Transforming school communication with digital signage Self-service kiosks in an evolving cashless society Five ways your elevator can boost the employee experience Also in this issue: Modular panel PCs: empowering flexibility and performance CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT TECHNOLOGYKDS EUROPE MEDIA PACK 2023 Make the most of your presence; 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. Welcome to the October/November edition of KDS. As the nights draw in, digital signage is in its element, from journey wayfinding to festive celebrations. In this issue we’re focusing on the importance of storytelling in the digital signage process. “Storytelling is instrumental in establishing an emotional bond and fostering engagement with customers,” writes M-Cube’s Alexios Blanos, “Amidst all of the technological innovations in retail, the true barometer of success is the capacity to connect.” Connection is crucial and we hear from Schindler on how to use your elevator to boost employee engagement. We’re bombarded with information at work – from emails and texts to endless Zoom meetings. Those crucial seconds in an elevator might just be the only distraction-free time we get. What an opportunity for digital signage. Once again, happy reading. We’d love to hear your ideas for future issues and we’re always looking for news items and thought leadership content. I look forward to hearing from you. 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. CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY 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.Kiosk and Digital Signage 3 CONTENTS 4 News 8 Self-service kiosks in an evolving cashless society 12 ADVERTORIAL: Maximise your digital signage engagement 14 Modular panel PCs: empowering flexibility and performance 16 Are you sitting comfortably? Harnessing tech for effective storytelling 22 Five ways your elevator can boost the employee experience 20 Hey, teacher! Transforming school communication with digital signage 4 Kiosk and Digital Signage CDS acquires Craft Display Limited Crystal Display Systems Limited (CDS) has announced the acquisition of Craft Data Limited. Craft Data Limited has, over the past four decades, set benchmarks in the display industry with its innovation, expertise and excellence. This acquisition not only signifies the merging of two powerhouses but also highlights CDS’s commitment to growth and providing best-in-class solutions to its clients. “We are incredibly excited about this new chapter. By integrating Craft Data’s assets and expertise with CDS’s robust infrastructure, we envision a synergy that will redefine industry standards,” said CDS CEO/ MD, Chris Bartram. “More than just a business decision, it’s about carrying forward a legacy and building on it.” With this acquisition, CDS aims to elevate the experience for both Craft Data’s and CDS’s clients. Paul Tagg, former director of Craft Data, said, “I am genuinely thrilled about this new venture with CDS. Over the years, we’ve built something truly special, and now, joining forces with such a forward- thinking organisation will only amplify our combined potential. I am confident that together, we will reach unparalleled heights and continue to serve our customers with greater innovation, dedication and a wider range of products and services. I’m excited for this next chapter and feel proud to be part of the CDS family.” Bartram added, “Our primary goal is to ensure that the trust and rapport that Craft Data built over 40 years continues to thrive. We are dedicated to honouring past commitments and fostering new, value-driven relationships.” Established in 2010, CDS’s unique range of audio-visual screens, and interactive touchscreen products have been specified on numerous projects globally for some of the world’s leading brands. We combine the latest Industrial and retail Displays and technology, engineering and manufacturing capabilities to optimise our integrated solutions. AURES introduces KWARTZ Worldwide NEWS AURES has unveiled KWARTZ, the latest addition to its range of interactive ordering kiosks. User-friendly, innovative and high- performance, it is accessible, lightweight, highly flexible and modular. In the kiosk sector, there are many local and regional differences and constraints in terms of standards and certifications. Requirements regarding electrical safety, consumption and operating voltages often differ from one continent, and sometimes even from one region or country, to another. It can be difficult for a manufacturer to anticipate local prerequisites before assembling and mounting. To overcome this constraint, AURES rethought the design of the KWARTZ kiosk towards greater adaptability. This translates into considerable time saving during assembly and in the management of component stocks, benefiting clients in terms of production time and cost. One major innovation is KWARTZ’s multi-voltage, controlled power supply module, which is currently patent pending. Thanks to this module, the KIOSK solution will be immediately adaptable to current international norms and standards. As well as being almost immediately adaptable to mandatory local standards, this specific AURES Module will enable remote piloting of the KWARTZ, particularly in the control of sub-systems and integrated peripherals (payment module, ticket printer), a significant advantage for unattended kiosks. Kiosk and Digital Signage 5 Enrique Tomás has implemented the nsign.tv digital signage platform in its Enrique Tomás GO!urmet vending machines just launched at Barcelona Airport. The first phase includes a total of 30 stores, distributed at strategic points throughout Barcelona airport, which offer a wide variety of the brand’s products. Consumers can find everything from different varieties of Iberian ham and acorn-fed ham sandwiches, to ham packets, as well as crisps and orange juice. Each of the vending machines is equipped with between one and five branded 50 LCD screens which, thanks to the custom-made brackets, can be anchored to the vending machines, ensuring perfect digital