When operating large-scale businesses, communication from the top of the line to every single facet of said company is extremely important, especially when you’re operating on a franchise level. We know how quickly messages can get lost when it’s just between a group of 2 to 3 people, so think about but with hundreds or thousands. Creating a streamlined process doesn’t have to be as complicated as you may think, especially when we have the technology of digital signage at our fingertips.
Instead of relying on word of mouth or unopened inboxes to get things processed efficiently, with a few clicks of a button- (or more like, taps of a screen) we can communicate and bring orders in more effectively than we ever have before. Whether you’re wanting to create more open communication internally via sending notices, improvements to make, and updates from your office, or advertising what’s new to the general public by display screens, digital signage keeps franchise locations aligned. So let’s break down how, from HQ to the floor, what makes this medium so practical and efficient for businesses everywhere.
- How HQ Can Communicate With Employees Across Stores
- How Shift Can Help Keep Your Franchise Locations Aligned
- Digital Signage Communication Examples to Keep With Your Business Goals
From HQ to the floor, digital signage keeps every kind of franchise in lock step.
How HQ Can Communicate With Employees Across Stores
No matter what kind of franchise you’re operating, whether it’s food, services, or sales, you’re going to see the need for instant clear-cut communication almost immediately as you're managing. Many “on the floor” employees might not be behind a desk all day, which makes sending and relying on emails or Slack messages harder.
Digital signage can make it so not just one location, but all franchise locations get the pertinent information delivered to them instantly. No more waiting around to see if x saw or did y, you’ll be able to have these types of displays in break rooms, server alleys, kitchens, manufacturing, and work rooms so it can feel as though you’re in ten places at once.
But, just like any addition to a business, you need the best and that’s why we’re happy to highlight Shift.
How Shift Can Help Keep Your Franchise Locations Aligned
Before we dive too deep into Shift, we should first do a little recap on digital signage.
What exactly is digital signage software?
Put simply, a digital signage software is like the main menu of a video game, where you can control the graphic settings, the resolution, the subtitle size and color, and every other little detail of how your game runs. When put into business terms, a DSS is the “hub” where you can control all of the digital content displayed on every screen that’s linked up.
You’re able to make and adjust layout design for menus, products, and services; as well as display new information that comes your way. Think of instead of manually erasing a dry-erase board and writing down every single new thing that needs to be seen by employees, it’s automatically displayed to each and every screen set up through the building.
There are so many options out there for digital signage software, but only one that lets you truly keep your franchise locations aligned:
Shift is known for bridging that gap between management and employees. At HQ you can use many of its functions to offer real-time updates once and send it out to every franchise location immediately; that way you don’t have to single out each individual business.
Working with well-known companies and businesses like Buffalo Wild Wings, Burger King, Avamere Living, and more, we are made for franchises in mind, and that includes yours, no matter how many locations you have, we will be able to provide you with the services you need in a timely manner.
We’re looking at:
- Seamless, Centralized Communication
- Automated Content Creation
- Visualized, Real-Time Data
- Easy, Scalable Deployment
- 11% increase in revenue
- 21% increase in operational profitability
- 25% improvement in employee retention
With the Content Navigator tool, Shift can efficiently update any digital signage screens to give updates on company news, spotlight employees, and give updates on current projects.
Through real-time communication of goals, notices, everyday messages, and employee recognition, we can make it so everyone from the bottom to the top has their time valued.
A DSS (digital signage software) is a two-way street, as a manager you’re going to be looking at a lot of numbers and sales, so having that come back to you almost instantly is going to be very helpful with your next business moves.
Shift is always building new integrations and API connections so you can know that you’ll always have reliable resources to fall back on. Try a risk-free 60 day pilot and see how it works so you can introduce microlearning in HR in the most streamlined way possible.
Digital Signage Communication Examples to Keep With Your Business Goals
Did you know 8 out of 10 global workers are deskless? This means that having digital signage that’s on the move with your employees creates a stronger company culture both from HQ to the floor.
