How do I update content on my digital signage solution?

Updating content on a digital signage solution depends on the system you’re using. Most modern solutions offer cloud-based or local content management options via your web browser

Ways to Update Digital Signage Content

• Using a Content Management System (CMS) – A digital signage CMS (like Sabercom) lets you update content remotely via a web-based dashboard. Simply log in, upload new media, schedule updates, and publish instantly.
• USB or Local Storage – Some digital signage screens allow manual updates by inserting a USB drive or loading files onto an internal storage device.
• Automated Feeds – If your signage displays news, weather, or social media updates, it can be set up to pull fresh content automatically from online sources.

A good digital signage supplier will provide Training & Support services on how to manage and schedule content. Sabercom offer ongoing training, support and troubleshooting to optimise performance.

Ongoing support to troubleshoot issues and optimise performance.

Choosing a reliable digital signage provider ensures you can easily update and manage your screens without technical difficulties.

What types of content can I display?

Digital signage is a powerful tool that supports a variety of dynamic content formats to engage audiences. Here are some of the most popular types of content you can display:

1. Images & Videos– High-resolution images, slideshows, and videos for promotions, branding, or advertisements.

2. Live News & Weather Updates – Real-time news headlines, stock market data, travel reports, and weather forecasts will keep viewers informed.

3. Social Media Feeds – Live updates from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn, enhancing social engagement.

4. Event Schedules & Announcements – Display meeting room schedules, upcoming events, and important notices in corporate or educational settings.

5. Interactive Content – Touchscreen-enabled displays for wayfinding, self-service kiosks, or virtual product shelves.

6. Menus & Product Listings – Digital menu boards for restaurants, cafés, and retail stores, allowing easy updates and promotions.

7. Internal Communications – Employee updates, safety guidelines, and corporate messages for offices and workplaces.

Can I schedule different content for different times of the day?

Absolutely, you can schedule different content for different times of the day using a digital signage solution. This is a common and powerful practice known as dayparting.

What is Dayparting?

Dayparting is the process of scheduling specific content to play on your digital signs at certain times of the day, days of the week, or even seasons. Think of it like creating a TV schedule for your screens.

Why Use Dayparting?

Using dayparting in digital signage lets you:

• Target specific audiences: For example, a cafe might promote coffee and breakfast in the morning, lunch specials in the afternoon, and dessert or drinks in the evening.
• Maximise relevance: Content can match the mood or need of the viewer depending on the time—weather updates in the morning, event promotions closer to start time, etc.
• Increase engagement: Timely, relevant messages are more likely to grab attention.
• Optimise screen real estate: Use your screens more effectively by rotating content based on time slots.

Common Scheduling Examples

• Retail: Morning promos for commuters, afternoon discounts for students, evening sales for after-work shoppers.
• Restaurants: Breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner menus shown at corresponding times.
• Gyms: Motivational content during peak hours, instructional videos during off-peak times.
• Corporate offices: Internal communications in the morning, meeting reminders midday, motivational or recognition content toward end-of-day.

How It Works (Tech Side)

Most digital signage solutions, such as Sabercom, come with a scheduling feature that supports:

• Time-based rules (e.g., 7am–11am show breakfast ad)
• Day-based rules (e.g., Monday–Friday only)
• Calendar-based rules (e.g., show this content from April 10–14)
• Recurring or one-off scheduling

All this is typically controlled via a CMS dashboard so you can manage it remotely from anywhere using your web browser.

How do I ensure my content is engaging?

Keeping your digital signage content engaging is key to getting real value out of your screens. It’s not just about having flashy visuals, it’s about crafting content that’s timely, relevant, and visually effective.

Here’s a breakdown of how to keep your content fresh and engaging:

1. Rotate Content Regularly

• Avoid “screen fatigue.” People tune out if they see the same thing every day.
• Use a content calendar and update messages weekly or bi-weekly.
• Even small tweaks (colour, layout, wording) can make it feel new.

2. Know Your Audience

• Tailor content to who is watching (employees, customers, visitors).
• Ask: What do they care about at this time/place? Why should they look at this?

