KFC continues to bet on digital signage with NEC and Raspberry Pi screens

It has installed large-format NEC screens in its fast food establishments in Germany, in the sales area, based on MultiSync P484 models 48 inches and P404 of 40 inches. Some equipment that is used as menu boards and incorporates the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3.

KFC continues to rely on new technologies to stay ahead of the competition. This time he does it using the screens NEC Display Solutions integrated with the Raspberry Pi solution.

In the ranking of the largest companies in the restaurant industry, this chain started 2018, his jubilee year, with record sales in Germany. In 2017, they opened 15 KFC restaurants in this country along with several new branches in Austria and a planned entry program for Switzerland.

KFC changes its menu more than six times a year. Besides, There are special offers and promotions that change daily. Established since 50 years in Germany, KFC plans to attract a young audience and focus on the individual needs of its customers.

Traditionally, Product presentation has taken the form of rotating displays or interchangeable posters and menu cards. However, with more than 160 branches only in Germany, changing signs and menu cards is very expensive and time consuming. Consequently, to draw attention to any short-term promotions, there is little room for maneuver when it involves changing menu offerings during the course of the day.

This is why KFC, together with the advertising agency, m&r Creative, decided to integrate digital menu boards. “Unlike the analog alternative, Digital menu boards emphasize KFC's modern brand presence. They allow a combination of flexible product presentation, information and entertainment and customer interaction. You can provide your customers with better information and positively influence their purchasing decisions.”, explains Lisa Probst, IT director of m&r Creative.

In cooperation with IT-Haus, Large format NEC professional screens have been installed in the sales area. These include MultiSync P484 models 48 inches and P404 of 40 inches, solutions that integrate Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3.

Thanks to its brightness 700 cd/m² and the anti-reflective coating of the screens, the range of foods on offer is optimally presented, legible even in bright ambient conditions. Modern, slim design fits into the brand's modern interior design. Brand recognition is also guaranteed as KFC's iconic colors, white on bright red, are reproduced accurately.

High-quality components ensure that the displays can be used in continuous operation, a critical factor for fast food outlets. Administration and maintenance function, easy to use, ensures central control of the screens, which saves time and company resources.

Thanks to the OMi interface, the source of the screen content is integrated into the screen, which simplifies the installation of devices, and reliability is assured since no wiring is required between the source and the display.

“A very special aspect is the innovative Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3. It is extremely robust and can withstand 24 use×7 without any problem. The NEC edition of the module impresses with its additional functionality that is specially designed for use in digital signage applications.. Menu board content at KFC can be updated over the network and controlled centrally via a playlist.”, Probst continues.

Features include extended memory, a watchdog timer, a real-time clock and support for video codecs. Thanks to its modular functionality, Computing power can be flexibly upgraded according to future needs, which is a big advantage.

NEC Display Solutions, m&r Kreativ and IT-Haus provided KFC with a full-service solution. Hardware and logistics, along with the coordination of maintenance, such as power supply and networking, are covered extensively along with content creation and delivery.

After the result obtained, this fast food chain plans to replace the traditional signage systems it still has with digital systems, in addition to carrying out a remodeling of the external facilities.