Untitled Document

The ICM Network links the ICM kiosks to a remote central server through a network connection to the store's computer system, which can then access the remote off-site server for updating of coupon and video files. When two or more kiosks are used in the same store, the satellite kiosks are networked with a wireless connection to the "master" kiosk, and will automatically update coupons and videos on the satellite or "slave" kiosks. The software will mirror the video and coupon screens on all kiosks within the store, or will send individual playlists to individual kiosks as required.

The ICM kiosk software "calls home" or sends a ping to the server every 15 minutes if all functions are operating properly. Kiosks are equipped with optical sensors to verify that video ads are actually playing on the kiosks. The coupon printer is equipped with a low-paper sensor and out-of-paper sensor. The server will automatically notify the store by email when paper should be changed. The server also tracks paper usage for each kiosk. Cases of printer paper will be shipped automatically, so stores will not have excess inventory or run out of paper. Should any hardware or software problem be detected by the server that cannot be corrected remotely, a service technician will normally arrive on-site within 24 hours.

Each kiosk is programmed to accumulate data and generate daily reports of activity. At a predetermined time each day, the kiosk makes a mirror image of the stores purchase database and logs the ICM coupon redemptions, and current inventory levels of products having associated coupons. The database access is read-only and presents no danger to the store's database. The kiosk also logs the coupons printed, the number of kiosk users, time users spend at the kiosk, and the play information with timestamps for all ads played.

The Kiosk sends the data to the server, where it is integrated into a server database. The data is then available through a secure website, and various reports are generated per kiosk, per store, per chain, per region, and per national basis. Store sales (units) per coupon category are also recorded and then compared to sales history (units) for each coupon product, so that both stores and manufacturers may determine the sales lift by product coupon and the effectiveness of the kiosk by product, store, or region.

The network also provides controlled redemption budgets for coupon promotions. The maximum number of desired redemptions is pre-defined by manufacturers, and when the total redemptions across the network meet the redemption target, the coupon offer is removed from all kiosks. Controlling coupon budgets has never been easier.

The kiosks record the store's inventory of products which have coupon offerings each day. When the quantity of coupons printed for the day equals the store's current inventory, the coupon will be automatically removed from the kiosk until the inventory is replenished, so no rain-checks are necessary.

For Targeted Advertising with associated coupon offers, the kiosks will accept a loyalty card, and evaluate the targeted-offer criteria against the user's previous purchase history. The kiosk then plays targeted 3D Ads based on the previous purchase history, and offers a coupon for the associated 3D product ad. The kiosk records the ad playtimes, coupons printed and redeemed, and demographics of the user. This information is then sent to the Central server, where the data is available to stores and manufacturers on a secure website for review.

The ICM Software and Network offer an unparalleled tool to marketers in the Grocery Industry for developing, evaluating, and refining marketing strategies in real time, allowing a level of control previously impossible for both stores and manufacturers.