Assessing the Performance of Digital Signage Core System Components: Part 2
This is the second in a series of three articles on how to determine if it’s time to upgrade your digital signage core system components. The series begins with Assessing Your Digital Signage System: Part 1 and concludes with Understanding Digital Signage Technology Stacks and Integration Techniques: Part 3.
Assessing the working status of your digital signage system can be a daunting proposition, especially if you have a large and complex installation. But it doesn’t have to be.
Alpha Vice President Lance Hutchinson, a 33-year industry veteran known for his expertise in digital signage, offers the following advice: “Consider conducting an assessment that identifies and diagnoses performance issues with the core components that make up the operational background of your digital signage network.”
Take the systematic approach
You can achieve a tremendous understanding of truly complex systems – without getting overwhelmed – by moving forward in a systematic way that looks at key components for signs that it’s time for a swap-out:
1. Assess your media players.
These are the devices that run the digital content on the displays. Signs that it’s time to swap out media players include frequent crashes, slow performance, inability to handle newer content formats, or outdated software that lacks necessary features.
2. Examine your Content Management System (CMS).
This is the software that controls and schedules the content displayed on the digital signage network. Signs that the CMS needs to be replaced include limited functionality, difficulty in content management, lack of integration with other systems, or inadequate support for new technologies.
3. Evaluate display screens.
The display screens are the visual output devices that show the digital content to the audience. Signs that it’s time to swap them out include persistent image-quality issues (e.g., dead pixels, color distortion), physical damage, outdated technology (e.g., low resolution, lack of touch capabilities), or insufficient brightness for the intended environment.
4. Look at your network infrastructure.
This includes routers, switches, cables, and other networking components that connect the digital signage network. Signs that the network infrastructure needs attention include frequent connectivity issues, slow data transfer rates, limited scalability, or an inability to handle increased network traffic.
5. Check connectivity and data sources.
Connectivity refers to the means by which the digital signage network accesses content sources such as cloud-based platforms, local servers, or live data feeds. Signs that it’s time to swap out connectivity and data sources include frequent data disruptions, outdated protocols, compatibility issues with new content formats, or limited support for real-time data integration.
6. Analyze power and electrical equipment.
This gear is vital for keeping the digital signage network running. Signs that power and electrical equipment need replacement include frequent power outages, unstable voltage, overheating devices, or outdated power management systems.
7. Inspect your mounting hardware.
This is used to secure and position the display screens in the desired locations. Signs that it’s time to swap out mounting hardware include loose or damaged mounts, inability to support the weight of the screens, limited adjustability, or outdated designs that don’t align with the installation requirements.
When any of these core components consistently exhibit signs of malfunction, inefficiency, or inability to meet the network’s requirements, it’s a clear indication that a swap out or upgrade is necessary. Regular maintenance and monitoring of the digital signage network can help identify these signs early, preventing a system crash and ensuring optimal performance and user experience.
Don’t wait for your digital signage core system components to break down
“My best advice is to address digital signage performance issues before they threaten to shut down the entire system,” says Lance Hutchinson. “The fix may involve a total system upgrade, but it may simply involve the replacement or upgrade of a specific component.”
One other piece of advice Lance offers: Consult with digital signage experts, IT pros, or vendors. If you’re uncertain about the assessment or decision-making process, experts may be able to provide insights, recommendations, and assistance in evaluating the system and determining the best course of action.
Keep reading! The next, and final, article in this series on how to determine if it’s time to upgrade your digital signage system is Understanding Digital Signage Technology Stacks and Integration Techniques: Part 3. If you haven’t read the first article yet, don’t miss Assessing Your Digital Signage System: Part 1.
FAQs
When should I upgrade my digital signage core system components?
A digital signage system should be upgraded before wear-and-tear, changing technology standards, or its operators’ evolving requirements lead to equipment failure or performance shortfalls. Often an operator will notice signs of performance failure or an uptick in repairs. Security vulnerabilities or compatibility issues with new content formats and features may fuel the discussion. In some cases, staff turnover leaves operators without the internal knowledge necessary to run a legacy digital signage system, or a change in ownership creates a situation in which two different systems need to be consolidated. It may be the case that no red flags have yet appeared, but your system is nearing the end of its stated life and you want to budget for a scheduled replacement.
How can I determine if an upgrade to my digital signage core system components is necessary?
One effective way to determine if it’s time to upgrade or replace your digital signage system is to assess the performance of digital signage core system components, including media players, your content management system, display screens, network infrastructure and other components. A methodical approach to this challenge will allow you to proceed with optimal efficiency and cost-effectiveness while ensuring continuity in your digital signage system performance.
Should I consult a digital signage systems expert to help determine when to upgrade my digital signage core system components?
If you’re uncertain about the assessment or decision-making process, experts may be able to provide insights, recommendations, and assistance in evaluating your digital signage system and determining the best course of action. “Every issue has an answer. The right partner won’t just identify the cause of your digital signage system’s performance issues, they’ll recommend the best way forward,” says Alpha vice president Lance Hutchinson, a 33-year industry veteran renowned for his expertise in digital signage. The important thing is to address digital signage performance issues proactively before they threaten to shut down the entire system. “When it comes to digital signage,” adds Lance, “operational continuity is essential, and a systematic, proactive approach to analyzing and maintaining the working status of your system will ensure smooth performance over time.”