Example:

• In a gym? Share quick fitness tips or class schedules.
• In a corporate office? Internal news, recognition shoutouts, KPIs.

3. Use Dayparting (like we just talked about)

• Match the message to the time of day.
• Keeps content relevant and feels timely.

4. Keep It Visual

• Use high-quality images, videos, or even subtle animations.
• Avoid walls of text — go for short, punchy messages (think billboard-style).
• Use bold headlines + subtext if needed.

Pro tip: Design with the “glance test” in mind — can someone absorb the message in 5 seconds or less?

5. Mix Up the Content Types

Add variety:

• Promotions / announcements
• Social media feeds
• Weather or news tickers
• Countdown timers (e.g. “3 days until launch!”)
• Live dashboards or metrics
• Employee shoutouts / birthdays
• Fun facts, trivia, or quotes

6. Incorporate Real-Time Data

Dynamic content grabs attention. Use integrations with:

• Calendars (e.g. today’s events)
• News / RSS feeds
• Social media
• Sales data or dashboards (especially in offices)

 7. Interactive Content (if touch screens or mobile integration are an option)

• QR codes leading to promos or surveys
• Touch navigation for directories or menus
• Live polls or feedback

 

8. Test & Learn

• Track engagement (if your platform supports analytics).
• Ask people what they noticed or liked.
• A/B test different styles or messages.

Can I integrate social media or live feeds into my digital signage solution?

Yes, you can absolutely integrate social media and live feeds into your digital signage solution. In fact, doing so is one of the most effective ways to keep your displays dynamic, relevant, and engaging. Whether you’re showcasing live Twitter feeds, Instagram posts, Facebook updates, or real-time news and weather, integrating live content helps capture attention and encourage viewer interaction.

Most modern digital signage software platforms, like Sabercom, offer built-in widgets or apps that make it easy to pull in content from your social media accounts or other live data sources. You can display:

• Instagram posts by hashtag or user
• Twitter/X timelines or mentions
• Facebook page updates
• LinkedIn company posts
• Live news and RSS feeds
• Local weather, traffic, or stock tickers
• Google Calendar events or live dashboards

Social media integration is especially powerful for boosting engagement and brand awareness. For example, displaying a real-time Instagram wall with a branded hashtag encourages user-generated content and increases social proof. You can also moderate posts before they go live to ensure appropriate content.

Live feeds and social media content ensure your digital signage stays fresh without constant manual updates. They’re perfect for retail, restaurants, offices, event venues, and more – anywhere that benefits from real-time communication and interaction.

Installation & Maintenance

How do I install a digital signage solution?

Installing a digital signage solution may sound complex, but with the right tools and a clear plan, it’s a straightforward process. Whether you’re setting up screens in a corporate office, retail store, school, or healthcare facility, the key is to follow a structured approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Define Your Goals and Content Strategy

Before installing any hardware, determine the purpose of your digital signage. Are you promoting products, sharing internal communications, displaying live data, or welcoming visitors? Your content goals will shape your hardware, software, and layout decisions.

Step 2: Choose the Right Screens and Media Players

Select commercial-grade digital displays that suit your environment — wall-mounted, freestanding, or even interactive touchscreens. These displays are often paired with media players (small devices that deliver content to the screen).

If you’re using Sabercom’s digital signage solution, the software can come pre-configured for simple plug-and-play functionality, making installation fast and hassle-free.

Step 3: Set Up Your Network

Connect your screens to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. A stable connection is essential for downloading content, receiving updates, and syncing real-time feeds. Sabercom’s solution works securely over your existing network infrastructure and can also operate with pre-scheduled content offline.

Step 4: Install the Digital Signage Software

Install the Sabercom content management software on your PC or access it via the web portal. This platform allows you to:

• Upload images, videos, and messages
• Create playlists and screen layouts
• Schedule content by time, date, or location
• Monitor screen status remotely

Sabercom’s interface is user-friendly, with drag-and-drop tools and customisable templates designed for non-technical users.

