AI AND YOU How will it change your business? How to make your audience feel seen Also in this issue: Reshaping the workplace Ch oosing the right device management softwareSPONSORED CONTENT 2 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE KDS SUMMIT RETURNS Tuesday 21 November 2023, Business Design Centre, London The KDS Summit is back by popular demand. Attracting decision-makers from around the industry, KDS Summit (formerly known as Kiosk Summit) puts self- serve technology and digital signage suppliers, buyers, sellers, organisations and individuals face to face with an audience of key decision-makers and buyers. Taking place on Tuesday 21 November at the Business Design Centre, London, the KDS Summit brings together the core sectors that make up the global kiosk and digital signage industry, including kiosk, self-service, EPOS, digital signage and wayfinding serving retail, hospitality, public and corporate buildings, transport, venues and more. We offer exhibitors and attendees a comprehensive picture of the customer engagement digital landscape faced by a wide range of verticals and the event will feature a whole day of informative and engaging seminars delivered by industry experts on the key themes impacting the kiosk and digital signage market. Network with buyers, suppliers, integrators, architects and AV professionals across a variety of industries including tourism, retail outlets and FMCG operations and engage with an audience of key decision-makers and buyers in search of new partners and suppliers. For more information and to receive an early-bird discount, email sales@kdseurope.com. 3 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE We’re all being taken over by robots (in fact, how do you know this isn’t one writing this editor’s note?). If the headlines are to be believed, we’ll all be redundant within ten years. The global market for AI is predicted to reach $267 billion by 2027 and its possibilities are endless. Sure, it’s something we cannot afford to ignore but is it something we should be scared of? Not according to digital signage provider, Vitec, who can be found optimistic on page 14. Vitec says AI is our friend, helping with human connections and collaborations, automating the dull tasks and freeing up the people for creativity and customer experience. Elsewhere, we hear from the visual thinkers over at Scriberia on how to use images and to engage the audience. Anyway, I’m not a robot (well I would say that wouldn’t I?). I am the new editor of KDS Europe and I’m keen to hear your thoughts on how the industry is changing and the issues you think will affect you as we all come to terms with this brave new world. If you’d like to contribute a feature article or news story, please contact me at editor@kdseurope.com. Our next issue’s editorial deadline for submissions is 21 April. If you think our readership would be interested in reading about your opinion, industry challenge or thought process, please send it through. Happy reading! Hazel Davis Editor EDITOR’S NOTE Would you like to contribute to KDS? Please submit news stories, articles, press releases and industry expert opinions to Hazel Davis editor@kdseurope.com. Please include high resolution (300dpi+ CMYK) images. We publish news and articles that adhere to our editorial guidelines free of charge. This ensures our content is unbiased and relevant to our industry. The views expressed in the articles and technical papers are those of the authors and are not endorsed by the publishers. Publisher: Abacus Communications Editor: Hazel Davis Advertising: sales@kdseurope.com www.kdseurope.com Surrey Technology Centre, Surrey Research Park, 40 Occam Road, Guildford, GU2 7YG ISSN 2756-1097 The author and publisher, and its officers and employees, do not accept any liability for any errors that may have occurred, or for any reliance on their contents. All trademarks and brand names are respected within our publication. However, the publishers accept no responsibility for any inadvertent misuse that may occur. This publication is protected by copyright © 2023 and accordingly must not be reproduced in any medium. All rights reserved.4 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE Be part of the KDS Europe family and discover how you can make the most of your presence in the UK’s leading technical journal for hardware, software and component manufacturers, integrators and service providers and deployers of self-service terminals, digital signage and wayfinding. CLICK HERE to download your copy of KDS Europe’s Media Pack 2023 or contact sales@kdseurope.com to discuss with our team. KDS EUROPE MEDIA PACK 2023 NOW AVAILABLE MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR PRESENCE NEWS 04 NEWS What’s new and exciting in digital signage? 10 AI AND YOU Decreased personalisation or increased productivity? How will AI affect your business? 