In manufacturing, real-time data display plays a crucial role in enhancing efficiency, reducing downtime, and improving communication on the production floor. Digital signage enables manufacturers to present live updates clearly and instantly, ensuring teams stay informed and operations run smoothly. With numerous options available, selecting the right solution can be challenging.
This guide explores the best digital signage solutions tailored for real-time data display in manufacturing and highlights real-world applications from leading companies.
Key Use Cases of Digital Signage in Manufacturing
Manufacturing facilities leverage digital signage for:
✔ Production Monitoring & Quality Control – Displaying live metrics like machine uptime, production rates, and quality control data. See how manufacturers use SharePoint to display quality control reports.
✔ Safety Alerts – Broadcasting emergency notifications and compliance updates. Learn about improving safety communication with digital signage.
✔ Shift Scheduling – Keeping teams informed of assignments and shift changes. Read about how SharePoint digital signage helps in shift scheduling.
✔ Performance Tracking – Providing real-time KPIs for improved decision-making. Learn how to display KPIs on company-wide digital signage.
✔ General Employee Communication – Sharing announcements and company updates. Find out how company announcements can be shared with non-desk employees via digital signage.
✔ Shop Floor Meetings – Displaying key talking points and data for shift handovers. Explore how digital signage improves shop floor meetings.
Why Real-Time Digital Signage Matters in Manufacturing
Manufacturers operate in a highly dynamic environment where real-time visibility into operations is essential. Delays in production data, maintenance updates, or safety alerts can result in costly inefficiencies. Digital signage ensures that critical data—such as production KPIs, inventory updates, and safety notifications—reaches employees instantly.
For example, integrating Power BI dashboards into digital signage enables real-time monitoring of production performance. Learn more about how to share Power BI reports and dashboards on digital signage.
Best Digital Signage Solutions for Real-Time Data Display
1. Valotalive – Best for Power BI & Enterprise System Integration
Valotalive specializes in real-time data visualization by integrating digital signage with Power BI, SharePoint, and ERP systems. Its cloud-based platform ensures seamless content delivery, enabling manufacturers to display live production data, operational metrics, and safety alerts across multiple locations.
Key Features:
- Direct, real-time integrations with tools like Power BI, SAP Analytics Cloud, or Qlik Sense for automated real-time data monitoring. See how to use filters in Power BI on digital signage.
- Automated content scheduling for targeted messaging based on e.g., location or team.
- Centralized remote management designed for large-scale global operations.
- Interactivity for shop floor workers and visitors – employees can take temporary control of screens to display key metrics or brand videos with Valotalive Control.
- Works with the most comon hardware, with some exceptions.
2. BrightSign – Best for High-Performance Media Players
BrightSign offers robust media players that support real-time content updates, making them ideal for industrial environments.
Key Features:
- Durable hardware built for 24/7 operation.
- Seamless support for Power BI and analytics dashboards.
- Advanced scheduling & remote content management.
3. ScreenCloud – Best for Cloud-Based Digital Signage
ScreenCloud is an intuitive, cloud-based signage solution that integrates with multiple data sources for effortless content display.
Key Features:
- Easy integration with Power BI and manufacturing dashboards.
- Supports multi-location content management.
- User-friendly content creation tools.
4. NoviSign – Best UI
NoviSign offers real-time content management with customizable templates tailored for industrial use.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop content creation tools.
- Live data feed support for production monitoring.
- Remote management and flexible display options.
Real-World Examples of Digital Signage in Manufacturing
ATS Automation: Reaching Distributed Non-Desk Workers Instantly
ATS Automation, a global automation leader, faced challenges in communicating real-time production data to distributed non-desk workers.
By integrating Valotalive’s digital signage with Power BI, ATS:
- Provided instant access to operational KPIs across multiple production sites.
- Enabled faster decision-making with live data feeds.
- Improved workforce engagement by making critical updates accessible to all employees.
Rexel: Power BI Data Made Visible Across Multiple Locations
Rexel, a global electrical supply distributor, needed an efficient way to share Power BI dashboards with employees in warehouses and offices.
By deploying Valotalive’s digital signage, Rexel:
- Made sales & inventory performance visible across locations.
- Enabled real-time tracking of operational efficiency.
- Reduced reliance on manual reporting through automated Power BI updates.
Overcoming Challenges in Digital Signage Implementation
Manufacturers may face challenges in deploying digital signage:
- Integration Complexity – Ensuring compatibility with existing IT infrastructure. Learn how to integrate SharePoint with digital signage for real-time updates.
- Budget Constraints – Balancing hardware, software, and training costs.
- Content Strategy – Delivering relevant content to the right people at the right time. Read more about content strategy here.
- User Adoption – Training busy blue-collar managers to maximize the benefits of digital signage.
Maximizing ROI with Digital Signage in Manufacturing
To measure ROI, track these key metrics:
- Production Efficiency Gains – Improvements in uptime and workflow optimization.
- Reduced Downtime – How real-time alerts prevent equipment failures.
- Employee Engagement – Effectiveness of communication and training programs. Discover how SharePoint digital signage improves employee engagement.
- Safety Compliance – How signage helps reduce workplace incidents.
Conclusion
Real-time digital signage transforms manufacturing operations by enhancing efficiency, communication, and safety. Workplace digital signage solutions like Valotalive, BrightSign, and ScreenCloud offer seamless integrations with Power BI and enterprise tools, making data-driven decision-making more effective.
Learn more about how Valotalive can enhance real-time communication in your manufacturing facility.