Step 5: Mount and Connect the Screens

Physically install your screens in high-visibility areas. Once mounted, connect the media player or PC and power everything on.

Step 6: Schedule and Launch Your Content

Use Sabercom’s scheduling tools to assign content to specific screens and times. Whether you’re running a single screen or a network across multiple locations, you can manage everything remotely and in real time.

Step 7: Test and Monitor

Run a full test to ensure your content displays correctly. Sabercom provides tools to monitor screen uptime, check connectivity, and troubleshoot issues, giving you peace of mind.

Do I need professional installation?

Whether or not you need professional digital signage installation depends on the complexity of your setup, your technical confidence, and the scale of your project. The good news? Many modern digital signage solutions – especially those from providers like Sabercom – are designed to be simple enough for in-house installation

When Professional Installation Might Be Worth It

Larger or more complex setups may benefit from professional installation, especially if:

• You’re mounting multiple screens across different buildings or floors
• You need ceiling mounts, custom enclosures, or outdoor displays
• You’re integrating digital signage with other systems (e.g., room booking, emergency alerts)
• You want to minimise downtime and ensure optimal screen positioning and cabling

Sabercom offers expert guidance and installation support for organisations with more technical or large-scale requirements. Their team will also train your staff post-installation to ensure long-term success.

How do I maintain my digital signage solution?

Maintaining your digital signage solution is essential to ensure reliable performance, up-to-date content, and a consistent viewer experience. The good news? With modern systems like Sabercom’s digital signage platform, ongoing maintenance is minimal and largely automated — but there are still a few best practices to follow to keep everything running smoothly.

1. Keep Your Content Fresh and Relevant

The most effective digital signage is regularly updated. Use Sabercom’s cloud-based content management system to:

• Schedule new messages, promotions, or internal communications
• Rotate visuals to prevent content fatigue
• Tailor messages to different times of day or audience types (dayparting)

Sabercom makes it easy to create and manage playlists, update templates, and push content to one or multiple screens remotely.

2. Monitor Screen Health and Connectivity

With Sabercom, you can remotely check the status of your screens and media players to ensure they’re online and displaying the correct content. It’s important to:

• Set up screen alerts or auto-notifications for offline devices
• Regularly verify network connectivity and internet speed
• Reboot media players as needed (some systems allow remote restarts)

This proactive monitoring minimises downtime and keeps your messaging uninterrupted.

3. Perform Periodic Hardware Checks

Even with a reliable system, hardware needs occasional attention:

• Clean screens and check for physical damage or wear
• Inspect power cables and mounts for safety
• Ensure fans or ventilation are clear, especially for high-traffic or warmer environments

Sabercom’s media players are compact and robust, but it’s good practice to check physical connections and power sources during routine walkthroughs.

4. Update Software and Firmware

Sabercom provides regular software updates and security patches to keep your system secure and performing at its best. Make sure:

• Automatic updates are enabled
• Admins are notified of available updates
• You review update logs or release notes if needed

These updates often include performance enhancements, bug fixes, or new features to expand your signage capabilities.

5. Review Analytics and Optimise

Use built-in tools to track:

• Content performance (which screens and messages get the most visibility)
• Scheduling effectiveness
• Uptime statistics

Analysing these metrics helps you refine your content strategy and improve engagement over time.

What happens if my digital signage solution stops working?

If your digital signage solution stops working, it can disrupt communication, impact branding, and lead to missed opportunities – especially in high-traffic environments like retail, offices, or schools. But don’t panic – most issues can be quickly resolved, especially when you’re backed by a reliable digital signage vendor offering strong support services.

Common Reasons for Digital Signage Downtime

Before diving into solutions, it helps to understand what might cause a disruption:

• Loss of internet connection
• Power outages or hardware failure
• Media player errors or overheating
• Outdated software or firmware
• Content scheduling conflicts

Troubleshooting and Recovery

Most modern digital signage solutions are designed with fail-safes and recovery options to minimise downtime. For example:

• Content can often continue playing offline if it’s cached locally on the media player.
• A quick reboot or remote refresh may fix minor glitches.
• Admin users can typically check screen status remotely to identify the issue.

