Digital technology partner Linova builds nationwide digital signage network in Turkey to communicate offers and generate advertising revenue
Non-fuel sales represent an important form of revenue for forecourt retailers globally. Shell is using digital media partner Linova in Turkey, to improve the financial return on its fuel forecourts by installing an in-store digital signage network powered by BrightSign. The network, which promotes Shell's own offers and carries paid third party advertising, is currently installed in 400 Shell petrol stations in Turkey and is being rolled out to a total of over 1000 locations nationwide.
Drive In, Fill Up, Buy More
Fuel forecourts are increasingly viewed as convenience stores, both by motorists as well as residents living close to stations in urban areas.
Global oil giant Shell operates national networks of filling stations in a large number of countries worldwide. Shell is highly focussed on providing customers with the best possible experience, which includes the use of technologies like in-store digital media. In Turkey, the company invited digital media specialist Linova Digital Medya Teknolojileri A.S. to propose a business model based on digital signage to increase the income generated by its network of forecourt stores nationwide. The stores sell a wide variety of items including convenience food, confectionery, tobacco products, DVDs, and motoring essentials such as lubricants and tire chains.
The Digital Solution
Linova offered several suggestions, which ultimately evolved into the Shell Digital Media Network following several meetings with Shell executives. Shell commissioned Linova to design, install and setup the network, including selling advertising airtime and publishing the content. Linova also works with the advertisers to ensure the content is produced according to guidelines and delivered at the right time for publication.
"This project represents a significant business opportunity for Linova. We need to have total confidence in the performance and reliability of the network," explains Tolga Sözen, Linova's CEO. "BrightSign presented us with the ideal solution at two levels. The BrightSign players themselves are cost effective and totally reliable. Behind them, the BrightSign Network provides a comprehensive tool for managing the network, including reporting to both Shell and advertisers on exactly what content was played back when and where."
BrightSign offers the BrightSign Network as either a subscription-based hosted networking service, or as the BrightSign Network Enterprise Edition for customers seeking to offer their own hosted service. Both provide comprehensive network management, reporting and administration tools, with support for scheduling, remote content and firmware updates, and permission-based user access.
Linova has a five year contract with Shell Turkey for the Shell Digital Media Network, which covers 24/7 continuous broadcasting assurance and technical support to all locations across the country.
"We decided to host the content on our own servers, which is cost-effective and gives us complete control. To do this, we adopted the BrightSign Network Enterprise Edition. We were able to choose the solution that best-met our needs, and that allowed us the greatest flexibility to work with Shell and its advertising partners to deliver the best return on their investment in digital signage," says Tolga Sözen.
Serdar Serhatli, CTO of Linova added, "Turkey is a very large country and the network covers about 70-80% of its area. Visiting a site to repair a malfunctioning player is very costly for us, and therefore we sought a player that we knew was completely reliable. With no moving parts to fail and a reputation for ultimate reliability, BrightSign solid state players are ideal."
Reaching the Audience
The Shell Digital Media Network comprises two elements: the Shell TV Network, and the Shell LED Screen Network. Each network carries Shell's own content, presenting news and offers from the company, and also carries advertising from partner companies who pay for time on the channel.
The Shell TV Network connects LCD screens of sizes from 32" to 47", located in over 350 stores nationwide. Among these stations, 40 prestige locations directly owned by Shell use The Shell LED Screen Network as well. These have three different sizes of LED screens strategically positioned so that every driver entering the station as well as every pedestrian going into the Shell shop can see the content. In total, the first phase of the project has involved connecting over 390 screens to the two networks, all using BrightSign digital signage media players.
"All Shell forecourts in Turkey are staffed and 70% of all purchases are paid by credit card, which can only be done inside the shop. So we can safely say that our network not only reaches almost every car occupant and pedestrian that comes into the station, but also that it is positioned exactly where the purchasing decision is made," comments Tolga Sözen. "This is important because shoppers often do not have time to browse. They want to return to their cars as quickly as possible, so they need relevant messages that help them satisfy their needs."
Quick Execution
The Shell Digital Media Network went live in less than 12 months after the plan had been approved. Following successful delivery of the first phase, Shell and Linova plan to roll out the BrightSign Network to more filling stations across Turkey. The next 12 months may very well see the Shell TV Network expand to 1000 forecourts across Turkey making it the biggest out of home digital advertising network in the country by far. "Choosing BrightSign has proved critical in delivering this project on time and on budget, and will enable us to meet all goals for the full duration of the contract," concludes Linova's Tolga Sözen.
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