Distance Learning for Weather Closings

Snow Days may be FUN for students, teachers even get excited for the extra time to spend with family or to catch up on grading. But in reality, missed days=missed opportunities for instruction. Snow Days mean pushing curriculum or excluding lessons, not to mention the dreaded make-up days. But what if there was a better way… a way to keep students and faculty safe, while not sacrificing instruction?  There is! The Nureva Span Workspace has an incredible solution for you. 

Nureva Workspace is a way for the students to connect with the teacher from any cloud-based device and work along with classmates/teacher in real time. The best part is that the teacher can export data immediately to know who contributed what and actively participated. Nureva Workspace allows teachers to drive instruction remotely… To ask questions, post powerpoints, video, and links that students are able to respond and participate with their class in real-time.

K-12 

Smarter Systems Senior Education Consultant Kelly Williams said: “I think the Nureva Span Workspace is going to be the affordable game changer for schools who often lose days of instruction due to inclement weather.” 

Williams, a former secondary English teacher in Eastern North Carolina, says, “I remember in 2014 our area in NC had an unusually active winter, missing several days right around exam time. It would have been a “grade-saver” to have had the Nureva Span Workspace that year so that I would not have lost so much time. I would have been able to review, answer questions, and still provide instruction during those snow days!  Students would have been able to work together, finish projects, complete assignments, etc. Most people have no idea just how significantly missed instruction adversely affects student performance. The Nureva Span Workspace can and will change the landscape for inclement weather days.”

Anderson School District 5 in South Carolina is already testing this type of teaching tool. The school district tested it out for the first time in October when Tropical Storm Michael moved through. According to the Independent Mail, the eLearning day allows the district to count the day for credit toward the required 180 days of instruction each year, with no makeup day required, and avoid any safety or transportation concerns.

HIGHER EDUCATION 

Several Institutions of Higher Ed are utilizing the Nureva Span Workspace for their distance education, especially where they have remote or rural campuses.  These students are able to actively participate with fellow students at the main campus, as well as with the instructor through the Nureva Span Workspace.

Reese News Lab at UNC-Chapel Hill is now being called the perfect classroom for this very reason. Director & Founder at THE rAVe Agency and UNC School of Media and Journalism professor Gary Kayye says its considered this in part because “no student ever has to miss class and no professor ever has to cancel class.” Kayye adds, “this speaks to people because of its simplicity, but still being a sophisticated operation.” 

If you are interested in learning more about distance learning options for your classrooms or want to know more about Nureva Span Workspace, contact Smarter Systems today. For NC schools contact Kelly Williams and for SC schools Maria Cline. 

The Six Phases of a Smarter Systems AV project

Our clients tell us that our consistency in delivery of AV project services is our core strength. No matter the project size, we follow a rigorous process to ensure top-notch delivery and service. We want to make sure there are no surprises for any parties involved.

 We believe collaboration is the critical component in delivering a successful AV project. We work with our clients to determine their wants and needs so that we can provide them with the perfect space. Below are the six phases we use to approach each project.

 1. Discovery

 In this phase, a member of our sales team will work with the client to gather the pertinent information needed for our engineering team. When possible, we complete a site survey and record all data on our site assessment form. When use cases are defined and needs determined, we then move to the Design Phase.

 2. Design 

 In this phase one of our design professionals will customize a solution to meet the needs of our client. We provide a variety of options to allow our clients several choices based on budget and functionality. Our engineers hold the highest industry certifications, and each has over 15 years’ experience in the Audio Visual industry Charlotte. Their expertise and attention to detail set the project up for success.

 3. Project 

Preparation In this phase, our Operations Team will work with the design professionals and our client to ensure all the details are defined. They verify infrastructure requirements, delivery and security requirements, scheduling timeline, etc. We believe this phase is essential for a successful deployment.

4. Implementation 

 In this phase, our technical team begins to assemble the components for each room, whether it is offsite at our facility or on location for the client. This phase includes cable pulls/terminations, rack fabrication, installing AV equipment based on design drawings, programming, etc. Once a room's components are in place, we then move into the Commissioning Phase.

