< PreviousNEWS IN BRIEF 10KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE RDS OFFERS EXTENSIVE RANGE OF 7.0IN TFT DISPLAY MODULES Review Display Systems (RDS) has announced the availability of a comprehensive range of industrial specification, wide aspect ratio 7.0in TFT display modules. Review Display Systems is now able to source, supply and support an extensive line-up of cost-effective, industry-standard 7.0in TFT display modules that are suitable for use in a broad range of industry sectors, applications and operating environments. The 7.0in display modules feature a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio and are available in a variety of resolutions including 800 x 480 pixels (WVGA), 1024 x 600 pixels (WSVGA), and 1280 x 800 pixels (WXGA). In-plane switching (IPS) is available on some of the 7.0in display modules which enables exceptional optical performance, highly consistent colour reproduction and wide viewing angles. Long-lifetime LED backlights with brightness specifications from 300cd/sqm up to high luminance 1500cd/sqm versions are supported. For harsh environments, an extended operating temperature range of -30°C to +85°C is also available. Justin Coleman, Display Business Manager, RDS said, “Over recent years, the widescreen 7.0in TFT display module has become an informal industry standard. At RDS we are able to supply, support and design in a wide range of cost-effective 7.0in TFT display modules with different options and value-added features. This concept provides engineers with the ability to enhance, upgrade and add new features to their products without the need to redesign their mechanical fixtures and fittings, or change the electronics driving the display.” BOOTS TO FILL The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport has launched a new grant competition to boost the growth of innovative tech start-ups and scale-ups across the UK. Chris Philp said, “The successful applicant will play a vital role in making the UK the best place in the world to start and scale a tech business.” For the previous six years, the grant has been awarded to Tech Nation. The government is introducing a competitive process to ensure value for money for taxpayers, and to bring the funding in line with the majority of government grants, which are awarded under a competitive process. Commenting on the decision, Jonathan Moyes, Head of Investment Research, Wealth Club said, “Any rival bidder will have their work cut out. Tech Nation has done a stellar job of raising awareness of the UK’s thriving start-up ecosystem and helping nurture promising start-ups and scale-ups.” GROWING TOGETHER WITH LED AND ABSEN Absen, has announced the start of a new recruitment phase in a bid to further expand its global partnership network and allow businesses to benefit from its position as LED innovator and technologies specialist. Supporting the exponential growth of the LED market, Absen – which currently operates in over 130 countries – is set to expand its global network of systems integrators, consultants and rental stagers by reaching out to other like-minded businesses who may apply to become an Absen Partner representative. The company is committed to welcoming businesses with similar ideologies, vision and drive. FORESIGHT WILLIAMS INVESTS £2.5 MILLION INTO KOGNITIV SPARK The Foresight Williams Technology Fund, a joint venture between Foresight and Williams Advanced Engineering has announced a £2.5 million growth capital investment into Kognitiv Spark (KS). The company’s product allows the real-time sharing of 3D data sets, is able to maintain a stable video connection, even in low bandwidth environments and offers defence-grade security. Kognitiv Spark’s leading product, RemoteSpark, is an augmented reality software package that enables the sharing of complex and critical data between a desk-based expert and a field-based worker. RemoteSpark consists of a desktop application and an application that runs on an augmented reality device. When a call is made between the two devices it provides the desk-based expert with a livestream of the workers’ point of view. The expert can then share PDF documents, 3D images and animations in real-time. Both worker and expert can annotate assets during the call, and the platform allows for hands-free, voice-controlled operation, making it easier for the worker to complete tasks. The growth capital will enable the company to expand into new industries and geographies via new sales and marketing teams in the US and UK and support the ongoing development of further products. NEWS IN BRIEF 11 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE EnGenius has announced the release of its new EnGenius cloud-managed ECW215 Wi-Fi 6 dual-band 2x2:2 wall- plate access point. The EnGenius ECW215 is a low- profile design for easy concealment that uses WiFi 6 technology to deliver wireless experiences to devices such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, and IoT sensors in rooms. The AP also provides a versatile, built-in 2-port gigabit switch to connect and provide power to wired devices like VoIP phones when cabling or power sources are limited. The license-free cloud interface allows IT pros to “bulk” register and configure access points centrally, provide advanced client authentication for higher security, and minimise truck- rolls with advanced AP diagnostics for remote troubleshooting. The ECW215 smartcasting feature provides smooth, fast setup and streaming on L2 guest networks for media sticks, game consoles and other devices. In addition, upcoming features will add the ability to extend captive portal, splash pages and security (which are all configurable through the SSID interface) to the extra LAN ports to unify the wireless and wired network onboarding process for