Does The Digital Signage Sector Really Need A Seal Of Professional Excellence?

August 7, 2012 by Dave Haynes

The Digital Signage Federation sent around a note today announcing a Seal of Professional Excellence for the industry – something a company can get if it adheres to the DSF’s Professional Standards I guess I’d know even existed were I a member.

“Derived from the Privacy Standards that were developed by the Standards Committee,” says the DSF, “and adopted by the organization in fall 2011, the Seal of Professional Excellence is a tangible designation for organizations that have committed to support and adhere to the DSF’s Professional Standards. The seal is intended to be a graphic symbol synonymous with excellence in professional conduct and integrity within the digital signage industry.”

“Companies are now adopting the DSF’s Seal of Professional Excellence because it just makes sense to publicly support ethical business practices,” says Ian Stone of Respario, who co-Chairs the DSF’s Standards Committee. “Even when organizations already have a codified vetting process, it’s easier and more reassuring to be able to readily recognize and gives an edge to those who have promised to deal fairly and professionally.”

The companies that have signed the pledge are basically the DSF board, plus FastSigns International.

Which brings me back to the Professional Standards thing, which I looked up and have replicated below. The abridged version: Don’t Be A  Dirtbag.

The Digital Signage Federation (DSF) prides itself in being identified as composed of individuals and companies that are committed to delivering dependable, high quality products and services to clients.

The DSF Code of Professional Conduct is designed to address the obligations of the digital signage industry in four key areas:

Each area begins with an Ethical Principle that sets forth the goals and ideals of the profession. The Ethical Principle is followed by the applicable sections of the Code of Professional Conduct which lists specific types of conduct that is either required or prohibited.

Ethical Principles are goals that every professional and organization should strive to achieve. They serve as the justification for the specific requirement of the Code of Professional Conduct. Unlike the Ethical Principles, the Code of Professional Conduct is binding upon organizations that display the DSF Seal of Professional Excellence (SPE) and violations may subject the member to disciplinary action in accordance with the DSF Code of Conduct Enforcement Procedures.

It is the duty of every company that qualifies to use the Seal of Professional Excellence and/or individual member to know and strictly adhere to the requirements of the Code of Professional Conduct. For the protection of the clients we serve, the profession we dedicate ourselves to, the communities in which we live, and the Association that represents us, the DSF Quality Professional Organizations agree to abide by the Digital Signage Federation Code of Professional Conduct.

I. OBLIGATIONS OF SERVICE TO THE CLIENT

Ethical Principle: Members have an ethical obligation to serve each client in a professional manner, being respectful of their wishes and confidences, and being honest and fair in all dealings with them.

CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Organizations that display the DSF SPE shall:

1. Provide services to clients without regard to religion, race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or disability.

2. Protect confidential information pertaining to the client and abide by all privacy standards adopted by the DSF.

3. Carry out all aspects of services in a competent and respectful manner.

4. Properly account for and remit any monies, documents, or personal property that belongs to other that comes into the member’s possession.

5. Not engage in any unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud or harm the client they serve in the course of providing professional services.

II. OBLIGATIONS TO THE PUBLIC 

Ethical Principle: Organizations that display the DSF SPE have an ethical obligation to the public to offer their services or products and to operate their businesses in accordance with the highest principles of honesty, fair dealing and professionalism.

CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Organizations that display the DSF SPE shall:

1. Not engage in any unprofessional conduct, which is likely to defraud or deceive the public.

2. Not engage in false or misleading advertising.

3. Discourage their employees from using alcohol or drugs which impact their ability to carry out their professional business obligation.

III. OBLIGATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT

Ethical Principle: Organizations that display the DSF SPE have an ethical obligation to maintain strict compliance with the letter and spirit of all governmental laws and regulations that impact the consumer, the profession, and the public.

CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Organizations that display the DSF SPE shall:

1. Not knowingly make a false statement on proposals or contracts.

2. Not knowingly make or file false records or reports.

3. Comply with all national, state or local laws, rules or regulations governing or impacting the industry.

4. Comply with all national, state or local laws, rules or regulations that were enacted to protect consumers.

5. Comply with all national, state or local laws, rules or regulations that were enacted to protect the environment.

IV. OBLIGATIONS TO DSF

Ethical Principle: Members have an ethical obligation to professionally act in a manner that upholds the purposes and objectives of the DSF.

CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Organizations that display the DSF SPE shall:

1. Comply with the adopted standards of the DSF. These standards are publicly available on the DSF website and may be added to or amended by the DSF Board of Directors.

2. Be honest, fair, and act with integrity to other DSF members and treat others with mutual respect and trust for each individual and company.

3. Not engage in negative public communication either privately or publicly that disparage other individuals or entities with which the DSF interacts.

4. Honestly represent their company capabilities. This includes, but is not limited to placement in appropriate dues category.

This Code of Professional Conduct is administered under “Enforcement Procedures.”

My impression: All very nice. How do you argue with vows of intergrity? But my overriding attitude: Big Whatever.

This is all common sense, Mom and Apple Pie stuff. I suppose it’s what organizations do as part of their charters, but being honest, fair and well-behaved seem like the basics of doing business these days – regardless of economic conditions or sector.

The slimeballs who will do and say anything to make a deal in this space are unfortunately (and this does not reflect at all on those who’ve signed) the mostly likely to sign up for a seal of approval as cover.

So going back to the question in the headline: Does this sector need a seal of excellence? Mr. Crankypants here doesn’t think so.

But, in the endless, pointless war between the two associations calling themselves the voice of this industry, this is something the DSA doesn’t have. So with membership, you can also get a Seal.

What do you think? Use the comments …

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