 5. Commissioning

 In this phase, it all comes together. Our technical team will test each component extensively to ensure it is operating optimally. Once testing is complete in each room, we will schedule a walk-through with the client to orientate them with the new AV System.

 6. Support 

 After installation, Smarter Systems continues to offer excellent service. We maintain documentation of your project available for quick troubleshooting should you need us. We also provide specialized flex service plans to meet your support needs.

 We believe that our rigorous project process and communication combined with our consistent delivery with attention to detail sets us up for continued success. If you are ready for a free room assessment, call the Smarter Systems team today.

Tackling Your Conference Room Communication Problems

In today's workplace, the most common challenge our clients say they face is the time it takes to get a meeting started. When they walk into a conference room, they want to begin immediately. Time is valuable, and the number of meetings spaces are often limited.  Losing meeting time connecting to the room's technology is inefficient and frustrating.     

Our VP for Strategic and Global Accounts, Lori Cook explained it like this:      

"Let's say you've got a 30-minute meeting scheduled and it takes 8-12 minutes for those in attendance to get hooked up and ready to share. You've just wasted almost half of your time together. "     

Cook said, "When we hear this kind of pain point we typically turn to wireless connectivity solutions." Cook added "There are a few solutions on the market, but we tend to stick with best in the breed. We've had much success with the Crestron Air Media and the Crestron Mercury."  

Smarter Systems and Crestron are teaming up to host a live webinar to accurately show how the Mercury can change the way you meet. We’ll host the webinar from a conference space with a Mercury. That way you can see how we're utilizing that solution in our own office.       

Mercury has a built-in AirMedia that allows wireless presentation on the room display from a laptop, smartphone, or tablet; or connect directly via HDMI.      

Mercury allows the use of any softphone, video conferencing, or UC services, such as Cisco WebEx ®, GoToMeeting ®, or Slack® to collaborate. Crestron Mercury can also be configured to run native Skype for Business or the Zoom UX, without a laptop.      

Cook says "Gone are the days of coming in 15 minutes early and making sure all your technology is working together. That's why solutions like the Crestron Mercury are such a hit with our clients."    

We hope you'll join us for the LIVE WEBINAR on November 28 at 1 pm. Save your seat today for a chance to win Panthers tickets. Just click here to get started.  

Huddle Room: The essentials

Huddle rooms. They are everywhere. Most businesses have at least one, if not 100. When we say huddle room, we are talking about 10x10 foot space (maybe a 10 x 12). It fits 2-5 people comfortably. Most of the time it has a little table or credenza.  

"Our goal for clients in huddle rooms is simplicity," said Lori Cook Smarter Systems VP for Strategic and Global Accounts. She added, "This needs to be a space where a team can meet quickly and comfortably without any setup." So when you're thinking about technology ... keep it simple!  

Start with the what we call the essentials of AV.  

Display 

You want to be able to see something, so you are going to want some type of display. A  40-50" monitor is all a huddle room needs. If you get any bigger, it can be overpowering. You get too small you may not be able to see graphics or spreadsheets.  

Upgrade: If you are looking for an update to your current display we suggest a commercial monitor with an automatic shutoff feature. That way your monitor is powering on and off during regular business hours. No need to increase your monitor size if you already have a 40-50" screen.  

Audio 

When it comes to baseline in a room of this size, you can just use the monitor speakers. They should be all you need.  

Upgrade: If you want an update, you can always add a soundbar above or beneath the monitor.  

Our free guide has the answers to all of your questions about the most popular spaces, equipment, and price.

Get our free Meeting Space Guide now!

 

Communication 

A normal telephone works great in a room like this. Teams typically just need a quick way to communicate and conduct conference calls. A spider phone is also another great option and perfect for conference calling.  

