Digital Signage CMS for BKW Switzerland

BKW (formerly Berner Kraftwerke) is an energy and infrastructure company based in Bern, Switzerland. It stands for a sustainable energy future, innovative building and infrastructure solutions, and modern corporate communication. To transform the existing digital signage landscape into a unified, centrally managed system, a new content management system was implemented.

A Central System for Legacy Structures Across Switzerland

At the headquarters in Bern as well as at sites across Switzerland, a technically diverse digital signage environment was already in place, consisting of various displays and installations. The goal of the project with echion Communication (Switzerland) AG was to integrate all existing screens and LED installations into a standardized system that can be centrally controlled.

By using new plug-and-play media players in the form of compact sticks, the existing, complex LED installations and additional screens were seamlessly integrated into the new system—without the need for extensive structural modifications. In the future, 15 installations across various locations in Switzerland will be centrally and flexibly managed from the corporate newsroom.

The cloud-based infrastructure enables:

  • Central administration of all screens
  • Multi-client capability for different locations
  • High system availability
  • Scalability for future expansion
  • Secure data processing

This creates a stable, flexible, and future-proof foundation for digital corporate communication.

Rethinking Existing Installations

All previously separate communication touchpoints were seamlessly integrated into the new system:

At the headquarters in Bern, a large-format big screen in the reception area serves as a central stage for corporate news, campaigns, and brand content.

A freestanding, four-sided outdoor LED cube at the main entrance in Bern enables high-impact communication of strategic content, key figures, and event information.

A long-format LED ribbon with an integrated stock market template processes data in real time and incorporates up-to-date financial figures directly into the visual communication.

The setup is complemented by twelve additional screens of various sizes in the reception areas of different branches across Switzerland, all of which are also integrated into the central system.

Standardized Templates and Independent Content Creation

To ensure efficient content creation, six templates were developed, enabling easy and brand-compliant content management—for example for welcome messages, news, and corporate communication.

Additional templates can be created independently by BKW, ensuring long-term flexibility and autonomy.

Customers Voice

“With echion, we have found a professional partner who helped us establish a new foundation for our digital signage in a short period of time. The system offers flexible and scalable options to manage content from our corporate newsroom and make it accessible to our employees at the headquarters in Bern as well as at external locations across the entire DACH region.”

Michael Blum
Senior Communication Manager
Newsroom & Channel‑Manager Group Communications

Digital signage installations & thermenplan.de at Aqua Salza in Austria

Just outside Salzburg, Aqua Salza offers guests a modern wellness oasis: a sauna complex, leisure pool, spa treatments, and a children’s area make the thermal baths a place for relaxation, recreation, and quality time together.

To ensure that information, service, and the overall experience seamlessly integrate, Aqua Salza relies on our digital signage solutions and our product thermenplan.de.

Inspiring digital signage solutions along the guest journey

The Digital Signage installations were designed to replace existing handwritten or analogue information boards with modern digital displays:

Gastronomy – Hallway:

Where previously a handwritten sauna infusion schedule, a poster, a framed picture, and a wall-mounted map were displayed side by side, a videowall made up of two 55″ screens now provides a sleek and organized overview. All content is digitally consolidated and professionally presented – from maps and notices to promotions.

Before

After

Gastronomy – Dining area

Instead of handwritten chalkboards showing daily specials, two 43″ screens now centrally display menus and prices. In addition to improving orientation, the dynamic display helps shorten the perceived waiting time in the dining area. At the same time, menu updates can now be implemented quickly and flexibly.

Before

After

Adventure pool

The new videowall in the pool area replaces both a manually updated board for sauna infusions and a single display screen. Daily infusion schedules, event announcements, offers, and service information are now presented digitally.

Before

After

With these new digital solutions, communication becomes simpler, faster, and more engaging: Information appears in one place, updates can be made instantly, and the presentation looks modern and high-quality. Guests benefit from clear orientation, while the team enjoys significantly less organizational effort.

