Interactive Digital Signage Device Management

Digital signage can be as simple as you want it to be or as intricate as you need it to be. That’s why combining the right device with the right management tools is so important. Whether you want an iPad in kiosk mode, an Android-powered TV, or a customized set top box, you’re covered with Esper.

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Digital Signage

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Choosing the right digital signageManaging my digital signage

Choosing the right digital signage

Digital signage for business use cases

Digital signage puts your business on center stage. Vibrant and engaging, it enables you to give the people what they want — real-time updates, essential product information, and wayfinding assistance. Because nothing is as universally embarrassing as wandering around like a lost tourist. You’re not saving lives here, but you are saving reputations, and that’s pretty commendable.

You can find digital signage just about anywhere. These dynamic displays are sure to be serving up info at your local QSRs (quick service restaurants), retail stores, shopping malls, and airports. And while being highly customizable and updatable, it can be complicated to know exactly what type of signage will best work for your use case. Especially when it comes to interactive signage, which has some overlap with kiosks. Don’t sweat it though, we’ve got some hot tips to help you out.

Tablets

Pros
Incredibly versatile
Infinitely portable
Very cost-effective
Cons
May need extra peripherals to do everything needed
Smaller devices are easier to misplace or are often theft risks

Kiosks

Pros
Highly effective for single-use applications where a tablet won’t cut it
Purpose-driven
Cons
Difficult to repurpose
Expensive

Smartphones

Pros
Wide variety of hardware choices
Small, portable form factor
Rugged options
Cons
Easily lost, stolen, or damaged (for non-rugged)
May require more peripherals for full functionality

Advantages

  • It’s smaller:
    mPOS can be a smartphone, a tablet, or a standalone unit based on a smartphone form factor. Any of these are more compact than a big, bulky POS system.
  • Portability:
    ‍    Going to trade shows where you plan on selling goods? Take your mPOS. Want to set up shop on the sidewalk because it’s a nice day? Your mPOS has your back. Decide to close up your restaurant and buy a food truck instead? You won’t need to change your POS system.
  • It’s easy to use:
    ‍    You can use your smartphone, right? Then you can use an mPOS. In many cases, it’s just an app that runs on the device (though dedicated mPOS devices also exist!), so it’s intuitive. Plus, you won’t have to manage it yourself since the mPOS service provider will almost certainly have robust support options.
  • It’s secure:
    ‍    mPOS is more secure than a traditional POS system because it’s completely cloud-based. That means none of the data — credit card or customer information, for example — is stored locally. For a deeper look at mPOS security, check out this whitepaper.
  • It’s automated:
    ‍    No need to manually generate revenue reports, manage bank accounts, or the like. It’s all seamless and simple with an mPOS system.
  • Customers love it (and so will you):
    ‍    At this point, customers are very used to mPOS systems and many likely prefer it overall. With many mPOS systems, the customer’s email address and phone number are attached to their credit card, which makes digital receipts, returns, and customer history dead simple.

Disadvantages

  • Portable = breakable:
    Have you ever dropped an old-school POS and broken it? Probably not, because it’s largely stationary. An mPOS though? Drops happen. Better get a ruggedized case.
  • High cost to replace:
    ‍    What happens when you break that high-dollar mPOS tablet? You have to replace it. That can be costly depending on which model you’re using. While traditional POS systems are more expensive, they’re also far less likely to get damaged, making replacement cost more of a consideration for an mPOS system.
  • Support lifetime:
    There are plenty of old-school POS systems still in use today, but mPOS systems won’t have the same lifecycle. They’re not designed to stay in service indefinitely and have limited support lifetimes, so they’ll have to be replaced regularly for cybersecurity purposes.

Rugged devices are best for:

  • Durability:
    Rugged devices have the durability you wish hard shell tacos did.  While hard shell tacos can’t even be held without falling apart, rugged devices are purpose-built to withstand the harshest conditions, such as extreme temps, moisture, dust, and potential drops, in the toughest environments, like construction sites, manufacturing floors, and outdoor fieldwork.
  • Lower TCO in the long term:
    ‍    Rugged devices are often more expensive at first, but their durability can mean savings in the long run thanks to their reduced risk of damage and longer lifespans. It’s like a horror movie in reverse. The jump scare is up front, then it’s smooth sailing.
  • Extended battery life:
    ‍    If a device goes down and no one is around to see it, does it really go down? Yes, yes it does. That’s why rugged devices often come with a longer battery life so they can operate for extended periods in remote places where charging isn’t easily accessible. 

