Recommended Specifications for Municipal Outdoor Digital Signage

1. Touch Screen Size and Configuration

The recommended configuration includes a 55-inch or larger single or dual-sided touch screen display. The size ensures visibility in high-traffic areas and supports both advertising and interactive features on a large scale. The dual-sided option can offer advertising content on one side while providing interactive city information on the other.

2. Weatherproof and Durable Design

The screens must be IP65-rated, offering protection against water, dust, and harsh weather conditions, making them reliable for 24/7 outdoor use. Their rugged design ensures minimal maintenance and long-term durability, even in challenging environments.

3. Hardware and Operating System

To ensure smooth operation and integration with existing municipal systems, the touch screens should run on the latest version of Windows, leveraging its compatibility with other government software. Additionally, UL, ETL, or equivalent certified hardware is essential to meet safety and performance standards required by municipalities.

4. Architectural Drawings and Permitting

Comprehensive installation drawings with architectural notes should be provided to streamline the approval process with city officials. These detailed plans facilitate easy integration with urban infrastructure while adhering to local permitting regulations.

5. Custom Branding with 3M Graphic Wraps

To further enhance their public appeal, the digital signage should support a full-body branding graphic wrap made from 3M or comparable material. This wrap can be customized with city logos, public service announcements, or advertisements, offering a visually engaging platform for both community and commercial content.

Software Features for Advertising and Revenue Generation

1. Wayfinding and Interactive City Information

The software must include a complete wayfinding system that helps residents and visitors navigate the city, promoting nearby businesses along their routes. The touch screens can display maps, public transportation schedules, and real-time updates about events and attractions.

2. Calendar and Events Integration

An integrated calendar and events system allows municipalities to promote upcoming city-sponsored events, while offering event sponsorship integration to local businesses. For example, a community concert could feature rotating ads from sponsors, adding value to the digital signage while boosting city revenue.

3. Itinerary Creation with Mobile Handoff

The signage should offer itinerary creation capabilities, allowing users to plan their day and create routes to visit key city landmarks, shopping areas, and tourist attractions. With mobile handoff, users can transfer their itineraries to their smartphones, combining convenience with potential advertising opportunities from nearby businesses.

4. City Database Integration and Information Portal

By connecting the signage to the city’s website or database, the screens act as an information portal for real-time updates, public services, and community news. Local businesses can sponsor portions of this information feed, creating additional opportunities for revenue generation through sponsored messages that align with the city’s informational goals.

5. SOC 2 Compliance for Secure Operations

With SOC 2 compliance, the software ensures the secure handling of data, whether for user interactions or managing advertising content. This level of security is crucial to maintaining trust with the public and protecting sensitive information.

Maximizing Revenue with Advertising and Sponsorship Opportunities

Municipalities can leverage outdoor digital signage to generate revenue by collaborating with local businesses and integrating advertising into their public communication efforts.

1. Local Business Advertising

Cities can offer local businesses opportunities to advertise on the digital screens, targeting residents and tourists. Sponsored content can include rotating banner ads, video ads, or static image promotions displayed during non-interactive moments, such as when the screens are idle.

2. Sponsored Public Service Messages

Municipalities can partner with sponsors to deliver community-focused content, such as health tips, environmental campaigns, or civic engagement messages, sponsored by local businesses or corporate partners. This model ensures that the content remains relevant to the public while generating revenue.

3. Rotating Banner Ads

Rotating banner ads can be seamlessly integrated into the screen’s display cycle, alternating between wayfinding instructions, city announcements, and advertisements. These banners can highlight nearby businesses, offering them visibility to both locals and visitors in high-traffic areas.

4. Event Sponsorship Integration

City-hosted events provide a significant opportunity for event sponsorship integration. The signage can display advertisements for sponsors leading up to and during events, offering premium ad spots for businesses seeking visibility within the community. This model ensures maximum exposure for sponsors while boosting the city’s event marketing efforts.

5. Tourism Enhancement through Interactive Features

Cities can further enhance tourism by adding interactive features like a photo booth application that allows visitors to take pictures with famous city landmarks as backdrops. These photos can be sponsored by local businesses, offering them a fun and engaging way to interact with tourists while promoting their brands.

Customization for City-Specific Needs

Eflyn’s digital signage solutions can be customized to address the unique needs of each city. This includes personalized branding, tailored interactive applications, and the integration of localized advertising options to ensure the signage reflects the culture and priorities of the community. Cities can also opt for advanced customization, such as ads targeting specific demographics or business sectors, to further refine their revenue-generating potential.

Conclusion

Prism Digital Signage’s outdoor interactive touch screen digital signage solutions provide municipalities with an innovative platform to engage with the public, enhance tourism, and generate revenue. With robust specifications, advanced software features, and strategic advertising opportunities, these digital kiosks represent a powerful tool for maximizing revenue while delivering community-focused content.

By integrating advertisements, sponsored messages, and interactive features, municipalities can create an appealing and valuable resource that enhances city infrastructure and boosts local business involvement.