communication of the entire range of products available and helping to promote, attract and increase sales. These displays work as an All-In-One solution with the nsign.tv DS player integrated and work in sync, helping to reduce hardware investment and eliminating the need for external players. Enrique Tomás opted for a green signage solution, with the lowest possible electricity consumption. “We wanted a software that was lightweight and could work with an internal player inside the screen to minimise the electronic components at the physical point,” says Jorge Cruz, CIO of Enrique Tomás. “Thanks to nsign.tv we can synchronise multiple screens regardless of their size and location. We also value the platform’s ability to schedule different broadcast slots and schedules in different periods with campaign validity dates, as well as the fact that it allows us to use different content formats.” Enrique Tomás plans to expand this unassisted vending model to new places with high footfall and consumption needs, such as subway stations, transport interchanges, football stadiums or large companies. ViewSonic has completed its comprehensive lineup of education solutions certified under Android Enterprise Devices Licensing Agreement (EDLA) with its ViewBoard IFP52-2 Series. ViewSonic’s EDLA-certified solutions seamlessly integrate the Android operating system with the Google Play Store, offering teachers, students and IT administrators with versatile collaboration tools and state of-the-art security measures for enhanced productivity. “With sustainability in mind, ViewSonic now empowers education institutions with a truly complete offering of EDLA-certified solutions for upgrading the centerpiece of classrooms,” says Clifford Chen, GM of the Presentation Group at ViewSonic. “Whether they need a whole new interactive display or a module to upgrade and avoid replacement, we now can ensure that either option offers the simplicity and security of seamless Google integration.” This expansion of the EDLA offering marks a significant milestone that underscores the success of the company’s ecosystem as a service (EaaS) strategy, bringing together the insights of key stakeholders to develop comprehensive ecosystems tailored to the needs of global customers. The company’s complete offering of EDLA solutions accommodates the diverse needs of schools and classrooms. Specifically, the new ViewBoard IFP52-2 Series provides an ideal all-in-one solution, offering 65in, 75in, and 86in screen sizes to integrate into a varied range of classroom setups. For schools looking to avoid the disposal of outdated hardware, the VPC-A31-O1 slot-in PC module offers an easily serviceable solution that makes upgrading existing interactive displays convenient. Enrique Tomás chooses nsign.tv for its new vending machines at Barcelona Airport Comprehensive EDLA lineup with new ViewBoard IFP52-2 6 Kiosk and Digital Signage At an Upfront event in London, Tesco announced a suite of updates to its Tesco Media and Insight Platform, including Scan as You Shop media, new in-store digital screens and powerful new onsite digital performance ads, all powered by dunnhumby’s data science. “Tesco are leading the way in retail media, giving brands and agencies the power to truly shape what Britain buys, with Tesco Media now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the established media houses,” says Nick Ashley, MD, Tesco Media & Insight Platform. “This scale, combined with our advanced closed-loop measurement and cutting-edge data science, allows brands partnering with Tesco Media to connect with shoppers like never before.” With more than 21 million Clubcard members, a vast network of 2,800+ stores and around 36% of the online grocery market, Tesco Media and Insight Platform allows brands and agencies to harness the power of Clubcard to reach customers in every corner of the country. Through precise data targeting and advanced measurement capabilities, it offers an unrivalled understanding of UK shoppers. Channels announced at Tesco Media Upfront include: • New Scan As You Shop media placements: Tesco is the first retailer in the UK to introduce dynamic ad-served display media onto in-store handsets •Double the digital screens of any other grocery network: A growing network of 1,000+ in-store digital screens, and 500+ SmartScreens outside stores, bringing the benefits of digital media to the physical store •New digital performance ads: New tesco.com and app ads including ‘Sponsored Browse’, ‘Special Offers’ and ‘Favourites’ placements •Channel 4 partnership: Tesco is the first retailer to partner with all three UK TV powerhouses – ITV, Sky, and now Channel 4 •Product placement opportunities: Brands can now feature on Tesco’s own advertising across TV, social, radio, print, OOH and in-store Tesco expansion of connected store and digital offering PSCo has announced it is distributing a new range of Sony’s Crystal LED Displays. Sony’s modular Crystal LED CH- series with high contrast and BH-series with high brightness are available in two pixel pitch sizes (P1.2mm and P1.5mm) to suit different installation needs and various applications including high-end corporate and retail environments. Comprising modular, seamless and bezel-free tiles, the displays can accommodate a range of sizes, layouts and resolutions, and due to being lightweight, can be installed in various configurations such as wall mounted or in a curved arrangement. Furthermore, due to lower power consumption and front accessibility that is convenient and user friendly, the Crystal LED Displays, after purchase, provide a reduced total cost of ownership including maintenance. Stuart Holmes, executive director, solutions at PSCo, said, “Working with leading manufacturers and best-in- class technology ensures that we continue to deliver the high level of service and support that our customers have become accustomed to. Furthermore, our experience centre in Bracknell allows us to showcase these innovative solutions to our customers, all in one place.”Moya Kelleher, UK&I B2B sales head, Sony Professional Displays & Solutions Europe said, “Working with PSCo, whose reputation for excellent customer service combined with vast knowledge and experience in LED, gives a great opportunity to expand and grow our Crystal LED Display market in the UK and Ireland.” PSCo to distribute Sony’s Crystal LED range NEWSKiosk and Digital Signage 7 Grid Endless Aisle solution in Italian DIY and home improvement stores OmboriGrid, in collaboration with ITAB Shop Concept, has developed a customised version of its Grid Endless Aisle solution for Feridras kiosks in Italian DIY and home improvement stores. Feridras manufactures a wide range of bathroom furniture and accessories, which it sells via resellers throughout Italy. The company’s product range is extensive, and it is not possible for any reseller to carry all the different Feridras products and variants. So the company needed a solution that allowed it to showcase its entire offering, including items not currently available in-store. To meet this need, OmboriGrid and ITAB designed a Feridras kiosk that displays every SKU the manufacturer offers. If the item they want is unavailable in the store, customers can browse product lines such as bathtubs, cabinets, sinks, showers, taps, laundry baskets and waste bins, and find the exact model, size and colour they want. They can then place an order for delivery to their home or to the store, which is then sent directly to Feridras for fulfilment. The kiosk was piloted at Feridras headquarters in Nola, Naples. Resellers were invited to test the kiosk and ordering process and see how it can help customers find the products they want, and increase revenue for the resellers. So far, eight resellers have chosen to install the kiosks, and deployment will continue to other reseller’s stores through the rest of the year. “This is a new use case for Grid,” said Andreas Hassellöf, CEO of OmboriGrid, “Our clients are usually retailers who are in the process of store digitalisation. This is the first time we’ve developed a product for a manufacturer, so that they can help their resellers to engage with customers and increase sales.” Papercast partners with INEOS Britannia for America’s Cup bid Papercast has partnered with INEOS Britannia for the 37th America’s Cup taking place in Barcelona in 2024. Papercast’s e-paper technology was initially developed for real-time digital bus stops and has been customised to deliver high-speed live data onboard INEOS Britannia’s LEQ12 Test Boat and AC75 Class race boat. The technology ensures the crew receives critical information instantly. Building on the success of a previous collaboration, Papercast reaffirms its commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology solutions to the world of Grand Prix sailing. It has announced groundbreaking enhancements to its 13 inch screens, combining cutting- edge e-paper technology with innovative design to produce displays meticulously optimised for the unique challenges of the America’s Cup. “To achieve optimal performance, it’s crucial that the crew can receive key data in a fast, highly-readable format. Not an easy feat given they are in the extreme environment of an AC75, at speeds of over 60mph and flying above the water,” said Ben Ainslie, team principal and helm of INEOS Britannia. Robert Bicket, CEO of Papercast, said, “I am delighted our technology will once again form one of the many vital technical components that will make this one of the strongest British AC challengers that this country has ever seen”.8 Kiosk and Digital Signage I n an era where the use of cash for everyday transactions is steadily declining, self-service payment kiosks are emerging as a pivotal solution that caters to the changing payment landscape. Recent reports highlight the remarkable surge in contactless payments and a shift toward cashless alternatives. This shift not only signifies changing consumer preferences but also presents an opportunity for businesses to adapt and provide the convenience that today’s society seeks. The contactless payment boom One prominent indication of the move towards cashless solutions is the substantial increase in contactless payments. According to UK Finance, contactless payments in the UK witnessed a remarkable 30% rise in 2022, with 17 billion contactless transactions recorded. A staggering 87% of individuals in the UK are now using this technology at least once a month, reflecting the widespread acceptance of contactless payments. Moreover, the average value of contactless transactions has seen steady growth, reaching £15.10 in 2022, up from £12.66 the previous year. This increase underscores the trust that consumers have placed in this payment method. With a gradual expansion of spending limits on contactless cards, from £10 to £100 over the years, the versatility and convenience of this payment option have become increasingly evident. With all this in mind, it is integral that UK businesses adapt to the change. It’s clear that consumers are moving towards a cashless society, because of its speed as well as its convenience. People are visiting cash machines less than ever, perhaps because they enjoy the convenience of having all their money at their fingertips, or potentially it’s because of the decreasing amount of banks and ATMs on high streets. Whatever the cause, B2C companies must take note. The impact on businesses and government entities For businesses and government entities, this cashless evolution holds both challenges and opportunities. One notable example is the decision of Rother District Council to transition its pay and display machines to accept only card payments, starting from March 2024. This move aims to reduce operational costs and minimise the council’s carbon footprint, as cash collection processes contribute to unnecessary emissions. As the council’s contract with coin collection services is due to expire, this decision not Self-service kiosks in an evolving cashless society Ryan Mullholland, marketing officer, EasyPay easypaynetwork.com Contactless payments in the UK witnessed a remarkable 30% rise in 2022Kiosk and Digital Signage 9Next >