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Getting started · Costs

Calculate the running costs of an information screen

This guide separates one-off spending, recurring payments and internal staff time. The example is a planning aid with clearly labelled assumptions.

SUISSE-VIDEO · 6 October 2026 · 4-minute read

1. Describe the intended setup

Record the number of devices, distinct programmes needed and daily operating hours. Several screens using one project differ from several separate programmes. Check the appropriate licence against the pricing page and your actual requirements.

2. Record one-off spending

Obtain prices for the screen, playback device, mounting and installation. List existing equipment separately so it is not counted as a new purchase. The example assumes CHF 600 for equipment; this is not a hardware quotation and covers only the assumed setup.

3. Calculate power and connectivity

Include the power consumption of all required devices: watts ÷ 1000 × daily operating hours × days × price per kWh. In the example, 100 W total × 12 hours × 30 days equals 36 kWh; at an assumed CHF 0.30 per kWh, that is CHF 10.80. Replace these assumptions with measured consumption and your tariff. Additional internet cost is zero in this example because it uses an existing connection.

Example budget for one screen

ItemBasisAmount
SoftwareBasis monthly licence on the local pricing pageCHF 80 / month
Power36 kWh × assumed CHF 0.30CHF 10.80 / month
Additional internetExisting connection, assumptionCHF 0 / month
Internal content maintenance2 hours × assumed CHF 30CHF 60 / month
Budget including staff timeIncludes valued internal timeCHF 150.80 / month
EquipmentAssumed setup, separateCHF 600 one-off

Software price from the local pricing page, checked on 6 October 2026. All other figures are invented assumptions, not market prices or quotations. Excluded costs are explained in the text.

4. Value staff time separately

The example assumes two hours of content maintenance per month at an internal rate of CHF 30: CHF 60. With software and power, the monthly budget including valued staff time is CHF 150.80. Excluding that internal time allowance, assumed recurring payments total CHF 90.80. Platform subscriptions, external management and repairs are excluded and must be added if needed.

5. Check the annual budget and assumptions

Twelve months of the assumed recurring payments total CHF 1089.60; with CHF 600 equipment, first-year spending is CHF 1689.60. Including valued staff time gives a budget of CHF 2409.60. This calculation assumes twelve successive monthly licences, not a comparison with annual plans. Power uses twelve 30-day months for simplicity. Check prices, additional services and licence duration before deciding.

Budget checklist

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Test your first screen · Choose between a screen and printed notices

Price source: local pricing page, checked on 6 October 2026