Upgrade: If you are looking for an upgrade we suggest the Crestron Mercury. It's a 3-in-1 device that acts as a phone, soft conferencing device, and wireless connection. If you are using a unified communication tool like Skype for Business or other soft conferencing solutions, the Crestron Mercury works seamlessly.  

Connection/Control 

In a room of this size for a working small team, you just need an HDMI connection. The most budget friendly option is to plug-in directly into the monitor which we call a tether.  If you want to change the aesthetics, use a cable cubby so you can plug in from the table. 

Upgrade: A popular upgrade option would be going wireless. You could also add push button control for the room. That way you can manage the different components with a simple button push.  

Cook says, "One thing that we're hearing from our customers that is impeding huddle room simplicity is cabling. People come into meeting spaces and they don't know what cable goes to what, or they just don't like the big mess of cables and the idea of having to plug in. The biggest assets to the upgraded huddle room with a Crestron Mercury or even Crestron Air Media is wireless connectivity. It means no cables are involved, plus it's a much more friendly end user experience." 

In Seven Best Practices for a Huddle Room Joan Vandermate said, "If the collaboration technology is complicated, your employees won’t use it." We couldn't agree more! If you are ready for a free Huddle Room assessment, contact the Smarter Systems team today. 

Overhaul your meeting space: How much will it cost?

Conference room technology evolves constantly. You recognize the need for upgrades in your office but don't know where to start or what it will cost. We know, it can be difficult. So we're laying out how to figure out what fits in your budget.

The essentials

There are 4 essential parts of conference room technology. You'll want to consider how to address each of these in your meeting space:

1. Display – How you view content. This can range from a TV to a projection screen to an interactive wall or Smart Board.
2. Sound – How you hear audio. This can range from display speakers to a soundbar, to multiple ceiling and wall speakers.
3. Communication – How you talk to users outside of your space. This can range from a phone to a VOIP phone with soft conferencing, to a sophisticated system allowing multiple users to talk from anywhere in the room.
4. Connection/Control - How you connect sources of your content such as PC's, phones, or tablets and how you control the various pieces of electronic equipment in your room – This can range from an HDMI cable to wireless, to touch panels and iPad Room schedulers.

The solutions

There are unlimited options to pick and choose so we've put our most popular options into two categories:

Our baseline category represents a basic plan to outfit your space with Audio Visual essentials. Here’s where to start your budget with Baseline options:

• Huddle Room $1,500
• Small Conference Room $1,900
• Medium Conference Room $2,200
• Large Conference Room $7,000
• Training Room $25,000
• Open Ideation Space $10,000 

Open Ideation Space using a Nureva Wall

Upgrade Options

Our Upgrade category gives you add-on options designed to give your team more capabilities.

Want to know what equipment is our most popular baseline and upgrade solutions? Our free guide is set up by space and solutions.

Get our free Meeting Space Guide now!

As you can tell, the easy answer to your pricing question is "it depends". But this will help you get your budget started. If you are ready for a free room assessment, call the Smarter Systems team today.

Overhaul your meeting space: 5 questions to answer before you act

It's not the answers that enlighten but the questions. You've heard some version of that quote before and it's no different here. Knowing the questions to ask before overhauling the technology in your meeting space will set you up for success.

 1. Where is my team?

For most businesses, the staff is located in three areas:

• Office – staff working in a single location or in a series of offices
• Remote – employees who work from home
• Field – employees such as technicians or engineers working on projects at client sites

2. How does my team collaborate?

After answering where your team works you'll now want to know how they work. A small team may gather in a single room and project content from a laptop onto a single screen. Teams with remote and field employees often require audio and/or video conferencing capabilities. Here a few more questions that will help you understand how your team works.

What type of content do you present? Graphics, spreadsheets, simple documents, 3D modeling, brainstorming notes?

Do they cover the walls with sticky notes? Do you use paper flip boards? Whiteboards? How do they keep track of all this content?

Do meetings generally require more than one person to present content? Do you need multiple sources of content to be viewed simultaneously?

How often do you present to clients in person? Via audio and video conferencing? Are these meetings point to point, or do they bring in several parties and locations at once?

