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How digital signage come to your rescue in the corona virus (COVID-19) crisis?

The entire world has only one thing in their mind at the moment – COVID-19. Many countries and regions are in absolute lockdown and it is crucial for everyone to understand the crises that we are in. All businesses are shut apart from the ones that need to cater for public welfare. It is during this time that High Brightness Digital Signage can be used to inform and educate the masses about the virus and its implications.
Since we have cloud-based software like Fengshilcd Screen to manage the content on the digital screens with ease, all that needs to do is prepare the content and display it.

Here is a list of things that can be done with Digital Signage to tackle the urgent situation:

1) The government could use the signboards under their surveillance to urge people to stay home and how to take care of themselves using Digital Signage
Since we are all new to this situation, everyone needs to be properly explained several terms like ‘Social Distancing’, ‘Lockdown’, ‘Emergency’ and ‘Self-quarantine’. Digital Signage LCD Display on the streets and public places can be put to the best use to spread complete awareness about these terms. The best part is this can be done by staying at one’s home through a laptop or a PC. It’s that simple!

2) Functioning businesses could use Digital Signage to keep the working employees informed about the precautions to be taken to keep themselves safe While a lot of businesses are closed due to lockdown, there are some who still work to serve the public like manufacturing units, testing laboratories, warehouses and other health care centers. While the staff here puts every effort to take care of the needs of the general masses, their health care is important equally.


Digital Signage can be used to display the precautions to be taken while working. Safety measures can be displayed on the screens, so they are constantly reminded of the care they need to take. This again can be managed remotely with Digital Signage software!

3) Hospitals and health care centers can use Digital Signage to help the patients and visitors informed about the virus.
This part is probably the best use Digital Signage can ever be put to in the current situation. By having digital screens at the Doctor’s office, waiting area as well as the hallways showing the symptoms, precautions to take, risks, steps to take care, how the infection spreads, mortality statistics and many more, everyone can be educated.
Digital Signage at the health care centers can also be used to manage the queues and communicate with the waiting patients effectively without having the physically be present there.
All said and done, we are all a family and we need to tackle this huge problem like one. Let’s fight Coronavirus(COVID-19) by staying at home and following social distancing! Stay home, stay safe everyone!

How to increase gym membership sales using digital signage?

While everyone knows the importance to health, they often fail to realize how important it is to hit a Gym for best results. Many opt for a New Year Resolution pushing them to head the Gym benches but what after that? The gym owners often struggle to figure out how to get a consistent flow of the membership and get renewals too.

Undoubtedly health is very important but with competition and many options available to potential members, getting memberships seems like a task. With time, technology has enhanced the ways to reach masses. Digital Signage is one such tool that has potential of grabbing more eyeballs and affecting the way health is perceived.

How does a digital signage work for gyms & fitness centers
Often we perceive what we see. This sets the very role of High Brightness Digital Signage to place. Placing digital signage in gym at crucial locations with the right content can help you boost on your lead generation for potential memberships. Reception area is one of the pivotal locations wherein offers on new memberships can be widely promoted, schedule of classes can be displayed or events, marathons and new initiatives can be promoted.

Digital signage at the café premise of your gym can promote the benefits of food that are a must for a healthy living. Digital Screen will also assist in creating an environment in the gym wherein people will want to work out daily.

How Digital Signage Helps to Increase Membership Retention?
1.Show them what you’re worth with digital signage for gyms and fitness centres
Digital Signage are so versatile they can be used for numerous purposes. Any person who enters your fitness centre is a potential customer and the very fact that he/she is there is that they are already interested in having your services. The only thing now that remains is for you to convince them to choose you.
Display what is best about your Gym or fitness centre, showcase the results that one can achieve at your place and highlight the personal attention paid to each member. This will help you get more lead conversion. Step a bit further and go ahead to promote the add on services that you offer like in-house range of nutritional products, a newly introduced fitness class for people over 60, promote your referral or loyalty programs or display the achiever of the month from your centre. The possibilities are limitless with the chance of getting results gradually.

Competitions among members can be held and promoted thus pushing them to work hard with a healthy spirit.

