Since 1950, The Howard Company has been partnering with businesses all across North America, developing indoor and outdoor solutions for their brand(s). As you work to create high-quality, memorable experiences for your guests, let us help you get ahead with answers to commonly asked questions that are categorized below. If you have any follow-up questions, please let us know!
Adding a new drive-thru is an exciting installment, for both your team members and your customers! To ensure everything turns out the way you were hoping for and more, begin the planning process early. The drive-thru experts at The Howard Company are more than happy to assist you along the way. We are here for you and your customers!
Extruded Aluminum Cabinets:
PROS:
Aluminum extruded cabinets are rust-resistant without the use of a primer or E-coating. In most applications, the strength of extruded aluminum is stronger than fabricated sheet metal. Extrusions have a more consistent geometry compared to fabricated sheet metal. Specific aesthetics and mechanical features are part of the extrusion and don’t require a secondary operation. These details can be intricate compared to fabricated sheet metal. Aluminum offers more strength per pound. Aluminum will strengthen in colder temperatures.
CONS:
It is more costly, wasteful, and time-consuming to make a production change to an extruded part. A new tool will need to be created. The parts already extruded would be scrapped. The process starts over. There is more investment in tooling and a minimum amount of extrusion purchased compared to fabricated sheet metal. Structural aluminum is more expensive than steel and will require thicker material to make up for the strength difference.
Fabricated Aluminum Sheet Cabinets:
PROS:
Aluminum sheets are rust-resistant without the use of primer or E-coating. Fabricated aluminum cabinets can be made in smaller quantities and are flexible with production changes. Aluminum is more flexible and elastic than steel. Because it is flexible, it is easier to design aesthetic details or intricate features. Not as intricate as extruded aluminum. Aluminum will strengthen in colder temperatures.
CONS:
This is the weakest of the cabinet construction methods. Will require steel tubing and steel plates added for the structure to pass wind load speed requirements. There is less geometric consistency with fabricated parts and a higher reject rate.
Fabricated Steel Sheet Cabinets:
PROS:
Fabricated steel cabinets can be made in smaller quantities and are flexible with production changes. Steel sheet metal fabrication is stronger than aluminum sheet metal. Steel sheet metal can provide enough structure to pass the highest wind load ratings in the United States without adding additional materials and cost. Typically, steel is pound-for-pound less expensive than aluminum.
CONS:
Steel fabricated parts require the use of primer or E-coating to help prevent rust before painting. Steel will rust over time and compromise the structure if not taken care of. Touching up any exposed metal with paint is the only way to extend the life of steel. Weight density of steel is 2.5 times greater than aluminum. Much heavier for transportation compared to aluminum.
When it comes to making the transition from static menu boards to digital menu boards, there are certain advantages that stand out.
1. Turn off your TV. Turn off your screen and allow it to cool before you clean it. Having the screen off makes it easier to see the smudges in the daylight.
2. Remove dust with a dry microfiber cloth. Wipe the entire surface of the screen as well as all edges of the TV, because dust buildup on ports and speakers can negatively affect performance over time.
3. Mist a formulated cleaning spray onto a clean microfiber cloth. You can opt for store-bought /commercially available screen cleaning solutions that are available from Amazon:
Or try an easy DIY solution, such as 1:1 parts of white vinegar and distilled water, or 1:4 parts distilled water to 70% isopropyl alcohol. These formulas may dry at different rates, so be sure that you don’t oversaturate your cloth. Avoid cleaners with ammonia, acetone or higher concentrations of alcohol as they can be too harsh.
4. Clean the TV screen with the cloth. Wipe the surface thoroughly so that no moisture is allowed to remain on the surface. Avoid any saturation into the edges of the screen.
5. Allow the screen to air dry.
6. Buff out streaks. If any residual streaks remain, a dry edge of a clean, dust-free microfiber cloth will also help to buff them away.
