About CSUCI's digital signage program

Overview

In 2017, the University began an evaluation of its digital signage environment (having documented 43 screens in 14 different locations) and identified the following issues:

1. There was no central method to manage critical campus messaging to all digital signage
2. The previous process to configure & maintain digital signs wasn’t scalable or sustainable. Information Technology Services (ITS) had a standard for digital signs displays, but it took considerable time to install & configure each screen. In addition, ITS needed to go out and touch each device to update or patch devices.
3. Displayed information on digital signs were not consistently formatted, due to the variety of digital signage approaches that were used

With the support of Associated Students Inc at CSUCI, and in collaboration with Communication & Marketing, ITS identified requirements and completed an evaluation and selection process to choose a central digital signage vendor. After completing their evaluation and sharing the results, Brightsign hardware and Carousel software were selected for the initial system implementation, and implementation began in 2018. 

Benefits

A uniform, centralized digital signage system helps CSUCI:

1. Enable both centralized & locally-managed messaging
2. Improve messaging consistency & quality
3. Reduce hardware & software management
4. Develop repeatable model to facilitate sustainable growth

Digital Signage Program Roles and Responsibilities

1. Communication & Marketing (C&M) provides Tier 1 support and training for digital signage stewards for the use of the digital signage system and the corresponding signage content management platform. C&M works with signage requesters to design initial templates and publish templates to maintain consistent University branding, and works with stewards to develop and deploy content, and modify templates, as necessary. C&M creates and manages centralized messaging and content for display on the signage system, and will maintain an inventory of digital signage stewards and signage locations.

2. Information Technology Services (ITS) manages the procurement and installation of the signage technology through a standard, recurring procurement process. ITS  manages payment of annual signage system maintenance fees to Vendor Partner.

3. Signage requesters initiate requests for new digital signage through ITS using the process described here. Signage requesters are responsible for all one-time costs 

4. Signage stewards and signage content editors create content for publication and request access to publish content to screens through C&M. 

5. ITS User Services provides Tier 2 technical support for the system (including obtaining quotes, installation, and configuration of hardware for new screens), and coordinates troubleshooting of any digital signage technology issues with the Vendor Partners, ITS and other campus units (including hardware maintenance & replacement, and network connectivity troubleshooting).

6. ITS and Vendor Partners work together to ensure that all software components of this system remain patched and up-to-date for security updates and vulnerabilities. ITS and Vendor Partners schedule maintenance outages, updates and patches in coordination with C&M and signage stewards.

7. Vendor Partners assist ITS, Communication & Marketing and digital signage stewards in the delivery and installation of signage systems; training; maintenance for signage video players and signage software; and additional professional services for signage system management and/or maintenance.

Costs

Requesting organizations are responsible for the procurement cost of the TV screen and associated equipment for screen installation (including power, networking, mounting hardware, etc.). These costs vary by screen size and location. In addition, ITS charges a one-time flat fee per screen which covers software and hardware licensing for the lifetime of each signage screen (6 years). 

Getting Started

Request new digital signage using the 2-step process described at this link.

Questions? 

Please contact the Solution Center at 805-437-8552.