Technology consultants make money by solving business problems with technology. They do not need to build every technology they recommend.
A consultant may design a network without manufacturing switches or implement a cloud platform without owning the data centers behind it. Digital signage can follow the same model.
The consultant can lead the solution and customer relationship under the agreed terms. A digital signage technology partner provides the software behind it.
The Customer Wants a Solution, Not Custom Software
A multi-location client asking to control screens from a corporate office is asking for a solution. The consultant needs to determine screens, connectivity, hardware, access, content, location organization, management and support. Building a CMS is only one possible response.
Building Digital Signage Software Is a Different Business
A production platform has to handle cloud infrastructure, authentication, permissions, screen management, content storage, playback, scheduling, layouts, device compatibility, operating-system changes, security, account management, support and feature development. The project does not end when version one works.
For the wider technology tradeoffs, review the build-versus-buy decision.
Partner Instead of Building
The platform provider handles signage software. The consultant handles planning, hardware selection, network design, installation coordination, software configuration, user setup, training, technical support, administration and expansion planning.
The Consultant's Value Is Not the Source Code
Customers pay consultants to understand requirements, select technology, avoid bad purchasing decisions, combine systems, manage implementation, coordinate vendors, configure technology, train users, solve problems and provide ongoing guidance.
Existing Clients Can Provide the First Opportunities
Look for multi-location clients, waiting areas, reception areas, retail, restaurants, employee break rooms, manufacturing, fitness, medical offices, showrooms, training facilities and public information areas. Look for frequently changed printed signs, USB-driven TVs, decentralized content and unused screens.
A Practical Technology Consulting Example
A regional retailer with 25 locations has displays but no centralized system. The consultant can review existing displays, select players, design the network, configure the platform, organize locations, create permissions, train marketing, coordinate deployment and provide support without writing the signage software.
Digital Signage Can Generate More Than Consulting Hours
Revenue can come from consulting, hardware, deployment, software, support, managed services and expansion.
Digital Signage Can Become a Standard Solution
After several deployments, establish a preferred platform, players, display specifications, network requirements, account process, user roles, deployment checklist, training process and support options.
Keep Enough Hardware Flexibility
Customers may have existing displays, approved operating systems or vendor standards. Zoney supports Android, Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi, WebOS, Tizen, Apple TV and Amazon Digital Signage Stick. Confirm the actual hardware models and versions with Zoney before deployment.
User Access Should Match the Customer's Organization
Corporate marketing, regional managers, location managers and the consultant may all require different access. Granular permissions should reflect the actual organization.
Multi-Location Management Can Be a Strong Consulting Opportunity
Consultants can design rules for network-wide, regional and local content, control levels, scheduling, location additions and access administration.
See how to structure multi-customer architecture.
The Consultant Can Coordinate Other Specialists
AV integrators can handle complex installation, sign companies physical signage, MSPs or IT providers networks, and marketing agencies content. The consultant can coordinate the complete solution.
Avoid Building a Collection of Unrelated Customer Systems
Standardizing around a preferred platform where requirements allow reduces the operational burden of supporting many unrelated CMSs, logins, media players and procedures.
What to Look for in a Digital Signage Technology Partner
Evaluate multi-customer deployments, separation, permissions, administrative access, customer content control, multi-location support, growth, hardware environments, reuse of compatible hardware, partner billing, service packaging, technical support and partner-led customer relationships.
Software Cost Is Only One Part of the Decision
The better question is not simply what the software costs. Ask whether the consulting firm can build a repeatable, supportable and profitable service around it.
Where Zoney Fits for Technology Consultants
Zoney Enterprise Solutions provides a platform consultants can incorporate into client solutions without developing and maintaining a CMS. Granular user controls, security tokens, dynamic monthly billing, hardware flexibility and AWS-hosted cloud infrastructure support that model.
Build the Service, Not the Software
The consultant can select technology, design deployment, choose hardware, configure the customer environment, coordinate installation, train users, provide support and manage expansion. The signage software is the foundation underneath the service.
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