2. Break your profit-making record by finding your target viewers
Digital Signage allow you to display the content as per your needs on the time and day as needed. With people of different age group entering your gym at different times, there is an opportunity to promote specific offers and events based on the time of their visits.
Offers like discount for dance and Zumba fitness sessions for teens, swimming or marathon for seniors, morning yoga sessions for working women, special health sessions for pregnant women can be promoted using Digital Signage to grab more signups.

Getting the right content at the right time is crucial and with Digital Signage this can be flexibly managed. Urgent updates to the current promotions can be managed and last-minute changes can be done too. The idea is that your message should hit the mark to get you the right results.

3. Digital signage for gyms and fitness centres keeps people motivated – and makes them renew their membership
While getting new signups is a part worth the effort, pulling the current flock of members again to renew their membership is a different story altogether.

Often people do reach to a point where they decide to pay for the gym membership after much thought but not everyone has the resilience to get used to the hard-hitting sessions and that too on a daily basis. This acts as one of the reasons why members don’t go to renew the membership.
There are a group of people who join gym exclusively due to some important event happening to them like wedding or a long-awaited trip to their dream destination. One cannot expect this lot to hit the gym again unless they come to realise how beneficial it is to regularly workout. Of course, one cannot be forced to head to a gym but motivated enough to try.

Every member to a gym or fitness centre should be assigned a buddy or a trainer who motivates them and acts as their friend to achieve the right kind of living and understand how important it is to regularly exercise.

The buddy or trainer can use Digital Signage to show the effects on your body if not exercised regularly, sharing success stores of loyal gym members so they can be related to, they can be used to show quick exercises that are a must everyday for healthy living or show helpful tips on what kind of food to be eaten for a healthy living.

4. Let local businesses advertise on your digital signage for gyms and fitness centers
Digital signage are a best medium to cross sell for local businesses wherein related industries can promote other services to grab more customer base mutually. There is no harm in going for some advertising revenue, is it?

Local food partners, juice centres or health experts can be partnered with and promoted at Digital Signage in your gym. While some of your members might already be in search for them, others might decide to go to the promoted centre on impulse. Either way, this will help you as well to earn some bucks. The promoted centre in return may pave way to a flock of new members to your gym too.

How Much Does a Digital Signage Cost for Gym?
While the idea of having Digital Signage is tempting, gym owners often stop at the thought of putting any investment on it. While it is being decided to input some money on it, how much would it give as a return? And there is a need of Hardware and Software both.

Removing the dilemma, Digital signage are very easy to setup and operate. Most smart TVs can be used as a digital signage wherein the software can be connected using Amazon Firestick. The hardware is a one time investment. As for the software CMS, they are cost efficient and in return their benefits are worthy.

Conclusion:
Digital signage are gradually going to replace the large printed hoards we see. They are a smart, quick and reliable solution to promote your offerings. High brightness screen is one such Digital Signage Solution that offers an easy, ready to go and an affordable solution.

How digital signage helps retailers to stay ahead in COVID-19 outbreak?

The entire world is fighting a difficult situation this year. The sudden outbreak of COVID-19 has left everyone stressed and anxious. People are scared to go out and if they do, they need to be absolutely careful. Every business is facing crises. Exploring new ways to fulfil the current need and also assuring safety are the steps businesses should take to survive.

In this Pandemic, retail sector has faced a down hit but also has an opportunity to navigate new ways and turn this into growth. Cloud based tech solutions are imperative in such times to reach masses and market one’s offerings. Retail digital signage is one such mode that can be employed in several ways by the retail industry to communicate with masses and keep them informed about one’s services. Both demand and supply chains are worst affected and hence it becomes a responsibility to keep your customers well prepared for the situation.

5 Ways LCD Digital Signage Help Retailers in Corona Crisis
1) Keep your customers informed about the stock availability
If you are a retail service provider that offers perishable items or are providing items used on a daily bases, it is quite possible that you won’t be able to meet the uncertain surge in the demand of these items while people are planning to stock them. It is also possible that people might queue up and you need to communicate them about the availability of goods.

