How Tablets are being used as Digital signage across Industries

Upasna Kesarwani, PhD

Jun 3, 2018 · 7 min read

The mass adoption of tablet devices globally has paved way for large scale development of supporting applications, making tablets much more versatile and multi functional than other mobile device options. Tablets have evolved to become better digital signage solutions than traditional displays that are larger and costlier. Tablets as a digital signage platform provide a virtual sheet of paper that can be reused infinite times, saving hardware costs for enterprises. Additionally, tablets are familiar and easy-to-use, popular POS or interactive marketing tools as well.

Retail enterprises as well as related service providers are adopting tablets to incorporate versatility in their businesses. Tablets are being used to attract clientele through digitized visual stimulation and also to achieve brand awareness.

RETAIL INDUSTRY

Tablets such as iPads, Galaxy tabs, Nexus 7, or Microsoft Surface have seen great global adoption. Retailers use these hyper-portability devices to make their brick and mortar experience better . Sales teams are now being equipped with tablets to enable richer interactions with customers on the floor by educating buyers and driving higher sales.

For example, use of tablets in segments like cosmetic, apparels, and jewelry in stores have already started showing positive effects. Consumers can visualize and compare different combinations on the tablets before making the final purchase decision. Customers can check store inventory, compare products, check customer reviews, scan items and even have virtual trials of products. It helps sales associates and store managers to assist customers in a better way and improve sales.

In a survey report, it was found that 70% of individuals with a company-issued tablet hit their sales target in a given period versus only 62% of sales representative overall. Also, 90% of sales professionals surveyed said the devices improved their productivity by 70% as tablets allowed them to focus more on buyers rather than search for the information.

Use of tablets in retail sector

1. Scrolling tablets at multiple locations

High cost large screen signage can be replaced by low cost small tablets at multiple locations and scrolling happens in vicinity thus catching targeted and relevant eyeballs.

2. Tablets fixed/placed on shopping carts

By providing tablets to customers when they enter a mall or shop or by fixing it on the shopping cart, quick relevant information regarding price, appearance, and suitability of products can be provided without any hassle.

3. Information on demand

Tablets can inculcate interest in products by displaying information about products’ ingredients, nutritional facts and recipe at the touch of a finger, instead of watching monotonous looping demonstrations on large signage.

4. Augmented reality in retail store stations for up selling

Customized apparel recommendation can be provided by full body scanning using tablets. Many retailers use virtual fitting applications as an advertising tool to enhance their sales and customer experience.

In October 2011, Debenhams launched UK’s first ever virtual store where the customer could use their iPhone or iPad 2 screens to virtually try the retailer’s top dresses and order. Macy’s Virtual Fitting Room also uses similar technology and concept. Interior retailer Franc franc is trying to simulate furniture arrangement for its customers. One can take a picture of a room from a tablet, selects pieces of furniture, place them inside the room and see the appearance of the furniture on-screen. Toshiba is planning to do the same for its appliance retail stores. Augmented Reality industry is predicted to grow many folds in the years to come and tablets present themselves as the most favored platforms.

5. Reducing time and post-purchase dissonance

Demonstrating all possible combinations of products on customers’ tablets lead to quick decisions, reducing time spent by staff on per transaction. It also decreases post-purchase dissonance which hampers brand loyalty.

HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

The hospitality industry is a multi-billion dollar industry which includes restaurants, transportation, travel, entertainment, hotels and amusement parks. Use of portable mobile devices like tablets is a great way for hotels to help their staff engage with the customers and promote their services. And above all, numerous options of tablets to choose from and easy availability of complimenting applications makes tablets easy to adopt and maintain.

Hotels

Decades ago, hotels relied on static signs in formats such as paper posters and etched metal plates to capture customer attention. As the industry grew, these traditional formats become obsolete due to high printing costs, lead time and involvement of high manual work. Hotels’ require its resources to be dynamic, highly detail oriented and hyper-interactive, leading to the need for a flexible device solution that is easy to maintain, multi-functional and self-dependent. Hotels’ growth and success are entirely dependent on their responsiveness to customer demands, whether it is to provide on the spot directions, offer cuisine suggestions or to entertain them when required. Hence the use of tablets came into the picture.

Usability of tablets in Hotels

1. Tablets in hotels enable easier check-in

Instead of attending to a large number of customers at a single point, hotels can place multiple tablets for self-check-in at various reception points, helping to reduce staff pressure and streamline the check-in process.

2. Customized service

Customers can have a look at all available rooms, their interiors and decors, nearby sights, locations, check the services available and also choose a custom plan.

3. Easy access to menu

Tablets can be provided in the rooms or can be fixed at a point of access, simplifying the process of accessing and ordering menu items for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

4. Tablets serve as a multipurpose tool

Tablets in rooms can serve as multiple purpose tools. They can be used to set reminders, provide access to telephone directory, make calls, offer options for nearby entertaining venues, live videos of tourist destinations, information on shuttles provided by the hotel, etc.

