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McGill University Health Centre (MUHC)

Description of the project

The goal of the McGill University Health Centre was simple: be at the cutting edge of technology to effectively communicate with their users. After taking into consideration the client’s needs, we were able to present a personalized content strategy. Afterwards, in order to ensure fast information update and the possibility of managing their entire display network, we implemented our centralized management software. Security is also an important concern for this contract, which is why our software was directly installed on-site at the MUHC. Since it’s a cloud-based platform, it is therefore accessible by persons in charge from any workstation. Their dynamic digital signage network now includes more than 70 screens such as large screen monitors, interactive terminals, and video walls. This network lets the MUHC communicate essential information such as signage, important news, the wi-fi network, social medias, cafeteria opening hours, and much more.

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Client comment

«Our business relationship with ITESMedia began with the implementation of the dynamic digital signage network and interactive terminals in the MUHC’s different units during its inauguration. We discussed our needs and expectations with their digital signage specialists. Afterwards, they presented us with a content strategy that was directly linked with our objectives. We wanted a modern and effective internal communication tool that would have an impact on our visitors. It has indeed worked, visitors stop in front of monitors and take the time to read the important information continuously displayed. The communications department handles modifications. They use the Studio software supplied by ITESMedia, which is simple and easy to use, to change messages on our video walls, interactive kiosks, and digital signage screens. If the team has any questions, they communicate directly with ITESMedia by email or by phone. Richard and his team have developed a relationship of trust with us which we are encouraged to maintain.»

Julia Asselstine Manager, Communications platforms, Public Affairs and Strategic Planning, MUHC Business relationship with ITESMedia

How does outdoor digital signage survive Québec’s winter ?

Outdoor digital signage is a very effective way to reach a broad audience. During summer, things are simple because of the mild weather conditions which help the screens and the installations function properly. However, several factors can affect your installations during the winter season. For this reason, we decided to write an article to help you understand how outdoor digital signage holds up during the winter season.

1 – Product quality

Quality is the most important factor to take into consideration when buying your screens and installations. Knowing that you will install them in a location where weather conditions are changing and can sometimes be hostile (cold, humidity, extreme heat, etc.), it is important to invest in a good product that can withstand such changes in temperature. We suggest that you seek advice from an expert in the industry who will fully understand your needs and present you with quality products that can withstand the four seasons.

A high quality display has a built-in ventilation system to prevent moisture damage. Outdoor screens installed in Las Vegas (extreme heat conditions, prolonged exposure to the sun) and outdoor screens installed in Québec may seem similar at first sight, but the one located in Québec will have to withstand the harshness of winter and must therefore be heated and better ventilated . A screen designed to operate in extreme conditions will be waterproof and insulated to prevent damages from water, cold, sun exposure, extreme heat and other natural phenomena.

Also, it is important to buy a screen with strong luminance (brightness) so that people looking at its content are able to see what is being broadcast even when the monitor is directly facing powerful sunlight. If your screen is not suitable for the outdoor (but is a quality product), you won’t be able to see the content displayed on the monitor. You can test it with your smartphone or your laptop; you can barely see the content. Note that the minimum recommended brightness for an outdoor screen is 2500 NITS.

2 – Remotely control your screens

Get an operating system that will allow you to control your screens from your computer. This way, you will be able to know immediately when a problem comes up. Most of the time, you can fix a problem directly from your computer. It’s important to know at all times what is happening on your screens and to keep control of it. In addition, you can change the content of your screens from your computer. For example, if your screens are located in a ski resort, you can inform the skiers of the next weather alert.

3 – The installation of a protective housing

To ensure that your screens are well protected outside, you must have a heated and ventilated protective box covering each screen. The protective housing has to be transparent and very rigid as it must resist heat, frost, snow, rain, wind. etc. It will act as a shield for the screen which we want to protect as much possible. Moreover, with such protection, your eoutdoor digital displays are less likely to be vandalized or stolen. It is better that the protective housing be damaged rather than your screens.