High Brightness LCD Digital signage can come to handy in this situation. Instantly update the status of items available and those not available so customers can prepare their list well in advance. If a certain item goes out of stock, it can be easily update on the Digital Signage. This creates less chaos and helps you manage the customer needs smoothly.

2) Display way finding so customers don’t crowd up

If you own a big retail shop or a mart, using signage to guide the customers on the stock at every section can be a great way to streamline the crowd and spend their time searching for items. A digital signage at the entry guiding on the sections and where they are placed can be a good way to lead the pack of customers.

The placing the digital signage can be such that customers can know where each a every section is easily and proceed to make purchases accordingly. The benefit of digital signage over paper prints is that they can be updated as an when needed when the stock sections are changed.

3) Inform customers on offers available on needed items so they can benefit from it

Every customer loves to benefit from offers and when it comes to necessity items, they tend to grab more eyeballs. Display the list of offers on the digital signage so customers can benefit from it. This also induces them to turn your loyal customer and visit your retail shop every time they are looking to make any purchase.

As a retail owner, one can also create offers to clear the perishable stocked up items and display them. Since the offer is store specific, it grabs more eyeballs and more people are induced to make purchases. By displaying offers in a way that they communicate the message effectively, good benefits on both the customer side and the retailer’s side can be established.

4) Display newly added items essential during the Pandemic to grab more footfalls
As a retail outlet, one can always choose to add more items to their stock to sell. This offers an opportunity to add the needed items during the pandemic like masks, sanitizers, soaps or any other item to be used on a daily basis to your outlet.

Tough times always require innovative and flexible ways to adapt to the situation and your retail outlet can well serve for the same. Putting a digital signage with the images of the needed items will get your more sales and also provide your customers with the items they have been looking for elsewhere.

5) Showcase engaging content to keep your customers calm
It goes without saying that the current situation can cause anxiety. We would often dive into thoughts that are negative, frustrating and not necessary. By high brightness lcd screen displaying content that is inspiring, entertaining and informative can help keep the nerves steady.

There are several communities in our society that are making efforts to help each other – as a retailer you can showcase the same so if people are wanting to volunteer, they can do so. High Brightness Digital signage is in a way a mode of communication that will grab eyeballs and it depends on you as a retailer how to benefit from it.

Digital menu board vs. traditional- which is best for your restaurant?

It can be a challenge to determine if tech-focused upgrades are necessary for restaurants, which is why it’s important to pinpoint key differences and benefits between digital and traditional solution.

Restaurant signage serves a greater purpose than merely listing item variety; in fact, a high brightness lcd digital menu board can also define brand identity.

Upon entering eateries or fast-food establishments, posted menu boards are typically the first to capture a customer’s attention. Because of this, it’s important for businesses to capitalize on this and truly consider how and what they want to be displayed.

On average, 8 out of 10 passerbys will enter a retail space due to persuasive signage, so in order to remain competitive your visual appeal must stand apart from the rest. With debates between whether or not digital menu boards are more influential than their non-digitized counterparts, considering the right choice for your brand can prove to be a challenge.

To gain a deeper understanding, let’s explore the key differences between traditional and digital menu boards, and whether or not making the switch is right for your brand.

Digital menu boards are a collection of monitors that are run by a central computer. Many restaurants have switched to digital menu boards for their modern and sleek appearance. Digital signage displays on screens of any size, and informs through a variety of channels like video content, animation, and text.

There are several advantages that digital menu boards give business owners over traditional menu boards-

Easier for customers to read by using bright screens and larger text
Updating the menu is simple and streamlined
Saves on printing costs
Reduces labor costs
Higher customer engagement
Provides variety, as screens can automatically change menus throughout the day
Traditional Menu Boards Traditional or static menu boards are still useful to many restaurants. Static signage has two functions- to inform and to decorate.

These menu boards are easier to install and have a lower price range than digital boards. Some restaurant owners may want to maintain a certain ambiance, so in order to remain consistent with the decor, like 50’s themed diner, for example, a digital sign may not be the best fit. Benefits of traditional menu boards include-
No digital errors
No digital operating costs
Longevity
Uniqueness of design
Digital vs. Traditional Menu Boards
Digital and static menu boards are both informative; however recently, high brightness digital menu boards have created a game-changing strategy of brand recognition and customer engagement that makes it difficult for static menu boards to compete with.