Vendor Support Services: What to Expect

A strong support system is critical for peace of mind. Top digital signage vendors, like Sabercom, offer a range of support services to get you back up and running quickly:

1. Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics
Sabercom provides remote access tools to check device status, troubleshoot problems, and perform resets — without needing to be on-site.

2. Technical Support Helpdesk
You’ll have access to a dedicated support team via phone, email, or online ticketing. Trained technicians can walk you through common fixes or escalate complex issues when needed.

3. Software Updates and Bug Fixes
Regular software updates will ensure your system stays secure, stable, and compatible with the latest devices and features. Many updates are applied automatically to reduce manual maintenance.

4. Content Backup and Recovery
If your signage system experiences a failure, digital signage platforms will ensure your content is safely stored and can be quickly reloaded once the system is back online.

5. Onboarding and Training
To help prevent future issues, suppliers offer initial setup assistance and user training. This ensures your team knows how to manage, monitor, and troubleshoot your signage with confidence.

Is digital signage weatherproof for outdoor use?

Yes, digital signage can be weatherproof and specifically designed for outdoor use, but not all screens are created equal. To withstand the elements, outdoor digital signage must be built with durable, weather-resistant materials and protective technology that allows it to function reliably in rain, sun, wind, snow, and fluctuating temperatures.

What Makes Outdoor Digital Signage Weatherproof? Outdoor digital displays are engineered differently from indoor units. Here’s what sets them apart:

• Weather-Resistant Enclosures: Outdoor signage features IP-rated enclosures (typically IP65 or higher) to protect against moisture, dust, and debris.
• High Brightness Screens: Direct sunlight can wash out content. Outdoor displays use high-nit (brightness) panels – often 2,000+ nits – to ensure visibility in daylight.
• Anti-Glare and UV Protection: Screens are treated to reduce glare and resist UV damage, preventing screen fade and overheating.
• Temperature Control: Built-in fans, heaters, or climate-control systems allow displays to function in extreme hot or cold environments.
• Vandal-Resistant Glass: Many outdoor units come with toughened glass or anti-graffiti coatings for added protection in public spaces.

Do I Need a Special Installation? Yes. Outdoor digital signage solutions typically requires professional installation, especially if it’s freestanding, wall-mounted in exposed locations, or integrated into a custom kiosk. Power and network connections also need to be weather-sealed and secured.

Indoor vs Outdoor: Why It Matters

Using an indoor screen outdoors, even in a sheltered area, can lead to:

• Screen blackouts from overheating
• Water damage and electrical issues
• Voided warranties

Always choose purpose-built outdoor digital signage for external environments to ensure longevity, performance, and safety.

Many vendors offer specialised outdoor solutions with full weatherproofing. For example, providers like Sabercom offer digital signage hardware options and can advise on appropriate outdoor enclosures, screen specs, and environmental considerations based on your location and use case.

Cost & ROI

How much does a digital signage solution cost?

The cost of a digital signage solution in the UK can vary widely depending on the scale of your setup, the type of screens you need, and the features included in your software platform. Prices can range from as little as a few hundred pounds for a basic single-screen setup to several thousand pounds for a fully networked, multi-site solution with professional-grade displays and advanced content management features.

Typical Cost Breakdown

Here’s a general guide to what you can expect to budget for each component of a digital signage solution:

1. Digital Displays

• Commercial-grade screens start from around £300 to £1,200+, depending on size, brightness, and whether they’re designed for indoor or outdoor use.
• Touchscreens and interactive displays cost more, typically £1,000 and above.

2. Media Players

• A standalone media player that delivers content to your screen can cost £100–£500, depending on processing power and connectivity.
• Some digital signage platforms offer free software installation or plug-and-play media players pre-configured to work out of the box, which saves time and setup costs.

3. Digital Signage Software

• Cloud-based content management systems (CMS) typically charge a monthly or annual licence fee. Expect to pay:
  • From £15–£30 per screen/month, or
  • Discounted annual rates for bulk licences or multi-screen deployments

4. Installation and Setup

• Basic installation may be handled in-house if using a plug-and-play system.
• Professional installation, especially for outdoor or multi-screen projects, could range from £200 to £1,000+, depending on complexity.