To sum up, if you decide to invest in outdoor digital signage, make sure to do your research beforehand. It is important to take into consideration the orientation of your screen, the level of brightness, the vibrations in the ground, the weather conditions and the risks of vandalism. Also, a very crucial yet often forgotten detail: make sure to have access to electricity and the Internet!

If you have any questions about outdoor digital signage, do not hesitate to contact an expert!

By phone (toll free): 1 866 553-5462 ext: 251

By email : Click here

Why did we migrate to Microsoft Azure?

ITESMEDIA has decided to go ahead and migrate its servers to the Microsoft Azure CLOUD. Every year, we strive to provide a high quality service to our customers so they can get the most benefits out of it. As a customer of ITESMEDIA, you have a guaranteed access to the latest updates of the applications you use.

“A significant part of our income is invested in the improvement of our software suite,” says Richard Fortin, CEO at ITESMEDIA. “Migrating our servers to Microsoft Azure is a part of our strategic plan to strengthen our leadership position in digital signage over the country.”

Here are 4 reasons why we are making this technological investment:

1- Protecting our customers’ data

Over the past 18 months, ITESMEDIA has redoubled its efforts to improve the protection of its customers’ data.

First, we set up a strengthened encryption methodology. Then, we decided to move our servers to Microsoft Azure. We made this decision because Microsoft is the first CLOUD supplier to adopt the new international standard ISO 27018 regarding privacy in the CLOUD.

2- Trusting an approved CLOUD service

The Azure solution has been designed to handle all workloads. More than 66% of Fortune 500 companies rely on Azure, which offers SLA contracts as well as technical support and an analysis of how services run continuously.

3- Business continuity

Microsoft Azure offers a plan for its users to access their applications and data at any time. If you are out of office without access to your computer, you can still recover your data because it safely lives on the CLOUD. This is business continuity and it’s the reason why ITESMEDIA stores the data of its customers on Azure.

4- The evolution of servers according to the growth of the company

By using Microsoft Azure, ITESMEDIA ensures that its servers are always able to meet the highest demand for its web applications at any time. In other words, we migrated to Azure to offer a robust and flexible infrastructure that will be available at all times.

Because Azure is simple and safe, ITESMEDIA moved its servers to this CLOUD. Our company wanted our data as well as our customer’s data to be safe (in terms of backup and confidentiality). While other CLOUDS are more at risk with regards to data piracy, Azure is the only one to have adopted the new ISO 27018 international standard.

If you have to deal with a digital display situation during a trip or if your computers and monitors are broken, you can always find your data. We wanted to provide our customers an easy way to work from anywhere at any time. In this way, Azure is useful if your business runs in different countries or cities.

We are here to help! Rest assured that we are always there to answer your questions about this change.

Toll-free : 1 866 553-5462 Ext.: 251

By email : Click here

Business innovation using digital signage (Part 2)

Now that you know some different ways to improve your company’s internal communications (see part 1 of the article), let’s focus on ways to improve communications with your customers. This article offers you 3 different ways to do it, using digital display.

Communicating Performance Indicators

Communicating your performance indicators is important for both your employees and your customers, but for different reasons. As we saw in the article about the importance of communicating your performance indicators to your employees, you can also keep your customers informed about important data. The goal is to expose customers to statistics that could apply in their respective companies.

We took the example of shipment numbers, but you could also display a table of quality control data or keep track of a project’s development. You can also disclose your statistics about the number of workplace accidents to your clients. Show that your facilities are safe and that you care about the safety of your employees.

Providing Educational Content

In your waiting area, use your screens to promote your business. Use this space to tell the story of the company, expose its values, present its builders, etc. Also offer games with choice of answer on your screens in order to make your clients’ wait more enjoyable. They will learn more about your company and will recognize themselves in some of the answers.

Video capsules can also be used to broadcast news or information. If your company participates in charitable activities, sponsors an event or unveils its new infrastructure, for example, you need to let everybody know! Your customers want to see your achievements. They want to see that your company is involved in its environment.