3. What kind of meeting space(s) do I have?

 Take a look around. Where are your employees meeting right now? Here are a few of the most common:

• Open meeting space such as a lobby, lounge or cubicles
• Huddle Room
• Small Conference Room
• Medium Conference Room
• Large Conference Room
• Large Training Space

Not sure what type of meeting space you have or need? Our free guide has the answers to all of your questions about the most popular spaces, equipment, and price.

Get our free Meeting Space Guide now!

4. What equipment will I need?

There are four basic needs you'll want to consider for your space.

• Display
• Sound
• Communication
• Connection/Control

Most meetings spaces require a monitor or screen for presentation although in some cases, a phone may be the only necessary equipment in a room. You'll want to think about how each category listed above will be used in your space and decided on the equipment and functionality needed.

• Audio and Video Communication

• Telecommunication

• Does the space need a phone?
• Is an office phone adequate?
• Do I need a conference speaker phone?
• Video conferencing 
• What software should I use?
• Do I need a dedicated conferencing solution?
• What quality of cameras should I use?
• What amount of internet bandwidth will this require?
• Wireless vs. Wired Presentation
• Do I want to present wirelessly?
• How many people present in a single meeting?
• Do they need to be able to present simultaneously?
• Interactive Devices
• Do I want to annotate on presentations?
• Do I want remote participants to be able to see my annotations live?
• How can I save my annotations?
• What are my options?

5. Can I do this on my own?

This question is tricky because only you know your staff and their technical expertise.  Simple rooms with tethered connections may fall within your team's capabilities. We recommend employing a commercial integrator because of their expertise. You'll receive assistance with design, infrastructure, and installation. They can recommend commercial devices and integrate them in an aesthetically pleasing and timely manner.  Perhaps the biggest benefit is support.  If you install on your own, you'll have to troubleshoot it alone which takes away time from your primary business.  Commercial integrators guarantee their installations and will troubleshoot and resolve problems at no additional cost to you. So yes, you may be able to handle your AV install, but the best course of action is hiring professionals.

Are you ready to get started? Make sure you download our free Meeting Space Guide. Want some help? Contact us at info@smartersys.com or 704-765-5065.

Get our free Meeting Space Guide now!

What to Look for When Choosing the Right In-Office Display for Your Business

A video display is an extremely important component when it comes to group collaboration within your business. That is why it is essential to choose the right interactive flat panel display when investing in this type of technology. In combination with apps, software, and other hardware this will act as more than just a display, but a unique way for employees to collaborate. Here are some helpful hints on how to choose the right displays for your business.

Consider the Perks

Some display systems, like SMART boards, are actually built with the awareness to differentiate between what is being used on the screen as a digital tool. That means the display can recognize when a fingertip, palm or pen is touching the screen. That built-in awareness allows the digital tool to change automatically without having to make any adjustments manually. Just walk up to the display and start using it and the object awareness will adjust itself. 

To maximize the efficiency of that touch display, it is important to choose one that is equipped with a surface coating. This differs from a panel that is uncoated as those versions have a tendency to offer less protection for your fingers when moving along the display.

What to Avoid

Avoid any accessories that use batteries. This includes passive pens that use digital ink for writing purposes. Choosing items with batteries means that they are prone to fail sooner or later. It would be quite embarrassing to need to stop a video conference or presentation midstream to change a battery.

It is also recommended to avoid any kind of display that uses a remote control to power it on. These also rely on batteries and can lead to unexpected problems at critical moments.

Look for Convenience

Updates are now a whole lot easier and that is due to the technology that is embedded into video displays. No longer do you need to call an IT professional to take care of system updates. Many display systems can be updated from all types of wireless devices. To further enhance the safety features, interactive displays operate on closed systems which prevent the installation of any additional software.

Outfitting your office with the right type of flat panel display could greatly enhance the overall work environment and productivity of employees. Smarter Systems is here the help you make the best decision and has audio video services for all types of businesses. Products, training and installation are all available at Smarter Systems, the best video and audio solutions Charlotte, NC has to offer.

