Digital signage is already part of our everyday experience, but when paired with the Internet of Things (IoT), it can deliver a message that is so interactive and direct it turns people’s heads.
The Internet of Things is the development of the internet in which everyday objects have network connectivity, allowing them to send and receive data. It is already having an impact on everything from our obsession with wearable devices and personal health monitoring, to manufacturing processes and water distribution. Imagine having a customer pick up a product, and as soon as they do, the digital signage presentation begins playing a campaign that is specifically related to the products the customer is holding. It does not get any more relevant than that. A fire alarm that is connected to your digital signage screens instructs people to the best exit route, or a digital signage screen that greets the person and turns on a projector for anyone walking through the front door of your business.
Another fun example: A Swedish hair care company recently placed a digital sign in a train station that featured a model with long, flowing hair. Thanks to a sensor and a computer, as well as a local network, an arriving train would make her hair “come alive” in the breeze—captivating and delighting commuters as they passed by. The more eyeballs on your brand, the more potential sales, right? Imagine how many commuters passed through that rail station every day.
Digital Signage in the Workplace
The integration of IoT with digital signage can also be a time and money saver for businesses. Companies already use digital signs to broadcast security alerts and general messages, but the IoT makes new scenarios possible—there is no limit to what sensors can be engineered to do.
In a factory, for example, the technology can be crafted to monitor machinery malfunctions and cut downtime. At the first sign of trouble, the appropriate on-site worker could be notified—or, with the incorporation of cameras, video of the problem could be streamed in real time directly to the mobile device of an off-site expert.
The flexible architecture of trigger and events creates a limitless platform that can deliver any solution that you can come up with. Arguably, “things” have existed at the edges of the Internet for many years. People turn off lights and open locked automobile doors using browsers and mobile apps, and industry has been getting feedback from sensors and monitors for many years. Itis amazing just how far the Internet of Things can reach with a little creativity. Developers and businesses alike should look for ways to craft custom messages and experiment with interactive features in this first wave of digital signage integration.