We have some examples of how digital signage can keep every franchise location aligned so you can see why you should join the next best step in business tech:
Announcements for New Products
With the rise of social media, our society is moving at a rate that’s faster than ever and that means customer satisfaction is always reaching a new height that we’re trying to meet. Planning new products and finally getting them ready for the masses is a trial in itself, but advertising said products can be an even bigger hurdle.
When you need to make the audience clear of what’s new you can do that with up-to-date product announcements through your screens. This way every employee and prospective customer knows what’s what. Capturing the attention with colorful displays and eye-catching visuals will pave the way for these new products and services to be seen, rather than just pushed aside because it’s on an old dusty chalkboard.
Products, Services, and Deals to Push
We all have had moments in our business where one thing isn’t selling or being asked about enough, especially when it’s something that’s been worked on a lot internally. When we see those numbers come in, we know where to shift our efforts, but making sure those on the floor know what products, goods, or services to push is key to making sure all of that hard work isn’t thwarted by a lack of communication. Deliver messages to sales teams and customer-facing employees so they know where to put their energy.
Safety Tips
Safety and making sure employee welfare is arguably the biggest and most significant part of owning a company, let alone a business franchise. Those who are dealing with a line that comes with safety necessities should be reminded at all times of what those are. Keeping a safe, happy, and healthy relationship with work is paramount to creating an environment that feels like something they can return to.
Compliance Reminders
Remember when you were a kid in the classroom and you’d find yourself staring out the window day dreaming while the teacher drags on about such and such? Those were the days, and those days don’t necessarily leave us even in adulthood. Having gentle compliance reminders about essential work alerts and queues can keep the team on task without having to be the one always sending a “just a reminder” email that goes ignored.
Real-Time Updates
We’ve said it all throughout the article how important it is to keep team members up-to-date with the latest numbers and feedback from customers. But having that externalized through digital signage so potential clients, buyers, and consumers can see flash sales or updates to your menu is just as substantial.
In the restaurant business for example, you may have a shortage or a new deal from headquarters that’s just as sudden to those on the floor as it is to customers who come in. Having real-time updates for those potentialities is why digital signage is so superior.
Ensuring Franchise Consistency
Unlike independent businesses, with franchises we have a goal to try to reach consistent branding amongst every location. This can be done quite easily with a digital signage software that can streamline any kind of content or business conduct that needs to be implemented. Instead of one on one communicating with each and every franchise, sending out notices to all through one hub makes what would be a headache a breeze.
Sales Leaderboard
Not everything on your digital signage needs to be straight to the book, operations only. You can add even more “fun” options like a sales leaderboard between different stores in a region over a certain period of time, with the top seller earning some sort of prize. It can be a monthly thing, enticing some light-hearted competition to inspire increased production amongst each store.
Personalized Local Content
Depending on how far-reaching your franchise locations go, you could be entering different regions which means different local preferences or interests. Personalizing your welcoming signs, menus, or advertisements to reflect local language, community events, and culture is a fast-paced way to make it known that yes, although they are in a franchised business, they are taking note of serving the community rather than the “general masses.”
Employee of the Month Displays
Giving metaphorical “flowers” to employees who are going above and beyond the usual standard is one of the easiest ways to improve overall employee satisfaction. No one likes to feel as though their work isn’t being recognized, especially by someone or someone(s) who are there everyday doing their best. When one person is lifted up, others are too, and that means through properly recognized consistent displays like powerful employee of the month signifiers, you will feel a shift regarding workplace attitude. This shift brings in more positivity, less employee turnover, and creates a positive environment that will bring in more like-minded individuals.
Conclusion: How Digital Signage Keeps Franchise Locations Aligned
In our ever-changing demographics we look to solutions that seek out a stronger workforce, not just at the top with HQ, but on the floor as well.
Long over are the days of delayed communication and missed opportunities for furthering sales. With digital signage software like Shift, you can manage all of your franchise locations with ease, creating a pattern for future involvement and improvement amongst every leadership role and team member.
Creating consistent deliveries brings in retention, not just amongst those who are working, but to customers as well. And what do we know about retention? It brings in profit. Through a simple solution like a DSS you can make it so you’re never not seeing development.
