The aim of digital active media is to create value. Start, therefore, by asking yourself what you hope to gain by this investment. Is it increased turnover on marginal products, a stronger profile or something else? An understanding of consumer behaviour is also important, to be able to shape the offer correctly. 

In many cases costs can be held down by a well prepared division of the financing between the retail store chain, the brand suppliers and individual shop owners. Everyone who will benefit from the investment should be willing to pay for it.



 

The first stage in a successful installation is to select a qualified supplier who is able to take part in all the areas of the investment.



 

• Analysis of needs


• Tests


• Building up the system


• Shaping the message


• Continuous co-ordination between chains, individual stores and brand suppliers


• Monitoring, PlayOut, continuous operation, service and maintenance

An advanced platform for digital active media consists of a technical infrastructure and a number of services. 

 

The installation consists of a network of displays and media players that communicate with each other. They may be portable or fixed, and the two types may operate independently or together. One player can control one or more displays simultaneously. With several displays, it is possible to show films or images at the same time, with concrete price offers. 

The portable display stands are on wheels and can be raised or lowered, which means that they can be moved between departments in a store, or from one store to another. It is important to choose a system that is intended for use in public areas and is therefore robust, with high reliability.

Media players that are connected to displays replay messages such as text, images or films, with or without sound, in accordance with a planned playlist. The best solution is when the players get their information from studio software via broadband or wireless, either via GPRS/3G or WLAN. Internal communication between players works best with Bluetooth. Wireless communication eliminates all cabling and the installation process is minimised. This also makes for a cost-effective solution that is easy to expand as the needs grow.



 

Studio software and communication


Studio software that is centrally installed communicates with the media players in the stores and controls how the offers are shown on the displays. The software is commonly operated by the supplier, who takes total responsibility for the operation and updating of the system, but it is completely possible for the client to house the installation. By means of software accessed via the Internet one can control and monitor what is being shown, how it is being shown and when on each separate display. Monitoring also provides information on any faults in the equipment. This automatically initiates a servicing job.