a seamless user transition. The EnGenius ECW215 is one of only a few WiFi 6 capable wall-plate access points on the market that provides wired and wireless connectivity for in-room entertainment in hotel guest rooms, student housing, assisted living, senior living, apartment complexes and classrooms. “We know how hard it can be for installers to work with multi-tenant projects. Our goal is to make that job much easier,” said Bryan Slayman, Product Line Manager at EnGenius Technologies. MULTICASTING TECHNOLOGY SENSOR SOLUTIONS FOR INTELLIGENT SIGNAGE Omron’s sensor solutions to enhance digital signage installations and systems include its human vision privacy-sensitive facial recognition technology, as well as people detection and environmental sensors. The HVC-2 image sensors can detect faces, facial features and human bodies – even estimating the age and gender of the humans in the captured images. Using these modules, any embedded developer can add face recognition functionality to a system without the need to understand the algorithms or the optical design. No personal or private data is stored, so these devices do not compromise the subject’s privacy. The Omron D6T-32L thermal sensor with a people detection algorithm can detect people and objects in a wide area across its 90° by 90° field of view. These characteristics, combined with the facial recognition features of the HVC-P2 and the ‘mechanical eye’ capabilities of the TOF sensor module, offer advanced possibilities in signage and smart buildings, as well as in occupancy monitoring within buildings. When combined with the D6T- 32L, Omron’s digital pressure and environment sensors such as the D6F-PH Digital Pressure and 2JCIE Environment Sensors, enhance the quality and efficiency of HVAC systems through accurate sensing of airflow, temperature, humidity and human presence. sales@kdseurope.com VITEC RETURNS TO ISE STRONGER THAN EVER Following the acquisition of Exterity (now rebranded as VITEC) in 2021, VITEC offers a broader range of world- class IPTV solutions, with the combined teams working together to provide an even stronger portfolio to a wider set of markets and customers. At ISE, VITEC demonstrated new additions and enhancements to its range, including the Avedia IPTV platform, ArtioSign digital signage application, ArtioView interactive viewing portal, ChannelLink IP distribution Gateway, and more. “ISE has always been a hugely important show for us, and it’s especially exciting for VITEC to be exhibiting in Barcelona this year with our strengthened portfolio,” said Colin Farquhar, Senior Vice President of Sales, VITEC. “It’s a key event for the AV community – we could feel the levels of interest building for this landmark show, and we enjoyed meeting customers and partners, old and new. There was lots to see at VITEC, and it was a pleasure to be back at ISE, this time in new surroundings.” Visitors to the stand saw the enhanced ArtioView, a fully customisable, interactive IPTV portal for a range of viewing environments, from hotels and cruise ships to student or workplace accommodation, stadium VIP suites, offices, hospitals or military camps. Designed specifically for use with ArtioView is the new AvediaStream m9500 Media Player, a cost-effective 4K/UHD IPTV end-point, which delivers interactive viewing portals and advanced network video decoding. It has a fanless design, Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality and low power consumption.12KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE magazine (KDS), is the leading technical journal for manufacturers, integrators and deployers of self-service terminals and digital signage integrators. Previously known as Kiosk Solutions, our team at KDS understands the industry’s growing demands and responded by expanding into kiosk’s complementary digital signage and wayfinding markets and rebranding accordingly. Published six times a year, KDS reaches a readership of 25,000 individuals throughout the UK and Europe, comprised of customer service directors, design engineers, project managers, CIOs, CTOs, CFOs and many more. This presents a unique opportunity to reach a qualified audience not available through any other channel. Independent KDS is an independent publication, aiming to offer an objective view of the industry. Articles may present newsworthy acts and/or opinions of named companies, but all measures are taken to ensure that articles within KDS report the objective facts without bias. Editorial We welcome contributions and submissions of news, features, thought leadership posts and interviews from companies and individuals regarding the kiosk and digital signage industry. Send your story to the editor: Laura Vallis at editor@kdseurope.com. All editorial that we receive from third parties is subject to the editor-in-chief's ultimate approval, and submission of an article is no guarantee of publication. To ensure that all articles meet the editorial policy, we reserve the right to edit the whole or part of any material selected for publication. You can find our editorial policy on our website by clicking HERE. Advertising If you would like to discuss one of our advertising or advertorial packages please contact sales@kdseurope.com.NEWS IN BRIEF 13 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE If you would like to discuss one of our advertising or advertorial packages contact: sales@kdseurope.com VESTEL’S NEW RANGE OF 24/7 D-LED DISPLAYS Vestel Visual Solutions has announced the expansion of its display range with the arrival of the new P Series. Featuring six new 24/7 models, available from 43in to 65in sizes in different brightness options, the P Series is built to provide a stylish solution for almost any installation location, delivering high-res picture quality within a slender D-LED