Enhancing the SMART Board Classroom Experience

The trajectory of learning is continuing to grow and change at a rapid pace. Advances in technology have completely revolutionized the classroom experience. SMART Boards Charlotte NC and beyond have brought together technology and collaboration, changing how learning is done in the classroom.

Seeing Is Educating

It’s no secret that some students are better visual learners. Implementing digital content via a SMART Board is an excellent way to enhance the overall learning environment. This is also reflective of the way students learn outside of the classroom as well. Phones, iPads and computers are used in just about every way imaginable and many students grow up as visual learners. Any lesson that can implement visual information can make the classroom more enjoyable and interactive.

Games Are Not Just For Kids

The term gamification is being used more and more in the classroom as teachers are introducing lessons in a game format. The use of a SMART Board brings that gaming experience to another level. However, material should always be educational and that is an important facet for teachers to remember. Education technology has proven to expand reading comprehension levels among students of all ages.

Google Education Apps

Google for Education has introduced training, products and resources for educators. An added benefit is that it allows students to work outside of the classroom as well, utilizing other Google Apps. Many students are already familiar with these Apps. Google has changed so much in the way things are done and now that extends to the classroom.

SMART Amp & Notebook

The SMART Notebook and SMART Amp are two tools teachers can use in their everyday instruction. SMART Amp has the capability of connecting students all around the world while the SMART Notebook can be a teacher’s best friend and part of his/her daily lessons.

Teacher Workshops

In order for teachers to fully utilize the technology in their classrooms, there is a need to stay up to date on all of the latest trends. Teachers do not have to be computer experts, but it helps to have a firm command of what you can do with your SMART Board. Conferences, webinars, online publications and information sharing with colleagues can help teachers take advantage of everything a Smarter Systems SMART Board is capable of bringing to life in the classroom.

Smarter Systems provides the very best audio and video solutions for all kinds of classrooms in Charlotte and the surrounding areas. The Smarter Systems team specializes in matching classrooms with technology to fully enhance the overall learning experience.

We hope you enjoyed this article. To learn more about SMART boards we recommend that you read The Evolution and History of the SMART Board in our blog or contact us today.

4K Technology Still Facing Its Share of Obstacles

Advances in technology continually introduce video services that build upon previous platforms. However, new video solutions do not just debut and hit the mainstream without running into their share of obstacles. The problem lies in the fact that not all systems are capable of supporting those new video services Charlotte.

The latest video innovation is known as 4K video, which is an abbreviation typically used to describe 4,000 pixel horizontal resolution. This is different from previous types of video resolutions that relied more on vertical resolution. For example, 1080p denotes a signal that is equipped with 1,080 vertical lines. There is double the amount of vertical lines in a 4K video and the end result is a much clearer, crisper picture.

There is no issue with the quality of 4K, also known as Ultra HD, although there are some obstacles when it comes to distributing it. The most common problems occur when attempting to match resolutions. Many displays and sources do not have the aspect ratio to accommodate 4k video. That is why it is important to consider adding new displays that are capable of matching 4K’s resolution and enhancing your audio visual experience.

High Definition (HD) is another issue facing the implementation of 4K technology. HD has come to be known as the best video option, although 4K is expanding on that. As a result. 4K has much higher requirements for signal integrity. And just as HD relied on fiber-optic cable, 4K uses twisted-pair copper cable due to the fact that it needs a very large bandwidth.

The need to stay up to date with all that 4K has to offer brings forth the need to update video displays as well. Videos displays from reputable manufacturers produced in 2015 and beyond support 4K streaming, but anything prior to that will not. That would call for source upgrades in the form of input cards. Meanwhile, 4K displays would require an upgrade in the form of an output card. 

There are a fair amount of obstacles still impeding the way for 4K to take over the mainstream, which is why this kind of integration should be handled by experienced professionals.

