Measuring employee engagement with digital signage The future of touchless technology Also in this issue: Robust, reliable touch solutions for in-vehicle applicationsSPONSORED CONTENT 2KIOSK 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. north.seco.com Find out more about our new HMI concept Scalable in design Thanks to a modular approach, the new HMI platform can be expanded and scaled from 7 inches to 27 inches to meet your needs. This is made possible by an innovative and optimally designed system of complementary housing parts that easily scale the device to the desired size. Easy assembly With perfect matched additional elements that can be easily added, the end device can be transformed from the basic version and rear wall mounting into a device for panel mounting. But a VESA mount is also no problem thanks to the flexible design.4KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE Hello and welcome to the latest issue of KDS Europe. As we start to navigate what it’s like to be in and out of workplaces again, the rules and norms around how and when we use digital signage have changed, along with how we track and measure staff satisfaction. Digital signage is a great tool in this. In this issue we look at how it can be used effectively to measure and encourage employee engagement as well as some of the caveats. We also tackle the issue of good after-sales training for service staff and look ahead to the future of touchless technology. We’re always keen to hear about what’s going on in our industry (however left-field) so if you’d like to contribute a feature article or news story, please get in touch. Our next issue’s editorial deadline for submissions is 12 June. If you think our readership would be interested in reading about your opinion, industry challenge or thought process, please send it to me on editor@kdseurope.com. 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 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.5 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 06 NEWS 12 THE FUTURE OF TOUCHLESS TECHNOLOGY The full potential of going hands-free 16 ROBUST, RELIABLE TOUCH SOLUTIONS FOR IN-VEHICLE APPLICATIONS How to withstand all environments 19 HOW TO USE DIGITAL SIGNAGE TO BUILD EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT Keeping your workforce motivated 22 THE IMPORTANCE OF ADDING DIGITAL RESOURCES TO EFFECTIVE SALES TRAINING Why digital aftersales matters Jump booth - works on touch free body recognition camera Page 126KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE6KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE luk hiar! Uses nsign.tv for unique medical centre installation The new HLA International Clinic in Barcelona is equipped with a novel digital signage circuit comprising around 30 LED screens, making it a unique installation of its kind in a medical centre. The integration was carried out by luk hiar!, who chose the nsign.tv software platform for the centralised management of the display network. The new building, with four floors and three basements over a ground plan of more than 6500sqm, is HLA’s second medical centre in Barcelona and covers over 20 different specialisations. A new benchmark in innovative care, it is also a reference for urban sustainability, designed and built with sustainable architecture and materials. “It is a luxurious building with highly sophisticated architecture and the best quality materials,” explained Jorge Luna, Executive Director of luk hiar!. “In consonance, the digital signage system had to be on a par with these high standards and to integrate to perfection with the modern, sophisticated and different design of the building,” he added. In this regard, both the architect as well as the management of the centre did not want conventional LCD screens hanging on the walls, but rather an elegant, attractive and modern digital signage circuit to share information and contents with patients in a dynamic way. With this brief, luk hiar! designed a network based on LED hardware in different formats, sizes and technologies, including transparent LED screens, digital posters and modular flat screens, which are deployed in the clinic’s different spaces including waiting rooms, reception area, training rooms, corridors and lobbies. “LED technology affords excellent image resolution at a highly competitive price and gave us the modular flexibility we needed to build displays in any shape and size in the clinic, creating a notable impact and adding a spectacular touch to the medical centre,” the Director of luk hiar! commented. The content of the 28 screens deployed around the new clinic are managed centrally through 20 licences from the nsign.tv software platform - an ideal solution for non-technical users - which operates like the brain, controlling the network, regulating the schedule of contents and synchronising them easily and intuitively. “We chose nsign.tv for the project because it is a solution that facilitates the straightforward yet versatile management of all the screens. The software is simple to operate and allows the client to be self-sufficient in handling it, if they so wish, and is able to integrate different sources of information and can be used with any kind of hardware,” explained Luna. With nsign.tv, the users of the clinic’s network can upload any content, program playlists easily and even automatically if required, schedule the publication of playlists and assign them manually or automatically to different devices. At the same time, all devices can be controlled remotely. The various displays dotted around the clinic are used to greet visitors and patients, to make waiting time more bearable and pleasant with a range of attractive contents, to share health information and advice, to play corporate and entertainment videos, as well as to convey updated information