< Previous10KIOSK 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 11 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE FLUKE HELPS MEDICAL FACILITY IMPROVE SAFETY AND SAVE ENERGY A pioneering application of the Fluke ii900 Industrial Acoustic Imager has enabled a world leader in patient care to improve safety levels across multiple hospital sites while also being able to meet its own demanding sustainability targets. The Mediclinic Group, an international hospital group with operations in South Africa, Namibia, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates, is focused on continually improving patient outcomes. It is also committed to maximising safety levels in all its hospitals while improving sustainability to ensure a positive impact on the environment. When a specialist thermography consultancy, KN Thermography, was called in to inspect the thermal efficiency of a South African Mediclinic hospital, it was using the Fluke ii900 Industrial Acoustic Imager. Discussions between the thermography company and Mediclinic Southern Africa’s Sustainability Manager, Petrus Swanepoel quickly identified the possibility of using the equipment to detect leaks of medical gases within the hospital. Mediclinic was aware that by fixing leaks in the distribution of oxygen and nitrous oxide across all their hospitals, it could not only make significant improvements to patient safety but could also substantially reduce its carbon footprint and boost its sustainability levels by reducing the use of natural resources. Nitrous oxide (N2O) and medical oxygen (O2) are used extensively in hospitals. High levels of energy are used to separate air and produce medical gasses. Preventing leaks in hospitals has positive implications for the environment but a significant leak of either gas in a hospital can represent a serious health hazard. The ii900 Industrial Acoustic Imager has been used to carry out rapid visual inspections on all pipes that send nitrous oxide from hospital basements to operating theatres and deliver oxygen to patient beds. This has enabled all leaks to be dealt with, reducing wastage percentages and boosting Mediclinic hospitals’ levels of patient safety. Publish your news and company announcements here. Contact: editor@kdseurope.com ITL’S NV4000 SPECTRAL & MYCHECKR AT EUROCIS 2022 Innovative Technology successfully debuted its latest cash handling solution, NV4000 Spectral at EuroCIS 2022 - the Leading Trade Fair for Retail Technology, in Düsseldorf. ITL demoed how this new product can accelerate customer throughput with advanced mixed bill recycling and, with its modular design, helps retailers avoid expensive service calls. It also showcased its latest biometrics solution – MyCheckr, providing anonymous age estimation. Commenting on its presence at the show, Thorsten Labusch, VP of Sales & Business Development for ITL said, “EuroCIS was a great success for us this year, from the moment the doors opened to visitors on Day 1, our stand was busy, followed by a constant stream of visitors throughout the three days. The star of the show was undoubtedly our new NV4000 Spectral which we introduced to the industry for the first time. An advanced, high-volume mixed bill recycler, this revolutionary innovation is designed specifically for the retailer to move customers through the checkouts quickly. Visitors were impressed with the large recycling capacity of up to 420 bills of 5 denominations which results in fewer refills to increase staff efficiencies. Plus, automated float management keeps machines running and significantly reduces the number of service calls.” ITL’s biometrics division also had its full range of AI-powered solutions on display. T his is the main reason why amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the global market for interactive touchscreens continues to flourish. Analysts project the market to grow from $60.3 billion in 2020 to $100 billion by the year 2027 at a CAGR of 7.5%. Along with the growing market for interactive touchscreens, is a growing need for reliable device management solutions. After all, they represent a sizable investment for school authorities. Why every school should have interactive touchscreens in the classroom Interactive touchscreens represent the next evolutionary step in learning. Regular whiteboards and static projector displays won’t cut it anymore. Today’s generation of students grew up surrounded by smart devices, so they will expect a digital and interactive mode of learning as well. The effectiveness of an educational technology device lies in improving the experience for all stakeholders. This means that in order to provide maximum utility, educational devices should provide benefits not just to students but to instructors as well. Benefits of interactive touchscreens to schools and instructors Upgrading teaching equipment from static devices to digital devices can help schools and instructors streamline their learning systems. At the very least, teachers won’t need to lug around heavy equipment or set it up before every class. Now, all they need to do is boot up the device to start the day. Additionally, the benefits of using touchscreens include the following: Diversifying teaching opportunities using a single device With interactive touchscreens, teachers are no longer limited in their methods of instruction. In a single lesson, they can combine multiple modes of learning, such as multimedia presentations and interactive sessions on the device. This means that teachers won’t need to switch between devices when playing videos, sharing DEVICE MANAGEMENT PLATFORMS Interactive touchscreen displays are a great addition to every school’s equipment wish list. They are an excellent upgrade to school projectors and video players— both in terms of utility and ease of use. Touchscreens provide both students and instructors with better learning and teaching experiences. NADAV AVNI CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER RADIX TECHNOLOGIES 12KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE A 2022 GUIDE TO CHOOSING A DEVICE MANAGEMENT PLATFORM FOR INTERACTIVE TOUCHSCREENSDEVICE MANAGEMENT PLATFORMS 13 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINEdocuments, giving out exams, and facilitating group activities. Streamlining the teaching method With a computer-based medium, teachers will only need to load their modules and planned activities into the software before starting the class—a very convenient way of getting teaching materials ready for use. In addition, integrating the school’s learning management system (LMS) into