Why Choose A Full Service Provider?

Great article by Judy Homman on how essential a full-service digital signage provider can be.

 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judy_L._Hoffman

Until recently, if companies wanted to install digital signage or a digital signage network they would have to purchase all components separately. This means researching and deciding on types of screens and mounting options. Next they would have to approach installation options for power and other cable and then decide on appropriate hardware and software. Lastly, messages would need to be designed and sent to the screens. During this arduous period of research, decision-making, ordering, installing, and deploying, months will have passed by and excitement wanes or technology and software becomes obsolete.

More and more, would-be digital signage users are looking for full-service suppliers to take them through their project from start to finish. It can be a difficult task to find such a provider and one that will still be around for years of support.

Definition of Full-Service Provider
A full-service provider functions somewhat like a general service contractor and understands all aspects of the digital signage industry, realizing its complexity. Able to establish a clear vision of a client's needs, such providers assess options and bring the appropriate technology, software, and hardware together to fulfill expectations and meet budget requirements. Additionally, many full-service providers install cabling and hardware and integrate software for optimal functionality.

Marketing, Design and Digital Content
It is ideal if a full-service provider also offers graphic design services. Content design, updates and proper management or scheduling of content are an asset to any company, especially those with limited creative staff. Digital signage content providers understand the balance between high-resolution static pictures, video, animation, and 3-D design.

"Basic marketing knowledge is necessary with a full-service provider since digital signage is not just about technology, but is also about marketing," says J. Stephen Lanning, author of The Five Key Milestones in Captive Audience Marketing for Maximum Effectiveness. "A provider should, at least, possess a simple understanding of demographics and marketing psychology so that a client's advertising efforts are not unproductive."

Since it is imperative that digital signage networks are up and running in an efficient manner with minimal downtime, the full-service provider needs to offer a solid training program and be easily accessible for customer support. Advertisers do not take kindly to paying for ads that are not displayed. Nothing creates a bigger void than seeing a blank digital signage screen or an error message telling the world that the system has failed.

Benefit by Hiring a Full Service Provider
According to Andrew Hoffman, VP of Noventri, "A full-service provider offers open communications with clients and freely conveys new approaches, solutions, and findings. Such providers are willing to work closely with existing clients in upgrading or expanding their systems. They must also continue to research new methods and solutions to provide cutting-edge services. Only then can full-service digital signage providers benefit through lasting client relationships, continuous revenue, and profits."

Growth of full-service providers is a sure thing in the years to come. With providers gaining more experience working with vendors, understanding the limits of digital signage technology and developing solid relationships with the various vendors of digital signage components, more users will recognize the convenience and necessity of using such a provider.

This fact was recognized recently in an article that appeared in the September issue of Digital Signage Magazine. The article written by Lyle Bunn and titled New Supply Category in the Digital Signage Industry stated "full-service providers can move a project forward more quickly." Bunn went on to identify such providers by saying that they usually "work under confidentiality agreements while sourcing technology, are highly targeted in generating new clients, operate in multiple market verticals, and rarely exhibit at trade shows, present at conferences or appear in the digital signage media."

This may require potential users to 'shop around' in order to find such a provider. Full service providers stand to see more and more recognition as the digital signage market continues to mature, resulting solid design and deployment of digital signage networks that offer a fresh, trendy experience for viewers.