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Menu Board & Drive Thru Systems FAQs 

Expert answers on digital menu boards, POS integration, drive-thru configurations, and maximizing your investment.

Should I choose Digital or Static Menu Boards?

  • Static menu boards are ideal for brands with consistent menus who want a clean aesthetic, zero ongoing fees, and no tech complexity. Certain drive thru system models will allow you to upgrade from static to digital. 
  • Digital menu boards offer dynamic content updates, video capabilities, self-editing, and POS integration that automatically updates pricing in real-time.

Can't decide? Choose a DTFlex hybrid system that combines both digital and static elements in one solution.

 

What is the ROI timeline for a digital menu board?

ROI depends on three factors:

  1. Your average unit volume (sales per location)
  2. Number of locations you operate
  3. Current annual spend on printed menu graphics + shipping

Calculate your specific ROI: https://www.howardcompany.com/pricing/digital-menu-board-roi-calculator

Typical payback periods range from 12-36 months depending on menu change frequency and location count.

 

Should I choose a 2 or 3 module drive thru menu system?

To decide if you want a 2 or 3 module drive thru whether digital or static it is important to consider: your menu size, traffic volume, and promotional strategy when deciding between configurations.

Choose a 2-panel system if you have:

  • 15-30 core menu items
  • Minimal item descriptions and photos
  • Single-lane or lower-volume locations (under 50 cars/hour peak)
  • Limited promotional rotation

Choose a 3-panel system if you have:

  • 30+ menu items with descriptions and images
  • High-traffic locations requiring quick visual scanning
  • Active upselling strategy (3-panel setups typically increase sales 3-8%)
  • Multiple categories needing prominent display

Worried about menu space? Adding a topper or wing can provide extra room for LTOs or additional menu content.

 

What does an Order Confirmation Screen (OCS) do?

An Order Confirmation Screen improves order accuracy & drive thru speed—customers see exactly what was entered so mistakes get caught before food is made, improving the customer experience. Today's customers expect to see their order on a screen because that's what they're used to from mobile apps and competitors, so not having one can make your operation feel outdated. Plus, it speeds up service by syncing with your kitchen and eliminating the constant "wait, what did I order?" questions at the counter.

 

Which POS systems integrate with The Howard Company menu boards?

The Howard Company digital menu boards integrate seamlessly with these popular POS systems:

  • Square POS integration
  • Aloha POS integration
  • Toast POS integration
  • Qu POS integration

How POS integration works:

  • We offer multiple CMS platforms compatible with various point-of-sale systems.
  • Our team matches your existing POS to the optimal digital menu board solution.
  • Real-time menu updates and price synchronization available.
  • Integration enables automatic content updates from your POS to your menu displays.

Have a different POS system? Contact us to discuss custom integration options for your restaurant's point-of-sale software.

 

Is a pre-sell board (preview board) worth the investment?

Pre-sell boards deliver measurable ROI when you have:

  • Consistent 3+ car queues during peak hours
  • 15-30 second reduction in order time per vehicle
  • 8-12% average ticket increase through strategic upsells

Don't invest in a pre-sell board if:

  • You rarely have 3+ cars waiting in line
  • Your queue moves too quickly for customers to read content
  • Better use of budget: Upgrade your main menu board instead

The math: Pre-sell boards only work when customers have time to view content before reaching the speaker box.

Why install a clearance bar or canopy in your drive-thru?

Clearance bars prevent the most expensive drive-thru disaster:

  • Tall vehicles (trucks, RVs, cargo-topped cars) hitting your menu board
  • Average damage cost: $5,000-$15,000+ per incident
  • Additional loss: Multiple days of closed drive-thru during repairs
  • Warning system: Physical bar alerts drivers before they reach expensive equipment

Canopy systems add weather protection:

  • Reduced maintenance costs from rain/sun exposure
  • Improved display visibility in direct sunlight
  • Extended equipment lifespan

Cost-benefit: One prevented collision pays for the clearance bar installation.

 

What is a vehicle detection loop and why do I need one?

Vehicle loop = embedded pavement sensor that detects car arrival

Automatic triggers when car arrives:

  • Greeting system activation (consistent welcome messages)
  • Display screens turn on
  • Service timers start
  • Staff notification (no customers waiting unnoticed)

Operational data provided:

  • Accurate service time tracking
  • Vehicle count (hourly, daily, weekly patterns)
  • Peak hour identification
  • Bottleneck detection in drive-thru flow

Staff benefit: Ensures consistent service during rush periods when employees are overwhelmed managing multiple tasks.