Drive Thru Menu Board Selection Guide for Restaurant & QSR Projects

When launching a drive-thru digital menu board project, the most common pitfall isn't installation but selection. Many purchase teams rush to compare prices upon receiving requirements, resulting in either substandard products that are illegible in sunlight or prone to water ingress in rainy weather, or severe budget overruns with unnecessary features. Selection isn't merely about picking a screen—it requires a systematic solution matching tailored to the project scenario—technical approach, parameter specifications, structural layout, system integration, cost budget, and supplier capability. Each dimension has clear evaluation criteria and decision-making ground.

With years of expertise in the outdoor digital signage sector, Clientop has served over a hundred drive-thru projects worldwide, ranging from single-store pilots to multi-chain implementations. This selection guide systematically organizes our accumulated project methodologies, enabling procurement leaders launching new projects or system integrators handling technical interfaces to follow this framework step-by-step and avoid detours.

If you are new to drive-thru menu boards, it is recommended to first understand the basic definitions and industry background before proceeding with the system selection in this article.

Quick Answer

The core logic of menu board selection for drive-thru is as follows: first define the project scenario (number of lanes, shading conditions, climate environment, and operating hours), then determine the technical route (LCD or LED), followed by locking in key parameters (brightness above 2500 nits, starting at IP65), matching structural layout and dimensions, and finally calculating the 5-years TCO and evaluating the supplier's delivery capability. Selection is not about higher costs but better scenario alignment.

Let's start from the first step and walk through the entire selection process step by step.

1. First Step in Selection: Clarify Your Project Requirements

Many project selection failures are not due to poor product quality, but rather to undefined requirements. How many lanes are there, whether there are sunshades, how long the business lasts a day, how many SKUs are on the menu, and what the local climate is like - these basic information determine all the technical parameters and budget range for the future. The clearer the requirement definition, the higher the efficiency of subsequent selection, and the less likely it is to be biased by the supplier's sales rhetoric.

1.1 Project Scale and Lane Configuration

Firstly, it is necessary to clarify the project scale and lane configuration, which is the starting point for selection：

• Single lane or dual lane? Dual carriageways usually require two sets of menu boards, and have higher requirements for reliability and synchronization.
• How many menu boards are there in each lane? The common options are a single large screen or a combination of 2-3 screens, depending on the amount of menu content and layout design.
• Is it a single store or a multi stores chain? Multi store projects need to consider standardized deployment, centralized management, and universal spare parts, and the selection criteria will be higher.
• How long is the project cycle? The time window from selection to launch determines the scope of supplier selection - customized solutions have a long cycle, and standardized solutions are delivered quickly

1.2 Environmental and Operating Conditions

Environmental conditions are the second largest variable affecting selection, and many buyers tend to underestimate their importance：

• Sunshade conditions: Is there a complete sunshade above the lane or is it outdoors? How long does direct sunlight last? This directly determines the requirement for brightness.
• Climate conditions: Is the project location experiencing high temperatures, strong sunlight, severe cold, heavy rainfall, or a mild climate? The requirements for protection level and working temperature range vary greatly depending on different climates.
• Business hours: How many hours do you operate per day? 12 hours, 16 hours, or 24 hours? The running time directly affects the lifespan and TCO.
• Surrounding environment: Is it close to the seaside (salt spray corrosion), industrial areas (dust and chemical corrosion), or highly polluted areas? These will affect the shell material and protection requirements.

1.3 Content and Audience Requirements

The menu content and audience characteristics can also affect the selection direction：

• Menu complexity: How many SKUs are there? Is text the main focus or are images and videos the main focus? The more detailed the content, the higher the requirement for resolution.
• Viewing distance: How far is the customer's vehicle from the menu board? 2-3 meters or over 5 meters? The viewing distance determines the choice of size and pixel density.
• Dynamic content requirements: Do you need to play videos, animations, or update content in real-time? Dynamic content has higher requirements for screen refresh rate and system performance.

After organizing the above information, you will have a project requirements specification. Take this instruction manual to communicate with the supplier, and they can quickly provide accurate solution suggestions instead of making general discussions. As a Client op technical team with extensive project experience, we usually clarify this information during the first communication and provide 2-3 sets of solutions with different matching degrees for clients to choose from, rather than recommending the most expensive product from the beginning.

