Showing posts with label Best Practices. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Best Practices. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

The myth of the Instant Success

-Deacon Wardlow
I was recently having coffee with some entrepreneurs in Boulder, CO and the topic of "gazelle companies" came up. These are companies who increase their revenue by about 20% every year (doubling in sales/scope every 4-5 years).

There's a myth of "instant success" out there. People hear about an app company being bought for a billion dollars, companies which are competing in the same industry as you "magically" grow their sales to three or four times your level and yet they have the same (or smaller) sized business. What's the "secret sauce" or magic mix involved? The answer is simple: hard work, persistence, creativity, and determination.

The companies I work with who are the most successful are also the most active. They play the numbers game. These companies fill their sales funnel to overflowing acknowledging they may only close on 10 opportunities out of 100 - they opt to quote 1,000+ opportunities. When they can't quote as much, they look at what they're quoting and remove the obstacles for the client to buy their product or service - they take a hard look at why they lose opportunities and fill the holes so the next one wins.

The successful companies are out there, in front of customers as much as they can be. If they're local - they hit the local market so hard every client in a 50 mile radius knows their name, their product/service, and who to call. If they're national you'll note they're heavily marketing online, active in social media, and hitting every tradeshow and event they can to get in front of national clients.

An "overnight" success is rarely anything but. If you feel your business is in a slump and you're confident you could be better - push back to the companies you work with. Don't let vendors just provide product - they should be actively helping you with marketing, sales resources/tools, digital assets for your websites, and partner with you on tradeshows. If your vendor doesn't step up as a partner, take a look around and find someone who will help you grow. Their success is (ultimately) tied to yours. Don't settle for a vendor when you can have a partner.

In business - the market doesn't reward laziness nor will clients come beating down your doors if they don't know where you are. The harder you push and strive, the more you'll see those efforts rewarded. Perhaps you won't win every deal - but the more you're out there - the more deals will ultimately come your way and you to can be an "overnight success" that leaves the competition scratching their heads at how they can stay in business against you.

Note all posts - thoughts - writings- etc. are strictly the viewpoint of me and me alone and do not reflect nor speak for Vantage LED’s beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, etc. unless specifically noted. Direct emails can be sent to deacon@spectacularmedia.com for queries and/or assistance.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Blog #199 - the year+ in review, start 2015 off with some solid education resources!


-Deacon Wardlow
All said, I lived in Japan for about 12 years. The time, people, and culture definitely affected the way I look at the world. Every December, Japanese get ready to send out their "O-sho-gatsu" (New Year's) cards. A card is sent out to the people in their life, both personal and professional contacts. The card is a way of keeping in touch with the people who've touched their lives in some positive way. Gifts are also given to people who've helped them in some way in the year - a kind of year-end accounting and "thank you" to everyone who helped them get to where they are. I love the tradition and, while I no longer send out a stack of cards each New Year's - I appreciate taking stock of the year past and acknowledging the many people who've helped, challenged, assisted, and gotten me to where I am.

This article makes #199 in the series started about two and a half years back. My thanks to my fellow "Special Ops" Director of Spectacular Media (Scott Hofheins) and our associate/friend/all-around pontificate Mike Prongue of Signvine. Our thanks go to Vantage LED for giving us a place to rant, rave, educate, elucidate, and help bring a little order to the chaos that is Digital Signage (without having to write advertorials or "sponsored" pieces, but rather sticking to the truth and helping people get educated on what matters most for LED and other Digital Signage). It's been a long road with a longer one ahead and we're glad to have you, our reader, out on the journey with us. If you read our articles and have a question - drop us an email or line (email deacon@spectacularmedia.com - scott@spectacularmedia.com - or michael@signvine.org). We all like to hear from you and appreciate feedback.

This will be the last posting for the year (we'll start up a little after the new year). I've done my best to sort the articles we've released into categories so you can find helpful info a bit faster. If there's some way we can help out, a topic we've missed or something to delve into deeper - let us know (we're happy to have more to write about and the year ahead promises to be a full one). If you have a moment, checkout the SignVine site (these are guys who know a lot about giving and lending a hand) - https://www.signvine.org/

We wish you a safe, happy, and most excellent year-end. I hope your holidays are full of friends, family, and happiness. Problems are simply challenges helping you along the path to success and hopefully we've written something here which can help you overcome the obstacles you're facing (or will encounter down the road).