Here are the key differences between both forms of signage.

1. Cost
Traditional menu boards must account for costly printing costs to create all visual materials, whereas digital boards do not. Instead of having to reprint updated menus, digitized menu changes can quickly and simply be applied to a digital sign over the computer.

Not only do digital menu boards cut down on materials costs, but it also reduces food costs and waste. Digital menu boards sync with POS, point of sale, systems, allowing employees to more accurately track inventory. This is widely beneficial when taking food expiration into account, or monitor when ingredients or menu items or running low.

With clearer insight on inventory, businesses prevent waste. This is accomplished by achieving a higher sales margin per transaction because sales opportunities are not being missed out on due to menu items running out of stock.

Digital menu boards also save money in the long term when looking at economies of scale. Economies of scale are cost reductions that happen when companies increase production. Depending on the restaurant and its seasonality, menu boards may require five to six updates or revisions annually.

2. Customer Experience
In today’s fast-paced world, customers expect quality and speed; technology makes that possible. By upgrading a menu board to a digital experience, customers are more inclined to visit. By using bright screens with clear text this allows for easier readability. Surveys show that 74 percent of customers’ top priorities is an easy to read menu.

Digital menus can also entertain consumers. While waiting in line, customers can be engaged with content on the screens, distracting from the wait time.

Digital menu boards have the ability to up-sell to customers, boosting overall sales. Upselling is when a seller influences a customer to buy more expensive items or add-ons to make a more profitable sale. Instead of an employee suggesting any up-sells, the menu board can suggest up-sells, and the customer may subconsciously up-sell themselves without any feeling of pressure from an employee.

3. Scheudling and Updating
Employers can set a digital menu board to automatically change menus at a specific time of day. The need for physically switching out lunch menus with dinner menus is eliminated.

Also, adding new menu items or changing prices can now be done remotely. Management can use smartphones, or any device with internet access to add or change information instantly. Digital menu boards can also be quickly updated to comply with new or upcoming health laws.

For example, per the Affordable Care Act, the Title IV Law states- “restaurants and similar’ retail food establishments that are part of a chain with 20 or more locations doing business under the same name’ to disclose in a clear and conspicuous manner’ a nutrition disclosure statement,’ a suggested daily calorie intake,’ and the number of calories contained in the standard menu item.’ Standard menu items do not include such things as daily specials, but they do apply to food on display’ and self-service food.'”

By using a digital menu board, inputting this information is nearly hassle-free and allows for the restaurant to stay current and compliant. This also aids in keeping consumers informed on calorie intake, promoting a health-conscious mindset.

4. Management
As a restaurant chain grows larger, it can be more difficult to maintain consistency in appearance and operational practices across multiple locations. With traditional menu boards, there is no guarantee that all locations’ menus are uniform in appearance.

Digital menu boards take away the uncertainty through the ability to collectively update all menus at once. This eliminates menu discrepancies and creates a fluid branding image and marketing strategy. Centralized control can also eliminate errors and inefficiencies. Employers can monitor screens and control content and messaging from almost anywhere, as long as there’s an internet connection.

5. Enviromental Impact
An estimated 18 million acres of forest are eliminated due to deforestation, of which is contributed to 40% of paper products. This includes catalog and glossy paper, materials often used for menus, and posted menu signage.

Digital boards cut the need for printing new messages and can be easily changed and updated. Digital menu signage eliminates the need for paper menus, which lessens a company’s environmental footprint and increases profits by getting rid of printing costs. It’s important to note that digital menu boards’ use of electricity also have environmental impacts, but it is much smaller in comparison.

LCD technology makes digital menus a more viable option that is also eco-friendly because it requires low energy consumption in comparison to other lighting sources. By requiring less power, LCD technology reduces greenhouse emissions from power plants.

