A digital menu board is a dynamic display for menus, promotional items, product images, and even animation used by companies to promote their product. Usually used by restaurants, particularly by quick service restaurants, digital boards have replaced the old static painted or printed signboards used before.
Advancements in LED Display technology has pushed the boundaries of digital menu boards. They are now cheaper to buy, lasts longer than before, Digital menu boards and have more functions than the old standard board.
There are three primary factors that maximize the use of a digital board. These are:
1. Hardware or Equipment
2. Software
3. Design
Digital Menu Board Hardware
The Equipment that comprises a digital board varies. Some of these boards are attached to rotating extenders and toppers to give the board some motion and more visibility. But the heart of the system of a digital board is the LCD TV screen. The LCD lets the establishment show vivid bright images and animation that will attract the customer to products and promotions that the company offers.
The control board is also important. This is brain of the digital board system. It controls what and how a certain image is displayed on the screen. Some advanced control boards have integrated communication functions to handle order taking such as in drive-through windows.
Digital Menu Board Software
During the old days of static boards, establishments would give the sign maker a mockup or drawing of how the sign should look like. Afterwards, the sign is produced, delivered, and mounted.
With a digital board, the image or display is uploaded to the control board where it can be programmed with various options such as animation, time of day display, and 'Happy Hour' rates. These can be done in-house by a trained employee or a commissioned to a professional digital board designer.
Design
As mentioned, the look and feel of a digital menu board can be done in-house or through a professional. In order to maximize the full potential of a digital menu board, establishment must study how best to implement a digital display.
Factors such as space, product, promotion, and location influence the effectiveness of a digital board. There are companies willing to offer these kinds of services. Some even offer in-house training in the use and design of the boards.
With the advent of the digital displays, extra planning is required to take advantage of the opportunities this kind of equipment can offer. With the right hardware, software, and design, the digital menu board can generate additional sales than a standard painted sign would do.