CASE STUDY - BMW
www.netkey.com.au
Known worldwide as the maker of 'the Ultimate Driving Machine', BMW brings that high-powered user experience to its dealer showrooms, airport lounges, retail stores and other locations nationwide through a network of interactive kiosks. Designed as a high-impact selling tool to let prospective customers learn about, the unique features and benefits of BMW cars- and then help the dealer close the sale - the award-winning BMW kiosk system is recognized as the benchmark for self-service and digital merchandising in retail.
The Challenge:
BMW wanted to leverage its extensive library of rich media, assets - including full motion video, Web content, and the acclaimed BMW Films series - to the in-store environment through their kiosk system. The automaker concluded it needed a comprehensive software platform to deploy, operate and manage content and multiple applications on its network of over 550 kiosks found at dealerships and retail locations nationwide. Key requirements included:
Centralized remote monitoring to maintain system uptime and identify service and performance issues
Application security and presentation of rich media assets and web content in a user-friendly, touch screen environment.
Scalability to support system growth and multiple application/device deployments.
Rapid and accurate scheduling and delivery of content to all devices.
Integration of the iDrive controller simulator for demonstration and training purposes.
Detailed usage reporting to determine customer preferences.
The Netkey Solution:
BMW selected the Netkey self-service software platform to manage, monitor, update, and track use of all kiosks on their nationwide network. In addition, the Netkey platform is configured to seamlessly combine BMW audio, video, and Web site assets, plus iDrive Simulator content, to create an easy-to-use, yet visually sophisticated multi-media application representative of the excitement of the BMW brand. Security in a public-access environment was another important consideration for BMW, and the Netkey platform delivers with browser URL restriction, keyboard and input device lockdown, and kiosk operating system and network protection.
The Results:
With the Netkey software platform, BMW enjoys complete control of its nationwide kiosk network and multiple applications from a single administrative desktop. New video and application content can be downloaded simultaneously to all kiosks on the network and then scheduled for automatic deployment, reducing the need for IT involvement and providing a way to rapidly respond to changing advertising and marketing requirements. By leveraging its rich media assets and Web content on the kiosks, BMW effectively bridges its online marketing with its showroom sales strategy, delivering a synchronized, multi-channel experience across all channels. In addition, the detailed reporting found in the Netkey platform enables BMW executives to track and analyze customer preferences for enhanced market intelligence and sales lead generation.
The Advantages of the Netkey Platform:
Robust self-service application and device security
Improved system performance and management
Comprehensive usage reports and audit trails
Accurate remote monitoring of each kiosk or unattended device
Efficient content distribution and maintenance
Hardware neutral: can be deployed on kiosks, PC terminals, digital signs, or other unattended devices