The era of static paper-based lists has faded into history; in its place, modern electronic directory displays adorned with interactive interfaces adorn the entrances and lobbies of buildings, boasting an array of cutting-edge features. These displays provide a dynamic overview of the building’s occupants and offer an efficient means of navigating its services and businesses. It comes as no surprise that this contemporary form of digital lobby signage has emerged as an industry mainstay. Yet, what precisely do we mean by digital building directories?
What are Digital Building Directories?
Digital building directories, also known as digital lobby signage, represent a specialized form of digital signage tailored to supplant traditional static building directories. This distinctive genre of digital signage boasts a host of advantageous features, including remote management capabilities and interactive digital wayfinding functionalities. Characterized by their dynamic and visually appealing design, they impart a contemporary aesthetic to any building while commanding attention. While office buildings are the primary domain for these directories, they are also prevalent in schools, medical complexes, and residential buildings.
What are the Components of a Digital Building Directory?
Digital building directories are typically comprised of 3 main components:
- Digital Signage Hardware: The physical components of your electronic directory display, which can vary depending on medium and also maker. While some directories of signage may utilize commercial grade screens, others may use digital kiosks, interactive touch screen signage, or specially designed screens as well. In order to facilitate a network connection, digital signage hardware also typically includes a media player to receive and play your content.
- Digital Signage Software: This software is what enables the deployment, creation, editing, analysis, and scheduling of your content on your screens.
- Digital Signage Content: The content deployed on your digital signage, which can include a combination of images, video, text, audio, and more.
Ignoring Wall Structure
Failing to consider the structural integrity of your wall or ceiling may lead to an insecure mounting and jeopardize the stability of your display. Installing heavy digital screens on weak surfaces can induce drooping, tilting, or, in extreme cases, even a catastrophic collapse. Such incidents not only risk structural harm to your location but, in businesses like restaurants and other public establishments, they could necessitate a temporary shutdown. Entrusting your installation to a professional who can assess and carry out the task guarantees long-term safety and security.
Neglecting VESA Compatibility
VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) standards dictate the pattern of the mounting holes on the back of your digital screens. While many screens and manufacturers use common VESA mounting patterns, some displays may deviate from conventional VESA patterns. In order to ensure you order the correct bracket for your displays, it is important to check the VESA compatibility of your mount and screens. If your screen uses less common VESA mounting patterns, then please contact our experts to ensure you receive the correct mounting arms for your screen.
What are the Key Features of Digital Directories?
In order to facilitate quick changes, and an immersive atmosphere, digital building signage is typically equipped with a number of useful features. The features included may differ depending on your type of screen, as well as the purpose of your directory, however. Some of the more popular features of digital directories are:
- Dynamic Content: Digital signage facilitates the effortless generation and presentation of dynamic content, encompassing text, images, videos, and animations. Such versatility empowers businesses to swiftly update and tailor their messages as needed.
- Remote Management: Remote management is a feature offered by digital signage providers, enabling you to modify, refresh, and schedule your content via an online portal. Instead of replacing a directory entirely when tenants change, you can easily update listings from a centralized location.
- Interactivity: Some digital directories offer interactivity features, including touch screen capabilities that allow users to engage with their content. Digital directories often provide user-friendly navigation, allowing visitors to easily search for a particular office, person, or service within the building. This can include features like alphabetical listings, category filters, or even a search function.
- Real-Time Information: Digital signage can display real-time information, such as news feeds, social media updates, weather forecasts, or live event schedules, providing relevant and timely content to your tenants and guests.
- Integration with Other Systems: Digital directories may be integrated with other building systems or databases, allowing for seamless updates and coordination with access control, security, or visitor management systems.
- Cost-Effective Updates: Rather then printing new physical signage every time you need to make a change, digital signage allows you to make changes instantly and in a cost-effective manner.
- Customization: Building owners or administrators can often customize the appearance and content of digital directories to align with the specific needs and branding of the building or complex.
Who Benefits from Building Directories?
This style of modern digital directory has become so popular because it benefits both your tenants and your business. By leveraging modern technology and elevating your tenants experience, your business is the one who benefits the most in the end. What are some of these benefits?
- The ability to enhance your visitors wayfinding ability with 3D and 2D maps.
- Easily advertise for local events, or promote availability to potential new tenants.
- Make changes on the fly to ensure all information is always accurate.