6. Hours of Operation
Unlike static menu boards, digital menu boards can continue to advertise its products after store hours. By having a brightly lit screen this takes the restaurant outside and can share its brand to future customers walking past the restaurant. Employers can set an evening schedule through digital signage software to tailor messages for after hours.

7. Visuals
Digital signage catches the attention of customers and can influence their purchasing decisions by creating an intimate one-on-one interaction. Digital menu boards can also focus on deals or promotions that increase overall sales. With access to video content or automated GIFS, this adds an element of motion to a menu board and can capture a customer’s attention faster. However digital boards can deter customers by too much activity. Crowded boards with too much information or text can actually make it difficult for customers to pay attention to the main message, so it’s important to ensure all content is displayed in a strategic and thoughtful manner.

8. ROI
To compete with continuously changing markets, restaurants have to be as innovative as ever. A digital menu board will practically pay for itself and increase a business’s return on investment. ROI is the ratio between net profits and the cost of investment. By increasing sales margins and maximizing seasonal opportunities, promoting upsell purchases through the digital experience, improving the impact of a brand, and eliminating static menu printing costs this positively affects a company’s ROI.

9. Target Audiences
After seeing a static menu board several times, customers can begin to disengage with content. Digital boards not only show frequently updated content but also employers can easily tailor promotions to their target audience. For example, a restaurant near a high school may have school lunch promotions for students, and this content can be displayed during the time students are out for lunch.

10. Foot Traffic
By using interactive screens it not only increases engagement but also increases efficiency. For example, it’s a worker’s lunch break and he/she is in a hurry. By utilizing a touch screen menu, customers can quickly make selections without any human interaction, and make it back to work on time. This can also turn tables faster and allow for more customers to come in and eat.

11. Community
Gaining the loyalty of local customers can help many restaurants survive amongst the competition. Using digital menu boards, restaurants can show its appreciation by giving back and sharing community news on its screens. For example, it could display local news such as upcoming events, or promote local businesses in the area.

So, What Should You Ultimately Invest In?
Both traditional and digital menu boards have their roles in restaurants. Typically, many restaurants can utilize both in a single business, like using a digital menu board for dine-in customers, while also incorporating static menus for customers who want to take a menu to-go for future pickup orders.

Businesses should invest in digital menu boards because it can increase business efficiency, provide better service to customers, and boosts a company’s bottom line. However, it’s not enough to simply purchase the digital software, mount the displays, and watch the profits unfold. In order to maximize digital menu board benefits, it’s important for a business owner to understand the technology and by having a better understanding of it, use it to his/her advantage.

Fengshi’s drive thru coffee menu boards

Drive thru coffee menu boards are most commonly found in brand name outlets, like Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts who will have digital advertising boards as well as other forms of boards, like chalk boards and posters; the beauty of using a digital menu board is the convenience of being able to change and update the content at the touch of a button – via a network over the internet or an individual flash drive.

Brands are easy to identify with and customers are loyal to their favorite – often collecting loyalty points for free coffees and other offers; digital menu boards can also attract additional sales by forwarding special coupons and offers via blue-tooth to a linked smart phone. Coffee shops not only sell coffee, but add on sales like cakes, sandwiches and chilled drinks, as per the time of day and season.

Understanding Fengshi’s drive thru coffee menu boards.
These boards are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, particularly the outdoor ones can take drive thru orders, directly from customers still in their cars, which is handy for those in a rush or who want to avoid getting soaked in the wet weather! People are more inclined to use a digital menu board to make their selection, as it is clearly set out, using images or photographs and text – all of which can be changed according to stock levels and demand. Slow selling items or overstocked gods can be offered at a special price within a moments notice, reducing waste whilst even increasing profits – this does not work as well for static menu boards, like the chalk boards and paper posters. Whether coffee shops are indoor, like a mall or part of a complex, or a stand-alone facility or outdoors in an outlet village, digital signage is essential to keep up with technology.

Customers are attracted by the content of an electronic board, in some places it is still a novelty as technology catches up, which drives additional sales for the coffee shop. Bear in mind where the digital sign will be placed, as sunlight is one of the most common fails; not only does the glare obliterate the imagery on the screen, but it can cause the unit to overheat which can be an irreversible factor and invalidate any warranty.