Smarter Systems support has the expertise to upgrade all video and audio solutions to provide our customers with the newest technology. Our service also extends to high quality installation and training so that customers will be capable of utilizing this type of advanced technology to its fullest.

Video Conferencing Business Applications

Video conferencing can now accommodate businesses, small and large, bringing the concept of meetings to a whole new level. Here is a look at some business applications that can be utilized during video conferencing.

Free Video Conferencing Options

Making a video call now comes with a variety of options and smaller businesses can rely on a host of free applications. Skype is one of the most recognized names in the mainstream and it can suffice on conference calls, although its video quality is still lacking and it remains a better option for one-on-one calls. The bottom line is there are better options for businesses.

The ooVoo application remains free and can include up to six participants at a time. The video quality is also an upgrade from skype. There are other free applications, like Tokbox, which allows the same number of six users. Meanwhile, conversations take place through your browser.

Those looking to add a few more participants can opt for an application such as Yugma which allows for a maximum of 10 users at a time. There is also the option of adding the capability of adding hundreds more as it is part of Yugma’s premium package.

Some businesses need to consider conferencing options in which users do not need to make any kind of downloads. This could be a tremendous inconvenience for those who may not want to spend the time going through these steps. If that person is a potential client, businesses should consider investing in premium video conferencing applications. Consider employing Smarter Systems Charlotte NC team to manage your video conferencing solutions.

Premium Conferencing

Company size often dictates the budgetary capabilities when it comes to incorporating a paid video conferencing service. Some services even have free weekly or monthly trials before the actual billing process begins.

Adobe Connect is a high-quality professional video conferencing service that has noticeable differences from the free varieties and that comes across in its file sharing and whiteboard capabilities. The only requirement is to have Adobe Flash Player installed.

Another equally impressive video conferencing option is provided by WebEx, which features a Meeting Center that is equipped with a host of collaborative tools. AT&T Connect is another option that is geared for businesses and even offers options that provide usage on an unlimited basis.

Smarter Systems can get your business equipped with the very best video solutions, so that conferencing can truly become an asset. Our experienced team of professionals provides installation and training while offering a wide variety of solutions for audio visual in Charlotte and the surrounding areas.

The Internet of Things (IoT) Just Getting Started in the Business World

The Internet of Things is gaining more and more momentum as it is inundating all types of devices and products. The IoT has already begun to integrate itself into the business world in many ways including SMART Boards and video conferencing in Charlotte NC. Those companies getting in early could stand to experience a host of lucrative benefits.

The Iot might sound like a complex subject, but it can be explained rather simply. At one time, Broadband Internet was limited, but it has become available in such abundance that the price of connectivity has dropped. That has enabled companies to create more devices with WiFi capability.

Nowadays, it seems as though the devices that feature WiFi are growing by the day. This is because most products with an on/off switch are being connected to the Internet. It has gone beyond cell phones and has extended to products, such as home entertainment systems, washing machines and other household items.

However, this rule also applies to larger machinery as the number of connected devices are increasing at an exponentially high pace. The IoT is the network that connects all of those devices and that connection even extends to people. 

People are already able to use that network to perform a variety of tasks. Imagine all of your devices being connected so that each one can communicate to the other. It makes life a whole lot easier.

The IoT is also being used to develop smart cities in which transportation and energy efficiency will be vastly improved. However, the future has not arrived just yet as there are still security concerns with IoT. Preventing information from being stolen remains a major concern, although it won’t be long before much of the world is programmable.

The reality is that IoT is already affecting businesses in terms of their operations. Companies who are incorporating the IoT are looking to stay ahead of the competition as the IoT will eventually be utilized by all businesses.

Charlotte audio visual solutions can be impacted by the IoT as both are an integral part of many businesses. Getting a business ready for tomorrow could mean incorporating the IoT today. Imagine a business where every employee is connected through all kinds of devices. The possibilities are limitless.

Smarter Systems can provide a variety of enterprise solutions for all kinds of businesses. Our team of professionals can go to work on connecting companies to the future with the best audio and video solutions, in addition to expert training and installation.

