Know what your digital menu boards have to do before vendors tell you.

The CMS is where menus, prices and promotions are built, scheduled and pushed to screens. Dayparting, templates and central control with local overrides decide how much work every menu change takes.

In the research, the 9 vendors score from 58 to 83 out of 100 on this section, one of the three closest in the report.

1. Content SchedulingAbility to schedule content updates and promotions in advance.
2. Remote ManagementRemote management capabilities for updating content from any location.
3. User PermissionsUser permission settings to control access and editing rights.
4. Template LibraryAccess to a library of pre-designed templates for quick setup.
5. Drag-and-Drop EditorA drag-and-drop editor for easy content creation and customization.
6. Multi-Location ManagementManagement of multiple locations from a single dashboard.
7. Content VersioningVersion control for tracking changes and reverting to previous versions.
8. Media SupportSupport for various media types including images, videos, and animations.
9. Automated Content UpdatesAutomated updates for content based on predefined rules and schedules.
10. Analytics IntegrationIntegration with analytics tools to track content performance.

Menu updates are often made by managers and marketers, not IT. An editor that is quick to learn keeps menus accurate and stops every change from becoming a ticket.

In the research, the 9 vendors score from 56 to 83 out of 100 on this section, one of the three closest in the report.

1. Intuitive User InterfaceThe solution should offer an intuitive and user-friendly interface that requires minimal training for staff.
2. Customizable TemplatesAbility to customize menu templates to match the restaurant's branding and style.
3. Multi-Language SupportSupport for multiple languages to cater to diverse customer bases.
4. Interactive FeaturesIncorporation of interactive elements such as touchscreens for customer engagement.
5. Real-Time UpdatesCapability to update menu items and prices in real-time across all locations.
6. Visual AppealHigh-quality graphics and animations to enhance the visual appeal of the menu.
7. Accessibility FeaturesFeatures that ensure accessibility for all customers, including those with disabilities.
8. Responsive DesignDesign that adapts to different screen sizes and orientations.
9. User Feedback MechanismTools for collecting customer feedback directly through the menu board.
10. Brand ConsistencyEnsures that the digital menu board maintains brand consistency across all locations.

Screens and players are a large share of the cost. Knowing which displays, players and mounts the software supports decides whether existing hardware can be reused and how easily it can be replaced.

In the research, the 9 vendors score from 31 to 82 out of 100 on this section, one of the three widest gaps in the report.

1. Display CompatibilityCompatibility with a wide range of display types and sizes.
2. Resolution SupportSupport for high-resolution displays for clear and crisp visuals.
3. Touchscreen SupportSupport for touchscreen displays for interactive customer experiences.
4. Durability and Weather ResistanceDurable and weather-resistant hardware for outdoor installations.
5. Energy EfficiencyEnergy-efficient hardware to reduce operational costs.
6. Mounting OptionsVarious mounting options to suit different installation environments.
7. Wireless ConnectivitySupport for wireless connectivity to reduce cable clutter.
8. Hardware WarrantyComprehensive warranty and support for hardware components.
9. Plug-and-Play SetupEasy plug-and-play setup for quick installation and deployment.
10. Hardware CustomizationOptions for hardware customization to meet specific business needs.

Menu boards should reflect what the POS and inventory say: prices, availability and sold-out items. Integrations with the POS and other systems remove the double entry that lets screens and registers disagree.

In the research, the 9 vendors score from 39 to 77 out of 100 on this section.

1. POS System IntegrationSeamless integration with existing POS systems to streamline operations.
2. Inventory Management SyncAbility to sync with inventory management systems for real-time stock updates.
3. Third-Party App SupportSupport for third-party applications such as loyalty programs and payment gateways.
4. API AvailabilityAvailability of APIs for custom integrations and extended functionalities.
5. Data Import/ExportEasy import and export of data between systems for reporting and analysis.
6. Cloud-Based IntegrationCloud-based integration options for remote management and updates.
7. Cross-Platform CompatibilityCompatibility with various operating systems and devices.
8. Automated SyncingAutomated syncing of data between the menu board and other systems.
9. Custom Integration ServicesAvailability of custom integration services to meet specific business needs.
10. Integration with Marketing ToolsIntegration with marketing tools for promotions and customer engagement.

A blank or frozen menu board costs sales in the middle of service. Uptime commitments, offline playback and remote monitoring keep screens running when the network does not.

In the research, the 9 vendors score from 23 to 71 out of 100 on this section.

1. High Uptime GuaranteeGuarantee of high uptime to ensure the system is always available.
2. Fast Content UpdatesQuick content updates to ensure menus are always current.
3. System RedundancyRedundant systems to ensure reliability and prevent downtime.
4. Performance MonitoringTools for monitoring system performance and identifying issues.
5. Load TestingRegular load testing to ensure the system can handle peak traffic.
6. Optimized Content DeliveryOptimized content delivery for fast and efficient updates.
7. Reliable HardwareUse of reliable hardware components to ensure consistent performance.
8. Disaster Recovery PlanA comprehensive disaster recovery plan to ensure business continuity.
9. Performance BenchmarksBenchmarks to measure and compare system performance.
10. Continuous ImprovementCommitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

A system that works for one restaurant has to keep working for hundreds. Look at how the platform handles more screens, more locations and more users without more manual effort.