Coffee shop chains are more likely to network their screens, so they are all showing the same content at the same time (time zone variable), however there is nothing to stop an individually owned coffee shop from joining the digital signage revolution by installing one too. In this case the content can be uploaded directly from a flash drive, which is convenient and can be altered and changed more readily than a printed poster – and chalk boards can look messy when hurriedly changed and crossed out.

Digital Menu Boards are now the preferred choice for food & retail menus and in-store marketing

Drive customer loyalty and revenue by optimizing menus while still meeting labeling regulations, increasing order size, improving drive through engagement, reinforcing the brand and promoting community programs, enhancing the store atmosphere, creating a personalized customer experience.

Benefits of Digital menu boards

1.Capture your customer’s attention with vibrant, dynamic and moving content.
2.Increase sales by introducing promotional or marketing messages to your menus.
3.Make simultaneous changes globally or individually across all locations.
4.Eliminate costs of printing, delivery and wastage associated with traditional menus.

Switching to Digital menu boards

1.Display and related technology costs have dropped enough that converting from static printed displays makes budgeting sense – when all the costs of printing, shipping and mounting new signs multiple times each year are factored in.
2.Menu changes can be made in seconds instead of days or weeks using digital, and different menus can be shown by time of day. The age-old problem of breakfast menus appearing on signs all day has disappeared with digital.
3.Eye-grabbing videos for promotions, test products, under-performing items and high margin upsells drive sales on feature screens.

Please contact our friendly and helpful sales team for further information and advice regarding the best digital menu solution for your requirements.

Creating content rich digital signage

Does your digital signage effectively deliver content that keeps the attention of your viewers? In today’s digital world simply playing static slideshow messaging gets ignored. You have less than 10 seconds to keep a viewers attention…so how does your content keep them continuously engaged. This is where a “Content Rich” display can make the impact you need. Content rich does not mean just lots of content, it actually refers to the idea that your software and apps power your signage itself with ever changing content that targets your audience, feels fresh and is relevant to trends happening. Ignoring the need for a content rich display software will only limit the effectiveness of your digital signage lcd display investment.

So it is important to understand what content apps and widgets are available for you to create and automate content within your digital signage software. There is a large range of digital signage software applications that offer different levels of content creation flexibility.

Basic slideshow functions – no app integration or individual sections
Enterprise development – custom developed and costly updates
Zoned content – specific content in specific spaces with no flexibility
If a content rich display is your goal then you will want to choose a signage software that offers built in widgets and apps to give you flexibility and keeps your display current while minimizing the daily demands on your time.

Fengshi LCD digital signage offers many widgets and apps ready to handle content by linking to many web based feeds available.
Flexibility is Key for Engaging Digital Signage Content
With so many content widgets available it is also important to be able to manage, plan and organize your content as you want it to display. A flexible high brightness digital signage software like fengshilcd allows you to customize any layout with the content you need to support your digital goals. if you want a special widget, Fengshi lcd developers are available to discuss options. Having templates or free form pages that allow for customization is a must have feature. Being locked into limiting layouts will limit how effectively you can display rich content. One tip is not to overload your page with too many elements displayed at once. This will only turn away viewers with confusion because of the lack of focus. Instead, an effective design is one with a multi page feature that allows you to transition between content widgets so that each page stands out and speaks to your viewers. Fengshi digital signage lcd display lets you manage pages with rich content that you can plan and schedule to play while rotating through widgets with timing and automated feeds for digital success.

How does digital signage work?

You see screens everywhere these days. In all kinds of public spaces, from shopping centers to corporate hubs, there are digital signage displays showing information that people find interesting and useful. They could be static digital signs, they could be interactive touchscreens, or there could be a big video wall. Or there could be a combination of all of these.

At its most basic level, digital signage is a screen of some sort (probably an LCD screen), some kind of visual messaging presented in a digital format, and a way for the screen to show the messages.

The basics
Technically speaking, if someone wanted to put a few PowerPoint slides on a thumb drive and play them in rotation on a flatscreen TV, that is digital signage. That’s about as basic as it can get. But the digital signage industry, which gets bigger every year, is clearly offering more than just that.

