Rotating Showcase of Media:
Community of McFarland, WI Enhances Communication with Digital Signage Network
Located just southeast of Madison, WI, the Village of McFarland, a residential community of over 9,500, has launched a comprehensive digital signage network to facilitate easier access to local updates and important information for residents visiting government facilities.
Partnering with long-time collaborator, Carousel Digital Signage, the network includes key locations such as the E.D. Locke Public Library, McFarland Municipal Center, and Community and Economic Development, Senior Outreach Services, and Administration departments. Recently, the network expanded to the 56,000-square-foot Public Safety Center, which houses the Police and Fire & Rescue departments, Municipal Court, and now forms part of a network that spans nine locations across three buildings.
"Adding the Public Safety Center to our existing network was a straightforward decision," said Ben Becs, media producer for the Village of McFarland. The digital signage implementation enables the display of relevant information for attendees of court or building visitors.
Previously, employees at the McFarland Municipal Center employed Carousel Cloud to create bulletin board TV content integrated into WCMF's broadcast schedule. The ease of design, publishing, and content management initiatives envisioned a bigger future for the system. "With the introduction of Carousel Cloud, we realized that the possibilities were endless," remarked Becs.
Strategic Expansion
Digital displays were initially installed in the McFarland Municipal Center lobby, showcasing cable channel schedules, service promotions, and event listings alongside wayfinding information, such as maps and daily event schedules. Another display was added at the library, providing custom, targeted content based on the age group section of visitors.
After receiving positive feedback, the library implemented similar technology with five screens placed strategically across various sections. "The library screens remain vibrant and dynamic, primarily focused on library announcements and special events," said Becs.
The Public Safety Center features a display in the lobby facing the main entrance, primarily showcasing important safety-related information and daily building events.
"Our goal with the digital signage network in the Public Safety Center is to represent all departments and present clear information that is easy to comprehend," Becs explained. "Carousel Cloud simplifies the process of adding, editing, and scheduling content."
It also facilitates the rapid distribution of urgent messages when necessary. "In emergencies, we can quickly disseminate essential messages," said Melanie Camellia, communications manager with the Village of McFarland.
Streamlined Contributions
Staff members from various departments can create content and have been trained to upload 1080p images. The Communications Division offers assistance in producing content used throughout the network. Carousel Cloud's user-friendly design ensures easy contributions from stakeholders, making frequent updates seamless without overwhelming the communications team.
Vizio TVs and Apple TV devices were selected for the displays, with Carousel Cloud's Apple TV app ensuring smooth connectivity. While some concerns about technological security remain, plans are underway to evaluate every piece of technology on campus to ensure security protocols are in place.
Minor concerns and questions regarding content scheduling or uploading have been raised by users. However, the public response has been overwhelmingly positive. "Visitors are consistently interacting with the screens," said Becs.
The only challenges they've encountered are due to human error. "Sometimes uploaded content with non-standard ratios can appear awkward. However, it's a simple fix," Becs noted.
At present, there are no plans for expansion. However, the Village of McFarland welcomes department requests for additional monitors if the need arises.
Digital signage networks can provide various benefits to government facilities, including efficient communication, enhanced wayfinding, streamlined operations, cost savings, accessibility, and emergency alerts. The Village of McFarland's network, employing Carousel Cloud, showcases these potential advantages.
- The digital signage network in McFarland, WI has been expanded to include features such as data-and-cloud-computing, enabling easier management and scheduling of content with Carousel Cloud.
- With the utilization of technologies like digital signage in events like court or building visits, the Village of McFarland aims to leverage the network's potential for events promotion and targeted content delivery, highlighting the benefits of technology integration in government communication.