Consumer-grade devices in a rugged case are best for

  • Cost savings:
    ‍    There are cost savings to be reaped here, both in the short and long term. A rugged case is less expensive than a rugged device, making it cheaper up front, and the added protection makes the device more durable than an uncased device, reducing maintenance and replacement expenses.
  • Support lifetime:
    ‍    There are plenty of old-school POS systems still in use today, but mPOS systems won’t have the same lifecycle. They’re not designed to stay in service indefinitely and have limited support lifetimes, so they’ll have to be replaced regularly for cybersecurity purposes.

Consumer-grade devices are best for 

  • Lower initial costs:
    Consumer-grade devices tend to be a more budget-friendly choice. This is great for those with smaller spending power, but be aware the cost of damage or replacement could be greater in the long run.
  • Ease of use:
    ‍    No bulky or heavy cases here, just slim and lightweight devices. The user experience can be more mobile and carefree— unless, of course, you drop it.
  • Future-proofing:
    ‍    Consumer-grade devices are the favorite child in the device world. They bask in constant attention, enjoying frequent updates that keep them at the cutting edge of functionality and ahead of their rugged counterparts. 

Interactive digital signage vs. kiosk, which is right for your business?

Digital signage can be anything it wants — big or small, square or round, just a sign, or interactive. The latter often struggles with an identity crisis — am I signage or am I a kiosk? For example, the interactive maps found at many large airports are a form of digital signage called digital menu boards, which is also a type of kiosk. Tricky, we know!

The difference between digital signage and kiosks ultimately comes down to how you’re using and managing the device. For example, a giant digital billboard probably doesn’t need to be locked to kiosk mode since a user accessing the underlying operating system is very unlikely. You just need a way to cycle through and update the content, making this a digital signage use case. If this is you, congrats, you’re in the right place!

Interactive signage in an airport, however, needs to be treated more like a kiosk. You don’t want someone rooting around your device settings instead of checking in for their flight. If this sounds more like your use case, check out our kiosk page.

Advantages

  • It’s smaller:
    mPOS can be a smartphone, a tablet, or a standalone unit based on a smartphone form factor. Any of these are more compact than a big, bulky POS system.
  • Portability:
    ‍    Going to trade shows where you plan on selling goods? Take your mPOS. Want to set up shop on the sidewalk because it’s a nice day? Your mPOS has your back. Decide to close up your restaurant and buy a food truck instead? You won’t need to change your POS system.
  • It’s easy to use:
    ‍    You can use your smartphone, right? Then you can use an mPOS. In many cases, it’s just an app that runs on the device (though dedicated mPOS devices also exist!), so it’s intuitive. Plus, you won’t have to manage it yourself since the mPOS service provider will almost certainly have robust support options.
  • It’s secure:
    ‍    mPOS is more secure than a traditional POS system because it’s completely cloud-based. That means none of the data — credit card or customer information, for example — is stored locally. For a deeper look at mPOS security, check out this whitepaper.
  • It’s automated:
    ‍    No need to manually generate revenue reports, manage bank accounts, or the like. It’s all seamless and simple with an mPOS system.
  • Customers love it (and so will you):
    ‍    At this point, customers are very used to mPOS systems and many likely prefer it overall. With many mPOS systems, the customer’s email address and phone number are attached to their credit card, which makes digital receipts, returns, and customer history dead simple.

Disadvantages

  • Portable = breakable:
    Have you ever dropped an old-school POS and broken it? Probably not, because it’s largely stationary. An mPOS though? Drops happen. Better get a ruggedized case.
  • High cost to replace:
    ‍    What happens when you break that high-dollar mPOS tablet? You have to replace it. That can be costly depending on which model you’re using. While traditional POS systems are more expensive, they’re also far less likely to get damaged, making replacement cost more of a consideration for an mPOS system.
  • Support lifetime:
    There are plenty of old-school POS systems still in use today, but mPOS systems won’t have the same lifecycle. They’re not designed to stay in service indefinitely and have limited support lifetimes, so they’ll have to be replaced regularly for cybersecurity purposes.

Rugged devices are best for:

  • Durability:
    Rugged devices have the durability you wish hard shell tacos did.  While hard shell tacos can’t even be held without falling apart, rugged devices are purpose-built to withstand the harshest conditions, such as extreme temps, moisture, dust, and potential drops, in the toughest environments, like construction sites, manufacturing floors, and outdoor fieldwork.
  • Lower TCO in the long term:
    ‍    Rugged devices are often more expensive at first, but their durability can mean savings in the long run thanks to their reduced risk of damage and longer lifespans. It’s like a horror movie in reverse. The jump scare is up front, then it’s smooth sailing.
  • Extended battery life:
    ‍    If a device goes down and no one is around to see it, does it really go down? Yes, yes it does. That’s why rugged devices often come with a longer battery life so they can operate for extended periods in remote places where charging isn’t easily accessible. 

