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NRF: Digital signage providers enhance point-of-sale, point-of-decision
The screen community was well-represented at the world's largest retail expo in January.
January 26, 2009
Learn more about the exhibitors at this year's NRF show at Retail Customer Experience: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Attendees at the National Retail Federation's Big Show in New York City were introduced to a plethora of self-service, point-of-sale and retail operations solutions. Digital signage also played a significant role, as some members of the industry showcased their most relevant retail applications. Here are several of the featured exhibitors from this year's NRF show:
Information-appliance provider DT RESEARCH showcased its newest POS products, including fully ruggedized handhelds and the WebDT Mobile Tablet. The handheld POS systems feature an integrated magnetic strip-reader, built-in barcode scanner and optional RFID. The WebDT Mobile Tablet features many of the same POS options and can be taken from the sales floor, where it can be used for line-busting and shelf management, to the warehouse for inventory management. Additionally, the company exhibited its event-triggered digital signage product, which helps retailers provide extensive product information to customers in the store and on the spot.
IBM presented an application of its kiosk produced by one of its partners, EZface, called the Virtual Mirror. The kiosk snaps a photo of the user and presents it onscreen. The user then scans the barcodes of makeup and hair care products. Software applies the exact shades and textures of the products to the onscreen image, allowing users to preview their look before purchasing the products. Results can be printed and e-mailed.
MICROSIGNS introduced its 3.5-inch Microplayer interactive color displays. The small screens enable cell phone retailers to manage planograms and marketing at individual stores from one central location. The screens record touches as customers browse features and can provide immediate data to carriers on which items are receiving the most attention.
NANONATION, working with partner Zebra, a printer manufacturer, showed its custom gift-card printing solution. The kiosk allows users to select a background design for a gift card, choose either a prepared message or create a customized one, select an amount, pay for the card and shortly the card is dispensed. The kiosk is expected to increase gift-card sales for deployers by increasing mindfulness of them as well as severing them from the checkout line for users who wish to purchase only a gift card.
NETKEY writes software that is optimized for developing, deploying and operating networks of self-service devices and digital signage, all on a common software platform that's easy to use. Applications include self-ordering, in-store e-commerce and loyalty applications. Media can be drag-and-dropped into specific environments and scheduled. Attract loops can be set up. The latest release is Netkey 6.7.
PARABIT SYSTEMS showed off its newest kiosk concept in the form of a sleekly designed machine that can be used in a variety of ways in the retail space.
"Our specialty is really integration, where we develop different kinds of concepts and solutions for clients, everything from bill payment to wayfinding to online banking kiosks to technology kiosks," said Rob Leiponis, Parabit's CEO. "We're really a custom technology house."
STARMOUNT SYSTEMS talked about its Starmount Media digital solutions, including promotions and advertising. Their primary benefit for retailers is that they enable upselling at the point of decision, providing ROI in many instances in weeks or months, not years. A new effort will bring the digital media to POS systems.
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