Introduce Your Employees to the Customers

Your clients always like to know who is dealing with their file, who works for them. On your screens, you can talk about some employees. Explain what they actually do in your company, what projects they are working on, their actions and their implication. A video capsule of these employees can also be displayed so that they tell their own story.

Try to introduce each of your employees and alternate the broadcast. You will have diversified content that your customer base is not likely to see twice. This method helps to humanize the work that is done and to highlight the work of your employees. It is a winning combination for both your clients and your employees as it shows your appreciation for the work done.

With these two articles on the different methods to innovate in your communications (internal and with your customers), you can see that the methods are similar for both types. However, even if the form is similar, the content must be different. The most important is to tailor your message to the target audience; customers or employees. Data and information is not seen the same way by everyone. The goal is to capture everyone’s attention and produce quality content that they will remember.

Business innovation using digital signage (Part 1)

This article is the first in a series of two about business innovation using digital display. Communication is a key element for any company that wants to stand out from the rest. Yet most of them still use old methods and don’t want to take advantage of the new technologies now available to communicate with their employees. This article gives you 5 different ways to improve communication within your company using digital display.

1. Communicating performance indicators

As we saw in our last article, communicating performance indicators is important. In addition to all the benefits mentioned, it should not be forgotten that communicating performance indicators shows a great deal of transparency towards employees. More and more companies are seeing improvements in employee commitment and productivity as a result of sharing certain information about the company. An employee who feels involved in the business will perform much better in the long run.

2. Preventing accidents

You can also use your screens for prevention purposes. Provide employees with a variety of tips to help them work effectively without getting injured. Here is an entire article talks about this subject. You also want to provide numbers and statistics to your employees so that they feel more concerned. Being aware of accidents and “near-misses” that happened in the past will most likely encourage employees to be more careful in their way of working. Don’t forget that the costs related to an accident at work are very high, more than $ 38,000 per accident according to the IRSST. That is one more reason to innovate in our ways of preventing them.

3. Display information in real time

Dynamic digital display also innovates by its speed. You can now broadcast messages in real time to your employees. You can use your screens to disseminate information that needs to be communicated quickly, such as water damage in one of your factories or an event coming up. These messages will be communicated dynamically, using the screen, and are most likely to have an impact than a sheet on the wall or a document distributed to each department.

In the same vein, I advise you to read this article: 5 good reasons to use dynamic digital signage in a factory.

4. Switching from paper to digital

Now, let’s talk about the transition from paper to digital. Today, everything can be done using digital. In addition of doing your part for the environment by reducing your company’s paper consumption, you increase your chances of getting your message across. A paper communication takes a while to spread (printing and distribution delays) and is static. You will not reach a maximum number of people because they will read the message only once before discarding the paper and no longer being exposed to what you had to communicate.

Using your screens, you can expose your audience more than once, unlike paper. You can customize your message. Make it attractive, captivating, and flashy so that your employees can notice it. A screen is much more dynamic than a sheet of paper; it allows you to add color, videos, photos, animations, etc. Use your screens to their full potential to maximize the efficiency of your message!

5. Providing educational content

Your screens can also provide educational content related to your business sector. You can adapt and display your message in different forms: questions and answers, quizzes, video capsules, fun facts, etc. This type of communication exposes your employees to ongoing training, in a much more interesting way than the usual formations. Workers will be more focused and receptive to the displayed messages if they feel they are learning something quickly. You know employees are interested to the content if they are constantly taking a look at the screens.

The best way to communicate in your company is by adapting to new trends. Communicating with your employees is paramount to the good health of your company. Digital display is an essential tool to reduce your paper consumption and reach all of your employees very easily. With your screens, your only limits are your imagination and your creativity!

Read the second part of this article by following this link

The 5 digital signage best practices

Knowing your objectives

Above all, you must know why you want to use dynamic digital display in the company. It is by determining clear objectives that you can use the network at its full potential. It will also be easier to evaluate results if precise goals are set. It is by addressing certain needs to be met that you will see the benefits of using this strategy.