2、 Technical route selection: LCD or LED

After the requirements are clear, the first technical decision is to choose LCD or LED. This is not simply a difference in brightness, but two completely different technological routes with essential differences in display principles, outdoor performance, lifespan, and overall cost of ownership. Choosing the right technical route makes the subsequent parameter selection and budget planning meaningful.

2.1 Core Technology Difference: Backlit vs Self-Emissive

LCD is a backlight structure - the liquid crystal panel itself does not emit light, relying on the LED backlight module behind it to provide light, and the liquid crystal molecules are deflected to control the light transmission and imaging. LED (direct display) means that each pixel is an independent RGB light-emitting diode that emits light and forms an image on its own. This principle difference determines the fundamental differences between the two in terms of brightness, contrast, lifespan, and maintenance methods.

We have written an in-depth article on the comparison between LCD VS LED drive thru menu board technology, which covers a comprehensive comparison of brightness, contrast, lifespan, TCO, and other aspects. It is recommended to read it before choosing a technical route, as only conclusive selection judgments are given here.

2.2 When to Choose LCD

The LCD solution is suitable for the following scenarios：

• The lane has a complete sunshade to prevent direct sunlight from shining on the screen - a high brightness LCD screen of 2500-3000 nits is sufficient.
• Due to limited budget, we hope to control the initial investment - the procurement cost of LCD is usually only 1/3 to 1/2 of that of LED of the same size.
• The menu content is detailed, with multiple SKUs, text, and images - the LCD resolution is higher, PPI is higher, and up close viewing is more delicate.
• The operating hours are 12-16 hours per day, not 24 hours non-stop - the backlight lifespan pressure is relatively controllable.
• The local climate is mild with few extreme temperature days - LCD can work stably within the range of -20 ° C to 50 ° C。

2.3 When to Choose LED

The LED solution is suitable for the following scenarios：

• The lane is open or only partially shaded, with long direct sunlight exposure - the LED brightness starts at 4000 nits, ensuring readability under sunlight.
• Adequate budget, emphasis on long-term value and brand image - LED has stronger visual impact and technological sense, and better brand display effect.
• 24-hour operation with extremely high reliability requirements - LED has a longer lifespan and more dispersed faults, suitable for uninterrupted operation scenarios.
• Extreme local climate (high temperature, strong sunlight or severe cold) - LED has a wider operating temperature range, and can work normally from -30 degrees to 60 degrees.
• Multi store chain deployment enables centralized maintenance of spare parts - LED modular maintenance, which has faster maintenance response and lower costs in the long run

At the manufacturing base of Clientop, we produce both LCD and LED product lines simultaneously, and will not give unfair recommendations due to product line bias. Our technical team will recommend the most suitable technical route based on the actual scenario of the project, rather than pushing whichever has higher profits. If you are unsure, please let us know the project scenario and we will provide an objective comparison of the solutions。

3、 How to determine the core parameters: brightness/protection/size/resolution

After determining the technical route, the next step is to lock in specific parameters. Many buyers only consider the brightness level in nits when looking at parameters, but in reality, brightness, protection level, size, and resolution are interrelated sets of parameters that need to be judged in conjunction with the overall scene. Choosing parameters that are too high wastes the budget, while choosing parameters that are too low affects the effectiveness of use. The key is to match the scenario.

3.1 Brightness: Match Ambient Light, Not the Higher the Better

Brightness is the most essential indicator for outdoor displays, but it is not necessarily better to have a higher brightness - it should match the ambient light intensity of the usage environment. The industry standard for judgment is that the display brightness must reach at least 1/30 of the ambient light intensity to ensure basic readability.

Here is an important purchasing reminder: screens with the same nominal brightness may have significant differences in readability under actual sunlight. Whether OCA optical bonding has been done, whether there is AR anti reflection coating, and whether the panel contrast is high or low, these factors may have an impact of more than 50% on actual readability. For detailed selection criteria regarding brightness and protection level, please refer to our article 'Drive thru menu board brightness and IP rating specs'.