Digital Signage Sign Tech & Spec:
  1. What to Expect when you're expecting your LED Sign...
  2. Providing Correct Power Voltage to LED Signs and Why 120 VAC and 240 VAC are Both Important
  3. Power Supplies
  4. Don't get screwed, modern module securing systems
  5. Front Access Design Considerations for Digital Signage and Hinged Faces
  6. Factors Affecting Image Quality on Outdoor Digital Signage
  7. How Color Values are calculated
  8. Viewing Size vs Cabinet size (big differences can add up to false $$ savings)
  9. Controller options for LED Signage
  10. Virtual Resolution (aka pixel sharing)
  11. LED Sign Components
  12. Service Access options for LED Signs
  13. The truth behind "ultra bright" LEDs
  14. Communication Methods for LED Signs
  15. Myths and Misunderstanding about LED Signs
  16. The good and bad of LED Signs and how to tell the difference
  17. Powder Coating
  18. New Coating materials (Dragon Skin)
  19. Make sure you have the right tools for DS!

  20. Standards for Outdoor LED Digital Signage

  21. Help! My sign isn't communicating! Steps to a solving communication problems.

Digital Signage Content:
  1. The New Expectations for LED Sign Content
  2. Professional Content is a Must!
  3. Real World Effects of LEDs per Pixel on Outdoor Digital Signage
  4. Time and Temperature on LED Signs...to Be or Not to Be
  5. Quality LED Signs Managed Responsibly Improve the Community
  6. Professional Quality Content on LED Signs Benefit Resellers Directly
  7. How 'LinkedIn' is Digital Signage for you/your clients?
  8. Why DS Fails
  9. Keeping Content Current/interesting
  10. Ensuring text comes through LOUD AND CLEAR
  11. LED Signs & Free Speech
  12. Create a call to action with Digital Signage
  13. The benefits of PSAs (Public Service Announcement)
  14. Get the most from your website (Digital Signage is online as well)
  15. Being a good neighbor with LED Signage
  16. Content scheduling/creation (planning ahead)
  17. Use Content and Scheduling to Target Your Message On Outdoor and Indoor Digital

  18. DisplaysCustom Content -vs- "Stock" or In-House Content

  19. CMYK vs RGB and Other Design Factors for Digital Content on LED Signs.

Digital Signage Sales 101:
  1. Without a defined desire, there is no sale.
  2. ADAPT the sales technique
  3. Be a "go-to" person; know your LED Sign and DS information!
  4. What does Digital Signage Cost?
  5. Sell your company first, product second...
  6. Why Cheap LED Signs Sell Well But Fail
  7. Door to Door is Dead
  8. Sticker Shock Syndrome; dealing with cost objections
  9. LED Sign Sales- Closing Technique Suggestions- 1 of 3
  10. Closing Technique Suggestions- Installment 2 of 3
  11. Closing Technique Suggestions- 3 of 3
  12. Objection Handling Part 1 of 2
  13. Objection Handling Part 2 of 2
  14. Stop selling and start solving - Customer Centered Selling
  15. Better is Better, Always!
  16. Value Based Selling Is a Win for Local Sign Companies
  17. The cost of a system - Good/Quick/Cheap... Speed, Quality, and Price with LED Signs/DS Solutions.
  18. Wow Your Customer
  19. Build bridges, don't burn them
  20. Business Relationship Suggestions
  21. What Is True Customer Service?
  22. The Tech Train is Leaving the Station

  23. The importance of being "in" the know with Digital Signage

  24. Your Customers Return The Investment You Make In Them

  25. Keep it simple

  26. No Free Lunch, Only Buy and Sell Quality LED Displays

Why LED Signage?:
  1. Use Outdoor Digital Signage to Give Thanks, Spread the Holiday Cheer, and Grow Your Organization.
  2. Outdoor Digital Signage Helps Focus and Sustain Advertising to Potential Patrons
  3. A Road-Map to Success is Important With Digital Signage
  4. Common Misconceptions About LED Signs
  5. How an LED Sign can help business
  6. LED Signage earning potential
  7. Be different, Be Branded, Be Seen with Outdoor Digital Signage

