Order boards – we’ve all seen them, we’ve all used them, but have you truly grasped their transformative power? In the fast-paced world of modern enterprises, these unassuming digital displays have become the unsung heroes, streamlining operations and boosting customer engagement with remarkable precision.
In this article, we embark on a journey into the realm of order boards—innovative game-changers redefining how Ontario businesses thrive. We’ll uncover data-driven insights, unveil success stories, and explore a future where order boards are the key ingredient to communications. It’s a narrative of innovation, efficiency, and unwavering support led by Century AV.
Join us as we unveil the hidden potential of order boards and how Century AV, Ontario’s AV technology virtuoso, is pioneering their integration for a brighter corporate future.
The Evolution of AV Technology in Ontario
Order boards, digital menus, and interactive screens, it seems that Ontario companies are using some of the latest technologies in many new and fascinating ways. We’ve all watched the rise of these technologies, from our journeys through a mall with their interactive map stands to Tim Horton’s drive-thrus with the latest in interactive order board technology. This technology is here to stay and is only going to become more prevalent in our day-to-day lives.
The display advertising market is one such place where you’ll find the evolution of order boards to be quite prominent. According to our research, the display advertising market in Canada reached 1.1 billion as far back as 2015, with a growth rate of 2.5 percent per year from 2010 to 2015(1). At the time of the study, it was projected to have an average annual growth rate of 3.4% from 2015 to 2020.
If we want to see the direction that digital signage and digital order boards will go, we only need to look at the global numbers. According to statistical sources, the digital signage figures show that the industry hit a high of $19.61 billion (US) in 2016. Furthermore, by 2023 the digital advertising industry hit a mind-bending $32.84 billion (US) worldwide(2). That’s nearly doubled in only seven years.
To see the future of what Ontario businesses will use for order boards, we can look at a specific use case from Restaurant Brands International Inc. Back in 2020, the company stated that they would be rolling out new interactive order boards for the drive-thrus of over 10,000 Burger King and Tim Hortons locations(3).
These new order boards using the latest technology would even include predictive suggestions based on everything from the weather to time of day to customer order history.
Challenges Faced by Enterprise Tier Companies
Large organizations have a variety of use cases where interactive screen technologies are used on a daily basis. However, the larger the organization, the more challenging the roll-out and implementation of new technologies.
There are two primary challenges that large organizations face concerning the adoption of these technologies. According to Richard Slawsky, the two biggest challenges are the cost of implementation and the challenges to deploying at scale(4).
To face the challenges of implementation, pioneers in the industry like Century AV offer solutions to help organizations find not only the proper commercial equipment for their order boards and digital displays but also the proper training and support to use it long-term.
Let’s look at how these technologies are impacting Ontario organizations and how you can help your organization move forward with the right solutions.
The Impact of Order Boards and Interactive Displays
Before we jump headlong into the impacts of new technologies like order boards and interactive displays, let’s take a look at some of the use cases so you can have a better understanding of the potential impacts that these technologies could have on your organization.
Ten Places You’ll Find Interactive Displays In Ontario Businesses
- Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs): Order boards and interactive displays have revolutionized the fast-food industry in Canada. Customers can place orders quickly, customize their meals, and pay conveniently through self-service kiosks, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Retail Stores: Interactive displays are used in retail settings to engage customers, provide product information, and even enable virtual try-ons. They enhance customer interaction and help boost sales in brick-and-mortar stores.
- Hospitality and Hotels: Interactive displays in hotel lobbies provide guests with information about amenities, local attractions, and events. In-room tablets allow guests to control room features and access services.
- Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and clinics use interactive displays for patient check-ins, wayfinding, and providing health information. These technologies improve patient experiences and streamline administrative processes.
- Educational Institutions: Interactive whiteboards and displays are used in schools and universities for interactive learning, presentations, and collaborative projects, fostering student engagement and improving learning outcomes.
- Corporate Offices: Businesses use interactive displays in boardrooms for presentations, video conferencing, and collaborative meetings. Digital signage in office spaces communicates updates and information to employees.
- Transportation Hubs: Airports and train stations use interactive displays for wayfinding, flight information, and passenger assistance, making travel more efficient and enjoyable.
- Entertainment Venues: Interactive displays in theaters, museums, and theme parks provide immersive experiences, deliver information, and entertain visitors.
- Automotive Dealerships: Car dealerships utilize interactive displays to showcase vehicle features, pricing, and customization options, helping customers make informed purchase decisions.