Client's outdoor LCD product line comes standard with OCA optical lamination and AR coating, ensuring optimal readability in sunlight at nominal brightness. We will not mislead customers with the nominal brightness number, but focus on the actual display effect in real scene.

3.2 IP Rating and Weather Protection

The protection level displayed outdoors, IP (Ingress Protection) is the most core indicator. The two numbers after the IP, the first representing the dustproof level (0-6) and the second representing the waterproof level (0-8).

• IP54: Dustproof but not waterproof, can only be used indoors or in completely shaded environments, not suitable for lightning fast scene.
• IP65: Completely dust-proof, capable of withstanding low-pressure water jets from any direction - a basic requirement for lightning speed scenario.
• IP66: Completely dustproof, resistant to strong water spray - recommended for frequent rainstorm or high pressure water gun cleaning.

Note: The IP rating of the LCD menu panel is specific to the entire machine (including the casing), not the panel itself; The IP rating of the LED menu board is specific to the module. When purchasing, it is important to confirm the testing objects and standards for the IP rating, and not be misled by vague statements such as panel IP rating.

3.3 Size Selection: Based on Viewing Distance and Content Volume

The core criteria for size selection are viewing distance and menu capacity. The farther the viewing distance, the larger the required screen size; The more menu content there is, the larger the display area required.

• Viewing distance of 2-3 meters (close range for small cars): 43-49 inches is sufficient, with clear text and images.
• Viewing distance of 3-5 meters (standard lane): 49-55 inches are the mainstream choice, balancing readability and cost.
• Viewing distance of more than 5 meters (large vehicles/wide lanes): 55 inches or more or multiple screen combinations to ensure readability from a distance.

For LCD solutions, the mainstream sizes on the market are 43 inches, 49 inches, and 55 inches. Our 43inch commercial drive thru menu board is suitable for small single lane stores or projects with limited budgets, the 49inch outdoor drive thru display for QSR is the mainstream choice for fast food chains, and the 55inch high brightness drive thru menu board is suitable for large Delta stores with high traffic and rich menu content. The specific size to choose depends on the lane width, viewing distance, and the number of SKUs in the menu.

3.4 Resolution and Pixel Density

Resolution determines the level of detail in a picture. For LCDs, products between 43-55 inches are mostly 1920x1080 (full HD), with a PPI between 40-50, which is completely sufficient for viewing distances of 3-5 meters, such as drive thr. If the viewing distance is very close (within 2 meters) or the menu content is particularly detailed, 4K resolution can be considered, but for most high-speed scenes, 1080p is already sufficient.

For LED, resolution depends on pixel pitch. The smaller the spacing, the higher the resolution, and the more expensive the price. The commonly used spacing for obtaining speed scenes is P4-P6: P4 is suitable for close range viewing (2-3 meters), while P5-P6 is suitable for medium to long distance viewing (3-5 meters). When selecting, do not blindly pursue small spacing, but judge based on viewing distance and budget - reducing the spacing by one level may increase the price by 30-50%, but at a viewing distance of more than 3 meters, the human eye may not be able to distinguish the difference.

4、 Structural layout: single screen/dual screen/triple screen/single and double-sided

After determining the parameters, the next thing to consider is the structural layout - how many screens to use, how to arrange them, single-sided or double-sided. Layout design directly affects customers' ordering experience and operational efficiency, and also significantly impacts project budgets. Many projects lack experience in this stage, either due to unreasonable layout that makes it difficult for customers to see the menu clearly, or excessive configuration that results in budget waste.

4.1 Single, Dual or Triple Screen Layout

The number and layout of screens on the menu board mainly depend on the amount of menu content and the brand's display strategy：

• Single screen layout: suitable for scenarios with simple menus and few SKUs (such as coffee shops and tea shops), with a simple structure and the lowest cost.
• Dual screen layout: The most common QSR configuration features a main menu (hamburgers, set meals) on the left and side dishes and drinks (french fries, drinks, desserts) on the right, with clear information partitioning and high customer browsing efficiency.
• Three screen layout: suitable for brands with a large number of SKUs, or projects that want to increase promotion/brand display areas. The central main screen displays the core menu, while the left and right screens can display promotional information, nutritional content, or brand content.