In the research, the 9 vendors score from 45 to 74 out of 100 on this section, one of the three closest in the report.

1. Scalable ArchitectureArchitecture that supports scaling from a single location to multiple locations.
2. Multi-Location SupportSupport for managing multiple locations from a centralized system.
3. Load BalancingLoad balancing capabilities to ensure optimal performance across locations.
4. Flexible LicensingFlexible licensing options to accommodate business growth.
5. Cloud ScalabilityCloud-based scalability to handle increased demand and traffic.
6. Customizable ScalabilityCustomizable scalability options to meet specific business requirements.
7. Automated ScalingAutomated scaling features to adjust resources based on demand.
8. Geographic RedundancyGeographic redundancy to ensure service availability across regions.
9. Scalable Content DeliveryScalable content delivery network to ensure fast and reliable content updates.
10. Scalability TestingRegular scalability testing to ensure system performance under load.

Menu boards are devices on the restaurant network. Access controls, encryption and secure device management protect both the screens and the systems they connect to.

In the research, the 9 vendors score from 18 to 63 out of 100 on this section.

1. Data EncryptionEnd-to-end data encryption to protect sensitive information.
2. User AuthenticationRobust user authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Compliance with StandardsCompliance with industry security standards and regulations.
4. Access ControlsGranular access controls to manage user permissions and roles.
5. Security AuditsRegular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.
6. Firewall ProtectionFirewall protection to safeguard against external threats.
7. Data Backup and RecoveryAutomated data backup and recovery solutions to prevent data loss.
8. Secure API AccessSecure API access to protect data during integrations.
9. Incident Response PlanA comprehensive incident response plan to address security breaches.
10. Security TrainingSecurity training for staff to ensure awareness and compliance.

Proof of play, screen health and the sales effect of menu changes show whether the screens are working and which content earns its place.

In the research, the 9 vendors score from 22 to 71 out of 100 on this section, one of the three widest gaps in the report.

1. Customer Engagement MetricsMetrics to track customer engagement and interaction with the menu.
2. Sales Impact AnalysisAnalysis of sales impact to measure the effectiveness of the menu board.
3. Real-Time ReportingReal-time reporting tools for immediate insights and decision-making.
4. Customizable DashboardsCustomizable dashboards to display relevant metrics and data.
5. Trend AnalysisTools for analyzing trends and identifying patterns in customer behavior.
6. Data Export OptionsOptions for exporting data for further analysis and reporting.
7. Integration with BI ToolsIntegration with business intelligence tools for advanced analytics.
8. Automated ReportsAutomated report generation for regular performance reviews.
9. KPI TrackingTracking of key performance indicators to measure success.
10. Predictive AnalyticsPredictive analytics tools to forecast future trends and outcomes.

Restaurants run evenings and weekends, so support hours, response times and onboarding help matter when a screen fails during service.

In the research, the 9 vendors score from 23 to 66 out of 100 on this section.

1. 24/7 Customer SupportRound-the-clock customer support to address issues promptly.
2. Onboarding AssistanceComprehensive onboarding assistance to ensure smooth implementation.
3. Training ResourcesAccess to training resources and materials for staff education.
4. Dedicated Account ManagerA dedicated account manager for personalized support and guidance.
5. Community ForumsAccess to community forums for peer support and knowledge sharing.
6. Multi-Channel SupportSupport available through multiple channels including phone, email, and chat.
7. Feedback MechanismMechanisms for providing feedback and suggestions for improvement.
8. Regular Updates and PatchesRegular updates and patches to ensure the system remains up-to-date.
9. Service Level AgreementsService level agreements that define support response times and resolutions.
10. Customer Satisfaction SurveysSurveys to gauge customer satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.

Pricing ranges from per-screen software subscriptions to bundles with hardware, installation and content design. Comparing total cost across screens, locations and years is the only fair comparison.

In the research, the 9 vendors score from 21 to 82 out of 100 on this section, one of the three widest gaps in the report.

1. Transparent PricingClear and transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
2. Flexible Payment OptionsFlexible payment options including monthly and annual subscriptions.
3. Cost-EffectivenessCost-effective solutions that provide value for money.
4. Return on InvestmentDemonstrated return on investment through increased sales and efficiency.
5. Pricing TiersMultiple pricing tiers to suit different business sizes and needs.
6. Free Trial AvailabilityAvailability of a free trial to evaluate the solution before purchase.
7. Discounts for Long-Term ContractsDiscounts and incentives for long-term contracts and commitments.
8. Bundled ServicesBundled services and features to provide comprehensive solutions.
9. Cost TransparencyTransparency in cost breakdown and billing.
10. Scalable PricingScalable pricing models that adjust based on usage and growth.