High-tech screens are popping up everywhere, but it’s not true that putting up screens has anything to do with an organization’s digital transformation strategy or being high-tech. A screen on a wall might mean a designer or architect thought that particular wall was a good spot, without regard to the safety application on the screen or the connection to the organization’s overall safety goals.

A study by Facebook and Deloitte finds that companies who want to thrive in this age of technological disruption must place digital capabilities at the center of their everyday business. The report notes, “In a digital world, organizations operate as ecosystems—not self-contained entities—enabling them to quickly and constantly reconfigure themselves in response to ongoing societal, technological and market shifts.”

An increasingly vital part of a “digital ecosystem” regards visual displays -- video walls, interactive wayfinding stations, digital meeting room signage, promotional screens or some other type of visual communications application across every industry.

How each digital sign operates within a network becomes especially important. From security concerns and multi-user access through scalability and data integrations—there are many things to consider before investing in an enterprise-wide digital communications platform.

Facebook and Deloitte write that workplaces need a single, global ecosystem (this goes beyond safety signage needs.) One platform that can handle a variety of applications— including safety and visitor information – has advantages. The ability to manage multiple applications with a single platform allows companies to tailor content to different regions, business needs and user groups. You don’t want a tangled web of multiple platforms when creating global signage standards.

Content should be flexible for different formats and optimized for every type of display. A platform needs to do more than just show content on traditional digital signage.

Today’s visual communication displays are interactive and dynamic. They can be more than just one thing.

A visual display platform should be easy to use. Any member of the firm’s tech team should be able to change or modify any visual display by using a mobile device. They should also be able to turn screens on or off remotely. Similarly, screens should be easy for people to use. As organizations work to develop the best employee experience, they are turning to visual communications technology.