design. D-LED backlight technology combined with a specialised cabinet design provides a sleek screen with a depth of only 63mm. The screens can be mounted in either landscape or portrait orientations and further adaptability is provided via optional 30° tilting installation, enabling the displays to be viewed when mounted in high locations - suitable for restaurant board menus or airline flight information. The screens also boast excellent picture quality, delivered through UHD resolution and 500 and 700 NIT brightness options. HDR10 compatibility guarantees all featured content meets HDR guidelines, guaranteeing superior picture quality and making them a vibrant and cost- effective solution for areas of high ambient lighting - whether that be within retail spaces, schools or corporate environments. The P Series has a variety of additional options to suit the needs of end-users. Model options include either 16/7 or 24/7 operation hours, along with 500 NIT and 700 NIT screen brightness options. Additionally, the 55in and 65in screens are also available with touchscreen overlay kits. The overlays are easy to install and transform the P Series screens into interactive displays – suitable for meeting rooms, huddle spaces, self-service kiosks and way- finding solutions. VIOSO SPRINKLE SOME MAGIC AT ISE WITH PROJECTION DOME VIOSO were back at ISE 2022 to present the newest version of its projection software, VIOSO 6, while showcasing its 20m projection dome and brand new logo to reflect change and innovation going forward. The German manufacturer, which has built its reputation on mastering complex video calibration, took the opportunity at ISE to unveil its brand new logo, which has been designed to better represent the main source of its innovation and DNA – light. The modern and lightweight wordmark with fresh colour scheme positively reflects the spirit and pace of the company. VIOSO also launched a new software package, which provides everything a system integrator needs to create perfect warp and blend scenarios in any multi- projection project. It is based on VIOSO’s patented auto-alignment technology, which uses one or multiple calibration cameras to automatically detect the projection layout, the screen geometry, and the colour set-up to ensure the setup of seamless projections within minutes. The latest version of software solution VIOSO 6 was introduced to ISE visitors, giving them the opportunity to deep dive into VIOSO´s calibration process and capabilities, with demonstrations taking place on several different workstations. The camera calibration process itself has received a major update with assisted visualisation, advanced extrapolation functions and new algorithms. nsign.tv showcased the new functionalities and improved usability of its digital signage platform and the positive impact the technology can have on businesses at ISE 2022. “At this year’s ISE, as well as exhibiting our platform’s technological advances, we demonstrated that digital signage is much more than simply showing content on a screen. It has evolved to the extent that it enables full interaction with audiences, with examples such as tactile screens, interaction with IoT devices and AI analytical functions,” explained Toni Viñals, CEO of nsgin.tv. The company’s 32sqm booth was fitted out with different displays demonstrating the interoperability and compatibility of nsign.tv with any technology or device. For instance, a 3x3 videowall with 42in LCD screens by iiyama, gave live demos of the platform, including the launch of synchros on IOT. NSIGN.TV SHOWCASES DIGITAL SIGNAGE PLATFORM AT ISE2022ISE 2022 14KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINET his was the first full ISE show since February 2020, when ISE said farewell to its previous home in Amsterdam, and initial signs looked good for a busy week as queues began to form at the opening turnstiles. With 834 exhibitors in 48,000sqm of show floor across six Technology Zones, ISE 2022 set a new benchmark with an easy-to-navigate venue and a host of opportunities to explore new solutions and drive new business. The highlights of the event included seven ISE Conferences with more than 1,000 attendees, two keynote addresses, Refik Anadol and Alan Greenberg, presented to a packed audience, and two stunning projection mapping projects within the city of Barcelona. Mike Blackman, Managing Director of ISE, said: “We are so pleased to have provided a successful platform for our exhibitors and partners to showcase their innovation and technology solutions. As we all recover from the impact of the pandemic, it is wonderful to be here in Barcelona with what feels like a ‘normal’ ISE in its new home. We look forward to building on this success to return on 31 January next year for another, energising, exciting and inspiring ISE, here at the Gran Vía.” ISE returns to Barcelona on 31 Jan-3 Feb 2023. ISE 2022 ISE 2022 CELEBRATES DEBUT IN BARCELONA After much anticipation, ISE finally arrived at the Fira de Barcelona, Gran Vía (10-13 May). With a total of 43,691 unique attendees from 151 countries, making 90,372 visits to the show floor, exhibitors reported busier than expected stands and many fruitful business connections. 15 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINECUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT 16KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINEE xcellent customer service is essential to any business. Delivering outstanding experiences increases customer loyalty, while poor service will rob you of valuable business. There are many factors to consider when it comes to delivering a high-quality, memorable service to customers, from people to customer service channels. But what about technology? Gone are the days of manual switchboards and call centre workers crammed into a squashed space, equipped with headsets and little else. Technology has revolutionised how we deliver, measure and improve customer service. There are four ways technology can help you enhance your customer experience. 