Technician or Engineer ???

I've been busy for the last couple of weeks so I have alot of points to talk about, namely seeing that Digital Signage didn't exist as an occupation choice when I was going to school
how can one tell the difference between a Digital Signage Technician and a Digital Signage Engineer ?
Is there really a difference between the two at all ?

To be honest I believe my employer went to an expo, heard the title... figured it sounded fancy so they decided to grace me with an upgrade from Digital Signage Technician, to Network Manager, to Digital Signage Engineer whether that was all an upgrade or not is the point of this blog enrty.

So I did some soul searching, I have an understanding of What a Digital Signage Engineer is or atleast the responsibilities I believe were applicable with the position but lets see what research yields.





Technician :- Wiki describes a technician basically as someone that works in a technology field and is proficient with relative skills and techniques , with a relatively practical understanding of the theoretical principles (they seemed to like the word RELATIVE). To sum it up Technicians do the work in the field they have the experience but not ALL the theoretical information, they know what they need to know. strangely enough a comparison was made between an acoustic engineer having more knowledge of acoustics than an acoustics technician but the technician is more proficient in operating the equipment.

Engineer: To sum up wiki again engineers use scientific knowledge and ingenuity to solve technical problems. Engineers design materials, structures and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality, safety and cost.

SO which one are you ...?

 

In my opinion as a Digital Signage Engineer it is my duty to ascertain the clients needs and devise (engineer) a solution to meet that need, after creating the solution I will then pass it on to the technician who will make my designs that I have created on paper into reality.
Now we all know who the installer is so I didn't have to talk about that individual in this entry but as the industry grows I realise that there will be more demand for digital signage engineers individuals that have vast theoretical knowledge on all aspects as it pertains to creating a digital solution to meet clients needs. With several options becoming available for content management software, commercial pc's and screens the main difference between solutions from two digital signage vendors will be in the design, the creativity, the interaction with the consumer... and ofcourse the WOW factor.
please share your thoughts on the roles of digital signage engineers in this growing industry.