Restaurants

Tablets are a natural choice to simplify, streamline and customize numerous processes followed in restaurants. They are ideal tools to offer digital menus for enhanced customer experience. Moreover, the interactive menus can be edited by the restaurant owners anytime to reflect updated prices, availability and food specialties.

Usability of tablets in Restaurants

Restaurants can provide tablets to diners to place self-orders, check the detailed food description and access lists of ingredients with their calorie counts. Tablets as digital signage tools provide both customers and restaurant owners with a unique user experience that is interactive, entertaining and highly productive. Few of the other usages for tablets at restaurants are:

1. Enhancing customer engagement:

Tablets provide opportunities to engage customers through promotions and social media access.

2. Provide Information:

Restaurant owners update information on hosted events and ticket availability to grab customers’ attention.

3. Used to take orders:

Tablets can be used as kiosks, table display and handheld for taking orders.

4. Easy and flawless transaction:

Processing through tablets minimizes human errors, reduces wait time and expedites transaction.

5. Effective in taking customer feedback:

Tablets are an easier and effective way of taking customer feedback.

Transportation

Airlines and airports, railways and roadways, ports and logistic companies are deploying tablets to make their businesses more profitable, smarter and faster. Tablets can be used for everything from passenger and baggage check-in to tracking assets and resources. Tracking the exact location and status of inventory, passengers, baggage and in-transit freight are few prerequisites of transportation industry. Tablets can be used to provide real-time information to customers. Let’s get into some of the use cases in detail:

Airlines/Airports

With increasing number of travelers and businesses, getting people and cargo to the right place at the right time is a challenge for the transportation industry. Tablets are interactive, portable, and easy to use mobile devices that help to standardize work-flows, facilitate proper communications on time and providing critical information.

The use of tablets in Airlines can be:

1. Ensuring on time arrivals and departures by facilitating timely communication.

2. Provide ticketing and self-check-in which reduces paperwork and man force.

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Tablets are used extensively in the automotive industry, from designing and development to manufacturing, marketing and selling motor vehicles. Tablets on display in automobile showrooms are used to play videos on car customization techniques. Customers are also provided tablets at automobile outlets to access all available options and combinations to suit their budget. This leads to minimize human errors and expedited paperwork involved in purchasing a vehicle.

Last word

Retail, hospitality and automotive industries are the early adopters of tablets as a signage solution. They tested the water first with well-planned strategies that benefited them beyond their expectations. These industries set themselves as visionary leaders by re-allocating their resources to test how tablets can serve to enrich customer experience and gain efficiencies. Tablets proved to be perfect tools for customer engagement at the point of service. With extended feature, tablets are providing a fresh way for enterprises to capture customer attention.

source: https://medium.com/@upasna.kesarwani_20826/how-tablets-are-being-used-as-digital-signage-across-industries-9ea1a224c118

Pengembangan Pusat Data di Indonesia Dorong Ekonomi Digital dan Lindungi Data Pribadi Pengguna

*Pengembangan Pusat Data di Indonesia Dorong Ekonomi Digital dan Lindungi Data Pribadi Pengguna*

Presiden Joko Widodo menyinggung soal urgensi bagi pengembangan pusat data (_data center_) di Tanah Air. Saat memimpin rapat terbatas mengenai hal tersebut di Kantor Presiden, Jakarta, pada Jumat, 28 Februari 2020, Presiden menyebut bahwa pusat data yang fokus dikembangkan di Indonesia akan mendatangkan banyak manfaat bagi perusahaan rintisan lokal yang saat ini masih banyak menggunakan pusat data di luar negeri.

"Kita tahu saat ini banyak _startup-startup_ kita yang dalam beberapa tahun terakhir tumbuh sangat pesat masih menggunakan _data center_ di luar negeri. Padahal kalau _data center_ itu ada di Indonesia akan banyak manfaatnya," ujar Presiden.

"Lebih cepat, lebih aman, dan membantu untuk _local troubleshooting_ dalam pengembangan sistem yang bisa dilakukan dengan lebih cepat," imbuhnya.

Di sisi lain, potensi ekonomi digital dan jumlah penduduk Indonesia yang begitu besar mengundang ketertarikan pemain-pemain global seperti Microsoft, Amazon, Alibaba, dan Google untuk berinvestasi mengembangkan pusat datanya di Tanah Air. Apalagi Indonesia juga memiliki ekosistem perusahaan rintisan yang paling aktif di Asia Tenggara.

Meski demikian, Kepala Negara juga tak ingin agar Indonesia hanya menjadi pasar dan penonton bagi industri tersebut. Investasi pembangunan pusat data harus memberikan nilai tambah dan transfer pengetahuan bagi Indonesia.

"Siapkan regulasinya termasuk yang mengatur soal investasi _data center_ yang ingin masuk ke Indonesia. Kita juga harus memastikan investasi _data center_ di Indonesia memberikan nilai tambah baik dalam pelatihan _digital talent_, pengembangan pusat riset, kerja sama dengan pemain-pemain nasional maupun dalam _sharing_ pengetahuan dan teknologi," ucapnya.

