How to switch digital signage CMS platformsNo downtime
Switching takes three steps: check your current devices, pilot on a few screens, then roll out in phases, all without stopping your ads. Depending on the device, you may be able to keep your current hardware.
Signs it is time to switch
With only a few screens, almost any digital signage system works. As your network grows, problems like these start to appear:
- So many features that the dashboard is full of items you never use
- A poor fit for your advertisers' contract plans
- Monthly costs that climb with every screen you add
- Updating screens one by one whenever ads change
Three things to check
| What to check | With Tokyo AdCast |
|---|---|
| Can you keep your current devices? | Supports devices running Android, Linux and many other operating systems. Depending on the device, you can keep it. Send us the model and OS, and we will confirm in advance |
| Can you migrate your data? | Video files and your store and screen lists (CSV) can be migrated (see the table below) |
| Can you switch without stopping your ads? | After a pilot on a few screens, we move the rest group by group. Until then, the rest of your network keeps running on your current system |
If you can keep your devices, you only replace the software, with no new hardware to buy.
What you can migrate
| Item | Migration |
|---|---|
| Video files | Yes |
| Store and screen lists (CSV) | Yes |
| Past play history | Depends on the formats your current system can export, so please ask us |
To see what play data you can export after switching, see What is a proof-of-play report?
We will check whether your current devices work.Send us the model and OS, and we will tell you if we can support it.
How switching works
- We check your devices. Send us the model and OS, and we will tell you whether you can keep them.
- Pilot at a few locations. Switch a few screens first and make sure everything works as expected. The rest of your network stays on your current system in the meantime.
- Roll out in phases. Move the remaining locations over in stages, without stopping your current ads.
During onboarding, we set up your groups, initial videos and dashboard labels before handover. After launch, our support team is available to help.
What to prepare
Taking stock of these four things before you start speeds up the migration. You do not need all of them to get started.
- The model and OS of your current devices
- Your number of screens and a list of locations
- Your advertiser contract plans (we reflect them in your distribution settings)
- When your current system's contract ends
Planning backward from your current contract's end date minimizes the time you pay for two systems.
FAQ
Will my ads stop during the switch?
No. After a pilot on a few screens, we move the rest group by group, so the rest of your network keeps running on your current system until its turn.
Can I keep my current devices?
Depending on the device, yes. Send us the model and OS, and we will confirm in advance.
Can you handle the initial setup?
Yes. Please contact us for details.
Summary
- Switching takes three steps: check your device models, pilot on a few screens, then roll out in phases
- Video files and store and screen lists can be migrated. Past play history depends on the data format
- Depending on the device, you can replace only the distribution system, with no new hardware
Try the dashboard yourself.With a trial account, you can register one screen and play your own ads.