Why does a Quick Service Restaurant want to employ outdoor digital drive-thru menu boards?

Making the decision to switch from static to digital menu boards is a significant decision, especially in the drive-thru.  Before this decision is made, you must ask yourself “Why do you want digital menus?”  If your response is “Digital menu boards are cool” or “My competitor is doing it, so I should too”, you have a tough road ahead.  Defining your company’s goals and objectives will help you develop an effective and successful outdoor digital menu board strategy.

A number of challenges exist when deploying computer equipment in a manufacturing environment.

Extreme temperature fluctuations, dirt, grease and splashing fluids are problematic for electronics.  Prior to implementing on the plant floor, the system designer has the option of specifying an industrially hardened computer or an appropriately sealed industrial enclosure to be used with a general-purpose computer.  Either solution can perform admirably but over time the choice between the two will be an investment decision that will balance lifetime costs, operational stability and versatility.

In general, the higher initial purchase price of an industrial computer will offset the cost of a less expensive general-purpose computer and PC enclosure.  It is important to understand the differences between the two solutions after the system is deployed into production.

Select the RIGHT Outdoor LCD enclosure!

Digital signage is everywhere! Most outdoor applications require some type of enclosure to protect the LCD and media player from weather, temperature fluctuations and vandalism.  When chosen correctly, a LCD enclosure will ensure operation, up time and integrity to the overall solution.

Digital Signage in Manufacturing?

More and more manufacturers are showing interest in using LCDs on their plant floors. With digital signage, management can communicate vital information to hundreds of employees with the click of a button.

Deploying a LCD in a plant environment does involve some planning. The same dangers that harm a computer system also exist for a LCD.  Dust, humidity, liquids and temperature fluctuations can wreak havoc on the display.  Manufacturers recognize the need for a LCD enclosure, which are available in all shapes and sizes.  Depending on the application, a LCD enclosure may be a protective shroud, fan cooled, air conditioned or purged for hazardous locations.

You've been tasked to launch a new digital signage project.

 
Not sure where to start?

There are a number of components that need to come together for a digital signage project to become successful. Figuring out where to start can be overwhelming. It is important to research the various products and services required to develop an effective campaign.

The challenge may be how to better market to a certain audience, how to keep workers better informed of company matters, or keep commuters abreast of when the next train will arrive at the station. The maze of hardware choices are abundant, but the following considerations will serve as a guide to making an informed decision.

Computer Enclosures: Consider the Need

What is the secret to manufacturing uptime?

It’s safe to say, computers have come a long way since the early 1980’s. Electronics are ever-changing.  As the PC footprint shrinks, monitor sizes grow.  One trend that has not changed over the years is the need for NEMA-rated enclosures in manufacturing environments. 

The secret to uptime is simply well-protected electronics contained in a computer enclosure. When you rely on computers to drive your manufacturing process, proper protection is critical.

How many times have unprotected electronics failed because of dust, grease or water in the air?

How do I select cooling or heating for an industrial enclosure?

In manufacturing environments, it is very common to use some sort of heating and cooling on computer enclosures. Proper enclosure thermal management keeps electronics operating within a normal temperature range despite the ambient temperature.

Selecting the proper cooling and heating is not difficult but does require basic information about the environment and electronics that will be protected inside of the enclosure.

To Cool or Not to Cool…

“Do I need to add cooling to my computer enclosure?”

The answer is yes. Incorporating enclosure cooling can lengthen the system life and increase control line reliability. The accumulation of heat in a computer enclosure is potentially damaging to the electronics inside of the cabinet.

Overheating will shorten the life expectancy of the costly electronic components you are trying to protect. It is important that system designers and engineers be aware of temperatureimplications prior to implementing an enclosure system on a manufacturing line.

WHY should my restaurant employ outdoor digital menu boards?

The answer to this question is becoming increasingly clear.  With the complexity of menu choices, day parting requirements and nutritional information regulation, digital menu boards offer the restaurateur the most flexible, long term solution possible.