5. Ongoing Maintenance and Support

• Many vendors include support and software updates as part of their licence fees.
• Optional service level agreements (SLAs) may add a small premium but ensure priority support and system monitoring.

 Additional Factors That Affect Cost

• Outdoor screens cost significantly more due to weatherproofing and higher brightness.
• Custom enclosures, video walls, and touchscreen interactivity increase costs.
• Content creation services (if outsourced) may also factor into your overall spend.

The key is to choose a trusted provider – like Sabercom – who can offer transparent pricing, flexible packages, and expert advice to match your specific needs and budget. Remember to consider total cost of ownership, not just the upfront price—include hardware lifespan, software updates, support, and ease of use in your decision-making.

Is digital signage a one-time investment or an ongoing expense?

Digital signage solutions are not just a one-time investment – they’re an ongoing expense that evolves with your business needs. While the initial costs include hardware like screens, media players, and installation, there are several recurring elements to consider.

Content creation and updates, software subscriptions, technical support, and maintenance are key ongoing costs. Digital signage thrives on fresh, engaging content, so updating visuals and messaging regularly is essential for keeping your audience interested and your brand relevant.

Many digital signage solutions also operate on cloud-based platforms that charge monthly or annual fees. These platforms offer features like remote content management, analytics, and real-time updates — powerful tools that require consistent support and development.

In short, to maximise the value of your digital signage and keep it performing at its best, think of it as a dynamic marketing tool with ongoing investment — not a one-and-done purchase.

How can I measure the return on investment (ROI) of digital signage?

Measuring the ROI of digital signage involves tracking how effectively it meets your business goals — whether that’s boosting sales, improving customer engagement, or streamlining communication.

Here are some practical ways to measure ROI:

1. Track Sales Uplift

If your signage promotes products or services, compare sales data before and after your campaigns. For example, spotlighting a limited time offer on your screens and monitoring the resulting sales spike gives you tangible ROI data.

2. Monitor Engagement Metrics

Use tools like touch screen interactions, QR code scans, or shortened URLs to measure how often customers engage with your content. These metrics can show how well your signage captures attention and drives action.

3. Evaluate Cost Savings

Digital signage solutions can reduce printing costs, staff workload, or time spent updating static signs. Calculate these savings and factor them into your ROI equation.

4. Measure Dwell Time and Customer Behaviour

With technologies like motion sensors or integrated cameras (used ethically and within privacy laws), you can track how long people view your signage and whether it influences their behaviour – like entering a store or exploring a product area.

5. Collect Customer Feedback

Surveys or quick polls via digital screens can help you understand customer perception. Positive feedback often correlates with effective signage.

6. Use Analytics from Digital Signage Software

Most modern signage platforms provide detailed performance analytics. You can track impressions, screen uptime, content playback frequency, and more — valuable data to tie directly to outcomes.

Are there any hidden costs with digital signage?

While digital signage can be a powerful tool for communication and marketing, there are often hidden costs that catch businesses off guard if not planned for upfront.

Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Content Creation & Management

The screens are only as effective as the content you display. Whether you hire designers, purchase templates, or subscribe to content services, creating fresh, engaging content is an ongoing cost many overlook. Costs can be reduced by creating content in-house using your own communications or marketing team.

2. Software Licensing or Subscriptions

Most digital signage solutions charge a monthly or annual fee for content management, cloud storage, scheduling tools, and analytics. These costs vary depending on the number of screens and features used. On-premise (self hosted) solutions will offer a higher up front cost but potentially offer annual savings.

3. Network & Internet Costs

If your signage system runs on Wi-Fi or uses data-heavy content like videos, expect increased bandwidth usage. You might need to upgrade your internet plan or network hardware for reliable performance. Hardwiring your digital signage player is also an option.

4. Maintenance and Repairs

Digital displays require regular maintenance, and although the hardware is very reliable hardware eventually needs replacing. Screen calibration, software updates, and unexpected repairs can add up over time.

