought or a separate effort, [digital signage is] going to become more deeply linked to all aspects of connecting with and serving customers…and linked up to social media. This [growth] will be aided by emerging and increasingly widely available tech like high-resolution LCD and LED screens.”

In nearly every business sector today, including transportation and industrial applications, digital signage has become a driver as well as a consequence of the digital revolution.

With good reason. The technology offers some powerful advantages:

• Sizzle! Eye-catching, engaging—even animated—visual appeal.
• Eliminate recurring expenses for updating, printing, and distributing traditional signs, placards, menus, billboards, etc.
• Revise and update on-screen messages by the second including advertiser rotation.
• Automate varied messaging by time-of-day, day-of-week, outdoor temperature, or whatever parameter suits your fancy!
• Advertisers can instantly improve the relevance of their campaign program (e.g. a local news broadcaster could swap in a promotion for the top story in the upcoming evening show).

What about restaurants, for example? According to Digital SignageToday fast-food chains typically experience a 10 to 50% boost in sales after installing digital menu boards. Among quick service restaurants (QSRs) studied, 11% achieved payback on their investment within 6 months and another 30% within 12 months.

In 2013, ViewSonic.com predicted the use of small-screen digital displays would grow exponentially in following years.

What do you think? Were they were right? Is there a downside?

Clearly, by delivering visually compelling messages, easily updated in real time, digital signage solutions are faster, more cost-effective, and greener than traditional static signage options.

In retail environments, small-screen display panels can position promotions and product highlights directly in front of customers at the exact location where they are examining a product. A digital photo frame, for example, on a retail shelf or counter, might work as an ideal special-offer or product-information presentation solution.

In factories and other workplaces, digital display screens can provide easily-revised, up-to-date work instructions, safety regulations, and company announcements. The list of potential benefits and possible applications for digital signage displays goes on and on.

What About the Downside?  [watch for Part II] . . .

>>Or you can read the full article here. . .
Digital Signage Revolution: How Power over Ethernet Changes the Game

What do you think?

• Do you believe the benefits of implementing a digital signage solution justify the costs involved for your particular business?

Add your thoughts in the comments below…

W. Glendon Flowers

Product Marketing Manager | Patton LLC

Glendon is responsible for creating corporate marketing and technical content including press releases, web copy, white papers, case studies, educational and tutorial pieces as well as other publications. He serves as editor-in-chief for Patton's email newsletter and other outbound communications. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from UMUC and a Bachelor of Music in percussion performance from UMCP. Mr. Flowers is a single father with three adult daughters: Lauren, Hannah & Sarah (twins). He plays guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, and percussion and enjoys composing and arranging music and songs.