Learn more about our solutions for education and enterprise at SmarterSys.com

The Evolution and History of the SMART Board

SMART Boards have recently made their way into the mainstream of both educational and business settings. However, this type of technology has been around for two and a half decades. The technology was first created in 1991 and was initially available in front and rear projections. The initial versions were equipped with only basic capabilities, but as technology improved, so did SMART Boards in Charlotte NC.

The SMART Board was not invented in America as SMART Technologies was the first to develop this innovation in Canada. It was also not an instant success as the company had to first educate the market about this new product.

In 1997, there came the introduction of notebook collaboration for educational purposes and a year later it added the capabilities of operating with Microsoft Windows applications.

Fast forward to 2001 as that was when SMART Boards adapted the capability of playing both video and audio directly off the Internet. Two years later, flat screens were implemented with SMART Board technology and the displays could be mounted on walls.

Things then began to take flight in a hurry as flat-panel displays were first introduced in 2003 and then wireless slate was incorporated two years later. That gave way to a new generation of interactive whiteboard and other types of learning software.

LCD panels are actually connected to the SMART Board and serve the function of a display. This functionality permits users to have control over computer apps while opening up a whole new realm of learning. New studies are beginning to show that the use of SMART Boards in classrooms has actually enhanced learning as evidenced by higher test scores among students.

In fact, the education sector is what paved the way for the rise of SMART Boards. Teachers first began using SMART Boards sporadically and then a company partnership with Intel helped propelled SMART Board onto an international landscape. That enabled corporate and government sectors to utilize this technology as well.

Now, there are different kinds of SMART Boards to choose from. SMART Board models now range from 55 to 84 inches in size and include 11 different varieties. Additional ports have been added to the latest models along with 4K Ultra HD resolution.

Smarter Systems is ready to provide your school or business with the SMART Board of your choice. Our team will take care of the installation and training process to provide you with the best SMART Board Charlotte has to offer. Visit www.SmarterSys.com to learn more.

How Digital Signage Can Translate Into Profits

More companies are continuing to acquire digital signage as part of their enterprise solutions to  smarter audio visual technology. That can turn into a wise investment as adding digital signage can actually translate into a dramatic bump in profits.

Modernized Advertising

Digital signage has changed the dynamic of advertising. Any kind of printed advertisement has to be designed, approved, printed and distrusted. That can be a tedious process which is time consuming and costly. Furthermore, many of those printed materials get quickly tossed aside, never to be seen again. On the other hand, digital signage plays continuously, thus enabling the message to be seen by a significantly higher number of people. The ability to change the message is also much simpler than how things are done with print signage. Digital signage can be updated on a daily basis.

Cross Promotion

Since digital signage plays continuously, it opens up the opportunity for strategic partnerships. Joining forces with another company could lead to brief advertisements on one another’s digital signage. Business advertisements can also be incorporated into things like interactive city maps and digital restaurant menus. This offers more useful information to your audience and also increases brand awareness as your company message will be viewed by an entirely different audience. Social media feeds can also be included on digital signage and there is also the capability of streaming live events.

Educate Audiences

One of the most integral ways to gain new customers is to educate them about your company’s services or products. In this age, there is no better way to accomplish that task than with a visual tutorial. A wealth of information can be relayed in a short amount of time with the use of digital signage. However, it is important to make those videos intriguing enough to hold the attention of your audience.

Promotions

Businesses looking to push a certain product or service first need customers to know about the promotion. This is the perfect opportunity to use digital signage in real time. The key to any successful promotion is timing. Digital signage serves as a valuable tool in spreading that message. These real-time advertisements are also much cheaper and timelier than printing up ads or even sending them out via email. The cost of these promotions is also relatively nothing.

Smarter Systems in Charlotte NC offers digital signage for retail stores, corporate offices, educational institutions, transportation centers and other settings. Take advantage of all the different templates and functions as Smarter Systems provides digital signage as part of its enterprise solutions in Charlotte.