Manage Your KPIs with A Digital Signage Content Management System

No matter what industry you’re in, or how big or small your business is, the ability to quickly access information is critical. Communication channels failing causes a breakdown in company cohesion, which can lead to a misunderstanding of goals and end up causing a sub-par performance.

Many organizations have addressed this by installing industry-specific analytic tools that allow them to collect information from various resources. The challenge then becomes getting this Key Performance Indicator (KPI) data in a digestible format to the right people at the right time.

One of the solutions to this conundrum is digital signage software. Digital signage provides organizations with a content management tool that allows users to link to and display KPIs on digital dashboards where the information is needed most.

Presentation is everything in getting your audience’s attention and keeping it long enough for them to read and absorb the KPI data. While there are various tools organizations can use to create a dashboard, none are more responsive or as flexible as a digital signage content management system. Business-class digital signage software offers end users creative ways that the data can be created, presented, and managed. Since content can be easily updated from any desktop computer, laptop, or other mobile device, users are able to edit and add to KPI information frequently and simply, the data stays fresh, and your audience is apprised of changes and announcements in real-time.

If all this sounds good and you’re interested in investing in digital signage to manage your KPIs, you are probably thinking…

• Who are the end users? Closely examining the end users is critical when choosing which system to invest in and use. Their backgrounds, experience, and knowledge play a role in the success of your digital signage content management system. As does their buy-in. Get them excited and intrigued in the idea by bringing them into the conversation as early as possible. Make them comfortable enough to ask questions and make suggestions. End users should play a large role in the decision process from the beginning all the way through.
• What data management systems are being used? Your digital data management system won’t be functioning in a silo. It will connect with and depend on other systems. Integrations are important parts of your entire management system working together productively and effectively. This is where your vendor will be vital. Ask questions about integrating the digital data content management systems with other platforms you already use. How in depth will the integrations be and how long will they take? Are they seamless? Do they work with clients similar to you that are using the same systems? You may be utilizing Oracle, SQL, SharePoint, Active Directory, Office 365, Power BI, Tableau, etc and your digital signage vendor must understand how to explain the integrations. Bring a member of your IT team in on these discussions.
• Will you be displaying charts, graphs, or interactive content? The way you’re going to break down and share KPI information is a key factor in deciding which digital management system is right for you. If you want your users to have the option to interact with your message, this feature should be at the top of your list. If you are going to display richly-colored graphs, interactivity may not be a top priority. Flexibility and customization options are almost endless with digital signage software. Company leaders should discuss their end goals and their visions of how the KPI data will look, and how the audience will respond to it, and use those to drive their digital signage software decision.
• How secure is digital signage? It’s important to understand how your digital signage software integrates with third-party data sources. Where are the weak points? You must have a process for keeping proprietary data, and personally identifying information, private and away from hackers. With proper protocol, such as firewalls, password protection, regular software updates, and limiting the number of users, your organization can minimize the chances of a security breach happening through your digital signage software. Note: Make sure every vendor that you integrate with employs a thorough security policy. Ask for a written copy of their procedures before proceeding with an integration.
• Who will be managing the data and other content? Think about your team and determine who will be responsible for managing the digital signage. How many people will be responsible for it, and what will their roles be? Pinpointing the individual team members early in the process is beneficial because it allows you to bring them into the decision-making and fact-finding early on. They can also take part in any available training, so they understand the digital data management system thoroughly, and are able to get the most out of it with little ramp-up time. By knowing who will be taking ownership of the content management, you can work with them and customize their responsibilities to their strengths.

• Gain buy-in. Unveil it with great fanfare, but also succinctly explain how your company plans to use digital signage to manage its KPIs.
• Welcome questions. Consider setting up a team that, at least in the beginning, answers questions and receives feedback. Help everyone feel like they are an active part of the process.
• Have fun with it! Everything involved with rolling out your digital signage content management system doesn’t have to be serious and boring. Many companies promote employee contests to name their digital signage dashboards. In addition to KPI Dashboards, they also install digital signage dashboards that recognize company and employee achievements, welcome visitors to the facility, announce upcoming events and provide health and wellness tips and safety reminders.

Buying a digital signage system is an important investment in the organization. By thinking about what you wish to accomplish with it, involving the key players, and thoroughly vetting your vendor options, you will end up with a solution that is simple to use, customizable to your needs, and efficient in managing your KPIs.