5. Installation & Setup

Beyond just mounting the screen, you might need professional installation, electrical work, or even structural reinforcements — especially for large or outdoor displays.

6. Training & Support

Some systems come with a learning curve. You may need to invest in staff training or pay for ongoing technical support to keep everything running smoothly. Many digital signage solutions providers, such as Sabercom, offer free unlimited training as part of the system set up.

Can I monetise my digital signage by displaying ads?

Digital signage solutions can absolutely be monetised by displaying third-party ads and it can be a smart way to turn your screens into a revenue-generating asset.

Whether you’re in a retail store, shopping mall, office building, gym, or healthcare facility, your digital screens hold value as advertising real estate. If you have foot traffic or a defined audience, advertisers may be willing to pay for visibility.

Here’s how you can start monetising your digital signage:

1. Partner with Local Businesses

Offer screen time to nearby businesses that want to reach your audience. This is especially effective if your location gets consistent traffic, like a coffee shop or a waiting room.

2. Use Programmatic Ad Networks

Join digital signage ad networks like Vistar Media, Broadsign Reach, or Adomni. These platforms automatically deliver targeted ads to your screens and pay you based on impressions or screen time.

3. Sell Sponsored Content

Brands love native advertising. You can charge for sponsored messages, promotions, or branded content that aligns with your audience’s interests.

4. Offer Tiered Advertising Packages

Bundle ad space with other services you offer – like event promotion, social media mentions, or in-store announcements to create high-value ad packages.

5. Display Your Own Promotions Alongside Paid Ads

Even if you’re showing third-party ads, you can still promote your own products or services between spots – maximising the impact of every second on screen.

Customisation & Scalability

Can I use digital signage for multiple locations?

Yes, digital signage solutions are designed to scale and managing content across multiple locations has never been easier. Whether you’re running a franchise, managing regional offices, or operating nationwide, digital signage allows you to deliver consistent messaging, branding, and promotions across all your screens, no matter where they are.

Here’s how multi-location digital signage works:

1. Centralised Content Management

Modern digital signage solutions let you control all your screens from one dashboard, whether they’re across town or across the country. You can update content in real time, schedule promotions, and ensure consistent branding from a single location.

2. Customise Content by Location

Need to tailor messaging for specific regions or audiences? No problem. With multi-location support, you can create localised content for different stores or branches—like promoting a regional sale or displaying information in a different language—while still maintaining overall brand consistency.

3. Scalable Infrastructure

Cloud-based digital signage solutions are built for growth. As your business expands, you can easily add new screens and locations without overhauling your entire setup. Just plug in a new screen, connect it to your network, and it’s ready to go.

4. Real-Time Monitoring and Analytics

Track performance across all your locations with built-in analytics tools. You can see what content performs best, identify engagement trends, and make data-driven decisions across your digital signage network.

Is it possible to customise digital signage for my brand?

Yes – customisation is one of the biggest advantages of digital signage. You can tailor every aspect of your content to reflect your brand’s identity, message, and goals, creating a cohesive and professional experience for your audience.

Here’s how you can customise digital signage for your brand:

1. Branded Visual Design

Incorporate your logo, brand colours, fonts, and style guidelines into all digital signage content. Whether it’s a promotional video, an event announcement, or a welcome message, your visual identity stays front and centre.

2. Dynamic Templates

Many digital signage solutions offer customisable templates that you can adapt to match your brand’s tone. These templates save time while still allowing you to maintain a consistent look and feel across screens.

3. Tailored Messaging

Speak directly to your audience with brand-specific language, slogans, and voice. Whether you’re fun and casual or professional and polished, your signage can reflect your company culture.

4. Interactive Branding

Touchscreen kiosks and interactive displays can be fully branded to offer personalised experiences – from custom menus to branded quizzes or surveys.

5. Localised Yet Consistent

Even if you operate in multiple locations, you can customise signage by region or audience while maintaining consistent branding across the board.

A digital signage supplier can help with creating an on-brand template incorporating your logo, corporate colours and font.