Tak hanya bagi pemain global, Presiden juga ingin mendorong munculnya pemain-pemain besar lainnya dari dalam negeri terkait dengan investasi pengembangan pusat data ini. Mulai dari BUMN telekomunikasi hingga pihak-pihak swasta yang belakangan sudah mulai bergerak ke bisnis pusat data.

Lebih jauh, berkaitan dengan perlindungan data pengguna, Kepala Negara juga mengingatkan soal pentingnya hal tersebut bagi keamanan dan kedaulatan data. Saat ini pemerintah telah mengusulkan kepada DPR mengenai rancangan Undang-Undang Perlindungan Data Pribadi yang mengatur soal hal itu.

"RUU Perlindungan Data Pribadi juga menjadi jalan keluar dan solusi atas banyaknya pengaturan data pribadi dalam beberapa peraturan perundang-undangan yang ada. Ada kurang lebih mungkin 32 regulasi yang mengatur data pribadi," tuturnya.

Adapun terhadap penerapannya di lingkungan pemerintah, Presiden Joko Widodo meminta agar Indonesia segera mengembangkan pusat data nasional terintegrasi yang menyinkronkan seluruh kementerian dan lembaga. Menurut survei Kementerian Komunikasi dan Informatika pada 2018 lalu, terdapat kurang lebih 2.700 pusat data yang tersebar di 630 instansi baik pusat maupun daerah.

"Berarti rata-rata terdapat empat pusat data pada setiap instansi pemerintah. Secara nasional, utilisasi pusat data dan perangkat keras juga hanya mencapai rata-rata 30 persen dari kapasitas. Fakta ini mengindikasikan terjadinya duplikasi anggaran belanja teknologi informasi dan komunikasi karena setiap kementerian mengembangkan pusat datanya sendiri-sendiri. Ini yang ke depan harus kita hindari," tandasnya.

Untuk diketahui, saat menghadiri Indonesia Digital Economy Summit 2020 pada Kamis, 27 Februari 2020, kemarin, Presiden Joko Widodo bertemu dengan salah satu CEO perusahaan global yang juga bergerak dalam pengembangan pusat data, CEO Microsoft Satya Nadella. Dalam pertemuan tersebut, Kepala Negara menyampaikan bahwa pihaknya akan bersegera menyusun regulasi mengenai investasi pengembangan pusat data di Indonesia. 

"Intinya mereka (Microsoft) ingin investasi di _data center_, tetapi saya sampaikan bahwa kita masih mengajukan undang-undang untuk perlindungan data pribadi ke DPR yang belum selesai. Tetapi Microsoft ingin segera investasi di Indonesia, sehingga dalam seminggu ini akan kita putuskan untuk membuat sebuah regulasi sederhana yang mendukung investasi yang berkaitan dengan _data center_," kata Presiden.

Jakarta, 28 Februari 2020

Biro Pers, Media, dan Informasi Sekretariat Presiden

Website: https://www.presidenri.go.id

YouTube: Sekretariat Presiden

Goodbye, Windows: Another Government Plans En-Masse Transition to Linux Search... Windows 7 will be replaced with Linux on government devices

The South Korean government is looking into an en-masse migration from Windows 7 to Linux, and according to local reports, the officials are eyeing the adoption of three different operating systems across various agencies.

Windows 7 reached the end of support on January 14 this year, and now the government wants to avoid upgrading to Windows 10 in order to cut licensing costs, but also to reduce reliance on Microsoft.

One report indicates that the strategy is to complete the migration to Linux by 2026, at which point Linux should be powering devices that are used for Internet access. If Windows continues to power any computers, they must be used for intranet services, meaning they would be isolated from the rest of the network where access from the outside is available.

The Korean Postal Service will move from Windows 7 to TMaxOS, a Linux-based operating system powered by South Korean software company TmaxSoft. This technically provides the government with more control given the software powering their devices is developed by a domestic firm.

Windows 10 appears to be a no-no

Other government departments have already moved part of their fleets to Linux and are working on plans to expand the adoption to more devices.

The Ministry of National Defense and National Police Agency, for example, currently runs Harmonica OS 3.0, which is customized with a series of Korean applications, while the Ministry of Public Administration and Security installed the locally-developed Gooroom Cloud OS based on Debian.

Local officials expect to save millions of dollars by simply eliminating licensing costs, although history has shown that investing in staff training and professional support could generate more expenses in the short term.

For Microsoft, on the other hand, losing such a high-profile customer is certainly bad news, especially as the company insists for Windows 7 devices to be upgraded to Windows 10. There’s a good chance, however, that Microsoft is already in talks with the South Korean government, so we really shouldn’t be too surprised in the transition to Linux is eventually abandoned if an agreement between the two is reached.

source: https://news.softpedia.com/news/goodbye-windows-another-government-plans-en-masse-transition-to-linux-529150.shtml