By Alex Mardikian

Getting a digital signage network to work means that you need to have three things in order – hardware, software, and content.

Let us take a look at the chief software considerations for a smoothly functioning digital signage network.

1. The software should be able to handle all the common media formats. These include 4K video, HTML5, and live videos.
2. The software should be able to handle dynamic and interactive content. If you wish to achieve high engagement rates, then you need to be able to display interactive content. For the content to be relevant, it has to be dynamic. The signage and analytics combination should respond to pre-determined triggers, real-time data inputs, and be able to serve contextual content.
3. The software must be scalable so that it can accommodate a network’s growth, regardless of whether it is organic or through acquisition.
4. The software should support remote upgrades. Manual upgrades can be time consuming and may also lead to inconsistencies in the versions used by signages across different locations.
5. An ideal digital signage software will allow you to monitor the network for issues. You should be able to view playback status of screens across different locations. This way if something goes wrong, you are informed of it and you can take immediate remedial action.
6. The software must be able to automate the delivery of content. Manual setting up of content schedules is time-consuming and also makes synchronization between screens very difficult. Content management systems that can work with an analytics system to show content based on predefined triggers is a big help for advertisers.
7. Automatic content delivery is linked to programmatic sales. Software that supports programmatic sales can bring down operation costs, marketing expenses, and enable targeted marketing.
8. Digital signage marketing is headed towards becoming more and more data driven. For this, the software system that you use most integrate with other software APIs.
9. The software system must be secure. Competitors and hackers may try to damage the network. Your best bet is a software system with built-in security features.

The right software will allow you to target an audience in a very integrated manner, by using social media, online ads, and VODXS faucet-based communications.