How digital signage can be used in the government

As digital signage grows in popularity, its full potential is gradually being realised by many industries and institutions. Far more than simply a more dynamic version of a static notice, digital signage encompasses a plethora of useful applications. And whilst implementation may appear costly on the surface, these applications will streamline operations for government agencies and allow them to communicate with their staff and the public more efficiently and effectively.

Why is the move towards digital signage so important for governments?

With the majority of the population already reliant on digital technologies in their everyday lives, a modern government should also be leveraging digital advancements. With the introduction of digital signage in government buildings, the burden on staff can be eased and the visitor experience can be improved. In the long term, this will reduce running costs and improve public service satisfaction.

Using instantaneous methods to disseminate up-to-date information to the public is also an invaluable tool. Whether it is to present important public messages, emergency alerts, or to educate the public on new government initiatives, having the means to communicate this from easy-to-update, remote management points will ease the pressure on already stretched public services.

Safety and security

Digital signage in all government agencies and buildings can be used to relay minute-by-minute updates when necessary. Government communication at times of emergency is essential for the safety and health of all citizens.

In real-time, digital signage can provide:

• Extreme weather warnings.
• Disaster alerts.
• School or road closings.
• Messages relating to specific emergency situations.
• Live broadcasts or streams of urgent government messages.
• One consistent message fed from a central hub.
• Increased citizen engagement through dynamic messaging.

Special assistance

Digital signage enables government agencies to be more inclusive more easily. For the hearing-impaired, for example, digital signage removes any obstacles that older public address systems held for them. In busy government buildings, where signage helps to guide and direct the public, multi-lingual messages and language options at interactive displays remove language-barrier issues.

Examples of how can digital signage be implemented in the government

Courthouse digital signage

There are many ways that digital signage can assist in the efficient daily running of a courthouse. Many visitors to a courthouse will require direction, information, or assistance. The implementation of digital signage can reduce anxiety for court attendees and ease the burden on clerks and information desks.

Courthouses can:

• Inform the public of procedures upon entering the building, such as the security checkpoint routine.
• List the courthouse rules of conduct and decorum.
• Display courtroom schedules.
• Update each day’s cases and their locations.
• Display important up-to-date information during a security or emergency alert.

Digital signage in local municipal buildings

Anything that can streamline operations in local government buildings will certainly be welcomed by employees and the public. With the introduction of interactive digital displays providing visitor information, the burden on information desk staff is reduced. Digital signage also offers streamlined queue management systems, directing the public and reducing their anxiety over perceived waiting times while queuing.

Local government and municipal buildings can introduce:

• Wayfinding screens and interactive information kiosks.
• Queue management systems to improve operations and reduce queuing anxiety.
• Digital signage for inter-departmental communication.
• Up-to-date job boards with current listings of internships and vacancies.
• Digital displays with crime alerts and other important community notices.
• Digital broadcast screens for live public addresses.
• Digital bulletin boards with schedules of public and community events.

And finally…

In addition to the benefits of improved operational efficiency and public satisfaction, digital signage holds other advantages for the government:

• Size doesn’t matter with digital displays, so one message can be easily scaled to any screen on the network.
• Labor costs will decrease over time as the requirement for manned information desks in public buildings reduces.
• There will be a decrease in spending on printing costs.
• Governments who want to fully harness the financial benefits of digital signage can generate revenue by offering advertising space on prominent displays.

Overall, governments may see the biggest gains from digital signage implementation in their end end-of-year balance.