NEWS7 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE American arm of innovative technology joins NACS Innovative Technology has announced that it has recently re-joined NACS - The National Association of Convenience Stores. Founded in 1961, NACS is the leading global trade association dedicated to advancing convenience and fuel retailing. Based in Virginia, it serves as an advisor to over 1,300 retailer, and 1,600 supplier members from more than 50 countries, providing industry knowledge, connections and advocacy. VP of Sales & Business Development for ITL Americas, Rebecca White said, “This membership represents our commitment to strengthening our presence in the growing retail and convenience store market in America. Our US operations has seen significant expansion in this sector over the past few years, so becoming a members of NACS is just the latest step in this development.” White continued, “We look forward to showcasing our innovative products to NACS members in this important market. One product that is very exciting and ideal for the convenience store industry is our NV4000 multi-bill recycler. We designed this compact, high performance, high volume mixed bill recycler specifically for the retailer to accelerate customer throughput. With a large cashbox and dispensing capacity of up to 420 bills, this solution ensures fewer refills to increase staff efficiency. Using this, alongside our SMART Coin System (SCS) multi-denomination coin recycler we can now offer the industry an economical pay station with the ability to recycle both bills and coins. We also look forward to sharing our biometric solutions with this market and showing how convenience stores could benefit from automated age estimation at both self-serve kiosks and manned pay stations.” NACS host an annual show which takes place each October to bring key buyers and sellers together with the next event being held at the Georgia World Congress Centre, in Atlanta on 4th-6th October 2023. Commenting on NACS annual show White concluded, “We are just about to open a new office in Atlanta so the team are well placed to join and network with the NACS members at the show this year. We will be located in the New Exhibitor Area - Technology on booth B4325 so come along and say hello if you are attending the show and check out our cash validation and recycling products, and biometric solutions for age estimation – all ideal for convenience stores.” Innovative Technology have announced that they have recently re- joined NACS – The National Association of Convenience Stores. KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE on the centre’s opening hours and the location of the different units and rooms. Moreover, the clinic’s rotation manager is also using nsign.tv to optimise the flow of public attention through the screens. Among the various displays there is a striking undulating LED measuring 5m long by 50cm high with a pixel pitch of 2.6mm located in the Doctor Espriu training room, where formative content is screened in tribute to Josep Espriu, a world ambassador for health cooperativism. In addition, transparent LED screens have been installed on all the glass in the clinic’s various waiting rooms, as well as in the paediatrics and odontology sections to show dynamic content. Also worth underscoring is another spectacular transparent LED screen suspended from the ceiling in the reception area, perfectly integrated into its surroundings. Made of flexible, light and easy to install panels, these semi-transparent polycarbonate LED screens (semi- transparent when not in use) can be placed on any glass surface n such a way that they do not interrupt the vision and add an elegant and surprising touch to the different spaces. The digital signage network installed in the clinic is totally extendable thanks to the scalability of nsign.tv, which allows it to be used in an unlimited number of devices. In fact, luk hiar! will soon be installing a large LED HD screen in the ground floor lobby. The new network is a unique audiovisual installation in Spain in a hospital setting. “It is an innovative project and the truth is that the client was completely won over by the network of displays, which gives the clinic an absolutely differential aesthetic,” summed up Luna, before concluding, “and they have already seen the versatility and potential for management that the system allows thanks to the power of nsign.tv.” Toni Viñals, CEO of nsign.tv said: “We are delighted that our technology has been chosen for such an emblematic project in Barcelona. Digital signage is an affordable and easily installable solution to improve patients’ experience in hospital settings, giving us control over the day-to-day management of all the different screens with dynamic and attractive content, and improving the image of the centres.”ADVERTISEMENT 8KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE8KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE Peerless-AV announces global availability of new single and dual-sided smart city kiosks Peerless-AV has announced the global availability of its new generation Smart City Kiosks. Shown for the first time in EMEA at ISE 2023, the new Single (KOP55XHB-EUK) and Dual-Sided (KOP55XHB2-EUK) models have been designed in response to customer feedback and demand. Key upgrades facilitate a simplified installation for running power and data cabling while offering a dedicated storage space for media components. The Dual Sided model is brand new to the range, offering increased screen space and opportunities for revenue-generating digital advertising and wayfinding. These Smart City Kiosks offer supreme versatility in a wide range of verticals, including retail, government, transportation and visitor attractions. “Our Smart City Kiosks have been hugely successful in EMEA and International markets, and