Communication is an essential element in any kind of company and can be facilitated through dynamic digital display. You can share information with employees easily, without any loss of time. Businesses want their service to be faster and interactive. More and more restaurants, for example, are adding interactive menus or digital billboards to enhance customer experience. In other environments, companies are using this tool to further motivate their employees by keeping them involved in the development of the business.

Having a good content strategy

Once the objectives are targeted, the focus shifts to content strategy. There are tons of ways to display information on the screens. You have to choose a specific template that will effectively disseminate the digital content. In fact, the size of each diffusion zone needs to be defined. A few aspects can be seen on the monitors: the main message to communicate in words or images, news that would scroll at the bottom of the screen, the weather display, the frequency at which information is shown, etc. For example, in a factory where workers are predominantly male, sports news at the bottom of the screens would be a good option. On the other hand, a major newspaper’s offices would more likely spread last minute headlines on different monitors. In the example below, educational content and important messages appear in the main area, the news and weather are shown in the secondary area.

These elements have to be adjusted according to the type of environment and customer. This way, you make sure to capture people’s attention while conveying messages. It is all about knowing the environment and adapting the information displayed to customers, employees or passers-by.

Choosing and placing the equipment strategically

Now that the content strategy is in place, you must address some important technical aspects. Screen location is a key element for attracting maximum attention to the information displayed. Specifically, it is more logical to place the screens in a waiting room or in a rest area than in a busy hallway, for example. Of course, content must be clearly visible and easy to understand. You need to go with meaningful words or short video clips rather than long explanations that may discourage viewers.

Other technicalities should be considered, such as screen size and quantity. Do you want to place small screens knowing that the persons concerned are far from the content, for example? It goes without saying that the size of the content must be adapted depending on the proximity level between the screens and the viewers. If the equipment is outdoors, the brightness should be adjusted accordingly so that the information remains clearly visible despite daylight. These are all small details, but they are essential for a proper usage of dynamic digital display.

Finding the right dynamic digital display software

All kinds of software are available on the market. The features vary from one to another, some provide several customizable templates, and others are better at automatizing content, for instance. Therefore, according to your needs, software selection is crucial. If you want to be able to frequently modify the information displayed, it would be logical to choose multiplatform software that allows you to make adjustments easily with a cell phone or any other device connected to the network.

Also, some software can connect to business database and automatically display real time content. If you want to make a more commercial usage of dynamic digital display, where the content does not change very often, you will look for other qualities. Indeed, you should turn to easy to use software that provides an attractive visual content with high-quality display. Another interesting aspect to consider is the availability of technical assistance, which can guide you in the operation of the software. Again, objectives have to be clear in order to make wise choices, depending on your needs. To help you throughout the decision process, have a look at our two part article: Free or paid digital display software?

Broadcasting meaningful and dynamic content

Once objectives, equipment and software have all been chosen, it is important not to overlook the main content to be broadcasted. The information displayed should mean something to people targeted by the message. For example, as far as prevention is concerned, displaying revealing video footage is a great way to influence the environment.

It is essential that the content remains the center piece on the screens. In other words, it would be a shame to spend too much time on the layout and forget what message you really wish to spread.

Do not forget that no matter the screens size, their location or the choice of software, content is the most important aspect for reaching effective communication within the company.

Should you choose free or paid digital display software? (Part 2)

Digital signage Software Free vs Paid

You know about digital display, but are having some trouble picking the best software for your needs. Free or paid software? What should good software offer? What are my needs? In the second part of this article, we will present 3 other factors that must be taken into consideration when choosing a digital signage software, whether free or paid.

Read the part 1 of this article

Ease of use

The software’s ease of use is the most important point to consider. It brings together all the other points of this article.

Free or paid, your choice of digital display software will let you do many things, but how easy is it to use? Will you enjoy or dread using it?

What constitutes easy to use software? It’s software that:

Is intuitive and user-friendly, which lets you make changes quickly and easily (in less than 3 clicks and less than 30 seconds). This means you don’t need to be a professional in computer technology to use it.
Offers the features you need and sometimes even some that you didn’t know you needed but that make things much easier for you. For example: previewing and integration of different data formats.
Automates your on-screen content. Which lets you automatically display any data you possess effortlessly.
Is not intimidating.
Offers the support you need when you need it.
Offers an IT structure (server) that is complete and secure.