Consumer-grade devices in a rugged case are best for

  • Cost savings:
    ‍    There are cost savings to be reaped here, both in the short and long term. A rugged case is less expensive than a rugged device, making it cheaper up front, and the added protection makes the device more durable than an uncased device, reducing maintenance and replacement expenses.
  • Support lifetime:
    ‍    There are plenty of old-school POS systems still in use today, but mPOS systems won’t have the same lifecycle. They’re not designed to stay in service indefinitely and have limited support lifetimes, so they’ll have to be replaced regularly for cybersecurity purposes.

Consumer-grade devices are best for 

  • Lower initial costs:
    Consumer-grade devices tend to be a more budget-friendly choice. This is great for those with smaller spending power, but be aware the cost of damage or replacement could be greater in the long run.
  • Ease of use:
    ‍    No bulky or heavy cases here, just slim and lightweight devices. The user experience can be more mobile and carefree— unless, of course, you drop it.
  • Future-proofing:
    ‍    Consumer-grade devices are the favorite child in the device world. They bask in constant attention, enjoying frequent updates that keep them at the cutting edge of functionality and ahead of their rugged counterparts. 

Tablets

Usage and portability
Tablets offer the ideal balance between functionality and portability. Their larger screens make it easier to view and use content and apps while still allowing staff to be agile.
Ideal applications
Due to their larger screens, tablets are often preferred for applications that require precise input via a stylus or touch, such as design, healthcare, or fieldwork.
Communication
Users can effectively use tablets for emails, messaging, and video conferencing. Voice calls may be less convenient due to their larger size.
Cost
Tablets offer a cost-effective alternative to smartphones. Quality tablets are often significantly more affordable than flagship smartphones with similar features. This makes tablets a smart way to cut expenses, particularly if you don't need cellular connectivity.
‍

Smartphones

Usage and portability
Smartphones are the most portable devices out there, making them great for on-the-go communication and quick access to information. Their small screens and limited functionality could make them less suitable for certain business tasks.
Ideal applications
Smartphones are better for applications that require mobility, augmented/virtual reality, or mobile payments.
Communication
Smartphones are perfect for efficient communication methods such as voice calls, text messages, emails, and video calls.
Cost
‍Small in size, potentially big in price. Smartphones can get pretty expensive thanks to their compact design and premium features like advanced cameras and facial recognition. These factors drive up production costs and result in higher price tags compared to tablets in many cases.

Smartphones

Usage and portability
Smartphones are the most portable devices out there, making them great for on-the-go communication and quick access to information. Their small screens and limited functionality could make them less suitable for certain business tasks.
Ideal applications
Smartphones are better for applications that require mobility, augmented/virtual reality, or mobile payments.
Communication
Smartphones are perfect for efficient communication methods such as voice calls, text messages, emails, and video calls.
Cost
Small in size, big in price. Smartphones can get pretty expensive thanks to their compact design and premium features like advanced cameras and facial recognition. These factors drive up production costs and result in higher price tags compared to tablets.

Tablets

Usage and portability
Tablets offer the ideal balance between functionality and portability. Their larger screens make it easier to view and use content and apps while still allowing staff be agile.
Ideal applications
Due to their larger screens, tablets are often preferred for applications that require precise input via a stylus or touch, such as design, healthcare, or fieldwork.
Communication
Users can effectively use tablets for emails, messaging, and video conferencing. Voice calls may be less convenient due to their larger size.
Cost
Tablets offer a cost-effective alternative to smartphones. Quality tablets are often significantly more affordable than flagship smartphones with similar features. This makes tablets a smart way to cut expenses, particularly if you don’t need cellular connectivity.

Shopping considerations for digital signage

Ready to put your content on the big (or moderately sized) screen? Here’s what to consider so you get something that actually fits your needs and requirements. Buyer’s remorse? Never heard of it.

Screen functionality

It goes without saying (but we’re saying it anyway) that your screen is crucial. Opt for Full HD or 4K so people actually see your content. Make sure factors like brightness, contrast ratio, and color accuracy align with your needs. And if it needs to be interactive, then get one of those fancy touchscreens.

Software compatibility

We highly recommend making sure your digital signage hardware is compatible with your CMS or digital signage software before you buy it. Groundbreaking, we know, but we’ve seen things.

Durability

The goal of digital signage is to display information. That’s hard to do when it’s broken. Consider your hardware’s tolerance for things like spontaneous weather events, extreme temperatures, vandalism from teens at the mall, and sticky fingers.