Layout selection also needs to consider lane width and viewing angle. When using a dual screen or triple screen layout, the seams between the screens should be as narrow as possible to avoid dividing the image and affecting the visual experience. The splicing seam of LCD splicing is usually between a few millimeters and a dozen millimeters, while LED splicing is modular, and the splicing seam can be made very small or even seamless.

4.2 Single-Sided vs Double-Sided

The choice of single-sided and double-sided depends on the layout and operation mode of the lane：

• Single sided menu board: the most common form, facing customers in the ordering lane, with a simple structure and low cost.
• Double sided menu board: One screen faces two adjacent lanes at the same time, or one side faces the ordering area and the other side faces the pickup area. Suitable for dual lane parallel layout or space limited venues.

The technical complexity of double-sided menu boards is higher - LCD double-sided screens require two panels to be installed back-to-back, and the heat dissipation and sealing design of the shell is difficult; LED double-sided screens are relatively flexible and can independently display different content on both sides. When purchasing double-sided solutions, special attention should be paid to whether the brightness of both sides is consistent, whether the heat dissipation is sufficient, and whether maintenance is convenient. These are all areas that are prone to problems.

The menu board product line of Clientop supports multiple layout options such as single screen, dual screen, and triple screen, and also offers single-sided and double-sided structural options. Our design team can provide customized layout suggestions based on the actual site conditions and lane layout of the store, including screen size, quantity, installation height, and angle, to ensure the best viewing effect.

4.3 Mounting and Installation Considerations

The installation method is also a factor that needs to be considered in advance in layout design：

• Floor standing installation: The menu board stands on the ground with good stability, suitable for scenarios without sunshade structures.
• Hanging installation: The menu board is hung under the sunshade or on the exterior wall of the building, without taking up floor space, which is the most common installation method.
• Column installation: The menu board is fixed on a single or two columns, with high flexibility and the ability to adjust position and angle.

Regardless of the installation method, it is necessary to confirm the load-bearing structure, wiring channels, and maintenance space in advance. Many projects only discover that the sunshade's load-bearing capacity is insufficient or there is no maintenance space on the back during the installation phase, resulting in rework and delays. Confirming the installation conditions clearly during the selection stage can avoid many later troubles.

5、 System integration requirements: POS/CMS/network/peripherals

The digital menu board is not an isolated screen, but a part of the entire restaurant operation system. It needs to interface with POS systems, content management systems (CMS), network devices, and various peripherals. The smoothness of system integration directly affects whether the menu board can maximize its value. Many projects have good hardware selection, but due to poor integration, content updates are troublesome, data synchronization is not timely, and the final user experience is greatly reduced.

5.1 CMS (Content Management System) Requirements

CMS is the brain of the digital menu board, responsible for creating, managing, and publishing content. When selecting, pay attention to the following points：

• Usability: Is the user interface intuitive? Can non-technical personnel quickly get started? Can store employees independently update content?
• Functional richness: Does it support advanced features such as time-sharing menu, weather linkage, inventory synchronization, and limited time promotions?
• Multi store management: Does it support group management, permission grading, and batch publishing? For chain brands, this is the core function.
• Data interface: Is the API open? Can we integrate data with POS, ERP, membership systems, etc？

There are two directions for choosing a CMS: one is to use the CMS provided by the hardware supplier, which has the advantages of high integration, good compatibility, and unified technical support; The second is to use a third-party CMS, which has the advantages of richer functionality and the ability to manage screens from multiple brands. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and need to be judged based on the specific needs of the project.

5.2 POS and Order System Integration

The integration of menu board and POS system can achieve many valuable functions：

• Real time price synchronization: After POS price adjustment, the menu board is automatically updated to avoid manual errors.
• Sold out reminder: After a certain product is sold out, the menu board automatically displays' sold out 'or recommends a replacement, reducing customer complaints.
• Dynamic recommendation: Automatically recommend specific products based on inventory or time periods to increase average order value

The difficulty of POS integration depends on the brand of the POS system and the degree of interface openness. Mainstream POS brands (such as Toast, Square, NCR, etc.) usually have standard API interfaces and relatively simple integration; Some niche or outdated POS systems may not have open interfaces, making integration difficult or even impossible. When selecting, it is necessary to confirm the POS brand and interface situation in advance.