  8. Power of Communication for Non-Profit Organizations

  9. Why Digital Signage is Important

  10. How plazas, malls, and multi-tenant locations benefit from LED Signage.
Costs for Digital Signage:
  1. How much can an LED Sign Cost?
  2. Short term gain, long term costs (cost of a "cheap" LED Sign)
  3. "Value Line" vs. Single Level of quality (i.e. why there aren't iPhone or Droid "lite" versions)
  4. Is an LED Sign (or any Digital Signage) an investment or a purchase?
  5. Selling the value of a Digital Signage Solution (LED Sign, LCD, or other)
Digital Signage 'How To':
  1. Networking Basics
  2. Securing Wireless ( WiFi ) Communications for LED Signs
  3. System monitoring obstacles and options
  4. Check The Power! Electrical Supply and Outdoor Digital Signage
  5. Basic LED Sign Troubleshooting and Logic
  6. LED Sign Permitting Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3
  7. Finding a reputable installer for LED Signage
  8. Sourcing the best LED Sign manufacturer for your business
  9. Calculating Power Costs
  10. Information on the National Electrical Code as applied to LED Signage
  11. Electrical Safety Certification Marks explained
  12. Different LED Sign Sales approaches
  13. Project Management with LED Signage
  14. Embracing new technology for business
  15. CRM/ERP Options for your business
  16. Simple LED Sign troubleshooting
  17. Importing from China (buyer be very wary).
Digital Signage 'Need To Know':

Quality vs Cost
  1. What makes a good LED Sign?
  2. How an LED Sign Manufacturer's Approach to Support Can Affect Your Reputation
  3. What's the best solution for a Digital Signage system?
  4. How an LED Sign Manufacturer's Approach to Design and Engineering Can Affect Installations
  5. China Manufacturing Stumbles
  6. When comparing LED Sign solutions (EMC/EDS/CMS/Etc), make sure you're getting what you expect
  7. Is Anything Really ‘Made’ in the USA?
  8. Domestic LED Sign manufacturers vs. off-shore
  9. Importing from China
  10. Low quality systems' affect on business
  11. Supply Chain Logistics on components
  12. Beware of a "bait-and-switch"
  13. The cost of going cheap on component choices from a manufacturer
  14. How an LED Sign Manufacturers Approach to Growth Can Affect Your Own

  15. Digital Signage Learning Curve, how to tell a good manufacturer from a questionable one

  16. China, Stack 'em Deep, Sell 'em Cheap

Warranty and After Service
  1. Isn't "The Cloud" the Same as Wireless Connectivity?
  2. Make your LED Sign Stand Out From the Pack
  3. Why cloud control for your LED sign is better than using localized software
  4. Notes on Successfully Implementing an LED Sign Program
  5. Why simple software is better with DS.
  6. FAQ about LED Signs for IT Professionals, End Users and the Industry
  7. New technology making things simpler with LED Signage
  8. Explaining LED Sign Technology Simply and Effectively to Your Audience Directly
  9. The Cloud, Cloudware, and LED Signs
  10. Statistical Analysis of the Relationship between On-Premise Digital Signage and Traffic Safety
  11. Exponential Growth for the LED Sign Industry?
  12. You Deserve to Make a Profit on LED Signs
  13. What does Web App/Cloudware mean for Digital Signage/LED Signs?
  14. Own It! Be The Trusted Authority on LED Signs and Educate Truth
  15. The Ghost of LED Signs past (the cost of going with the cheapest option)
  16. Digital Signage is more than a dynamic commercial - it's about communication.

  17. The Gold Rush Continues

  18. Financing & Leasing Options for DS

  19. Creating Lifetime Fans

  20. Demand Attention and Target Your Audience With Outdoor LED Signs


Vantage LED has white paper resources and more educational material on the website (http://www.vantageled.com), please check it out when you have a moment. Note all posts/thoughts/writings are strictly the viewpoint of me and me alone and do not reflect nor speak for Vantage LED’s beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, etc. unless specifically noted.

Monday, November 24, 2014

Thank you one and all!