14 HOW TO MAKE YOUR AUDIENCE FEEL SEEN Using visuals to tell a story 19 CHOOSING THE RIGHT DEVICE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE SPONSORED CONTENT Choosing the right device management software means making the most of your hardware investments, says Nadav Avni, Chief Marketing Officer of Radix Technologies 22 RESHAPING THE MODERN WORKPLACE Technology has revolutionised the way we work. With some insights from Vitec, we look at how to enhance your employee experience5 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE 5 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE ARMAGARD INSTALLS TRIPLE- SCREEN, OUTDOOR SIGNAGE NEWS Paultons Park, home of Peppa Pig World, is a top UK theme park with 70 rides and attractions. Based near Romsey in the UK, the park welcomes more than 1m guests every year. Armagard worked with Paultons Park to install a custom-made, Samsung triple-screen outdoor digital information board featuring an analogue clock and star graphics. Paultons wanted to install an all-new, outdoor digital information board ahead of the 2019 open season. The addition of outdoor digital signage was part of a continuous improvement programme, which included the installation of a new 3D logo at the entrance and new pathways. Paultons wanted a custom digital signage display system installed outdoors, which had three portrait screens, a clock and an aesthetically pleasing finish that complemented the landscaped surroundings. The solution needed to work for both guests and staff, displaying queuing times, attractions and deals for park guests, while Paultons staff needed an easy-to-use system for updating on- screen content. Paultons Park initially consulted with local, traditional signage suppliers asking if they had a solution. However, not many specialised in outdoor digital signage. Lawrence Mancey, Assistant Marketing and IT Manager at Paultons Park, contacted Armagard. Having previously purchased Armagard products through a third party, for use in the park’s animal enclosures, Paultons were already familiar with Armagard’s products. Paultons Park initially consulted with local, traditional signage suppliers asking if they had a solution. However, not many specialised in outdoor digital signage. In search of a solution, Lawrence Mancey, Assistant Marketing and IT Manager at Paultons Park, contacted Armagard. Having previously purchased Armagard products through a third party, for use in the park’s animal enclosures, Paultons were already familiar with Armagard’s solutions. “We went with Armagard because the solution was far more cost- effective,” said Mancey, “and because Armagard already had a pre-existing design that worked with Samsung OHF model screens, which Armagard’s sales representative recommended we use.” “Because the solution was a variant of an existing Armagard design, rather than an entirely new build, the lead time was reduced to around six to eight weeks, which suited our timescales,” he added. Armagard delivered on Paultons’ requirements, working with a pre- existing, IP56 industry-rated enclosure design to create a custom-built system with three Samsung, 55in OHF screens. The IP56 industry-standard Samsung screens feature a built-in media player, the MagicInfo S4. A smart, intuitive content creation and management solution, the MagicInfo S4 makes content updates quick and easy. During the park’s busy summer season, when there’s a large footfall, Paultons anticipates that the display will deliver an increase in on-site sales and an increase in guest satisfaction. Mancey, said: “Armagard turned this project around in a short space of time and the finished result is fantastic.”6 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINEKIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE UK’S FIRST VUSION 360 STORE FROM SES-IMAGOTAG SES-imagotag has announced the opening of the UK’s first VUSION 360 store. Using SES-imagotag’s full VUSION Retail IoT Cloud platform, the store benefits from a unique portfolio of retail applications to improve its daily operations – enhancing shopper satisfaction through a 360° view on all store activities and delivering valuable data and feedback on actions in store. Despite the ongoing cost of living crisis, owners of the store were still seeing a demand for quality, local produce and an offering that met ethical standards. The challenge for Kavanagh’s of Belsize was being able to provide this while operating efficiently and sustainably and innovating with agility. Since deploying SES-imagotag’s VUSION platform, the store has benefited from optimal inventory management, maintained accurate pricing and promotions, seamlessly executed in-store marketing campaigns, and boosted in-store shopper connectivity. Automated price and promotion execution, as well as real-time visibility into what is on shelves, helps drive sales on the items that matter, and prioritises replenishment for high value and margin products. This enables the store to use at least 10 hours a week that would normally be spent changing paper tickets, automate shelf monitoring and alerting, saving up to two hours per day not having to do manual gap scans; achieve 2% higher on-shelf availability than seen with manual approaches, generating better customer NPS; and deliver at least 2% higher sales due to better availability, clear customer information and timely executed campaigns. There’s also reduced waste, increased productivity, and an improved operating margin through automating daily operations, delivering messages at the shelf, and utilising AI-driven analytics. Over the coming weeks, Kavanagh Group and SES-imagotag will be working together to introduce further rich product information at the shelf, such as sustainability ratings, as well as enhanced digital media solutions to attract and convert shoppers to offers in store. “Retailers are under immense pressure to increase revenue and reduce operational costs, all while generating a better customer experience. In a bid to achieve this, they are operating numerous different processes to ensure their stores run smoothly,” said David Morgan, VP Customer Value Propositions, SES-imagotag. “The 360 store delivers capabilities that allow us to get timely insights and visibility on shelf stock availability, promotion execution, ‘proof of play’ and more accurate and efficient restocking,” said the owner of the store and MD of Kavanagh Group, Noel Kavanagh Jnr.