Today, digital signage for security is not just about static communication from the display, but also about reaching out to the viewer and to first responders.

According to Doug Chase, product manager at Four Winds Interactive, alerting to mobile users is one new technique digital signage manufacturers are exploring. Whether through an SMS message or a Quick Response (QR) code as a way to impart additional information, tapping into the prominence of the mobile platform is a challenge, but one of great interest.

Also of interest is the ability to communicate emergency notification messaging to desktop platforms in addition to signage and mobile platforms is a trend. “Ideally, there should be ‘one big red button’ to push” to propagate mass notification, says Chase.

Reaching out to the other side of the fence to first responders is another trend Morgan Williams, digital signage account manager with Kipp Visual Systems, is seeing. “The industry trend is for the security department or local police to be able to integrate with the digital signage system, similar to the integration with digital surveillance,” he says.

Increasing safety by making a system easy to use is an important step says Steve Lamphear, global accounts manager for X20 Media. “You need to think about how you’ll be able to maintain the project easily, like Web-based management, so any authorized user can go to maintain it.”

The easier the system is to use, the more proactive people will be and the greater the safety practice the system offers.

Users are also paying greater attention to the emergency notification content their signage offers. “Targeted alerts are much more desired,” says Lamphear. “For fire alerts, it’s not just ‘Hey, there’s a fire.’ But ‘There is a fire at [location A], and based on this display’s location or your location, here is your best exit route.’”

What’s Related

(Digital Signage, IT, Security, Emergency Notification, Mass Notification)

Digital Signs Can Provide Weather, Emergency Warnings [100%]

Emergency sirens, horns, and audio announcements may be a good way to get people's attention, but digital signage is a good way to notify employees of any concerns in an authoritative manner.

Tough Issues Facing Users of Digital Signage for Security [80%]

The importance of this digital signage as a security tool means that the technical and management issues that accompany it are also that much more imperative.

When Seconds Count, Does Your Emergency Communications System Measure Up? [80%]

Emergency notification, or mass notification, has many options, but integrating your warning systems and networking them is the latest solution. Another is to use a hosted solution, in which you place much of your system off-site.

Pain Points Facing Users of Digital Signage for Security [80%]

The importance of this digital signage as a security tool means that the technical and management issues that accompany it are also that much more imperative.

Quotables: Best Practices for Digital Signage for Security [80%]

Messaging is key when using your digital signage for security. You have to understand what to say and when, but more is required than just a message. A champion of the program and all the parties involved in its installation and maintenance must be on board.