5.3 Network and Peripheral Requirements

Networking and peripherals are also essential components in system integration that cannot be ignored：

• Network connection: The menu board requires a stable network connection to update content and transmit data. Wired network is preferred, with Wi Fi as an alternative. If it is an outdoor installation, the feasibility of network cabling should be considered.
• Outdoor speakers: Many drive thr menu boards need to be used in conjunction with outdoor speakers to play welcome messages or prompt sounds. The power and sound quality of the speaker should match the environment of the venue.
• Sensing devices: vehicle sensors, human body sensors, etc., can automatically wake up the screen or play welcome messages when the vehicle approaches, enhancing the interactive experience.
• Intercom system: Some projects require menu board integration with intercom function to facilitate communication between customers and ordering staff.

System integration is a link that is easily underestimated but has a huge impact. It is recommended to clarify the integration requirements while selecting hardware, and it is best to have hardware suppliers and integrators coordinate in advance to avoid discovering compatibility issues during the deployment phase.

6、 Cost budget planning: Initial+5-year TCO

Budget planning is the most practical step in selection. Many projects only look at the initial purchase price and choose the cheapest solution, only to find that maintenance and replacement costs far exceed expectations after several years of operation. The correct approach is to calculate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for 5 or even 10 years, including all expenses such as procurement, installation, operation, maintenance, and replacement, in order to see a true cost comparison.

6.1 Upfront Cost Breakdown

The initial procurement cost usually includes the following parts：

• Hardware equipment: The display screen body, including panels/modules, housing, power supply, control board, etc., is the largest cost item.
• Installation structure: installation accessories such as brackets, columns, and suspension components, as well as on-site installation and construction cost.
• CMS authorization: Software authorization fees for content management systems, some are one-time purchases, while others are annual subscription.
• System integration: development costs for integration with POS, membership system, etc.
• Transportation and Insurance: International transportation, customs clearance, and insurance costs require special attention for cross-border project.
• Training and Support: Operator Training and Technical Support Cost.

6.2 Five-Year TCO Calculation Framework

The 5-year TCO needs to include ongoing operational costs as well：

From the perspective of TCO, although the initial purchase price of LED is higher, due to lower operating costs and longer service life, the difference in TCO between 5 and 7 years will be much smaller than the difference in initial purchase price. In scenarios with 24-hour operation, high traffic, and strong sunlight, the 5-7 year TCO of LED may even be the same or lower than LCD (LCD may need to replace backlight or the entire screen midway).

As a professional outdoor digital drive thru display supplier, Clientop can provide customers with detailed TCO calculations, including cost comparisons of different solutions and analysis of investment payback periods. We won't just give a vague quote, but break down every cost item clearly, allowing customers to make informed decisions.

6.3 Budget Allocation Best Practices

There are several empirical rules worth referring to in budget allocation：

1  Hardware quality priority: Do not sacrifice quality in order to save 10% of the budget, as the maintenance cost of outdoor equipment is much higher than the purchase price difference.

2  Reserve maintenance budget: It is recommended to reserve 10-15% of the initial procurement cost as first-year maintenance and spare parts expenses.

3  CMS separate budget: Do not mix CMS budget with hardware to bargain, the operational value brought by a good CMS far exceeds the difference in hardware cost.

4  Consider expanding space: If there is a possibility of adding stores or upgrading functions in the future, expansion space should be reserved when selecting to avoid duplicate investment.

7、 How to evaluate suppliers

If you choose the right supplier, the project will be half successful. The drive thr menu board is an outdoor industrial grade product, not a consumer electronics product. The supplier's technical strength, quality control capabilities, and after-sales service directly determine the actual performance and service life of the product. There is a mix of good and bad suppliers on the market, some are trading companies that dump goods, and some are small workshops that assemble them. There are not many manufacturers with independent research and development and production capabilities. The purchaser needs to evaluate comprehensively from multiple dimensions, not just looking at the price.