the touchscreen software means an easier way to transfer modules and documents. Integrating LMS and other school systems will require the use of device management software that can serve as a go-between among various school software. Moreover, panels have the option of recording or capturing the entire learning session. This allows the teacher to review the day’s activities and share notes with students immediately after class. Benefits of interactive touchscreens to students Multiple studies confirm that instantaneous feedback reinforces learning faster. Immediate responses improve the flow of learning, giving students a more autonomous way of processing ideas. When schools design modules that take advantage of interactive touchscreens, students DEVICE MANAGEMENT PLATFORMS 14KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE will get a more engaging experience learning and retaining information. Improving engagement Compared to simply listening to a teacher’s lecture, reading a block of text, or watching a video, participating in a touchscreen learning session is a more dynamic way to learn. Apart from having a central device to show multimedia modules, touchscreen panels allow students to directly engage as they learn. By writing or drawing onscreen, pressing a button, or dragging objects, students get to interact with their lessons directly. The excitement multiplies when more students are allowed to take part in a single activity. Encouraging inclusivity and collaboration Touchscreens, especially the multi-touch kind, allow for simultaneous input from more than one user. This feature encourages students to participate in group activities that depend on collaboration and cooperation to achieve a singular goal. In addition, collaborative class activities promote inclusiveness and improve a student’s social skills. Protecting touchscreen investment by utilising a device management solution Admittedly, touchscreen panels are a substantial investment for school authorities. As such, DEVICE MANAGEMENT PLATFORMS 15 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE they require proper management in order to provide maximum returns. Unlike older school equipment, digital devices such as touchscreens will require effort to ensure that firmware, operating systems and applications stay updated and running optimally. Using default device management software can only provide limited services. In order to quickly and easily keep your school’s interactive devices functioning at peak performance levels, it’s highly recommended to invest in software that can handle not just management and maintenance, but also provide reliable security services as well. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of interactive touchscreens and vendors can provide this value-added solution as part of their product offering. The minimal addition to a school authority’s outlay (which can be part of government-sponsored Covid funding for learning systems) means expanding on their equipment’s utility and reliability. Key features of device management solutions Keeping track of a school’s inventory of digital devices is no easy feat. Accounting for each piece of equipment not only means tracking its whereabouts but also checking if its performance is up to standards. The ideal school device management software should have no problems managing, maintaining and securing all devices under its ownership. Management Managing devices means ensuring that each device runs according to its specific purposes while allowing only authorised users. Depending on the assigned access level, each user can only work on specific areas of the device. School executives can gather user data and generate insights to help them assess the effectiveness of devices. IT teams can probe devices to help apply fixes, upgrades or rollbacks. Instructors can upload modules and authorise sharing of documents. Managing devices also means limiting the use of each touchscreen to authorised apps and activities. For example, surfing the internet using the device’s browser can be limited to educational sites. It also automatically blocks the installation of social media platforms and games. Maintenance Maintaining each school touchscreen means ensuring that the firmware, operating systems and applications run on the latest versions. Using cloud access, IT teams can perform maintenance services unobtrusively during device downtimes. They can perform fixes and upgrades remotely without the need for user intervention. In addition, advanced features mean that IT administrators can perform individual updates or upgrade all devices simultaneously. The ideal management software should have no problem operating in an environment that can accommodate devices with different operating systems. Security The right device management software can easily secure each school device to prevent unauthorised use or unwanted access to sensitive data. The software can activate various security measures to protect devices from any malicious action. For example, when unauthorised users try to access sensitive data, IT teams can instantly lock devices or perform an immediate data wipe remotely. System administrators can also geolocate devices to pinpoint a device’s location. In case a touchscreen panel is identified as being in the wrong place due to theft or misuse, security teams can activate a geo-lock that automatically disables the unit once it’s located outside the allowed area of operation. Final thoughts on choosing the best device management platform for interactive touchscreens Interactive touchscreens represent a substantial investment for schools. When utilised properly, touchscreens benefit, not just students, but the entire educational establishment as well. As such, it makes sense to protect these assets through reliable device management software. OEMs and vendors may include versions of this solution as part of their product offerings. This can help provide both the teachers and the students with the best learning experiences possible.TOUCHSCREEN TECHNOLOGY 16KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINEH ere are six benefits of touch screen technology for your business, plus some tips for getting started in the most cost- effective way. 1. Engage customers Interactive displays invite browsers to become participants, and participants are more likely to become customers. Marshall Cohen, the NPD Group’s retail-industry analyst, says that consumers are increasingly interested in experience over products, meaning that: “…product [makers] are going to have to step up their game. Stores are going to really have to enhance the experience and do a better job of bringing the excitement of the product to the consumer.” Interactive digital signage is great at this. Use store-front touch screens to catch passers-by with an intriguing invitation to interact, engaging them with your brand, promotions and products. In-store displays are also effective. Use self- service touch screen kiosks to display your catalogue, promote your loyalty card or invite customers to sign up for competitions. Interactive displays help you connect customers with your brand in a fun, memorable and personalised way, which is all good for business. 