Digital Signage Software Options
Which Digital Signage Software is right for me?
Digital signage software provides any location with eye-catching adverts that draw in passersby using customised content. With technological advances, many commercial grade screens offer similar benefits, making one of the most important choices during purchase which kind of software is used. Some companies still utilise USB based media players that require the thumb drive to be manually updated for each change, creating a constant screen-computer-screen-computer-screen loop. Slimline Warehouse offers two types of content management systems (CMS) software: Philips CMND & Fusion Signage Software. Both remove the hassle of using a USB stick and instead can be updated via a computer either on the network or from anywhere depending on which choice you make to best suit the need of your business. Interested in which type is the right fit for you? This page will help you to make an informed choice to get your new purchase off on the right foot.
First, let's look at the similarities between the two to help you find the best digital signage software option for your location. Placing content on the devices is easy with each system, uploading your videos, images, documents, and more to the software which is then downloaded to the media players. Once you have your content uploaded and ready to go, you create playlists that rotate imagery or show static graphics depending on your need. Restaurants and cafes will typically have menus shown, whlist an exhibition hall or hotel will have different adverts playing to maximise display space. To make sure you are reaching the right audience, you can schedule which playlist is shown at which time of day to ensure the proper information is shown based on what patrons are visiting at that particular time. These commonalities offer essential functions for your signage efforts, with differences outlined below to help you better make a choice.
|
Fusion Signage Software |
Philips' CMND |
| Upload Media Files |
Yes |
Yes |
| Create Playlists |
Yes |
Yes |
| Scheduling |
Yes |
Yes |
| Control Multiple Screens |
Yes |
Yes |
| Cloud-Based Management |
Yes |
-- |
| Must be on same network for changes |
-- |
Yes |
| Intuitive Interface |
Yes |
-- |
| Comes Pre-Installed |
Yes |
-- |
| License Fee |
Yes |
-- |
Fusion Signage Software
The more robust and easier to use option is Australia-based Fusion Signage Software , providing cloud based management among heaps of other features! Fusion is a content management system using Android® technology that is fully compatible with each of our commercial-grade television monitors. Whilst there are many similarities as seen in the chart above, the few differing features between the two software options make a big difference. First and foremost is the cloud-based design, allowing media uploads and changes from devices on any internet network, you don't have to be in the same physical building connected to the same router to do updates! Not only do you not have to be in the building, but more than one computer can be used to make changes, allowing more than one person to have full access to the account, unlike with with the Philips CMND software. The other key difference I just how easy to use Fusion Signage Software is, with virtually no training needed! In only 3 steps, you can connect the screen with the software, upload your media & content, and schedule playlists for publishing!
Philips' CMND
Philips' CMND software's biggest benefit is it is free, though you will have to contact Philips for initial set-up whilst the Fusion software is shipped installed and ready to use. The drag and drop interface is simple to use, and while the options aren't as robust as Fusions you can still create visually exciting playlists that will attract attention. Basic features include having videos, images, and scrolling text which is especially useful for placing your company name and pertinent information alongside videos and graphics that regularly draw in viewers. The other limitation, besides not being installed on purchase, is the playlists and software can only be accessed via a computer on the same network. In order to make any changes to the screens, your computer has to be connected to the same internal network as each monitor whose imagery you wish to alter. While still better than having to go from screen to screen with a USB thumb-drive, it is a bit more tedious for businesses that want to have full control from anywhere. With that said, CMND is great for single businesses like restaurants, cafes, and smaller retail stores that will generally only change-up the playlists from in store anyways.
Which one should I choose?
Either option will provide a su cessful deployment of digital signage screens at your location, the questions you have to answer are "How important is ease of use for my team" and "Will I always be near the screen I want to update". If you only plan to update whilst at the same location and a slightly clunkier interface is okay with you, then CMND is the way to go. If there will be multiple locations with signs and an intuitive interface for all users is important, then Fusion Signage Software is the choice for you.