As a restaurant owner, particularly in the QSR (quick-service restaurant) sector, you are likely to be updating your menu and promotions regularly. Using traditional methods such as printed or handwritten boards can be very labour-intensive and costly, especially if you have multiple locations. It’s very easy for you to understand to importance of Digital Signage nowadays.
As a result, you may be considering switching to ‘Digital Signage’. In plain terms, this means installing digital screens at your location (usually at point of sale), with a robust CMS (content management system) to enable you to create content and manage the display schedule.
Digital signage is an incredibly powerful communication tool that carries immense advantages for the restaurant owner, no matter how big or small their operation. Already, at least 20% of all digital signage users are in the QSR sector.
What is a Digital Signage?
Digital signage refers to the use of digital displays, typically screens or monitors, to convey information, advertisements, or promotional content. These displays are often strategically placed in high-traffic areas within a restaurant, such as near the entrance or at the point of sale. What sets digital signage apart is its dynamic nature, allowing for easy updates and changes to content compared to traditional static signage.
How Does Digital Signage Benefit Restaurants?
Time is Money
Managing costs is a cornerstone of operations for a business of any size, which is why many businesses will see benefits of switching to digital signage for their in-store menu boards.
Think of how long it takes to change a menu or promotional artwork. At best, you’ll have a graphic designer to brief and commission the print and installation of the new boards. Multiple, frequent changes are costly but it can take just seconds to update an image on a digital screen compared to a printed board. For example, pricing changes can be updated automatically, if your EPOS system is integrated with your digital signage CMS.
Customer Engagement is the Driving Force for Sales
A digital signage system, supported by an easy to use CMS, puts you in control of your content. Research has shown that almost 30% of customers perceive digital menus as a major influence in their product purchase.
You can engage your audience with bold content, showcasing your products and offers directly at point of sale to sway the purchasing decision and increase impulse purchases. Leading digital signage providers will be able to offer dynamic content types such as live social media feeds, weather and transport feeds, as well as pull data from your website’s HTML code and embed animated content such as GIF, Flash and video files to capture the audience’s attention.
Digital signage can also be instrumental in efficient queue management, by displaying directions to till points and waiting times. Research suggests that using these tactics increases customer satisfaction and even reduces the perceived wait time by 35%.
Clear Communication is Key
As the plans to enforce calorie counts on menus in England were announced in September 2018, the Treasury raised concerns over costs that menu changes can entail for independent businesses. However, even a small business can prepare for these changes now by investing in digital displays, making a huge saving in the long-run. The calorie information display can be completely pre-programmed and automated through the POS and CMS integration.
In addition, the need to display allergens and dietary classification (cue rise in plant-based diet) is greatly welcomed by customers. If you give customers the opportunity to view the right information long before point of purchase, the ordering process will be much smoother and quicker for both parties.
Sometimes mistakes can occur on menu boards, leading to unhappy customers. Digital displays minimise the risk of errors, as they can be pre-programmed to display the right offers and menus at the right time, as well as pull data from other sources (POS, Social Media, Website).
Digital Signage for QSR
If you’re looking for a complete digital signage solution, from creation to display, we can help deliver this for your restaurant.
3S POS offers a menu integration with VXL’s Illumineye DS Suite, to save time and cut costs. Every time an item name and price are updated in the EPOS menu, the live digital signage boards update the information almost instantaneously.
Aziz Gunes, Commercial Director at 3S POS, pointed out:
“We are acutely aware of the customer demand for clear, engaging in-store displays to better understand the product and take advantage of the latest offers. To help relieve the pressure of constant content updates for hospitality operators, we now offer a seamless integration with VXL’s Illumineye DS Suite for smart menu updates within a fraction of a second.”
Frank Noon, VP Sales at VXL, 3SPOS’s preferred digital signage partner, also commented:
“We’re delighted 3SPOS is integrating Illumineye DS suite into their QSR solution. We believe the combination of 3SPOS products and Illumineye DS suite brings tangible revenue and margin gains to the majority of QSR establishments.”
In summary, digital signage has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing communication, engaging customers, and streamlining operations in the restaurant industry. With its ability to deliver dynamic content, streamline updates, and improve compliance, digital signage is revolutionizing the way QSR establishments communicate with their customers. Embracing this technology not only drives sales but also enhances the overall dining experience, making it a valuable investment for restaurant owners looking to stay competitive in today's digital age.
To find out more and arrange a bespoke digital signage consultation, email sales@3s-pos.com or call 0207 034 3030.