2. Boost productivity Your employees can also benefit from touch screen technology. TOUCHSCREEN TECHNOLOGY SIX BENEFITS OF TOUCH SCREEN TECHNOLOGY FOR YOUR BUSINESS The global touchscreen display market is set to reach a value of over £71 billion by 2024 - that’s more than double what it was worth in 2015. Businesses are increasingly aware of the benefits of touch screen technology for customers and employees. At the same time, interactive displays are becoming more affordable, more accessible and more reliable, even in wet and outdoor locations. The result is the growing use of touch screens in shops, workplaces and public spaces. BEN TELFORD COPYWRITER ARMAGARD 17 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINETOUCHSCREEN TECHNOLOGY 18KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE Industrial touch screens work in harsh conditions and through gloved hands, providing your staff with an uninterrupted workflow in manufacturing environments. You can boost productivity in wet environments too. Waterproof touch screen enclosures are manufactured from food-grade stainless steel, sealed to IP65 and allow daily washdown - ideal for clean rooms, humid environments and food manufacturing. Touch screen enclosures provide complete protection for interactive displays in manufacturing environments. Your shop floor operates with reduced downtime and increased efficiency, helping you generate maximum ROI. 3. Improve accessibility One of the most important benefits of touch screen technology is the improved accessibility it provides for people with disabilities. People with impaired eyesight can zoom into digital signage, increasing the size of text and images, and they also benefit from voice technologies that read text out loud. Similarly, those unable to use a mouse and keyboard might find a touch screen more useable, while height-adjustable touch screen kiosks cater to wheelchair users. Development in the accessibility of digital technology is ongoing. By incorporating touch screens into your business, you can reduce the barriers that disabled people face, broadening your customer and employee base. 4. Speed up the customer experience Customers care about price, quality and service, but they also value their time. Touch screens help you provide a faster, more convenient customer experience: • QSR touch screens speed up ordering in fast-food restaurants and drive-thrus. • Self-service wayfinding kiosks help visitors get where they’re going faster. • Train stations, cinemas and car parks benefit from self-service ticket machines that fast- track ticket purchases and speed up service. An experienced digital signage manufacturer, like Armagard, can advise on the best touch screen for you, ensuring you provide a user-friendly experience that customers will thank you for. 5. Provide a 24/7 service Touch screens make it easy to provide a round- the-clock service. Car parks, train stations, airports and more can benefit from touch screen kiosks and ticket machines that operate day and night. Make sure you use displays that are suitable for unattended locations. A touch screen enclosure protects your display from physical damage, vandalism and theft, providing you with peace of mind about the security of your investment in public places. By using touch screen kiosks to provide a 24/7 service, you improve service for customers and boost revenue in unattended locations. 6. Reduce staff costs With self-service processes in place, you save on staff costs. 24/7 touch screen services mean you no longer need to pay high rates for night workers. Even during the day, you can free up staff to deal with matters that require face-to-face attention, while your self-service kiosks provide a reliable service to everyone else. One of the most important benefits of touch screen technology is the improved accessibility it provides for people with disabilities.TOUCHSCREEN TECHNOLOGY 19 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE Interactive enclosures: delivering the benefits of touch screens for your business The benefits of touch screen technology are wide-ranging: happy customers, productive staff, an inclusive business and more revenue. Don’t know where to get started? Touch screen enclosures house an ordinary screen in a robust body and use projected capacitive technology to make it interactive. Enclosures allow you to cost-effectively install interactive displays in any location, enjoying the benefits of touch screen technology without the drawbacks of purpose-built displays: • Use the screen of your choice: Install a display that meets your exact specifications or save time and money by using one you already own. • Choose from custom options: Touch screen enclosures are available in a range of sizes, shapes and mounting options. You receive the benefits of touch screens no matter how tight your space. You can even commission a custom enclosure that meets your exact requirements. • Install touch screens in any location: Enclosures protect your display in a robust, weatherproof body. Install touch screens in wet, industrial and unattended locations, with peace of mind about the reliability and security of your investment. • Repair, replace and update with ease: Purpose-built outdoor touch screens are sealed units that require a specialist engineer to carry out repairs. Enclosures, on the other hand, allow you to access, remove and replace the display yourself, saving you time and money. • Generate maximum ROI: Enclosures maximise the lifespan of your displays, minimising downtime and reducing lost revenue. They also last for many years, meaning you can use the same enclosure to protect several generations of display, generating maximum ROI. By creating an environment which improves the consumer experience and/or enhances the workflow of your employees, you can look forward to happy customers, improved productivity and a great ROI. Previously published on Armagard’s websiteNext >