7.1 Technical Capability and R&D Strength

Technical strength is the primary dimension for supplier evaluation：

• Do you have independent research and development capabilities? Or pure OEM/trader? Independently developed suppliers have a deeper understanding of products and stronger customization capabilities.
• Do you have a complete product line? Do you have both LCD and LED, or only one? A supplier with a complete product line can provide more objective selection recommendations.
• Is there a core technology for outdoor display? For example, heat dissipation design, waterproof structure, optical bonding, etc., which directly affect product reliability.
• What is the size and experience of the R&D team? How many years have you accumulated in outdoor display technology?

7.2 Production and Quality Control

The production capacity and quality control level determine the consistency and reliability of the product：

Do you have your own production base? What is the production scale? Can the production capacity meet the delivery needs of large quantities of orders?

Is the quality control process complete? Is there any reliability verification process such as aging testing, high and low temperature cycling testing, waterproof testing, etc?

What is the quality of the raw materials? What brand is used for core components such as panels/light beads, power supplies, and casings?

Is there any relevant industry certification? For example, CE, FCC, RoHS, IP level test reports, etc.

Clientop has a complete outdoor display production line at the manufacturing base, with strict quality control standards for every process from raw material storage to finished product delivery. Each of our outdoor menu boards undergoes a 72hours aging test and high and low temperature cycling test before leaving the factory to ensure stable shipping quality. It is precisely because of our insistence on quality control that our product repair rate is far below the industry average

7.3 Project Experience and Case Studies

Project experience is an important reference for evaluating suppliers：

• How many projects have you worked on on with lightning speed? Do you have any cases of well-known catering brands?
• Which countries and regions are the projects distributed in? Do you have any project experience similar to climate environment and scale?
• Can you provide the customer's contact information for reference? Or at least provide a detailed project case introduction？

Suppliers with rich project experience can not only provide reliable products, but also offer professional advice in project planning, scheme design, installation guidance, and other aspects, helping customers avoid many pitfalls. Suppliers without project experience, even if their product prices are low, may still encounter project problems due to lack of experience.

7.4 After-Sales Service and Warranty

After sales service and warranty policy are guarantees for long-term use：

• How long is the warranty period? Is it a complete machine warranty or a partial component warranty? What is the scope of warranty included?
• How fast is the after-sales response? How long after a malfunction occurs can a solution be provided?
• What is the spare parts supply capability? How long can spare parts be supplied after the product is discontinued?
• Do you provide technical training and remote support? Is there a localized service network for multi store chain projects？

The importance of after-sales service cannot be overemphasized for outdoor industrial products. A malfunctioning menu board not only affects the brand image, but also directly affects the order volume. Suppliers with fast response, sufficient spare parts, and adequate technical support may have slightly higher prices, but in the long run, they are more worry free and cost-effective.

8、 Selection checklist

In order to help everyone systematically promote selection, we have compiled a checklist for selecting the dirve thr menu board. You can print out this list and check each item during the selection process to ensure that every step is taken into consideration. It can also be used to evaluate the solutions of different suppliers and make horizontal comparisons.

8.1 Requirements Definition Checklist

1. The project scale and number of lanes have been confirmed (single lane/double lane/multi lane)

2. The shading conditions have been evaluated (complete shading/partial shading/completely outdoor)

3. The local climate conditions have been understood (temperature range, rainfall, sunshine intensity)

4. Business hours have been clearly defined (daily operating hours, whether they are 24 hours)

5. Menu content features have been sorted out (SKU quantity, content type, whether dynamic content is needed)

6. Viewing distance and angle have been measured

7. The budget scope has been determined (including initial and operational budgets)

8. The project timeline has been planned (selection sampling mass production installation online

 

8.2 Technical Specs Checklist

1. The technical route has been determined (LCD or LED)
2. The brightness level matches the environment (with shading of 2500nits+and direct lighting of 4000nits+)
3. IP protection level meets the standard (IP65 starts, IP66 in rainstorm area)
4. Match screen size with viewing distance
5. Appropriate resolution/pixel spacing (LCD should be at least 1080p, LED should be P4-P6 according to viewing distance)
6. The working temperature range is suitable for the local climate
7. Reasonable heat dissipation design (LCD focuses on shell heat dissipation, LED focuses on module heat dissipation)

