It has always interested me why historically, digital signage has been the responsibility of IT departments. This started to make sense during a number of my demos involving IT staff who would comment “If it’s got a plug on it, then it’s perceived to be our job”. To me, that didn’t really make sense because digital signage is a marketing and communications tool.
The success of digital signage comes from polished engaging content and that’s not something IT departments have the time to focus on. IT can do what they are best at doing, set up the hardware, make sure the platform runs well and ensure staff have login details. However content creation and upload responsibility should sit with a range of staff members. Ideally those who have a marketing and communications focus.
Democratisation of Digital Signage
When we developed TrilbyTV our focus for the platform was heavily on simplicity. We don’t want schools to have to micromanage our platform or people. It should be so simple to use that anyone can take ownership of uploading and sharing content to screens. When working with independent school RGS Worcester, this is exactly what happened.
IT brought their expertise to set up screens and roll out TrilbyTV, then staff were given ownership of adding the content. They called it the ‘Democratisation of Digital Signage‘. What’s great about this approach is that it drives appetite and the want for more screens. Ownership was given to department heads which drove competition resulting in more requests for screens. Departments wanted to show off their successes and to be seen as the best.
Book a TrilbyTV Demo
Book free DemoI’m now going to hand over to my colleague and Customer Success Manager at TrilbyTV, Tom Pickrell to explore this further,
One of my favourite messages over the years from an IT team was at a primary school in Swindon. “IT is here to facilitate teachers’ needs. If a member of staff asks for something to help with their daily tasks, we figure out how to do it and get it configured. Then it’s up to them”.
A number of schools using TrilbyTV follow this mantra incredibly well. IT gets the equipment working, then hands it over to others to manage. IT staff have historically got a lot on their shoulders in regards to the responsibility of security. We appreciate certain elements of technology in schools, like the server, need to be locked down for the safety of Users and data.
However, we see digital signage take off when there are more Admins than just IT. When staff can support each other, collaborate easily and do what they need to do unhindered, there is a chance to explore and expand. Teachers know their students best and know what content will engage them.
“Locking down” can be thought of as “protecting the team”. Understandably no one wants blame pointed at them if something goes wrong. With a platform that’s so simple to manage, training and content guidance available with a few clicks, and a professional outlook for digital communications from staff, there is little room for that to happen with TrilbyTV. Trust goes a long way and is easy to give when everyone clearly communicates their goals.
To find out more about our digital signage platform made for education, book a free demo session with us. You can even try out TrilbyTV by signing up for a 30-day free trial complete with support and enough time to see how it works for yourself.