Business Challenge
The company was using a fragmented system to manage their screen network — with content sent manually, campaign schedules tracked in spreadsheets, and screen diagnostics monitored separately. The main objectives were to:
- Centralize the control of screen content across all locations
- Allow advertisers to book and manage campaigns through a self-service interface
- Enable real-time playlist scheduling based on screen type, location, and availability
- Generate invoices and track billing for recurring and one-off campaigns
- Monitor screen health remotely with automated alerts for downtime
- Deliver reporting on ad delivery and screen performance to internal teams and clients
Solution
The client manages a growing network of LCD advertising screens installed in shopping centers, airports, and other public venues. As their operations scaled, the need for a centralized system became clear — something that would simplify how content is deployed, monitored, and adjusted across all endpoints.
Our work began with analyzing how different departments handled campaign scheduling, client onboarding, and screen diagnostics. These workflows were previously fragmented across spreadsheets, messaging tools, and legacy systems, which introduced delays and increased overhead.
We built a platform structured around their operational reality, not just technical requirements. The system consolidated core functionalities and introduced tools to support scale and efficiency, including:
📊 Centralized Dashboard — unified control panel for managing a distributed network of advertising screens
🧑💼 Customer Cabinet & Order Management — a self-service portal for booking, managing, and tracking ad campaigns
🎞️ Ad Video Constructor — a no-design tool for building video creatives using dynamic templates
💳 Built-In Billing & Invoicing — automated billing with recurring payments, tiered pricing, and revenue reports
🗓️ Smart Playlist Scheduling — rule-based scheduling by screen type, location, and time slot
📡 Real-Time Updates & Remote Monitoring — live status monitoring and instant content deployment
📈 Performance Analytics & Reporting — metrics on delivery, uptime, impressions, and campaign success
👥 Multi-User Access & Role-Based Permissions — controlled environments for admins, operators, and clients
🔌 Seamless Integrations — connectivity with CMS, ad exchanges, POS systems, and billing via APIs
☁️ Scalable Cloud Infrastructure — built for global deployments with edge delivery optimization
🧭 Custom Dashboards for Each Role — tailored interfaces for each operational stakeholder
The development process prioritized clarity and operational alignment. Rather than automating every task, we focused on making routine actions faster and reducing dependency on manual coordination across teams. The end result is a platform that reflects the client's existing structure while offering room for growth.
Project Stages
Requirements & Workflow Analysis: Mapped ad operations, user roles, and existing screen communication workflows
UX & Platform Design: Prototyped dashboards for admin, operator, and advertiser roles
Development: Built backend logic for scheduling, billing, content control, and screen diagnostics
Testing & Rollout: Deployed in stages starting with regional test groups, later scaled to national coverage
Business Outcomes
- 100% of screens now updated remotely via centralized control panel
- 60% faster campaign launch time thanks to self-service tools
- 80% reduction in manual playlist errors across screen network
- Near real-time status visibility for 500+ screens across 30+ cities
- Increased advertiser satisfaction through self-service bookings and reporting
Why It Worked
To support a distributed, fast-moving ad network, we used the following tech stack:
- Vue.js: Built responsive dashboards and the advertiser portal
- Django: Managed campaign logic, screen control, and backend services
- PostgreSQL: Stored content metadata, screen diagnostics, and scheduling rules
- REST & GraphQL APIs: Enabled instant sync with screens, billing systems, and content sources
- AWS: Ensured reliable hosting and fast delivery of media assets through cloud edge infrastructure
Need a Similar Solution?
Running a digital signage network or ad-based media operation? We help teams centralize scheduling, automate content updates, and streamline campaign management across screen networks of any scale. Let’s talk.