Connectivity

Ports aren’t the most exciting topic, but they’re important here. Make sure you have all the necessary inputs and outputs to connect to media players, content sources, and other devices in your installation environment.

Scalability

Times Square wasn’t built overnight. If you want to grow, your hardware needs to be able to grow with you, whether that means number of screens, locations, or the complexity of your content.

Budget

If you want the best bang for your buck, make sure to consider the total cost of ownership for a device, including costs for installation, maintenance, and ongoing operations.

Need More Guidance? Esper Can Help.

Our hardware experts make finding the right hardware easy! Esper has guided thousands of customers to develop efficient, scalable device fleets that meet their needs. With our robust partner catalog and vast hardware support we can always find a solution.

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Managing My Digital Signage

Management considerations for company digital signage

Once you’ve found the right digital signage, it’s time to manage them. An MDM (Mobile Device Management) solution is a great tool to monitor and protect your dynamic displays. But there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all MDM solution. Some key factors to consider when looking for the right MDM:

‍

Flexibility

Don’t put yourself in a box. An MDM that’s flexible can save you a lot of time and money when you’re ready to add more screens, switch hardware vendors, or iterate your solution.

Security

Like rain in San Diego, a security breach is a real bummer. Look for MDM solutions with features like data encryption, device lockdown, and user authentication to keep the sun shining on you.

Control over content

If the content is the main character here, you’re the director. Look for features that give you the control to seamlessly push the latest software updates, ship new content easily, and adjust settings over the air quickly.

Ease of use

An MDM should make your life easier, not harder. Externally, it should feel intuitive and user-friendly, and internally, you should feel like you’re walking on clouds.

Remote control

The only thing worse than your device boot-looping is having it stay broken while you travel to fix it. Features such as real-time device vitals, remote troubleshooting, and remote reboot enable you to implement a fix quickly.

Provisioning

Kitting instructions are designed to make you feel exhausted. Get an MDM that automates the onboarding, provisioning, and deployment processes, and you’ll be strutting around your office in no time.

Advanced Device Management for Company-Owned Digital Signage

With so many MDMs out there, why choose Esper? Well, for one, we built it correctly, with automation, flexibility, and user-friendliness at the core. The simplified provisioning, seamless remote control, and staged updates make it an automatic yes for many. It’s for the businesses that want more — more control, more ease, more free time. You in?
CONTROL
EFFECIENCY
SECURITY

Streamlined device grouping

Easily group devices to improve organization and manage your entire device fleet all in one place.

Update at will

Test updates on a single device, then stage rollouts to groups based on custom rules.

Enhanced visibility

Get instant and up-to-date connectivity status, data information, and a whole lot more. All in one place.

Device kitting made simple

Your IT teams can deploy dozens of devices in minutes instead of hours. Maybe even go home early.

Troubleshoot from anywhere

Remotely control and debug your devices in real-time from anywhere in the world.

Real-time updates

Update app and device configurations at will, on the fly, at any time. As often as you need.

Ensure content integrity

Protect against unauthorized content uploads or changes. Ensure only approved content is displayed.

Keep signage from disappearing

Track devices in real-time and set up a virtual geofence to protect your assets.

Accelerate incident response

Set custom alerts for automated monitoring. Receive actionable alerts and take real-time action.
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Elevated Device Management

Upgrading the retail experience with digital display pricing

Esper partnered heavily with our engineering teams to pilot digital signage strips in our stores to display pricing on retail shelves. Esper made it easy to launch our custom app and create a delightful experience for our customers.

‍

Engineering leader
Engineering leader
Fortune 50 Retailer

Optimizing back and front-of-house operations for restaurants

Esper is an indispensable tool for managing our devices. It allows us to effectively manage our devices both individually and as a cohesive unit. When deciding on hardware for our fleet, our first priority is ensuring it’s compatible with the Esper platform.

Sejun Park
Sejun Park
Head of Hardware at Snackpass
Read the case study

Remote viewing devices through the console makes troubleshooting or assisting users possible without needing a 3rd party subscription. Support for kiosks and those with multiple apps, plus the ability to provide access to select device settings, ensure users have access to everything they need to utilize the device more completely without sacrificing security.

‍

Bill T.
Bill T.
IT Manager, Mid-Market
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FAQs

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Everything You Need to Know About MDM
Tech-first companies need a way to manage all of their digital devices — from tablets and smartphones to kiosks and point of sale systems. That’s where MDM comes in. But there’s no such thing as a one -size-fits-all MDM solution, and each device management scenario needs to be evaluated individually. That’s why it’s important to understand the different types of MDM and where each one excels. This is your guide to all that and more.
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