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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.
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
| Item | Basis | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Basis monthly licence on the local pricing page | CHF 80 / month |
| Power | 36 kWh × assumed CHF 0.30 | CHF 10.80 / month |
| Additional internet | Existing connection, assumption | CHF 0 / month |
| Internal content maintenance | 2 hours × assumed CHF 30 | CHF 60 / month |
| Budget including staff time | Includes valued internal time | CHF 150.80 / month |
| Equipment | Assumed setup, separate | CHF 600 one-off |
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
Test your first screen · Choose between a screen and printed notices