Digital Screen Installation for Sasol's Retail Offerings

This project was commissioned by Sasol, a leading energy and chemical company, with a focus on enhancing their retail offerings. The goal was to implement digital screens at their retail locations to boost customer engagement and promote in-store services.

15 December 2024

Objectives

The primary objectives for Sasol's digital screen installation were:

Customer Engagement: Displaying real-time promotions and rewards programs to customers on the forecourt.

Brand Visibility: Increasing awareness of Sasol's retail offerings and services through high-impact visuals.

Real-Time Updates: Showcasing the latest offers and events, keeping customers informed and engaged.

Scope of Work

Type of Screens Installed: The project involved the installation of LED screens of medium size, measuring 2.3m (W) x 1.3m (H). These screens were specifically selected for their outdoor compatibility and visual clarity.

Quantity and Locations: A total of 100 screens were installed across key locations in major South African cities, including Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Port Elizabeth, George, and Cape Town. Each screen was strategically placed on the shopfronts, facing the forecourt to ensure maximum visibility to customers.

Specifications:

Screen Size: 2300mm (W) x 1300mm (H) x 180mm (D)

Resolution: P4 (Pixel pitch of 4mm for high resolution and clarity)

Refresh Rate: 3884Hz, ensuring smooth content playback

Brightness: 5500nits, optimized for outdoor use

Content Management: The content is remotely managed through a central Content Management System (CMS), with a backup CMS to ensure seamless operation.

Reliability: The screen is designed with a dual backup system – the primary PC and a secondary media player to handle content in case of failure.

Challenges and Solutions

Challenges:

Varying Site Configurations: The diversity of locations presented challenges in determining the optimal screen placement.

Power Supply and Network Cabling: Ensuring that adequate power and network infrastructure were available at each site was a complex task.

Tight Timelines: The tight timeline for installation, compounded by site-specific challenges, made coordination crucial.

Solutions:

Site Audits: Comprehensive audits were conducted at each location prior to installation, ensuring an accurate assessment of site-specific challenges.

Pre-Planning and Collaboration: Detailed discussions with electrical contractors and our installation teams ensured that all logistical issues, such as power supply and cabling, were addressed beforehand.

Mounting Systems: Custom-prepared mounting systems were fabricated based on the unique needs of each site, ensuring smooth installation and secure mounting.

Installation Process

Timeline:

The installation rollout took 8 months, including a break for the Christmas shutdown.

Key Steps:

Negotiation and Planning: The initial phase involved extensive discussions with Sasol to agree on screen placement and specifications.

Pre-Building and Testing: Screens were pre-assembled and tested at the factory to ensure quality control and compatibility with the pre-planned installation method.

Installation and Mounting: Installation teams used pre-fabricated mounting systems for swift and efficient setup.

Content Upload and Testing: Once the screens were mounted and powered, content was uploaded to the CMS, and screens were tested for functionality.

Post-Installation Testing: Final checks were performed to ensure everything was functioning properly, including the backup systems.

Team Collaboration:

Project Management: Led by the BMT Project Manager and Sasol's Retail Account Manager, with both parties ensuring the proper execution of the project.

Technicians: Our experienced technicians and installation teams, who had prior experience working on forecourts, were instrumental in successfully carrying out the installations.

Electrical Contractors: Close collaboration with external electrical contractors ensured all power and cabling requirements were met.

Key Achievements

Success Metrics

Delivered a visually stunning display that impressed both the client and their customers.

Enhanced customer engagement by offering live sports streaming, increasing dwell time at the coffee bar and restaurant.

Provided an efficient platform for communicating updates, events, and offerings, driving sales growth.

Client Feedback

Provided an efficient platform for communicating updates, events, and offerings, driving sales growth.

Praised the seamless service and innovative approach.

Noted that the screen added a “wow factor” and exceeded expectations.

Technical Details

Client Feedback

Content Management System (CMS): The CMS allows the client to manage their content on-site and remotely, eliminating the need for outsourcing.

Integration: The screen was integrated with:

DSTV for live sports streaming.

YouTube for showcasing fitness content.

Internet connectivity for seamless updates.

Future Opportunities

The client plans to add more screens throughout the gym to enhance class experiences and integrate with music systems.

Customers visiting the gym have expressed interest in purchasing similar screens for their businesses.

Future Opportunities

This project demonstrates Billboard Management Technologies' ability to deliver high-quality, customized digital screen solutions that transform spaces and enhance customer experiences. By addressing challenges creatively and ensuring top-notch execution, we exceeded the client’s expectations and set the stage for future collaborations.