1. Omni-channel customer support Customers have more options than ever when it comes to getting in touch with businesses. We’re seeing digital channels rise in popularity, with social media and website live chat taking a larger share. While the usage of these digital channels is increasing, this shouldn’t come at the expense of more ‘traditional’ contact methods. In fact, according to UKCSI research, the share of customers using the phone to contact businesses increased between January 2020 and July 2021, along with digital methods including websites, email and webchat. Allowing your customers to contact you in the way that works best for them is essential. Self- CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT THE FUTURE IS NOW: FOUR WAYS TECHNOLOGY IS ENHANCING CUSTOMER SERVICE Excellent customer service is essential to any business. Delivering outstanding experiences increases customer loyalty, while poor service can rob you of valuable business. Technology has revolutionised how we deliver, measure and improve customer service. Kura covers four ways technology can help you enhance your customer experience. NATASHA BOUGOURD KURA 17 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINECUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT 18KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE service and chatbot options on your website are great for basic queries but customers need the option of talking to a human advisor. Whether they prefer to email, use live chat, or talk over the phone, offering them multiple options is critical to their satisfaction. 2. Next-level customer service analytics Once upon a time, the deliverables and the impact of your customer service were difficult to measure. As technology has evolved, we’ve been able to track key performance metrics such as first-time responses, call waiting times and average time to resolution. These metrics can be used to measure how well your business is doing against its KPIs and help you identify areas of improvement. Customer feedback has also long been critical to measuring the success of your customer service efforts. Operatives can elicit feedback on calls and live chat and you can send customers automated follow-up email surveys once they’ve had contact with your business or after their query has been resolved. The next step in customer service analytics is using AI to analyse qualitative feedback, such as customer comments. While quantitative metrics, such as scores out of ten, can be measured easily, quantitative data has historically been much harder to work with. Instead of manually trawling through thousands of answers to open questions, new AI tools are analysing this feedback to identify trends and themes, allowing you to quickly turn this insight into action. As technology has evolved, we’ve been able to track key performance metrics such as first-time responses, call waiting times and average time to resolution.CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT 19 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE 3. Customer profiling improves communication Communicating sales messages and business updates to customers once used a scattergun approach. With easy access to critical customer information in CRM systems, we can be more targeted in our approach. We can update customers on changes in their specific locations, versions of products they’re using and much more. Customer profiling is getting more powerful than ever and we have access to data at a granular level. We can see customers’ history on our company website or app, which gives us an indication of their areas of interest and any difficulties they may be experiencing. By bringing this real-time data together with the existing information we hold on our customers, we can offer highly personalised services and communications. Personalisation has long been key for sales and marketing, but research has shown that it’s important to customer satisfaction too. As well as a 10–15% sales increase, a McKinsey survey found that personalisation also increases customer satisfaction by 20%. 4. Improving human interactions When we talk about technology improving customer service, there’s a misconception that it will come at the expense of human advisors. But that isn’t – and shouldn’t – be the case. Technology greatly enhances the ability of human operators to deliver excellent customer service. We can deliver more personalised support or sales service via the channel that our customer is most comfortable using. According to Awaken Intelligence, not being able to reach a human is the biggest frustration customers experience, so ensuring they can easily speak to a live advisor is essential. AI and chatbots are seen as potential replacements for human operatives, but this could spell disaster for customer satisfaction. Instead of replacing people with technology, it should be used to enhance the service they can deliver. Many businesses have implemented chatbots as a way of filling in the gaps in their customer service team, but there are better ways to go about this. Outsourcing is a great way to expand your vital frontline customer service team, and it can plug any gaps that you might be experiencing – especially if this is impacting customer waiting times. Customer service has evolved massively in a few short years. We’re able to offer more channels to our customers, analyse our performance more deeply, and deliver a highly personalised service. These innovations can vastly improve your customer service and ensure your clients stay loyal to your brand. Next >