Can I control multiple screens from one location?

Yes, you can easily control multiple digital signage screens from a single location using digital signage software. This is one of the key benefits of modern signage solutions – offering you centralised control, real-time updates, and unmatched convenience.

Here’s how it works:

1. Centralised Content Management System (CMS)

With a digital signage CMS, you can manage content across all your screens, no matter where they’re located, from one dashboard. This means you can push updates, schedule content, and monitor performance all in one place, saving time and reducing complexity.

2. Real-Time Updates

Need to change a promotion or update a message? You can instantly update content on multiple screens remotely—whether you’re managing two displays or two hundred.

3. Custom Schedules for Each Screen

Even though you’re controlling everything from one location, you can still schedule different content for each screen or group of screens. This is ideal if you want to tailor messages based on time, location, or audience demographics.

4. Multi-User Access and Permissions

You can also assign different roles and permissions to team members, so local managers or departments can control their own content, while you maintain overall oversight and brand consistency.

Can I use digital signage for interactive applications?

Digital signage solutions can be used for powerful interactive applications that transform static screens into engaging, two-way experiences. Interactive digital signage not only captures attention but also invites users to actively engage with your brand, making it a smart solution for businesses aiming to boost customer experience and retention.

What Is Interactive Digital Signage?

Interactive digital signage refers to displays that allow users to touch, swipe, scan, or speak to access content. These applications go beyond traditional one-way communication and create immersive, personalised experiences using technologies like:

• Touchscreens
• QR code integration
• Motion sensors
• Voice control
• Mobile device syncing
• Augmented Reality (AR)

Popular Interactive Use Cases:

• Retail: Virtual try-ons, product selectors, or interactive catalogues
• Hospitality: Self-check-in kiosks, wayfinding maps, or event schedules
• Healthcare: Patient check-in systems, health information access
• Corporate: Digital directories, employee engagement boards, internal communication hubs
• Education: Interactive learning stations, campus info boards

Benefits of Interactive Digital Signage Solutions:

• Boosts engagement: Encourages users to interact with your content longer
• Improves user experience: Provides instant access to the information they need
• Collects valuable data: Tracks user behaviour, preferences, and engagement
• Increases personalisation: Delivers tailored content based on user input or location

What are the latest trends in digital signage technology?

Digital signage technology is evolving rapidly, blending innovation with interactivity to create smarter, more engaging user experiences. Whether you’re in retail, hospitality, healthcare, or corporate environments, staying ahead of digital signage trends can give your business a competitive edge.

Here are a few of the trends shaping the industry in 2025 and beyond:

1. AI-Powered Content Personalisation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making digital signage smarter. Systems can now analyse viewer demographics or behaviour in real time and display personalised content such as product recommendations or language-specific messaging which can boost relevance and engagement.

2. Interactive Touch & Gesture-Based Displays

Touchscreens are evolving with gesture control, voice interaction, and even mobile device syncing, allowing users to engage with content in intuitive, touchless ways – ideal for hygiene-conscious environments.

3. Data-Driven Digital Signage Solutions

Integrating real-time data feeds (like weather, inventory levels, social media updates, or traffic conditions) allows screens to display dynamic, contextually relevant content that adapts on the fly.

4. Green Signage & Energy Efficiency

Sustainability is a growing focus. LED and e-ink displays consume less power, and many digital signage systems now come with eco-modes, remote power scheduling, and recyclable materials, helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint.

5. Integration with IoT Devices

Digital signage is increasingly part of the Internet of Things (IoT). From syncing with sensors to display alerts, to connecting with smart shelves or cameras, IoT integration enables smarter environments and more responsive content.

6. Cloud-Based Management

Cloud-based CMS platforms are now standard, enabling users to control content remotely across multiple screens and locations with real-time updates, analytics, and collaboration tools.

7. 3D & Holographic Displays

Eye-catching innovations like glasses-free 3D signage and holographic displays are emerging in high-traffic areas, creating unforgettable visual experiences and setting new standards for customer engagement.