7. Keep it clean. The next time you touch the screen or notice a streak, buff it away with a clean microfiber cloth before it becomes a magnet for dust.
When your system encounters an interruption in internet connectivity, the following actions occur:
Content Display Duration: By default, the currently playing content will stay visible for up to 7 days after the internet connection is lost. After this period, the display will automatically switch to the default image of a blue sky and clouds. During this time, no changes can be made to the content, and the default image will remain until the internet connection is restored.
Limited Remote Assistance: Please note that our team will not be able to remotely assist or connect to devices without an internet connection. This limitation is in place to ensure the security and privacy of your system. Our digital support team relies on internet connectivity to provide efficient and real-time assistance.
Restoring Internet Connection: Once the internet connection is restored, you can contact our dedicated support team for assistance with any issues. Reach out to our support team at (262)-317-7766, and we will guide you through the necessary steps to address any concerns and optimize the performance of your digital display system.
Your screen may go blank due to various reasons. Here are some common causes:
Power Loss: Ensure that your device is connected to a stable power source. Sudden power outages or fluctuations can lead to a temporary loss of display and can be damaging to the screens' electronics.
Incorrect Input: Verify that the correct input source is selected on your display device. Sometimes, a simple mismatch in input settings can result in a blank screen.
Incorrect Screen Settings: Check and adjust the display settings on your device. Incorrect configurations such as brightness, contrast, or resolution settings can cause the screen to go blank.
Incorrect Schedule: If your display operates on a schedule run by a QL content manager, ensure that the timings are correctly set. A misconfigured schedule may cause the screen to turn off unexpectedly.
If you've ruled out the above possibilities and your screen is still blank, we recommend reaching out to our digital support team for further assistance. Contact our digital support specialists at (262)-317-7766 for prompt and personalized help. Our team is dedicated to resolving any technical issues you may encounter with your digital display system.
If a device requires warranty service, there are 2 ways this can happen:
Manufacturer Warranty: A manufacturer’s warranty typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for a specific period after the purchase of a product. It provides assurance that the product will meet certain quality standards, and the manufacturer agrees to repair or replace any faulty components during the warranty period. The customer is responsible for contacting the screen manufacturer to arrange replacement or repair.OR
White Glove Warranty: A white glove warranty is a service-oriented extended warranty that goes beyond the manufacturer's coverage. This paid-for warranty upgrade includes on-site support, including repair or replacement of screens that meet the conditions of the warranty. Typical resolution within 48 business hours.
Best | Better | Good | |
Type | Commercial-grade, internet connected digital screens with white glove warranty. | Commercial-grade, internet-connected digital screens. | Digital screens from mainstream retail stores. |
Connectivity | Seamless internet connectivity for reliable performance in high-traffic environments. | Seamless internet connectivity for reliable performance in high-traffic environments. | No internet connection, limited DVD player or cable input |
Certification |
Commercial-grade certification | Commercial-grade certification | No commercial-grade certification |
Cost | Visit our page, "How Much Does An Indoor Menu Board Cost?" | Visit our page, "How Much Does An Indoor Menu Board Cost?" | Budget-friendly but limited options |
Features | Supported by The Howard Company, featuring a comprehensive solution for top-tier dining experiences. | Reliable performance in high-traffic settings. | Affordable but lacking in quality. |
Warranty | White glove warranty extends the coverage to include a broader range of services and assistance, enhancing the overall customer satisfaction and support experience. | Manufacturer warranty is at the responsibility of the customer, providing basic coverage | Purchasing screens at big box stores will not include a warranty if it ends up being displayed in a high-use business setting. |
Durability | Commercial-grade displays are designed for continuous operation, ensuring extended durability compared to residential televisions. | Commercial-grade displays are designed for continuous operation, ensuring extended durability compared to residential televisions. | Absence of a commercial rating may impact these aspects, especially in high-traffic commercial settings. |
Recommendation | The Howard Company's expertise helps businesses navigate menu management, creating visually compelling and engaging displays tailored to evolving customer preferences. | Advanced solution for improving customer experience and operational efficiency. | Businesses with a long-term vision and a need for dynamic, internet-enabled updates may find greater value in professionally rated digital menu solutions. |
Which bundle is right for your brand:
While POS companies primarily prioritize their own equipment, we are proud to offer a more flexible approach. This means we can customize our solutions to precisely match your specific requirements, whether you prefer the latest technology or have an established setup. For example, a POS company may excel in its system but fall short in digital software and timing components. By choosing to work with us, you can keep your excellent POS system while also gaining access to high-quality digital menu software and an efficient timing system, delivering a comprehensive and finely-tuned solution for your business.