How do digital signage systems work? Here are the basic things you need:

Content — a way to design and create messages, as well as how the overall screen layout will look; could be special software programs or the design tools from another program (like PowerPoint); this can also include data feeds and subscriptions.
Management — a content management system (CMS) that organizes, schedules and delivers your messages to media players or playback devices; this software can be housed on a native content server on site or cloud based.
Playback — a media player is a PC or appliance that pushes the content to the display; the player software handles visual rendering of the messages and feeds in a content playlist, and distributes it to one or more screens.
Display — screens of some sort (usually flatscreen TVs, LCDs) that are wall-mounted or contained within a kiosk; could be interactive touchscreens for things like wayfinding and menu boards; can also be several screens networked into a video wall.
Infrastructure — this is all of the mounts, cabling, network connections, etc. that enable the messages to go from the content server to the media players to the displays; could include internet connection to show live web pages, social media feeds, real time data feeds and more.
Most companies who offer high brightness digital signage software cover the first three items on the list. Usually, an audiovisual integrator or IT reseller can help with the screens and infrastructure, as well as identifying the best software solution for your environment. Although some software vendors don’t provide the playback hardware themselves (frequent with cheaper cloud-based systems), you’ll still need to have some sort of media player to get content to your screens.

When companies talk about enterprise digital signage solutions, they usually offer all five components (either in-house or through AV/IT partnerships), as well as professional services and support. Oftentimes, these digital signage providers will offer content feeds, design services, training and consulting for content and engagements strategies.

At its most basic level, a digital signage network needs:

a way to make messages.
a way to organize and schedule those messages.
something to push those messages to displays.
the displays and other hardware needed to get your messages in front of your audience.
Click here to learn more about digital signage.

Digital menu board solution for restaurants

Solution for restaurants, fast-food and other franchises including gas stations, allows for a flexible menu to be customized to the time of day, geographic location, days of the week or weather, resulting in better decision making by the customer and increased sales. The solution consists of high-resolution commercial grade high brightness lcd monitors with matching bezels and adapted to the continuous operation in harsh conditions. These displays are equipped with built-in, professional grade players with passive cooling requiring no additional space or other considerations. This reduces device downtime while increasing service life and easier and faster servicing. A specially designed fastening system with low weight also ensures easy installation and service.

The article highlighted the consumer’s frustration with the menu, detailing that the customer, in this case, wasn’t just “hangry,” but frustrated. Seems the lightning-fast digital menu animation gave him just seconds to see, then recall the name of the item he really wanted to try. As a result, the customer ended up ordering an item he was familiar with, instead of getting to try the new chicken sandwich he really wanted.

Imagine the overall dissatisfaction in having to settle for that standard burger, when you really wanted the chicken — especially as you see that desired sandwich flash across the menu as you pull away. A real bummer, to be sure, as well as an instance that prompts the question: What is the goal of digital menus’ animated content after all?

We want to empower customers to find what appeals to their appetite, right? In limited-service settings, we want to help guests make quick decisions, while helping them to feel confident in their selections, but also keeping the whole process simple and quick. And there, too, some limited-service concepts get in their own way by choosing poorly designed printed menus.

For instance, on a recent trip to a growing Mediterranean fast-causal chain, where guests pick up small printed to-go menus to choose their orders as they approach the counter, I watched some guests step out of line to analyze calorie counts. Health-conscious customers went on to their mobile browsers to find nutritional values for specific items that were part of each meal. More info, please!

Another couple made their way to the order counter where they conversed with one another about different options on the tiny paper handout. The line and frustration built as the couple asked the order-taker what was included with each meal. It literally took 10 minutes for the one order! So, where were the pictures anyway? Show me that tilapia with caper-dill sauce, please!

When digital menus rush the customer
Now let’s talk about slowing things down a bit. Digital menus can be stellar for giving us visuals and appealing to our taste buds. But what happens when the flash animation is too fast?