8. Mobile Integration & QR Code Interactivity

Combining digital signage with mobile tech lets users interact via QR codes, NFC, or SMS — bridging the gap between physical screens and online experiences for deeper customer engagement.

What is the future of digital signage?

The future of digital signage is incredibly exciting, driven by advances in technology, interactivity, and data integration. As businesses continue to seek innovative ways to engage audiences, digital signage will evolve into a more dynamic and intelligent tool, shaping the way brands communicate with their customers.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

AI is set to revolutionise digital signage by making it more personalised and adaptive. In the future, AI-powered systems will be able to analyse audience demographics, behaviour, and even emotions in real-time to deliver highly targeted and relevant content. For example, digital signage may show promotions tailored to the age, gender, or mood of the viewer, increasing engagement and conversion rates.

2. Hyper-Personalisation

Alongside AI, hyper-personalisation will become a key trend. Digital signage solutions will integrate more customer data (from loyalty programs, mobile apps, and sensors) to deliver content that feels uniquely tailored to each individual. Imagine walking into a store and seeing product suggestions based on your previous purchases or browsing behaviour.

3. Touchless and Gesture-Based Interfaces

As touchscreens become less popular due to hygiene concerns, gesture-based and voice-activated interfaces will become more prevalent. People will interact with digital signage through hand movements, voice commands, or even eye-tracking technology. This shift will enhance the user experience and offer a more seamless and hygienic interaction.

4. Integration with Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented Reality (AR) will take digital signage to the next level, merging physical and digital worlds. Interactive AR displays will allow customers to see products in their environment (like trying on virtual clothes or visualising furniture in their living room). This will make digital signage not just informative, but immersive and experiential.

5. 5G Connectivity for Real-Time Content Delivery

The roll-out of 5G or faster networks will enable ultra-fast, low-latency content delivery to digital signage systems. This will unlock real-time updates, high-quality video streaming, and interactive experiences that can be controlled remotely across multiple locations without interruption.

6. Sustainability and Green Technology

As environmental concerns grow, digital signage will become more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. The future will see the rise of LED displays, e-ink screens, and solar-powered systems, reducing energy consumption and minimising environmental impact. Expect more brands to adopt sustainable practices in their signage solutions.

7. Smarter Analytics and Real-Time Data Integration

Data analytics will become an even more integral part of digital signage. Future systems will provide real-time insights into audience behaviour, content performance, and even the environment (like weather or foot traffic). This will help businesses make data-driven decisions and optimise content based on performance metrics.

8. Integration with the Internet of Things (IoT)

Digital signage will increasingly be integrated with IoT devices. For example, smart shelves, sensors, and cameras can interact with digital signage to display content based on real-time stock levels, customer movements, or environmental changes, making the signage system more responsive and adaptive to changing conditions.

9. Seamless Omnichannel Experiences

The future of digital signage will blur the lines between physical and digital experiences. It will seamlessly integrate with mobile apps, websites, and social media platforms, creating a unified omnichannel experience. Users can interact with the signage, receive personalised offers on their phones, or share content directly to social media.

Conclusion

In this guide, we’ve explored various aspects of digital signage, from its powerful role in engaging audiences to the flexibility it offers in terms of content customisation and real-time updates. We’ve discussed how digital signage can transform communication in various settings, such as retail, healthcare, corporate environments, and educational institutions. It’s clear that digital signage solutions can not only enhance brand presence and message delivery but also allows businesses to better connect with their audiences through dynamic, interactive content.

Sabercom stands out as a comprehensive solution to help organisations unlock the full potential of digital signage. With its user-friendly platform, Sabercom provides a seamless way to manage and display content across multiple screens in real-time. Whether it’s scheduling, updating content remotely, or ensuring content is displayed according to specific times and events, Sabercom offers a simple yet powerful approach to managing your signage network. Their expertise in tailoring solutions for different industries means that businesses can rely on Sabercom to streamline communication and elevate the customer experience.

Digital signage is a game-changer for modern communication, and with Sabercom’s cutting-edge technology and support, organisations can harness its full potential to engage, inform, and inspire their audiences effectively.