Request The Howard Company's Drive-Thru Installation Timeline here.
The Howard Company will generally provide permits for products that we are installing, but permitting may be necessary for products that we are not installing.
It may be a great time to also check with any contractors to make sure that the site will be ready to receive the equipment. You don’t want the equipment to be onsite for too long without it being installed. Once the product leaves our facility there is a cost to bring it back and ship it out again that the customer would be responsible for.
Many sites do not have loading docks, and there must be a plan to get the equipment off the truck safely. We have the option to provide a truck with a liftgate, but with oversized items such as canopies additional assistance from the site will be needed.* The product ships FOB from Brookfield, WI and The Howard Company provides a shipper or can be shipped however you request it.
With two or three weeks left until delivery of the product, if there are layouts or graphics updated, now will be a great time to finish up those items.
Internet is only needed in the case of digital systems, but permanent power will be a must for any powered outdoor or indoor equipment.
What conduit size you use for your drive-thru installation is not a decision you should brush off as unimportant. Rather, it is a forward-thinking and cost-effective decision based on a multitude of factors including:
While it may appear to be overkill at first glance, the decision to install the specified size conduit and extra conduit during the construction phase is a wise investment. It aligns with the evolving nature of drive-thru systems, offers cost benefits, and ensures your system remains adaptable and ready for any future changes or maintenance needs.
Our commitment to quality and safety is paramount, and as such, our foundation specifications have been designed to meet national standards. However, it's important to note that while we provide these standard foundation specifications, we cannot offer advice or recommendations on variations to the foundation drawing. Each installation site will have unique conditions or requirements that are best addressed by a professional familiar with local soil conditions, climate factors, and building codes. The equipment we sell is very heavy. Our goal is to provide you with a high-quality product, and we encourage you to work closely with your local experts and contractors who can assess your specific site and adapt the foundation as needed while adhering to safety regulations.
By following the provided specifications and collaborating with professionals knowledgeable about your local conditions, you can ensure the best possible results for your drive-thru equipment installation.
When embarking on the permitting process for your menu board installation, there are several factors to keep in mind:
By staying informed about these critical considerations and adhering to the necessary steps, you'll significantly enhance your chances of a smooth and compliant menu board installation process. This proactive approach not only helps you meet regulatory requirements but also ensures successful and hassle-free project completion.
The power requirements for our menu boards are as follows:
All Outdoor Equipment: 120VAC.
Fixtures requiring (1) 120VAC circuit:
Canopies (lighting only) and directional signs.
Fixtures requiring (2) 120VAC circuits (for digital or switch capabilities) include:
DTFlex, DTFlex AIO, DTFlex Wall Mount, and DTFlex Preview.
For your convenience and future flexibility, we strongly recommend installing (2) circuits for any new installations. This ensures that power is readily available in case you decide to switch from static to digital signage down the road. We also suggest running conduit for each foundation, a practice that can save time and costs during rehab or new construction. This proactive approach anticipates potential changes or upgrades, eliminating the need for disruptive concrete work and conduit installation in the future. Planning during the initial construction phase is a cost-effective way to prepare for future improvements.
Proud Supplier To These Fine Chains
1375 N Barker Road
Brookfield, WI 53045
262.782.6000