- Public Spaces: Interactive kiosks in malls, government buildings, and public areas offer information, directories, and services, enhancing convenience for visitors.
These applications highlight how order boards, interactive displays, and related technologies are transforming various sectors of Canadian business, enhancing customer experiences, improving efficiency, and driving growth.
Let’s take a look at one of these use cases, in particular, to see what kind of impact a digital order board has on its business here in Canada. Let’s review Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) applications as our example.
According to research, only 5% of QSRs use outdoor digital displays, yet 70% of their business is derived from drive-thru sales(4).
A study by Forrester Consulting found that digital order boards set up in a restaurant drive-thru resulted in a 5.75% decrease in customer wait times. The reduction in wait time resulted in a 9.1% increase in drive-thru sales. Considering that most QSRs derive 70% of their business from drive-thru, it’s no stretch of the imagination to understand that a nearly 10% increase in sales is nothing to laugh at.
We’d call a ten percent growth in the most extensive sales channel a reasonably significant impact on business, wouldn’t you?
Data-Driven Insights
Looking at the numbers in our example of QSRs in the restaurant industry, we can see that order boards are the way of the future. What about other sectors, however?
Looking at the significant impacts that technology has made, we quickly see that the education industry is one such place where digital and interactive displays and flat screens are becoming more and more prevalent.
Futuresource Consulting’s Chris Pennel stated in 2020 that 87% of classrooms in the US have at least one digital display. Projections said that there would be a 28% increase in interactive flat panel displays over 2021 and 2022. Furthermore, he projected that technology like interactive whiteboards used in education would grow at an approximate rate of 7% over the same two-year period(5).
It’s not hard to see how digital displays and interactive displays will become more incorporated into our lives, from the restaurant to the boardroom and everywhere in between. To look at how things might change as time goes on, we can draw some significant conclusions from what the data about the internet and similar technologies has to tell us.
According to Stats Canada(6), we can see that Canadian’s use of internet technologies and, thus, their familiarization and expectations for using and responding to digital displays and interactive screens are likely to only grow over time. Take a look at the following data about Canadians and their use of the internet as an example:
As you can see from the data, Canadians are no strangers to internet technologies. This familiarity translates to higher engagement from Canadians. That is, there is higher engagement with digital order boards and related technologies due to Canadians’ familiarity with the digital ecosystem and digital experiences.
The Future of AV Technology in Ontario
Where is Ontario’s business headed regarding digital order boards and interactivity? Let’s again take a look at the numbers.
According to a study by McKinsey & Company, 71% of consumers expect a personalized interaction. Further to that point, 76% of those surveyed stated that they feel frustrated when companies do not personalize their communications(7).
McKinsey’s survey also tells a tale of organizations’ growth related to personalization: Companies that grow faster within their industry versus their competitors show that, on average, 40% of their growth can be attributed to personalization strategies.
Further to the point of personalization, according to research by Salesforce, 65% of customers expect companies to adapt to the customer’s evolving needs and preferences. It’s of no surprise that they also found that 61% of those surveyed found that large organizations and corporations treat customers as a number(8). This latter number treatment is a primary reason for driving Canadians away from using said companies.
So what do all these numbers tell us? The future of advertising, sales, and many other organization communications is likely going to be highly personalized interactive digital displays, order boards, and similar technologies. Next, let’s take a look at how Century AV is leading the way with next-level service and technology solutions.
Century AV’s Unique Approach
Century Audio Visual has been providing solutions to Ontario businesses for years. As an industry leader in the field, we understand the need and value of appropriately matched commercial audio and visual equipment like digital order boards and interactive displays.
Our highly specialized team of AV pros can help your organization with all aspects of digital implementation, whether it’s communications and networking equipment for your boardroom, digital orders, or menu boards for your restaurant or classroom. Our team works with all the major brands in the commercial AV industry, providing unsurpassed service and performance.
Design and Installation
From design to installation, the team at Century AV is ready to help you with any AV project. Our professionals are masters at system design, layout, and installation, ensuring the best use possible out of your new equipment.
Maintenance and Repair
Century AV is there when you need it. With a solid foundation in customer service, we pride ourselves in our ability to help our clients; whether it’s a week or five years after installation, we still provide service at the highest level. Our white-glove professional services ensure that your equipment works and that we leave your workplace without leaving a trace – only the solutions you expect.
