Signera Knowledgebase

The easiest way to send us data or information or a file that you want to end up showing on your sign is for us to download this information automatically via your web site, another public web site, company FTP server, or public API.

If this is not possible or the information is local to your computer (or intranet), then we recommend using a 3rd Party service or application to get us the file. We are outlining some choices below. They are typically shown in order from easiest to use (and best fit for most people) to hardest to use (and most flexible).

The first preferred option is to use a service like Dropbox to "sync" your local folder with the remote folder (on Dropbox's cloud). Then make that folder and/or file publicly accessible. Every-time you change the file locally it should also automatically upload to Dropbox (conversely if the file on the cloud gets changed it'll automatically change your local file too). More information under 1) below.

The second preferred option is to setup a 'macro' to automatically send the file to us. A macro is basically a recording of moving your mouse and using your keyboard to automate tasks. You "record" the task one time, then set the computer up to repeat this task every-so-often. So you could automate the task of: getting the file, logging into Signera, clicking on the 'File Manager' tab, then uploading the file, then logging out. The macro software will move the mouse and use the keyboard as if someone was sitting in front of the computer. Some macro software is even smart enough to deal with certain errors or problems that can arise. More information under 2) below.

Lastly we recommend using a Window BATCH script to automatically send the file to us or a auto-FTP program. More information under 3) and 4) below.

The first four options shown below can be run on the media player itself (assuming the media player is running on the same network as the file you wish to send). The most powerful solution, but requiring the most computer experience, is option 5.

It is up to the customer to find the best approach for their situation and network. Every option below has positives and negatives. Also some are better for certain kind of networks (or files) than others. Lastly you'll need to balance security verses ease of use. Signera can help point you in the right direction for your needs if you want. If so, simply reach out to Signera Support (contact details at the bottom of this article).

1) Dropbox Approach

This will work with any size file like a CSV or TXT file or even a large MP4 movie. Note: This is only possible on a networked machine that has access to the file locally and also access to the internet.

Steps:

Notes:
- Make sure the file name doesn't change (it always is called the same exact thing)
- This application (Dropbox) must always run (and the machine must always be on) to ensure the file gets sent to Signera 24/7.
- If you wish to use Google Drive instead, this should also work the same way using their sync application (other services like Microsoft Cloud may also work if they have a sync folder option).

2) Macro Approach

This is best if the file is small in size like a CSV or TXT file. Note: This is only possible on a networked machine that has access to the file locally and also access to the internet.

Steps:

Here is a list of recommended Macro software:

Disclaimer: Signera is not responsible for this software working or unintended consequences of using these software programs. If you wish to have Signera help setup a Macro for you, Signera can work with you over the phone or via Screen Sharing and help setup a Macro for a reasonable hourly fee.

Notes:
- Make sure the file name doesn't change (it always is called the same exact thing)
- Requires computer to always be on and with access to the file to ensure the file gets sent to Signera 24/7.
- You cannot use the computer while the macro task is running as it'll overtake your keyboard/mouse to move through the automated task (ideally the macro machine isn't used by a person regularly). If you set this up on the Sign, you will see the sign go away and switch to logging into Signera and uploading the file every time the macro runs. Please keep this in mind (for this reason we do recommend running this macro on another non-used Windows machine if the macro is to run multiple times a day).


3) BATCH FTP Approach

This is best if the file is small in size like a CSV or TXT file. Note: This is only possible on a Windows computer. The computer must also be left on all the time.

First create a BAT file using 'Notepad' that consists of the following:

Save this file as auto_ftp.bat in the same directory as the file you are going to be sending.

Be sure to change the following to your information in the auto_ftp.bat file before saving:

Once you have the file, and tested that it works, the next step is to schedule the task to run how ever often you need this data to update.

To do this you'll want to use Task Scheduler.

More information on opening Task Scheduler is here: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc721931(v=ws.11).aspx

Once you have Task Scheduler open, create a new task to run how often you need it to run.

You can setup a task to run as much or as little as you want. We recommend not going below 5 minutes and not higher than once daily for data that needs to stay regularly updated.

We recommend not setting up tasks unless you are familiar with the process.

A tutorial on setting up a recurring task can be found here:
https://www.digitalcitizen.life/how-create-task-basic-task-wizard

If you do not have an FTP account, please reach out to Signera Support at support@signera.net so they may create one for you.

4) Auto-FTP Program Approach

We recommend using ScriptFTP - https://www.scriptftp.com/

The customer is responsible for purchasing a license if one is required.

You can find example FTP configurations on their web site here: https://www.scriptftp.com/s/simple-scripts/file_upload-ftp

Signera can also help configure a script for a reasonable hourly fee.

ScriptFTP will automatically run in the background and send the file(s) you want to send to Signera at a certain interval. You can also setup ScriptFTP to start when the computer starts so its always running.

If you do not have an FTP account, please reach out to Signera Support at support@signera.net so they may create one for you.

5) UNIX/Linux/BSD/OSX Automated Sending Approach

Another more powerful option is to use a Mac, UNIX, BSD, or Linux desktop/server and utilize cron-jobs to schedule a task to automatically send us your files. You can send via ssh, sftp, ftp, Web-PUT requests, etc. This requires additional expertise but typically a companies' IT department and/or Network Administrator can set this up. Also this is typically the preferred way to setup an automatic process when an IT department is involved. It is also the most secure and flexible.

Signera cannot setup this option for you as it typically requires intimate experience and knowledge of a local network, access to UNIX-based servers, and access to the network's configuration. Also this would typically be setup in-line on servers that are not utilized completely by just Digital Signage. However we can help assist a Network Administrator or IT Department that wishes to use this approach. Signera can even SSH and/or VPN into a UNIX server to assist in setting up cron-jobs for a reasonable hourly fee to send the file(s) to Signera.




If you have any questions or need additional help, please reach out to Signera Support at 301-714-0110 x1 or E-Mail: support@signera.net