Narrowcasting and e-papers
Smarter workplace communication.
Information boards, printed posters on doors, sticky notes on the noticeboard by the coffee machine... Organisations still often rely on paper-based communication, even though it’s inefficient, error-prone and not sustainable. But there’s a solution. Narrowcasting and e-papers: two digital tools that are scalable and flexible, allowing you to manage your internal communication in a smarter, more professional and more sustainable way. Read on to find out everything you need to know about these solutions.
The difference between narrowcasting and e-paper solutions.
Narrowcasting lets you display targeted information (digital content) on screens placed in specific locations throughout your organisation—such as at reception, in the canteen or in the lift. These screens can display internal news updates, schedules, waiting times, birthdays or KPIs—whatever is relevant to your organisation. You can update the content as often as you like, and tailor it to each floor or department.
An e-paper is an energy-efficient digital display that resembles a paper poster but can be updated digitally. The main difference between narrowcasting and e-papers lies in the technology and how they’re used.
Narrowcasting is mainly used for dynamic content, such as video or real-time dashboards, whereas e-papers are ideal for static content that only changes occasionally, such as daily specials, agenda items or announcements—for example, adverts in bus shelters.
Flexible use cases – From daily menus to IT ticket status.
You can use both tools side by side—dynamic where visibility matters, static where calm and energy efficiency are key.
- In your reception area, narrowcasting can show real-time weather and traffic updates.
- In the canteen, the daily menu can automatically switch to birthday announcements or company event information.
- In IT, display the status of support tickets; in sales, show current revenue figures.
Content can be managed centrally via one platform—even from your smartphone.
Real-world example – E-papers in car showrooms.
A major Bechtle customer in the automotive sector has adopted e-papers in their showrooms. Traditionally, each car had a printed A4 sheet listing its specs, but these have now been replaced with e-paper displays that can be updated with a single click.
No more printed posters, plastic sleeves or manual updates. Now, the customer can mark a car as sold from their laptop and instantly display the specs of the new model, saving time, paper and waste.
Benefits at a glance.
- Centralised management: update content remotely and per screen.
- User-friendly: easy to use, even for non-technical staff.
- Scalable: from a single screen to multiple locations.
- Sustainable: less printing, lower energy use (especially with e-papers).
- Professional look: fully customisable to match your brand identity.
Many organisations don’t realise these tools can be part of a broader ecosystem. That’s a missed opportunity because the same software can also handle visitor registration, meeting room bookings and more.
Onno Janssen, Solution Consultant at Bechtle
Part of your IT ecosystem.
Many organisations don’t realise these tools can be part of a broader ecosystem. That’s a missed opportunity because the same software can also handle visitor registration, meeting room bookings and more.
You could display personalised welcome messages in the car park or set up a fully digital reception desk—no staff required. All powered by the same platform.
According to our AV specialists, these solutions are especially valuable for organisations looking to scale. Even small businesses can benefit, but if you have multiple departments or locations, the system grows with you.
Narrowcasting and e-paper solutions are ideal for organisations that:
- Welcome many visitors, customers or flexible workers
- Want to reduce paper use and improve sustainability
- Need better control over communication without increasing workload
Narrowcasting and e-papers aren’t a passing fad—they’re the logical next step for organisations that want to share information faster, smarter and more sustainably.
Wim den Hollander, Solution Consultant at Bechtle
Ready to get started?
Narrowcasting and e-papers aren’t a passing fad—they’re the logical next step for organisations that want to share information faster, smarter and more sustainably. Whether you’re welcoming visitors, informing colleagues or managing spaces, these solutions help you reach a wide audience with ease—without turning your entire IT department upside down.
Curious to experience the benefits of narrowcasting or e-papers for yourself? Visit our Eindhoven office for a behind-the-scenes look and a hands-on demo. Have a question or want to brainstorm with one of our AV specialists? Get in touch with us!
