PPDS Intelligent Signage Solution for Retail

Exciting partnership between PPDS, Intel, Advantech and Navori Labs combines state-of-the-art digital display and camera technology with the latest intelligent software analytic innovations to breathe new life into the retail shopping experience, aiding short- and long-term financial recovery.

PPDS, provider of Philips professional displays and solutions, announces a new collaboration with leading hardware and computer vision software providers, Intel, Advantech and Navori Labs, for the creation of the PPDS Intelligent Signage Solution for Retail. The new package brings a bundled, trusted, and proven solution to system integrators and retailers for easy installation and straightforward integration into stores.

Continuing PPDS’ Total Solutions strategy, the Intelligent Signage Solution for Retail is an AI-powered digital signage solution that combines Philips digital signage with intelligent context-aware software and camera technologies. Delivering data-driven insights to high street retailers for enhanced, more targeted customer experiences resulting in a greater return on investment.

Designed to take the customer’s omnichannel strategy forward and to create an experience unachievable online, the solution enables retailers to make smarter, more informed business decisions, using advanced analytics based on the store’s activities throughout the day, week, month or even year.

Chris Colpaert, General Manager at PPDS, commented: “There has never been a more important time for retailers to attract customers back to the high street and to seize every sales opportunity. Every store is different and every customer is different, so the marketing that works for one person may not for another. Take into account age and gender, and you’re almost certainly alienating a high percentage of the people entering a store. With our advanced Philips digital signage and our partnerships with Intel, Advantech and Navori Labs, we’re reducing the odds of failure and increasing sales opportunities for retailers, while making the experience for customers a smarter and more tailored one.”

Artificial Intelligence / Personal Shopper

Compatible with PPDS’s Philips P-Line 24/7 digital signage range for indoor environments (42”-55”), and connected with the store’s choice of on-board ethernet or wi-fi, the solution harnesses Advantech’s integrated DS-200 SDM-L Smart Display Module computer platform, powered by Intel vPro technology that can be used to manage the unit remotely. These are brought together with the award-winning Aquaji smart AI-computer vision driven software platform for marketing analytics, and QL CMS software used to manage the display contents, both from Navori Labs.

Available as a cloud-based solution (SaaS) or as an on-premises version hosted on user’s own hardware, the plug and play ‘Navori Aquaji’ software analyses video feeds from embedded or IP-based cameras strategically placed around the store. These produce anonymous marketing data and comparable metrics based on foot-traffic and people’s physical features (up to 98 percent accuracy) – including gender – which are delivered on an intuitive and fully featured dashboard assessable on any computer.

The information can be used to deliver unique, bespoke, targeted content and marketing to help drive sales. Alternatively, content can be easily created and scheduled, based on the data analytics, such as during times where a specific demographic, or group, i.e., sports fans are historically more prevalent. The solution is GDPR friendly, 100 percent anonymous and doesn’t perform facial recognition. No images or videos are ever stored on the system.

Other benefits of the PPDS Intelligent Signage Solution for Retail include:

• Know your customers: Measure footfall counts excluding staff and classify each guest based on their attributes (gender and age range).
• Time in store and waiting time: Determine the time spent in line and time spent before receiving service. This data is used for queue optimisation.
• Attention span: Calculate each shopper’s field of vision in relation to any monitored area or digital signage screen for audience assessment and proof-of-performance analytics.
• Proactive: Anticipate foot traffic and demand based on comparable data over time.
• Staff where and when you need them: Optimise staffing levels to meet peak hour demand.
• Store design: Manage shelf layout to ensure an easy flow to the right marketplace and product.

Instant results

The tried and tested Navori Aquaji platform comes with an impressive success record for retailers, with one store reporting a 42 percent increase in impulse product selling, thanks to a triggered targeted customer promotional offer. Another retailer reported up to a 26 percent increase in entrance traffic due to the presence of in-store displays, using targeted marketing, while a department store improved customer satisfaction, reducing its waiting time by 35 percent on weekend peak hours by implanting extra ambulatory cashiers.

Tim de Ruiter, International Business Manager, PPDS, concluded: “This solution is a revolution for retailers, allowing them to manage content confidently, knowing that it’s timely, on target and accurate. By selecting the gender and age frame, the retailer can be sure that only one group will see a specific promotion.

“Helping our retail end customers to make their jobs as hassle-free as possible helps our system integrators to differentiate their own service. So, helping them to track whether content receives attention, and to be able to adjust it within the timeframe of the promotion to make it more attractive, is a real bonus. The data helps them to make the right decisions and they can clearly see the impact of their decisions with the results. It’s a virtuous loop.”

Chris Colpaert concluded: “This solution will bring retailers the tools to improve their customers’ journey and experience by analysing the data and implementing the right content to the right person at the right moment and in the right place.”