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A digital signage content management system (CMS) controls the display of media, such as images, video and text, on one, or multiple digital displays. A CMS is perhaps the most important component of a digital signage system as it customises, controls, schedules and runs what the customer sees - the content!  (What does a signage CMS do?)

A CMS will vary considerably in terms of complexity, power and scope, individual requirements dictating the complexity of a system - this might be the management of one media file on one screen to a daily schedule of numerous content types across a nationwide network of screens.

The scope of each system will vary considerably but a common factor must exist: a CMS must be intuitive and easy to use - think minimal effort for maximum impact.

What makes a good CMS?

Key features should include:

- An intuitive, cloud-based interface or dashboard - incorporating drag and drop movement and media customisation tools. 

- Simple content scheduling - allowing the scheduling of content via playlist and calendar functionality. Click here for a demo.

- Web portal management - access the CMS from any web browser on any device.

- Network monitoring - offers visibility of the network health of each display in a portfolio of screens. Click here for a demo.

- Offline mode - avoid black screens and error messages, ensuring content runs even when a network connection is down.

- Automatic software updates - updates are automatically pushed to each screen as and when available - no human intervention is required.

Other useful features include:

- Web service integration - link your CMS to a dynamic web service such as news headlines, local weather conditions, social media feeds and airport flight times. Click here for a demo.

- Font, colour and layout customisation - add an almost infinite number of design aesthetics.

- Split screen design - segment a signage display into smaller content zones; for example, advertise happy hour pricing on the same screen as Sky Sports and a RSS news feed. 

- Customisable template libraries - useful for the quick design of standard image and text templates.

- Social media integration - pulls and plays content uploaded onto social media sites such as Twitter and Instagram.  

How can Airwave help?

In order to best choose a signage CMS, you need to have a firm idea of your communication goals, intended audience and and be mindful of any future requirements - how might the business grow or change? how might content and media evolve?  how can I prevent my CMS becoming outdated or obsolete? 

Airwave offer a "good, better, best option" catering from single screen projects to multi-screen, nationwide deployments and can recommend a CMS based on a qualifying conversation (we also offer a free trial, get in touch for more details).

Airwave is a certified partner of signage and IPTV provider, Otrum,  provider of customer centric software for the hospitality industry.  Other solutions available include Signagelive, and Samsung, Philips & LG in-house platforms.

For more details or advice, get in touch: 0845 555 1212 or info@airwave.tv

 An introduction to Airwave's key signage CMS

Wayfinder screens are generally located in reception or entrance areas and can be configured to display directions or static markers such as lifts or toilets. Prior to an event, wayfinder screens can be used automatically update their displays to show directional signage. Location displays can also be used, they normally show whether rooms or areas are in use - for example they can be programmed to say 'room empty' outside a meeting room or university lecture theatre.

Wayfinding screens can be used to show meeting room bookings in hotels and offices, as directional signage in hospitals or transport terminals and to display classroom information in schools or universities.

Not sure what you need? Give us a call now on 0845 555 1212 for friendly, professional advice.

_{WHY IS CONTENT SO IMPORTANT?}

As digital signage technology evolves and becomes more and more commonplace, much focus is placed on the signage display - what size?  what brightness?  is it interactive?  how will it be networked? what's the best installation method?

It's easy to forget the fundamental purpose of digital signage - the display of content. Without compelling, engaging content, the power of signage's medium is diluted and potential revenue streams are reduced. The phrase "content is king" may be a cliche, but it's certainly relevant.

_{WHAT MAKES GOOD CONTENT?}

Engaging content needs to tick three key boxes:

IMPACT

The material needs to capture and retain a customer's attention, leaving a lasting impression.

COMMUNICATION 

Content needs to acknowledge its audience, relay a message and conform to a brand's identity. It also needs to adopt a suitable tone and fit a specific purpose/s -  categorised into a few key headings:

PROMOTE - CONVERT - EDUCATE - ENTERTAIN - INFORM

It's commonly agreed that marketers have less than ten seconds to capture a viewer's attention, as a consequence, messages need to be conveyed (and interpreted) quickly, simply and efficiently.

TECHNICAL 

Inspiration and creativity are important but these need to be married with technical expertise to maximise the effectiveness of content. Expert knowledge of design and software programmes should underpin a flair for design and detailed knowledge of concepts such as Z layouts, golden ratios, use of motion, colour contrasts, font management geometry, spacing etc

_{HOW CAN AIRWAVE HELP?}

Airwave provide an end-to-end digital signage service and as such, are experts in the design of content for commercial environments. We provide two different types of content design:

CMS based design

Airwave's signage technicians are experts in the implementation of content management software such as Otrum, Signagelive, Samsung's MagicInfo and Philips' CMND. Using these tools, still and moving content can be combined with fonts and graphics and scheduled to run in the user's chose order. 

Functionality will vary depending on the cost of the software but range from simple, cost-effective systems that might be compared to an automated "posh powerpoint" to feature-rich web-connected systems that can run several different contents concurrently, for example, dynamic traffic updates alongside weather widgets, RSS feeds and moving content.

Raw format design 

When a "design from scratch" approach is necessary, Airwave can do just that, taking a concept and designing relevant material to support that vision.

Content repurposing 

If you're looking to keep costs down, Airwave can improve or simply reformat existing content to support all types of display - often a few tweaks can make a big difference!

Get in touch for a demo, an informal chat or a site survey: 0845 555 1212 or info@airwave.tv