I consider myself a fast reader but it can easily turn into a game of “who saw it first?” As mentioned in the aforementioned Wall Street Journal article, customers want a realistic opportunity to see the menu, but not have to chase down or wait for the content they really want to reappear. “Now you see me… now you don’t” tactics do not lend themselves to a satisfying ordering experience.

When trying to improve the bottom line with any menu design, a balance of information, animation and animation speed is the bottom line goal. Over the course of working with numerous brands of all sizes, we’ve tracked the sales data and talked to restaurant operators about what most pleases their customers in this area of daily operation.

What’s really working?
Well, printed menus just don’t do this customer need justice anymore, especially with growing concerns about sustainability and waste. However, brands and customers can both win when animation and imagery is used for featured items.

So though it may seem obvious, give some real thought to the time your content actually stays on screen before customers and make sure you’re keeping it in front of their eyes long enough for the average customer to make a decision and selections. This is absolutely essential to your QSR’s customer experience because it cuts ordering complications and empowers consumer tastes.

How digital signage is set to transform the future of communication and brand engagement

The current global climate is prompting behavioral shifts across the world, requiring both consumers and businesses to adapt to new ways of life. One result of this has been a renewed appreciation for the importance of digital communications, with the digital OOH market poised to grow by 8.72 billion USD between 2020 and 2023.

Below, I explore some industries and businesses that have a unique opportunity to adapt to these changing times by utilizing high brightness lcd digital displays to provide customers with full access to the information they need, when they need it.
These days, consumer-brand interactions are defined by reduced facetime and increased communication through screens and digital displays. These shifting habits have presented an opportunity for retail and quick service restaurant (QSR) businesses to make use of eye-catching visual solutions that deliver information, improve engagement and build brand affinity.

One example of this is drive-through restaurants, which in March of this year generated $8.3 billion in the U.S., up from $8 billion over the same period in 2019 (reported by the New York Times). Companies with drive-through capabilities have gained a strong competitive edge, leading QSR providers to commit more resources to expanding drive-through capabilities and digital aspects of the consumer experience.
In South Korea, high brightness lcd display has been commissioned to supply SMART Outdoor Signage for the Starbucks Cheonggye drive-through store, in addition to all future Starbucks drive-thru locations – which account for 40% of the approximately 120 new stores that open in Korea every year. SMART outdoor signage is set to play a pivotal role in how consumers engage with brands going forward, and with IP56-rated water and dust resistance, as well as excellent visibility – even under direct sunlight – Samsung solutions are ready to answer the call.

Increased Collaboration
In these times, video conferencing has quickly become an important platform for communicating with friends, family, customers and businesses, resulting in a record 62 million video conferencing app downloads in the week of March 14-21 alone. Technologies like these that facilitate broader collaboration have been praised as the future of work, but they are now facing their greatest test to date. While some solutions have thrived, others have not adapted as well, demonstrating the importance of establishing intelligent, reliable, seamless and visually impactful solutions.

For many, the concept of the ‘workplace’ has recently shifted from the office to the home, making the ability to reliably share content and information electronically more important than ever before.
Digital signage solution provides an effective and secure combination of video conferencing and visual display technology. The white boarding features of the enable pen-to-paper like writing and editing, while also facilitating quick and convenient document access and wireless screen sharing for better collaboration. Paired with leading video conferencing technology and protected by proprietary security features, allows people working from multiple different locations to come together and collaborate without limitations.

Leading the Way
As the role digital signage plays in our lives becomes better understood, so too does the potential that signage technology can have moving forward. Visual displays are evolving in a range of ways – from featuring higher resolutions to incorporating intelligent cloud-based, AI-powered management software. These innovations and more will prove essential if industries are to keep providing the powerful tools needed to maintain communication and improve collaboration amid the new landscape in which we find ourselves.
Having led the digital signage industry for the past 11 consecutive years, has a well-rounded understanding of the demands of businesses and their customers, and is able to develop tailored solutions to meet their diverse needs. What started out as simple outdoor displays to replace unreliable analog signage, has become the powerful visual platform that is at the heart of communication for facilities like airports, shopping malls, city squares and sports stadiums. Fengshi LCD is excited about the future, and will continue to play a leading role in shaping and improving the ways we communicate.

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