8.3 System Integration Checklist

1. CMS functionality meets requirements (content management, multi store management, data interface)
2. The POS integration solution has been confirmed (interface type, development workload)
3. The network connection plan has been determined (wired/Wi Fi/4G)
4. Peripheral requirements have been sorted out (speakers, sensors, intercom systems, etc.)
5. The data security and permission management plan has been evaluated

8.4 Supplier Evaluation Checklist

1. The supplier has independent research and development and production capabilities
2. The product has passed relevant certifications (CE, FCC, RoHS, IP testing, etc.)
3. Have experience in outdoor display projects such as drive thru or similar projects
4. The quality assurance policy is clear and reasonable (including the warranty period and scope of the entire machine)
5. The after-sales response speed and spare parts supply are guaranteed
6. Sample screen testing or on-site case investigation can be provided
7. Transparent quotation with no hidden cost

If you have gone through all the above lists, it means that your selection work has been very solid. Of course, there may be various special situations encountered in actual projects, and communicating with experienced suppliers is the most efficient way at this time. Client's technical team is always available to provide you with free project consultation and solution evaluation, helping you to make the selection process more comprehensive.

9、 FAQ 

1. What is the most common mistake to make when selecting a menu board from drive thr?

The most common mistake is to only look at the price and not the scene - either choose products with poor brightness and protection for the sake of cheapness, and after going online, find that they cannot be seen clearly under sunlight or get wet on rainy days; Either blindly pursuing high-end and choosing LED, the project budget will be severely exceeded, and the actual scenario will not require such high configurations. The correct approach is to first define the project scenario clearly, and then match the corresponding technical solution. Matching the budget and scenario is the optimal solution.

2. How to determine if the parameters reported by the supplier are true?

Several methods: Firstly, it is required to provide third-party testing reports (such as brightness testing, IP rating testing, high and low temperature testing), which are available from reputable manufacturers; Secondly, it is required to send sample screens for actual testing or conduct on-site inspections at stores with actual case studies; The third is to check the supplier's quality control process and testing equipment, whether there are facilities such as aging rooms and environmental testing chambers. Special attention should be paid to the difference between nominal brightness and actual brightness. Many low-priced products have nominal brightness values that are ideal in the laboratory and cannot be achieved in actual use.

3. What parameters should be prioritized for budget constraints?

The priority order is: protection level>brightness>size>resolution. Insufficient protection level, water ingress and dust ingress will directly lead to equipment scrapping, this is the bottom line; If the brightness is not enough and the menu is not clear, the basic functions will be lost; A smaller size can still be used, but the experience is slightly inferior; The difference in resolution is minimal at a viewing distance of 3-5 meters. So when the budget is tight, it's better to choose a smaller size and lower resolution, but the protection and brightness must meet the standards.

4. What are the differences between the selection of multi store chain projects and single store projects？

There are several special considerations for multi store chain projects: firstly, standardization - the product configuration of all stores should be unified for centralized procurement and maintenance; The second is the multi store management capability of CMS - can it be grouped for management, batch publishing, and permission grading; Thirdly, the universality of spare parts - whether spare parts from different batches of products can be used interchangeably to avoid not being able to find spare parts in a few years; The fourth is the supplier's delivery capability - whether they can deliver dozens or even hundreds of sets of equipment in a short period of time; The fifth is the potential for long-term cooperation - whether suppliers can keep up with the expansion pace of the brand and provide continuous technical support.

5. To what extent can the customization of the drive thr menu board be achieved？

It depends on the supplier's capabilities. Standardized products usually have fixed sizes, brightness, and appearance, with short delivery times and low prices; The scope of customization can include size customization, appearance customization (color, logo, shape), function customization (special interfaces, special sensors, special software functions), etc. The higher the degree of customization, the higher the price and the longer the delivery cycle, making it suitable for projects with special requirements for brand image or special functional needs. It is recommended that the purchaser first evaluate whether standardized products can meet the requirements. If they can meet the requirements, standardized solutions should be selected as much as possible to achieve higher cost-effectiveness and faster delivery.