One of the most transformative aspects of adopting a robust ad management solution like Adtrac is the newfound transparency it brings to digital signage operations. While this visibility drives incredible opportunities for optimization, it can also introduce a challenge: confronting the realities of infrastructure performance.
For many of our customers, the transition to this level of operational clarity has been a steep learning curve. Transparency inevitably highlights issues such as player failures, internet connectivity disruptions, and other incidents that previously went unnoticed or unreported. Often, the initial response to this newfound visibility is to “kill the messenger”—to attribute the problems to the system making them visible, rather than acknowledging their pre-existing nature.
Facing the Hard Truths
Before implementing Adtrac, many marketplace owners operated under a less-than-transparent model. For example, when an advertiser booked a campaign across an entire network, the assumption—and the promise—was that every screen delivered as planned. Yet, behind the scenes, player downtime, connectivity lapses, or maintenance gaps often compromised delivery, unnoticed by the advertiser and ignored by operators.
Adtrac changes this dynamic by offering real-time reporting and detailed transparency into campaign performance. Customers quickly discover that their infrastructure isn’t always operating at 100%, and the knee-jerk reaction is often frustration—directed at the system that uncovers these imperfections.
From Blame to Better Practices
We’ve spent countless hours in meetings helping customers reframe their perspective. The reality is that these issues existed long before Adtrac—our system simply reveals them. What initially feels like a problem becomes an opportunity:
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Improving Infrastructure Maintenance
Adtrac's reporting helps identify weak points in infrastructure, allowing customers to prioritize maintenance and reduce downtime over time.
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Adjusting Campaign Commitments
Transparency enables customers to build realistic campaign guarantees with built-in safety margins. Instead of overpromising, they can offer advertisers reliable delivery backed by accurate reporting.
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Enhancing Customer Trust
Advertisers appreciate the honesty of a transparent system. Showing both successes and challenges builds trust, especially when paired with actionable solutions to improve delivery performance.
Over time, customers see the value in these adjustments, but the initial learning curve can be painful—for both them and us.
A Better Path Forward: Proactively Addressing Transparency
How can we help customers embrace this new transparency without the growing pains? Here are a few strategies we’ve found effective:
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Set Expectations Early
From day one, communicate that Adtrac is a reporting tool, not the cause of issues it uncovers. Frame transparency as a strength that enables improvement, rather than a flaw.
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Provide a Baseline Assessment
Before campaigns begin, offer a baseline analysis of network performance, so customers understand the starting point. This way, when issues arise, they’re not perceived as new but as part of a known reality.
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Collaborate on Solutions
Present Adtrac not just as a reporting tool, but as a partner in problem-solving. For example:
- Highlight how Adtrac data can help optimize maintenance schedules.
- Suggest best practices for building realistic campaign guarantees.
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Celebrate Wins
When transparency leads to improved performance or better advertiser satisfaction, showcase those wins. This reinforces the positive impact of embracing transparency.
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Educate Advertisers
Work with customers to explain transparency to their advertisers. Clear communication with end clients ensures they see the value of accurate reporting rather than viewing it as a setback.
Embracing the Truth for Growth
Transparency can feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s a powerful tool for growth. By partnering with our customers to navigate the learning curve, we’ve seen many transform their operations—reducing downtime, earning advertiser trust, and optimizing campaign delivery.
Adtrac isn’t here to create problems—it’s here to reveal them so they can be solved. And when that message resonates, the result is a stronger, more resilient network and happier advertisers.