“By turning the physical store into a digital asset, we can optimise return on investment opportunities on an ongoing, sustainable basis in a volatile and challenging market. Our customers can also utilise a store that is agile and efficient, meaning that the store staff have more time to serve and assist them. A 360 store builds customer trust and can demonstrate alignment with their values and local community which is hugely important to us.”7 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE WORLD-FIRST IN DVLED MOUNTING FROM PEERLESS-AV Peerless-AV offered visitors to ISE 2023, Fira Barcelona an exclusive sneak peek at a world-first development in dvLED mounting, with an anticipated global launch in Q2. Showcased alongside was a custom curved dvLED display wall using 8 x 4 Absen PL Pro dvLED cabinets mounted on a SEAMLESS Bespoke dvLED Mounting System. Precision engineered with the most exacting of tolerances and Z-adjustment, the mounting system is a must-have for dvLED deployments requiring creative shapes, aggressive corner wraps or concave/convex curves. The content on the display highlighted some of Peerless- AV’s recent custom concave curved dvLED projects globally, including Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco, the company’s biggest dvLED project in EMEA to date. New updates to SEAMLESS Kitted+ mounting solutions were also displayed on the booth, demonstrated as a mobile trolley with compatibility to mount a range of leading VC solutions. In addition, Peerless-AV exhibited new generation Smart City Kiosks, including single-sided (KOP55XHB-EUK) and dual-sided (KOP55XHB2-EUK), featuring IP55 rated media cabinet and base cover, and speaker and IR touch overlay optional extras. The new 75” Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Display (XHB754- EUK) also showed alongside 55” and 65” models; IP66 rated with the widest operating temperature in the industry, these displays are designed to excel in all-weather conditions.8 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE ANONYMOUS AGE-CHECK TECH CAPABILITIES FROM INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY One of the biggest causes of pub arguments and in some cases violence, is when proof of age is requested. Liberty’s Gin Bar in Warrington has deployed an age estimation device developed by Innovative Technology. MyCheckr is an all-in-one device that performs anonymous age estimation to aid with the sale of age-restricted goods such as alcohol, tobacco and vapes. Ken, owner and bar manager said, “We decided to try MyCheckr to help our younger bar staff members who aren’t always confident in asking customers for ID.” He added, “Ensuring that underage customers are prevented from buying alcohol is essential, so anything to assist our staff is welcomed. Quite often underage customers will come into the pub, not to buy alcohol initially, but to build relationships with the staff and then attempt to purchase alcohol at a later visit. This device not only gives staff confidence to ask new customers for ID, but automatically highlights anyone who appears underage too.” Chris Wright, ITL UK Business Development Manager said, “MyCheckr is a simple, affordable solution that Chris Woodall, co-founder of CC Dynamic said, “It is exciting to partner and work on a project with Innovative Technology that really adds value and delivers efficiencies to a business. MyCheckr helps take the stress away from bar staff by using reliable and proven technology, that is simple to use and install with very little training required.” helps the server make informed decisions during the age check process. With no integration required, setup was quick and easy for Liberty’s Gin Bar and results are instantly available to staff, as processing is performed locally on the device. The unit clearly shows the server if a manual ID check is recommended. Turning green if the customer passes the age check, and red if they appear underage - making it a useful aid to help reduce potential confrontation when challenging customers for ID.” Another advantage is that no images or data are stored, and the device has been GDPR certified by Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS). QUALCOMM AND SES- IMAGOTAG COLLABORATE ON STANDARDS-BASED ELECTRONIC ESLS Qualcomm Technologies has announced that, in collaboration with SES-imagotag, it is developing technology that enables new electronic shelf labels (ESLs) based on the recently announced ESL wireless standards from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). Until now, ESL systems have relied on proprietary protocols for wireless communications. Qualcomm Technologies and SES-imagotag led the Bluetooth SIG working group to help establish the new standard to create scalable, ultra-low power, highly secure, standard-based ESLs to enable retailers to improve operational efficiencies, empower employees, and enhance their customers’ experiences. “Backed by a proven product qualification program and an unmatched installed base, Bluetooth technology was the logical choice to build a more frictionless, interoperable ESL ecosystem,” said Art Miller, VP, business development and Global Head of Retail IoT, Qualcomm Technologies. He added, “Our team was honoured to collaborate with SES-imagotag and other members of the Bluetooth SIG, and leverage their expertise in the space to create IoT technology that could forever change the