-Deacon Wardlow
Thank you. Thanks for reading our blog, our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter posts - Thank you to Vantage LED for hosting a space for open, honest, and transparent discussion of Digital Signage issues. Thank you (the readers and contributors) for being inquisitive and wanting to know more.

It's Thanksgiving in the USA and this is an excellent time to reflect on the many things in our lives to be thankful for. Work can definitely be a roller-coaster ride of ups, downs, and a lot of unexpected turns (even when you see something coming, it can still hit you hard). It's important to remember there's a lot to be thankful for.

Even when I've had businesses fail, deals fall apart, and been as low as I thought things could get (boy was I wrong there... things always had another layer of "down"), I found the things I was thankful for were the lessons my mistakes and failures gave me; the friends and family who supported me through the rough times, and the simple things I enjoyed which didn't need money or anything other than a little time set aside to enjoy.

Wherever you are, I invite you to take five minutes (or more if you've got it). Think of the simplest things which give you happiness and be thankful for them. Think of the people who've helped you out along the way in your life and think about the lives you've touched. If there's an opportunity to give thanks by giving some time or resources, do so as you'll find the rewards may not be tangible, but they are definitely amazing and give life the richness and wealth which no amount of money or things can reward you with. The biggest and best part of Thanksgiving isn't necessarily being on the receiving-end of things, but rather the opportunities to give back to those who've given us so much.

I was recently reminded of this when a partner of ours had a special request. Feeding America was looking to expedite an order with Vantage LED, but the non-profit didn't have the money for a rush request. A great opportunity for me to help an organization which helps so many throughout the year. I spoke with the CEO of Vantage LED (Chris Ma) about the situation and he said he wanted to give back something, but what could I do in exchange? I offered 1,000 push-ups to help the client - If I went a bit above and beyond by giving my time and efforts directly in the form of push-ups, perhaps Vantage LED could do the same and push the build through. Chris agreed! I've done 600 of the 1,000 (four more days of painful giving) - while it definitely hurts (I'm reminded I need to get back into shape) - the giving and reward for the non-profit feels great!

Thank you to you and yours this Thanksgiving week. If you have a moment, share what you're thankful for here (it's humbling and inspiring to see what others are doing - so please share as you're able). For those in the USA (and other places) celebrating this week, safe travels and happy Thanksgiving!

Vantage LED has white paper resources and more educational material on the website (http://www.vantageled.com), please check it out when you have a moment. Note all posts/thoughts/writings are strictly the viewpoint of me and me alone and do not reflect nor speak for Vantage LED’s beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, etc. unless specifically noted. Direct emails can be sent to deacon@spectacularmedia.com for queries and/or assistance.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Digital Signage 101: Do not leave sales to chance, know your partner and your product.

-Deacon Wardlow
While some element of chance (whether fortunate or unfortunate) plays into our lives, winning or losing an opportunity rarely comes down to luck. Timing, ability, proficiency, and competency all come into play regardless of what's being sold/bought.

Repeated winning isn't a miracle or lucky draw. The salesperson who's a constant winner has an excellent team supporting them and (more often than not) has taken it upon themselves to be an expert in what they're representing.


In a market where it seems like there's a new competitor with a new offering at a lower price right around the corner, sales can be daunting (and it's even more daunting for buyers who see 100+ options and don't know which way they should go). Education is the key here. Competence = confidence for both the seller and the buyer. We must take it upon ourselves to learn as much as we can and stay on top of things so we can give fast (and simple) answers to complicated questions. A knowledgeable person can slim the choices down and eloquently explain why their particular solution is the overall best option for a buyer.

This doesn't mean a salesperson has to go out and become an expert in whatever they're selling (nor should the buyer study long and hard on options before a purchase). Buyers and sellers need to know enough to be confident, the companies who produce the things being bought/sold (in my instance, Digital Signage systems and software/cloudware - but perhaps it's computers or lighting or something altogether different) - those companies should be the "go to." The partner to the seller and buyer should be the provider of product who can quickly and easily thin the herd of choices and make it clear why their product stands out as the best choice.