Commitment to post-sales support
As mentioned, we’re in it for the long haul. We partner with our clients to provide unparalleled service and support long after equipment installation. We believe that relationships with our customers start with good communication and a commitment to excellence, and that’s what we bring to the table for every one of our clients. Don’t take our word for it; watch and hear what our clients have to say:
Read and Watch Century Audio Visual Client Case Studies
Navigating the Future: A Vision of Personalized Engagement
In the bustling landscape of Ontario’s business sector, one thing becomes clear: the future is digital, personalized, and interactive. We’ve explored the transformative journey of order boards, interactive displays, and their impact on Canadian enterprises.
From the bustling Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), where innovative order boards have not only improved efficiency but also driven significant sales growth, to the dynamic classrooms of our educational institutions, where interactive displays foster engaged learning, the applications of these technologies are boundless.
Data-driven insights have illuminated the path forward. As Canadians continue to embrace digital experiences, the demand for personalized communication soars. Customers expect tailored interactions, and companies that respond with precision find themselves leading the way in their industries.
In this landscape of innovation, Century AV stands as a beacon of commitment and excellence. Our unique approach, from design and installation to long-term support, ensures that Ontario businesses can harness the full potential of order boards, interactive displays, and other AV technologies.
As we conclude our journey, let’s remember that the future belongs to those who embrace personalization and innovation. Enterprise managers, it’s time to explore AV solutions that will not only meet but exceed the expectations of your audience.
Additional Resources and Article Sources
More Guides and Resources
- How to Choose the Right Sound System (and Installer) for Your Business Space
- 15 Audio-Visual Solutions That Will Transform Your Business
- How Conference Room AV Solutions Boost Efficiency in Ontario Businesses
- Century AV Client Case Study: The College of Opticians
Article Sources
- “Overview of the Canadian Sign Industry.” n.d. https://www.sac-ace.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/SAC-ACE-Resource-%E2%80%93-Overview-of-the-Canadian-Sign-Industry-2015-English-Version.pdf.
- “Global Digital Signage Market Value 2023 | Statista.” 2023. Statista. Statista. 2023. https://www.statista.com/statistics/699718/digital-signage-market/.
- Doradea, Karen. 2020. “Tim Hortons’ New Drive-thru Menus Can Soon Predict Your Orders.” Dailyhive.com. Daily Hive. October 27, 2020. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/tim-hortons-new-digital-screen-menus.
- Slawsky, Richard, and Contributor. n.d. “DEVELOPED and PUBLISHED BY: Driving Sales with Digital Menu Boards.” Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.nmrestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Driving-Sales-with-Digital-Menu-Boards-NWM.pdf.
- Interactive, in. 2020. “Data Shows 28% Sales Increase in Interactive Flat Panels and Collaboration Boards in K-12 Schools.” RAVe [PUBS]. June 12, 2020. https://www.ravepubs.com/data-shows-28-sales-increase-in-interactive-flat-panels-and-collaboration-boards-in-k-12-schools/.
- Doucet, Monique, Nicole Minnema, Karine Garneau, and Jerel Ko. 2021. “This Web Application Provides Access to Data from the 2018 and 2020 Canadian Internet Use Survey. This Dynamic Application Allows Users to Obtain Data on the Use of Internet Services and Technologies by Canadians in 2018 and 2020. The Data Is Supplemented by Household Characteristics such as Age, Gender, Highest Level of Education Completed and Some Geographical Detail (E.g. Province). Among the Indicators Used in This Interactive Application to Describe the Use of Internet-Related Services and Technologies Are Internet Use and Intensity of Use, the Percentage of Canadians Who Purchased Online and the Average Expenditure by Type of Goods and Services Purchased Online, the Percentage of Canadians Who Have Experienced Cyber Security Incidents over the Internet.” Statcan.gc.ca. Government of Canada, Statistics Canada. October 29, 2021. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/71-607-x/71-607-x2021027-eng.htm.
- “The Value of Getting Personalization Right—or Wrong—Is Multiplying.” 2021. McKinsey & Company. McKinsey & Company. November 12, 2021. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/growth-marketing-and-sales/our-insights/the-value-of-getting-personalization-right-or-wrong-is-multiplying.
“What Are Customer Expectations, and How Have They Changed?” 2023. Salesforce. 2023. https://www.salesforce.com/resources/articles/customer-expectations/?sfdc-redirect=369.
