As their technology advances, digitals signs are becoming more prevalent and much easier to use. In fact, the industry has quickly become a $30 billion one in just five years. Because it’s changing so quickly, it can be difficult to stay on track with what’s going on. One thing you may be hearing or seeing more of is the integration of digital signage, such as that from Kitcast, with the cloud. What does that mean for businesses using digital signs? Keep reading to find out. 

How has digital signage evolved?

Digital signs are used to enhance communication in many ways and many companies use them to make announcements, provide real time updates, provide wayfinding services, and much more. When they were first introduced, a series of complex systems and the need for on-site manual updates made them bulky and inconvenient to use. Over time, this cost money and time that many companies simply didn’t have.

As cloud computing has come along, the use of digital signage has been completely transformed. With the cloud in the mix, there’s a central platform, which can be easily used to update content, which can be scheduled and modified off-site, as the need arises. In addition, there’s the ability to update several screens at one time, from a remote location. This has created new and innovative ways to reach consumers in a variety of formats on a variety of platforms, including social media.

Cloud computing in digital signage

With the invention of cloud computing, businesses have a brand-new approach to the way they use digital signage. With the cloud, content is on demand and the storage and processing abilities make it fast and efficient. At the same time, networking and the internet are also much more usable. With the ability to store vast amounts of data, businesses have videos, images, text, and much more right at their fingertips.

Scalability is a primary benefit of cloud-based storage for digital signs. Based on a company’s needs, the sign content can be scaled up or scaled back. This may be based on the size of the business, for example. This makes digital signage affordable and cost effective, as companies only pay for what they need. 

Another major perk of cloud-based computing is the real time updates to sign content. Creators are able to manage content in real time, making modifications and changes, as necessary. This allows for swift responses to current events, weather, traffic conditions, ensuring timely and relevant content that engages consumers and meets their needs in real time. 

Interactivity and customisation

Connecting with consumers based on their own preferences, desires and needs is vital for brand recognition. With the advent of cloud-based connectivity, it’s easier than ever for companies to get the consumer involved with digital signage, while also creating custom content that is relevant and meaningful to them. That includes targeted promotions and special deals, based on browsing history and past purchases. 

The interactive capabilities of digital signage rely on cloud-based services. Why? Because this is how businesses enable touchscreens, QR codes, and apps that give consumers a personalised and interactive experience. A good example is when a restaurant uses digital signage to showcase the menu, allow customers to place orders and even pay their bill on one handy device. These reduce wait times, streamlines the service process, increases customer engagement, and creates a positive experience. 

Data insights

One of the most important benefits of using cloud software for digital signage is the ability to collect and analyse data. This offers details about customer behaviour, preferences, and content performance. In turn, this allows companies to modify their marketing and engagement strategies for the most benefit. 

What’s coming?

There’s more to be expected as the practice of integrating cloud systems with digital signage continues to evolve. As artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) continue to expand and thrive, capabilities continue to grow. It can be used to automate content, detect behaviour patterns, and detect environmental data, allowing for alerts and announcements to occur automatically, such as in the instance of severe weather. 

Summary

The meshing of cloud computing and digital signs is opening entirely new avenues for businesses in a vast array of industries. This allows for a streamlined process when it comes to digital sign content and creates new ways to reach consumers. No doubt, the technology will continue to evolve, building new opportunities along the way.