Don't wait for a miracle solution to come along, don't trust in luck of the draw or being first to the table. Knowledge and expertise is key. Manufacturing and product providers need to deliver more than what they make, they need to support you and the end-user with experience and education. When you need an answer quickly, can your partner get the right people involved to deliver or are you left in the dark? First to the table is excellent, but don't get beat out by someone coming in last minute who has a bit more industry knowledge, better technology, and a stronger partner. Test the waters when you can, ask questions which may seem crazy because one day, someone will ask you that same question and expect an answer. Don't leave it to the moment you need help to test whether you'll get it or not... Make sure your partner is educating you whenever possible and available to answer the hard questions when they come around.

Vantage LED has white paper resources and more educational material on the website (http://www.vantageled.com), please check it out when you have a moment. Note all posts/thoughts/writings are strictly the viewpoint of me and me alone and do not reflect nor speak for Vantage LED’s beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, etc. unless specifically noted. Direct emails can be sent to deacon@spectacularmedia.com for queries and/or assistance.

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Digital Signage, Need to Know: Solving Problems and Raising the Bar


- Scott Hofheins

One of my favorite things about the sign industry is the creative problem solving required across the board. Static signage, outdoor LED signage, indoor digital boards, manufacturing, fabrication, installation, design, artwork and many more all demand a certain level of creative problem solving. The way in which solutions are found and  implemented can make a big difference for the end user experience.


A Platform
Having a good platform to provide solutions is very important. Some platforms, software, hardware, or otherwise, can be more workable than others. For example, a printed encyclopedia is a great resource and can be very useful, but it’s limited to the ink on the page, it cannot change unless re-printed, or minor notations made in the margins. A smartphone or tablet on the other hand, is an open platform for terabytes of encyclopedic information via the internet, apps, and local programs. Users can use, hack, and manipulate these platforms to do what they need, providing fertile ground for innovation and creativity.


There are many types of platforms. How do you keep track of your leads, quotes, support tickets? How do you educate and provide resources to your staff so they can in turn help existing or potential customers? Manage logistics for your trucks and crews? When these platforms are open and efficient, they empower you to make faster decisions and execute solutions much more effectively.


Balanced Approach
Finding a solution that a customer needs and what they want is sometimes hard to do. A customer may want a sign installed on an existing structure that may not be large enough to support it, but matches their branding or style. The professional knows the limitations, and will be able to suggest an alternate solution that still fits their design wants, but doesn't sacrifice on what’s needed.


Another good example is pricing. There is a certain level of “Sticker Shock” in the sign business that may be a bit more common than other industries. This can make it even more tempting to lower the pricing and component quality to compete. While some amount of flexibility is needed, educating the customer about getting what they pay for tends to work out better for all parties in the long run with a quality product at a fair price.


Education
Providing education in tandem with an effective solution generates powerful results. What is the fundamental purpose of your signage solution? How do you integrate it with existing branding, physical location, target market and demographics. Experienced sign providers can help guide their potential customers through these important variables.


Even a simple static sign on a pole will have site and size restrictions, budget considerations, fabrication options, and artwork needs. Helping a customer not only understand what solutions they should consider,  but why they should consider it is key. This speaks to not only your perceived authority on the subject, but your actual expertise and professionalism.    


The Team
Many start alone, but few finish alone. Having a solid team that can rely on each other is a significant factor in the success of any venture; personal or business. Growth is dependent on it, and problem solving is almost certain to be expedited with the combined knowledge and perspective of others.


While any team is bound to get on each others nerves, it helps when they are all in it for long term success. It helps to see the goal, the light at the end of the tunnel that everyone is striving for. A solid sales team means more business. A solid design/artwork team means more efficient sales, and better manufacturing/fabrication. Good manufacturing means a better product and experience for the install crew, project management and support team. A streamlined support team working with a quality product and platform, mean happy customers, more referrals, and more sales.


New technology, better materials and better communication are all making it easier for people to solve problems, and provide solutions in our industry and countless others. This doesn't necessarily mean problems will go away, but it does mean a continual increase in our expectations as end users, solution providers, manufacturers and business leaders. I have no doubt, the industry and the people and individuals who comprise it, will rise to the challenge.


-TSH


I hope this post has been informative and helpful. As usual, I welcome ALL constructive comments. Please feel free to comment and add anything I’ve missed, or additional tips you may have regarding this topic. Please visit www.vantageled.com for many other resources, white papers, and of course: Great looking LED Signs!