retail industry and capabilities for customers.” “As the retail landscape evolves, IoT technology collaborations with industry leaders are crucial to delivering the transformation of physical store environments and customer experiences. In Europe, we are pleased to work with SES-imagotag to accelerate this wireless advancement with Electronic Shelf Labels,” said Roberto Di Pietro, VP, Business Development, Qualcomm Europe. “Our customers have reacted positively to the technology, and we have had no complaints at all,” said Ken, “Bar staff feel 100% more confident, especially the younger members who can be reluctant to ask people who are a similar age to them for ID. It is now company policy that all customers must present themselves in front of the device for an ID check unless they are known to us, enabling us to adhere to age- check regulations and our licencing obligations.”9 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE Pixoul Gaming, the newly opened state of the art virtual reality (VR) and Esports hub in Abu Dhabi, aims to be a magical, immersive destination for gamers of all levels from across and beyond the Middle East. With 10 different heart pumping VR games and one of the region’s largest Esports arenas, it seeks to foster a world-class gaming community, as well as enticing people to experience the excitement of virtual reality for the first time. Every inch of the purpose-built environment is designed to make it feel like a portal to a world of thrilling virtual adventures. Pixoul’s GM, Paul Hamilton, is a serial inventor of ground-breaking entertainment experiences who describes himself as a thrill seeker. “He loves to do things that have never been done before. Things that are super cool. And we love to help him achieve that!” declared Abdul Bakhrani, CEO of Dubai based digital media studio and systems integrator DigiComm, who has worked with Hamilton on several projects. Their latest collaboration is an impressive, continuously rotating 4m glass cube that has been offering an immersive storytelling experience to gamers arriving at Pixoul since the venue’s opening in early November 2022. Encased in screens, this masterpiece of digital and kinetic design houses a walk-in room that is also lined on all sides, and above, with digital displays. It incorporates 123 55in and 49in LG screens powered by 38 BrightSign XD234 media players. The whole installation weighs around four tonnes and can carry up to six people at a time. “As far as we know, nothing like this has ever been done before,” said Bakhrani. “A structure of this size and weight, rotating on a platform, with all the transport of power involved and everything synchronised across so many screens – it’s quite a feat of engineering.” The sizeable construction dominates Pixoul’s atmospheric and colourfully lit entrance hall. Exciting, abstract sci-fi content created by DigiComm using BrightAuthor is displayed on its exterior, setting the tone for the experience to follow. Because the venue is a VR attraction, it was important to create an impactful display that was representative of the games, which are themselves largely invisible. On entering the cube’s interior room, players watch a looped three- minute audiovisual production created by Pixoul’s game designers Robocom VR. A virtual robot guide relays the story so far, explaining what to expect from a visit to the unique world of the Pixoul Metaverse and how to engage in the activities on offer. When they exit, visitors face a different part of the space than when they entered. According to Bakhrani, optimising the speed of the rotation was critical. “If it moves too fast, people will feel sick,” he explained. The rotating platform and the skeleton of the cube were manufactured in Dubai, while a seven- strong team at DigiComm handled the system integration and content creation in-house. Inside the cube, the location of the audio content is changed at different points on the timeline by the BrightSign players, so that it always comes from the robot figure, wherever it appears on screen. “It makes people turn to look in the right direction,” explained Bakhrani. “The sound system is excellent, with subwoofers creating a lot of bass on the robot’s voice, but the clever part is using the BrightSign functionality to move it around from player to player.” BrightSign players were selected not only for their special audio features but for several other compelling reasons. Their exceptional robustness and ability to fit in an extremely compact space between two screens without any ventilation were important factors, as was the ease with which they can be synchronised with each other, a function which Bakhrani affirms works “amazingly well”. Another key advantage was that they enable all the media content to be stored within the cube itself. Said Bakhrani, “The fact that there was no need for a separate server room was very important. It would have been really difficult to transport media off the rotating platform via slip rings, and it would have been much more expensive. Using BrightSign saved the client around 300,000 Dirhams ($81,000).” Despite the tight timeframe and the challenges associated with fitting a 6m rotating platform in a floor recess with an error tolerance of only 2mm, the results exceeded expectations. “We’re so happy with it,” remarked Hamilton. “They delivered exactly what we wanted with no changes at all. There were some seriously talented and forward- thinking people involved in pulling this together.” FUTURISTIC BRIGHTSIGN ROTATING CUBE FOR ABU DHABI’S LATEST VR VENUENext >