In summary, easy to use software frees you from the stress that managing a network of screens could cause.

Support

Regardless of your software provider, you may have questions or face problems during your project.

While it is common to offer support, some companies do not, or offers it only partly. Paid software usually offers good support. However, free software often charges fees to access help. In some cases, it is e-mail-only support or phone support at very specific times.

Since we never know when a problem can occur, it is preferable to have a service that can help you when you need it.

Hosting server

An other important factor is the hosting server. Some free software does not always offer this service or does not offer an adequate level of security. It is very important to double check this since if hosting is not offered at all you will need to build your own dedicated server, the cost of which alone justifies the price of paid software. If security is lacking, your data can be at risk or some unwanted content can appear on your screens.

Finally, free software has its advantages and can be a good digital display solution. It can be an interesting option in the beginning, you can then move on to a paid solution as your needs evolve. In any case, it is always preferable to get information before choosing software, whether free or paid. I would like to close by saying that the best solution is the one that will lend an impact greater than efforts (time and money) that you spend on it.

Should you choose free or paid digital display software? (Part 1)

Digital signage Software Free vs Paid

You’ve been hearing about digital signage and you know it could benefit your organization. You start shopping and get:

Screens
Multimedia players
Content management software

You quickly realize there is a lot of digital signage software available. Unlike screens and media players, you can find free or paid software. At first glance, the choice is simple, a free solution seems better.

As with any purchase, you first need to assess your needs. Even though free software may seem more attractive, are you sure that it has everything you need?

This two-part article presents 6 factors to check for when choosing your software.

Display automation and management time

The first factor to take into consideration is the automation of your screen and its relation with the time required to update your content. Two points to consider:

Display automation
Manual changes

Display automation is not possible with all software and is even rarer (never) on free software. Automation is the process of retrieving existing information from several databases (ERP, CMS, Intranet, Website, News, Weather…), then displaying it easily on the screen.

Manual modifications deals with changes that cannot be automated, such as displaying a new job opening, for instance. Free software can make those changes, but they tend to be less user-friendly and harder to use, especially since they rarely offer training. For those reasons, management takes longer and is more demanding.

To assess your needs, ask yourself the following questions:

Will I have to make lots of changes to my content?
Is automating my screens important?

In some cases, free software can be adequate, in others, the paid software will quickly justify its cost.

Features

A free digital signage software offers many features, but this is where paid software stands out. Make sure to check the following items to see if it meets your needs:

Number of software access keys
Access management
Number of templates and template editor
Emergency messages
Limited or unlimited media storage
Regular updates
Compatibility
Data integration (in different formats)
Display automation
Message programming (scheduling)
Previewing
Branding for your business
Remote management

Subscriptions and extras

Most free software on the market also offers one or more paid variants, generally in the form of a premium subscription. The free version usually offers limited features and services. Depending on your needs, you will sometimes have no choice but to subscribe or pay for extras to properly undertake your project.

You should be wary, some software that is free at first can end up being much more costly than paid software.

The three other important factors will be published in the second part of this article.

2016-2017 Digital Signage Trends

The largest event in the field of digital signage took place this March 16th and 17th in Las Vegas: the Digital Signage Expo 2016. More than 6000 experts from all spheres of the industry were there to present their brand new technology. It is a must see event where all the players in the market learn about the latest trends.

Richard Fortin, chairman and founder of ITESMedia for over 11 years, was of course present and he will now share his impressions on the upcoming trends for equipment, software, and content management in this article.

ITESMEDIA is a company that has been working in the field of digital signage for more than 11 years. It deploys interactive terminals, digital signage equipment, and interactive kiosks, in addition to having its own content management softwareITESLIVE.