**All posts/thoughts/writings are strictly the viewpoint of me and me alone and do not reflect nor speak for Vantage LED’s beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, etc. unless specifically stated.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Digital Signage Sales 101: Knowledge is power - what makes a good Digital Signage Solution.

-Deacon Wardlow
Knowledge is powerful, not solely in the acquisition of information, but rather how and when it's used. A big problem in our industry is the lack of education available to the public. Most Digital Signage integrators and specialists acquired their information through trial/error, experience, and bits and pieces gathered on the long road to implementing solutions for their clients.

There is a change coming in the industry. I've noticed more and more vendors, manufacturers, and resellers are starting to realize the power and importance of educating the client base. In this case, there is no "too little too late." The more people who bring information and education as opposed to advertorials and edusales, the better. An educating buyer will see past the glitz and glamor and ask to see how the system really works as opposed to flashy pics and false promises. 

I advise people to dig deeper when looking at solution and offers. Find out what's really being put on the table and what's being left out of view. Here are a few things to ask for with any system you're reviewing:

Scalability
How scalable is the solution? When the system is in place and a client opts to grow that system to multiple displays and (more importantly) multiple sites, can they manage everything from a single interface? Can new systems and sites be easily added to the software/cloud solution?

Ease-of-Use
When running the system, how much instruction is required to use the system? Is a higher level of expertise and experience required or can a new user get up and running with minimal training (an hour or less)? Does the system pass the 5min rule - from initial login, can a person create new content, schedule the content, and send the schedule to the displays within 5 minutes and minimal instruction/walkthrough? How intuitive is the system? 

Reliability
Based on experience and systems in place, what is the shortest and longest constant use/runtime of a system? How long have they had systems in place and what kind of "stress testing" has been done to ensure a system can operate under various conditions?

Limitations
Every solution has a place. Few, if any, systems can solve all the clients' needs. Some systems require touch/interactive capability while other are primarily content distribution (limited scheduling and other features). Work with vendors to learn the most you can about the system features and what it can and can't do. If a vendor tells you their system can "do everything" be wary. Better a specialized solution than a "jack of all trades." A jack of all trades can do a lot of things to a small degree, whereas a more specialized solution has stronger features and options available. 

The deeper you dig, the more you reveal and the better you and your clients can understand the solutions proposed. Don't take any one person or company's word on something - to offer solutions, you have to be able to figure out what the need is. The knowledge acquired now goes into the "toolbelt" and the more tools available, the easier and faster a need can be met, a problem solved.

Vantage LED has white paper resources and more educational material on the website (http://www.vantageled.com), please check it out when you have a moment. Note all posts/thoughts/writings are strictly the viewpoint of me and me alone and do not reflect nor speak for Vantage LED’s beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, etc. unless specifically noted. Direct emails can be sent to deacon@spectacularmedia.com for queries and/or assistance.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Digital Signage 101 - Content: Show, don't tell... the importance of graphic content with DS

-Deacon Wardlow
Somewhere along the line, someone didn't take into consideration the unique aspect of a digital medium and (more importantly) how it's supposed to be used. A digital menu board isn't just the menu on an LCD or other HD screen with some animations. A digital menu board is a visual diorama of what's available, the cost, and options. The best example I've seen of this is in Japan with the plastic food.

A visit to Japan will net you amazing and eye-opening experiences and one of them is the plastic food. Items displayed at the restaurant entrance which are eerily exactly WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get), down to the sheen on the soup. Amazing, simple, to-the-point, and just what I want as food is such a visual thing to begin with. Why is this not catching on with our DS systems?

LED Sign systems tend to be more in-line and "get it" than interior (or some exterior) HD displays (meaning LCD, OLED, other...). Partially this is because the average viewing time is somewhere between 3-6 seconds as a driver goes by an LED Sign. Short viewing times mean the message has to be brief, impactful, and memorable. Regardless of the location or image quality, all DS should be like this. Brief - impactful - memorable.

If someone wants to know more about a given food item, they'll ask. Entice them with images and price and let the DS display be as impactful as possible. Whether it's a chicken filet sandwhich or information about new dental services - a DS systems needs to be designed in such a way as to grab the viewers' attention and be successful at whatever the DS objective is.