now these new generation models are in high demand after a positive reception at ISE in Barcelona,” said Keith Dutch, MD EMEA, Peerless-AV. “We’re pleased to announce that both Single and Dual-Sided models are now available to order globally. They provide an attractive, flexible, functional outdoor digital signage upgrade for any end-user organisation seeking to replace an existing static- or low-engagement signage solution in urban areas.” The KOP55XHB-EUK models incorporate one 55in Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Display (XHB554-EUK) and the KOP55XHB2-EUK models feature two 55in Xtreme’s, installed back-to-back. The two screens can play content independently or can operate from a duplicate feed, within a slim, modern and aesthetically pleasing design. The Xtreme displays offer full HD 1080P resolution for a bright and crisp picture even when placed in direct sunlight. The fully-sealed, IP66 rated design prevents foreign materials, such as water, dust, moisture and insects from entering the display and has an operating temperature of -35°C to 60°C. The displays can be enhanced with an optional IR touch overlay (KIRP-XHB4), which can detect up to 10 touch points, whether finger, gloved hand or stylus, all in a convenient plug- and-play design. Installation simplicity is factored into all design aspects of the Smart City Kiosks. A base cover allows power and data cabling to run upwards from the bottom centre and secure doors allow quick access for maintenance purposes. An IP55 rated media cabinet provides a spacious, enclosed storage area for AV components and integrated fans for active cooling. The Smart City Kiosk is wind tested up to 135mph and its stylish, stainless steel and aluminium body, combined with an outdoor rated paint finish, provides the ultimate in corrosion resistance. Peerless-AV announces global availability of new single and dual-sided Smart City Kiosks9 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE Review Display Systems (RDS) has announced the availability of a new range of high-quality multi-touch Panel PCs from global provider of embedded computing technology, Kontron. The Web Panel Line is available with three high resolution, widescreen IPS (in-plane switching) TFT displays, in 7.0in (1024 x 600 pixels) , 10.1in (1280 x 800 pixels) and 15.6in (1366 x 768 pixels) sizes, integrated PCap (projected capacitive) touch technology, and flexible, scalable performance from Arm-based i.MX6 single or dual core, i.MX8M quad core and Intel Atom-based dual and quad core processors. The Kontron Web Panels are delivered with a specially developed, smart QIWI software toolkit with a performance-optimised HTML-5 browser. The toolkit enables quick and easy configuration of the Web Panel itself or from an external device. A wide range of configuration options and features include network settings, browser appearance and operation, display properties, fonts and logos, keyboard layouts, language options and country specific settings. The Web Panels feature a robust, optically bonded glass PCap touchscreen, which is flush mounted in a stylish aluminium or, optional stainless-steel frame. All standard versions are designed to offer simple and straightforward panel mounting for use in control cabinets and equipment consoles in industrial environments. All three panels provide an IP65 protection rating on the front side of the panel and feature an operating temperature range of 0°C to 55°C. The 7.0in panel has a brightness specification of 450cd/sqm and features external dimensions of 200mm (l) x 132 (w) x 48mm (d). The 10.1in panel has a brightness rating of 430cd/sqm and external dimensions of 265mm (l) x 187mm (w) x 41mm (d). The 15.6in panel has a specified brightness of 400cd/m and mechanical outline dimensions of 405mm (l) x 254mm (w) x 60mm (d). Kontron Web Panel Line PCs have been designed and developed to provide long-term availability and continuity of supply for use in industrial equipment and applications. The modular design also enables easy adaptation to support individual customer-specific requirements. Review Display Systems supports and supplies an extensive range of embedded computing solutions from Kontron offering industrial specification products and extended lifecycles. Review Display Systems can provide a comprehensive design, development, and manufacturing service including the development of custom BIOS configurations, operating systems, peripheral components, and interconnect solutions. Ventola projects takes on installation project in Cairo Off the back of recent successes with its new EL range, Ventola Projects has confirmed a VAvR EL project in Cairo after expanding this new range into the Middle East marketplace. After learning of the new EL range via news stories, the distributor in Egypt approached Ventola Projects, wanting to implement the budget- friendly solutions into a brand new, freshly built family entertainment centre in downtown Cairo. Within just a week of learning of the range, the distributor booked the project in with Ventola Projects, keen to get started on the implementation of the technology in the facility. “It’s fantastic to see such a positive pick-up of the new EL range,” began Mick Ventola, CEO of Ventola Projects. “To be able to provide accessible solutions to support the success of FEC businesses across the globe is incredibly rewarding, and we hope to expand our reach further throughout the Middle East.” The installation will consist of core solutions from the range, such as the VavR PC-less control systems, LED display panels and experiential kiosks, which will be used as a welcome feature to the facility. Innovative panel PCs feature flexible performance and configuration options Review Display Systems (RDS) has announced the availability of a new range of high-quality multi-touch Panel PCs.Next >