The Digital Signage Expo 2016 is without a doubt the must see event in the field of digital signage. Here is the convention, by the numbers:

More than 4100 people visited the convention
Visitors came from 69 different countries
The convention takes up over 84 000 square feet
More than 200 exhibitors, 45 for whom it was their first show

Source: David Haynes, http://www.sixteen-nine.net/2016/04/04/dse-reports-slight-upticks-in-2016-attendee-exhibit-space-numbers/

OLED screens emerging, LEDs growing

Source: http://www.digitalsignageexpo.net/

Large businesses like LG, Samsung, Panasonic, NEC, Planar, and a few manufacturers were well represented during this gathering. They showed off all the latest innovations in computers, monitors, and supports.

OLED screens were part of these innovations and have as their main advantages a thinner size and richer colours. This technology, for which we have been waiting for a long time, is now seeing more availability on the market. However, their high price and their poor performance in well light areas will limit their growth in certain markets. This type of screen is therefore only used in places where there isn’t too much light, for now.

LED technology, on the other hand, finds a new vocation. This technology, which was mostly used for very large size exterior screens due to its excellent performance in well lit conditions, is now used indoors for the implementation of video walls. Therefore, all the largest monitor manufacturers have started using this type of product aggressively, which will reduce its cost in the near future. It’s good news for consumers.

Display systems

Source: http://www.digitalsignageexpo.net/

As for display systems, on-board systems, or “on-chip systems”, have once more received a lot of attention at the convention. These systems, that have now been available for a few years, use a proprietary system unique to each manufacturer that allows the use of the screen’s internal system instead of having to buy an external computer. It is therefore a significant cost reduction for the user.

Another technology that is receiving attention: Android-based display systems. However, many players in the industry have their doubts on those types of systems, since they present some data security risks. Despite this problem, there is most probably a market for embedded systems since the material costs are relatively low.

Software developers

According to David Haynes, editor of the 16:9 blog and an influential player in the field, there are only about 40 serious companies left in software development for digital signage. It is a sobering assessment, albeit a realistic one. Health care businesses are the ones with a specific niche. According to David Haynes, it is only a matter of time before a hundred businesses, differentiated only by their low price, disappear. The companies that stand out not through the quality of their product but by their smaller margins will have a hard time investing money into improving their software.

Therefore, we can conclude that companies that will have developed very effective software in a specialized market have a much better chance of succeeding.

Content creation

Digital signage is of course leaning heavily on the visual aspect, but, strangely, few firms were present for the convention. One thing is for sure, there were fewer than last year. The very high cost has certainly discouraged many content creation companies from participating in the event.

Moreover, we notice that creators are now a part of software integration teams. The implementation of a multidisciplinary team (creator, developer, integrator, designer) allows a business to offer a turnkey service to its clients.

Visiting this Expo has allowed us to take the pulse of the market and has given us many hints on what will happen in the next months for digital signage.

New Partnership with Olympe

ITESMedia is proud to announce a new partnership agreement with Olympe , a company specialized in the improvement of quality of life at work. Throughout the years, that company has stood out in the field of prevention for occupational health and safety through its communication tools and its custom made content for businesses. It counts several large Quebec companies as its clients.

See a live example of dynamic digital display (desktop computers only)

This partnership will allow both businesses to offer their clients specialized content on occupational health and safety through a digital display network that will be visible at all hours of the day. Thus, with a good content strategy, your communications reach employees wherever they are located in the business.

“It is excellent news for our clients” mentions Richard Fortin, CEO of ITESMedia, “since it will improve the quality of broadcast content and therefore minimize work injuries, reduce SST costs, and improve employee motivation.”

13 years of experience have allowed ITESMEDIA to develop a unique offer in the corporate field. Its content management software will let companies communicate effectively with their audience, regardless of geographical location or worker schedule. Moreover, this new partnership agreement with Olympe will grant ITESMEDIA’s clients access to very high quality specialized content.

In summary, here are the advantages that this new partnership brings to clients:

Improved message quality;
Reduced work injuries;
Reduced SST costs;
Improved employee productivity;
Modifying messages quickly and easily.