Seamless Alerts with FLIC and Digital Signage Software

In emergency scenarios or fast-changing situations, organizations need a way to instantly override digital signage content. Bluetooth devices such as the FLIC smart button offer a simple, physical trigger for on-screen messages when integrated with cloud-based digital signage software like TelemetryTV. One press can push critical information to displays in real time, making it a powerful capability for any organization that requires immediate communication.

FLIC buttons use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to communicate with a host device, typically a phone or dedicated FLIC Hub. Each button can recognize single press, double press, or long-press actions, all powered by a small coin cell battery that can last up to two years. The FLIC Hub creates a constant bridge between multiple buttons and the internet, letting you trigger automated events without relying on a user’s smartphone. One hub can manage dozens of buttons at a time, covering an indoor range of approximately 50 meters.

When pressed, a FLIC button sends a BLE signal to its hub or paired phone, which then issues a webhook call to an external service. This webhook can instruct a digital signage system to display emergency alerts or override normal playlists. By integrating FLIC’s IoT triggers with digital signage software solutions, organizations can deliver real-time alerts with minimal setup.

How FLIC Buttons Work

FLIC is designed for simplicity. A button has multiple press types and relies on a low-power Bluetooth connection. An optional FLIC Hub offers around-the-clock connectivity, so you don’t need a phone present. Each button is assigned an action in the FLIC app: sending an HTTP POST request to a URL, controlling a smart home device, or triggering an integration service like Zapier. Because TelemetryTV’s API accepts webhook requests, FLIC is easily adapted for signage alerts. The main steps are pairing the button with a hub or phone, linking the press action to a webhook, and ensuring the TelemetryTV override URL is properly authenticated.

Digital Signage Alerts with TelemetryTV

TelemetryTV is cloud-based digital signage software that supports override alerts: content that supersedes scheduled programming. An override can be a text notification, full-screen image, or other media. Once created, it remains idle until manually or programmatically activated.

In TelemetryTV’s interface, you can define overrides for emergency alerts or operational notices, assigning them to specific screens or locations. An authorized webhook or API token can then activate these overrides. This architecture is well-suited for FLIC: a press triggers a webhook, TelemetryTV processes the request, and displays receive the new content in real time.

Step-by-Step Integration

1. Create an Alert in TelemetryTV: Prepare an override and assign it to relevant screens. Save it in a paused state until triggered.

2. Obtain a Webhook URL: In TelemetryTV’s integrations or API settings, create a webhook linked to your new override. TelemetryTV generates a unique URL and API token for activation.

3. Configure FLIC: Pair the button with a FLIC Hub or phone. In the FLIC app, set the button press action to make an HTTP POST call to the TelemetryTV override webhook. If custom headers are required, consider using a middleware service like Zapier.

4. Test and Deploy: Press the FLIC button to confirm it instantly overrides the signage content. Mount the button in a suitable location, making sure employees know when and how to use it.

Use Cases

Emergencies

A FLIC button can serve as a panic trigger to display immediate lockdown or evacuation alerts. TelemetryTV’s cloud-based digital signage software can override screens across an entire building or campus. For instance, Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) uses TelemetryTV to instantly push urgent messages to its venue displays.

Retail Promotions

Store managers can press a button to launch a flash sale banner on digital menu boards or promotional screens. When the sale ends, the screens revert to their regular schedules without manual intervention. This rapid approach offers more control to front-line staff and engages customers with timely offers.

Internal Communications

In offices or manufacturing plants, a button press could broadcast a facility-wide announcement, such as a safety drill or upcoming all-hands meeting. Because signage is already in place throughout the building, employees receive the alert quickly. A small IoT device simplifies activation when seconds matter.

Charts and Tables

Technical Considerations

• Scalability: One FLIC Hub can manage 60 or more buttons. For larger deployments, multiple hubs can be placed in different areas. TelemetryTV’s digital signage software can override an unlimited number of connected screens simultaneously.

• Security: Limit physical access to the button. Use HTTPS and API tokens for the webhook call. If the FLIC app cannot pass headers, a secure middleware can handle authentication. TelemetryTV also allows for admin control over device tags and content overrides.

• Maintenance: Regularly check FLIC battery levels and hub connectivity. TelemetryTV devices should also remain online for real-time updates. Periodic testing ensures buttons are still properly paired and authorized to trigger alerts.

Conclusion

Integrating FLIC buttons with TelemetryTV’s cloud-based digital signage software empowers teams to broadcast urgent or time-sensitive information with a single press. This approach is highly adaptable: from campus emergencies to retail promotions, the same basic workflow applies. TelemetryTV’s override feature immediately interrupts normal content whenever a button event arrives. Because the system operates via webhooks and APIs, there is minimal hardware complexity and rapid deployment potential. By uniting IoT triggers with centralized screen control, organizations create a responsive communication channel that ensures key messages reach their audiences in seconds.