Want to reduce perceived wait times? - Quick fun and quirky trivia (with pics if possible).
Digital Menu Board? - Show food and prices with special items animated (especially if the "special item" is something that needs to be sold out ASAP)
C-Store/gas station? - Highlight lunch specials, the new milkshake machine, free 72 hour refills on soda w/receipt and special cup, etc.
Airport - Show a map highlighting where a person is and which flights are going out at which gates - maybe even a path to the gate with special mention of food/drink/stores along the way...

As Scott pointed out in last week's article, we say too much and end up losing the message. With DS the important emphasis should be on SHOWING, not tellling the important details of the message you're looking to convey. By simplifying the message and cleaning up the clutter, you'll achieve your DS goals faster and better than before.

Vantage LED has white paper resources and more educational material on the website (http://www.vantageled.com), please check it out when you have a moment. Note all posts/thoughts/writings are strictly the viewpoint of me and me alone and do not reflect nor speak for Vantage LED’s beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, etc. unless specifically noted.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Digital Signage Need To Know: Help! My sign isn't communicating! Steps to a solving communication problems.

-Deacon Wardlow
If you work with digital signage (LED outdoor or HD interior/exterior systems (LED, OLED, SMD, projection, etc.) at one point or another you may have had "the call." If you're new to the business, you will most likely get the call soon if you haven't already. This is the call where the client can't connect to the "heart and soul" of their marketing system - their new digital signage solution. Don't panic, take deep breaths... there's a solution.

Cables?
Check all cables and connections. More often than not, a communication problem is simply caused by an unplugged cable or missing power adapter.

Radios?
For wireless communication, check both radios (most radios have indicator lights showing power (usually red) and signal up/down (green or yellow - usually flashing). Make sure the devices are powered and showing communications.

When did it stop working? What changed?
For networked signs (signs requiring a static IP address on a network), find out the last time the sign was working. What changed since then? Was a new computer/printer/device added to the network? Did the sign fail when the device was added? It's possible the IP address is conflicted (two devices using the same address). Speak with the IT person in charge or check with the sign manufacturer to see how to verify IP address settings and how to change the settings if necessary.

Backups...
For signs using RS232 or RS485: check the cable connections and power adapters. More often than not, an antenna came loose or a power adapter is unplugged (or failed). Having a backup pair of devices (known to be in good working condition) helps as the devices can be replaced and the radios showing faults can be tested off site for repair and/or replacement.

Connections?
Check the connections inside the sign. In highly humid locations, the communication ports can become oxidized (rusted) and cause disruption with the communication. Use a deoxidizing cleaner (99.9% alcohol with a hogs hair brush for cleaning) or DeOxit. Make sure to remove any dust first and lightly spray/apply cleaner. DeOxit sprays will both clean and coat/protect the connector. Make sure to clean both the connector on the control board/computer of the sign AND the cable's connector to be certain the issue is fully resolved.

Bring your tools!
It's helpful to have a laptop with the LED Sign software on it. Sometimes a communication error can be caused by the client's network and/or computers (a virus or possibly anti-virus software causes issues). If your laptop can communicate directly with the LED sign and communicate using the communication equipment going to the business, it's likely the problem requires the client to speak with an IT professional regarding their network and/or computer(s). For recommendations on a tool kit, check out my earlier post here: TOOLS You can also check out more information below on support issues:

- Networking Basics
- Troubleshooting Power
- General Technical support

At the end of the day, aside from the right tools and know-how having a solid partner is the most important part of a good LED Sign system. Make sure your company is partnered with a manufacturer who can not only support you with the right know-how, but is willing to go above and beyond to help you resolve issues in the field. The telling sign of a good partner isn't how they perform when things are going well, but how they respond to a problem. Make sure your manufacturer is more than a vendor, make sure their an active partner in your success!


Please comment here or send questions or requests for information to deacon@vantageled.com. Vantage LED has white paper resources and more educational material on the website (http://www.vantageled.com), please check it out when you have a moment. Note all posts/thoughts/writings are strictly the viewpoint of me and me alone and do not reflect nor speak for Vantage LED’s beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, etc. unless specifically noted.attitudes, thoughts, etc. unless specifically noted.