Property Management

November 3, 2023 Published by Toronto and Area Chapter - By Sue Langlois

Digital Notice Boards in Condos

From the Fall 2023 issue of CCI Toronto Condovoice Magazine.

Digital Signage Technology: We've Come a Long Way

A quarter of the way through the 21st century has seen the adoption of numerous technological advances. Wikipedia, YouTube (believe it or not the first video was uploaded in 2005), electric cars, AI and especially smart home technology - anything from internet-enabled security cameras to smart kettles and more.

Digital signage technology has come a long way, too, with clever installations popping up all over the place... on highway road signs, retail shops, airports, hospitals and last but not least, condominium elevators.

The benefits of utilizing digital notice boards in a condo elevator are many:

• Most people ride the elevator so the displays are seen coming and going (No elevator? Consider a lobby display or a web link to virtual signage for townhouses)
• Everyone sees the same messages at the same time without having to check email or websites
• More than one notice can be posted in Digital Notice Boards in Condos Communication Digital Signage Technology: We've Come a Long Way Sue Langlois Founder Digi-Notice Inc. a loop, so more info is disseminated
• Messages are posted remotely... No need to visit each elevator car to pin up a piece of paper
• When properly designed and executed, digital content has a much more powerful effect than word documents with teeny tiny type. Residents actually get the information required to create a socially and financially successful condo corporation

Despite the numerous communication benefits, lots of condo boards still aren't sure where to turn to get the equipment installed and operating properly. Here are 7 things to think about prior to "going digital":

1. Hardware: you can choose external screens from a separate provider or have them embedded in the elevator cab by your elevator company. Embedded screens look great but it's good to remember that the computer that runs the unit will likely require an elevator technician any time it needs service or even a manual reboot. External displays can be easily accessed for servicing and should be able to be rebooted from inside the elevator not on top of it. Hardware should be commercial grade so they are able to run 24/7 and measurements of all external displays should be sure to follow TSSA guidelines.
2. Software: Screens should come with a user interface to upload content. This sometimes includes templates but in my experience a lot of key effective communication needs to be tailor-made, so a content editor could be helpful if Management has the time to both learn the software and create effective notices. (Given the current shortage of managers and the increasing demands on their time, this should be given very careful consideration; the positive effects of digital elevator screens can be easily negated if Management does not have the time or skill set to utilize them properly.)
3. Connectivity: Hardwired connections are highly recommended because WiFi is not always reliable. Even lobby connections can be wonky at times but elevator shafts are definitely a hostile environment for WiFi. If there is an emergency water shut-off or other urgent matter, you need to know that your displays will update immediately, not just when they catch a WiFi signal.
4. Content: The old expression "content is king" still applies. In order to keep residents engaged and paying attention, notices need to be bright, bold and above all, easy-to-read. If you plan on uploading your usual PDFs and Word documents to a digital display, it won't really be all that much more effective than the original cork bulletin board. Content should consist of the usual dayto- day notices about window washing, garage cleaning, alarm testing etc., and also complemented by regular "series" of notices designed to positively impact the corporation's bottom line. The best content adapts to the specific needs of the condo corporation and is scheduled accordingly.
5. Operations: Once you have the hardware, software and connectivity in place, you will need to consider the operations of the entire setup. Who will create the notices? Who will upload them? Who will determine how long they run and for how often in the loop? In the event of an urgent notice, who will pause or remove all the non-important items and start them up again when required? Who will monitor the display dashboard to make sure they are online and troubleshoot any tech issues that may arise? How responsive is your provider? These are all questions that need answering before deciding on a do-it-yourself option versus a fullservice solution.
6. Design: The look and feel of your screens should match your condo corporation's brand. Logo, brand colours, "tone of voice" used, all of these should be given some thought, since the initial brand identity is often why residents chose to live there to begin with. Keeping up with that brand is one more piece in solving the communication puzzle. For example, luxury or high end condos might think twice about allowing advertising that could be viewed as less-than-premium and possibly alienate their audience.
7. The Business (ROI): How the screens pay off (ROI or return on investment) for your condo corporation will often be determined by the Board's goals. It's well known that good communication saves money and bad communication costs money. So if good communication is the ultimate goal, it could be argued that things like advertising, clocks and weather feeds are a non-essential distraction from what residents need to know; the things that positively affect the bottom line. Some condo boards hope for ad revenue dollars but the amount of money received from a local pizzeria is usually much less than the money saved from just one less person jamming the chute with a pizza box and running highly targeted water and energy conservation notices can save thousands of dollars per year.

The path to digital elevator screens and ultimately great communication doesn't have to be difficult. Just consider the steps, hire someone you trust to implement and reap the rewards!

Sue Langlois
Founder Digi-Notice Inc.