The installation was carried out on-site in Austria by the echion AG installation team.

Tailored content for a truly seamless experience

The motion graphics team at echion AG has developed a variety of formats that combine information and experience:

  • Video animations: Dynamic visuals effectively showcase topics such as vouchers, gift cards, shop & merchandising, or sauna area maps.
  • Mood content: Atmospheric clips for the pool, sauna, and gastronomy areas enhance the ambiance in each location.
  • Templates: Flexible, customizable templates make it easy to feature restaurant offers, wellness services, event announcements, or sponsors and keep them up to date quickly.

All content can be conveniently and efficiently scheduled and updated via the central content management system – another step toward greater flexibility and professionalism in guest communication.

Digital infusion schedule: an eye-catcher for guests and a relief for the team

With thermenplan.de, the sauna infusion schedules at Aqua Salza are now displayed digitally – modern, clearly structured, and in the spa’s individual design.

Using the user-friendly online tool, staff enter the data for upcoming sauna infusions. The system then automatically generates the appropriate content in the correct format for the on-site screens.

For employees, the daily manual effort of sticking printed infusion schedules onto boards is no longer necessary – with just a few clicks, the plan is updated directly on location. Guests at Aqua Salza benefit from a modern and easy-to-read presentation of all sauna sessions, providing not only all relevant information but also an appealing visual experience.

Hardware

  • 6 Samsung screens including mounts (43–55 inches)
  • 3 echion players

Customers voice

“Switching to digital communication has brought us noticeable benefits: less effort in our daily operations, a more modern appearance, and greater comfort for our guests. At the same time, our everyday work has become much easier. echion AG supported us closely from the very beginning with great expertise and creativity. From planning to implementation, we could always rely on their competent guidance.”

Erik Kerwer, Managing Director Aqua Salza Wellness & Bad Golling GmbH

Column Screens and LED Bands at the Papenbreer Luxury Fashion House in Dresden

Photo/Copyright: neo3 

With its new luxury fashion house in Dresden, Papenbreer has expanded its family business with an additional premium location. Across approximately 1,800 square meters, Katrin and Sebastian Papenbreer present around 100 luxury and premium brands – embedded in an architectural concept defined by exposed structural elements, elegant velour and light-filled walkways. 

Together with Papenbreer, we implemented a digital signage concept that brings together brand presentation, wayfinding and architectural accents into one cohesive overall experience.

Digital Highlights along the Customer Journey​

Three 37-inch stretch screens on the ground and upper floors provide targeted visual impulses throughout the space, guiding customers on their journey through the store. Their slim format makes them the ideal solution for the columns in the exhibition area – seamlessly integrated and visually impactful.

Säulenscreen Papenbreer
LED-Banden Papenbreer Dresden
Photo & Copyright: neo3

The concept is complemented by two large-format LED panels in the accessories areas on both floors. With widths of 6.5 and 7 meters respectively, the LED surfaces follow the horizontal lines of the interior architecture, enhancing the modern and elegant spatial atmosphere.

Content that reflects the brand​

In a joint workshop, we worked closely with the Papenbreer team to define the visual communication strategy for the new digital signage and LED installations. The focus was on brand positioning, target audience and the distinctive architecture of the building.

Based on this foundation, our motion graphics team developed a customized video starter package featuring flexible templates and striking animations. The content underlines the premium character of the fashion house while leaving room for seasonal campaigns and changing brand worlds.

While the column screens display wayfinding elements, mood visuals and fashion content, the LED panels highlight selected labels and concise statements. In this way, digital content enhances the product presentation without overpowering it.

Hardware

  • 3 Samsung Stretch Screens (37”)
  • 1 LED video display (1.69 m²)
  • 1 LED video display (1.81 m²)
  • 5 echion media players
  • 2 LED controllers including control PC

Customers voice

“Our individual requirements were addressed at all times, and we felt thoroughly understood and supported throughout every phase of the project. The team took great care in discussing our needs in detail and developing suitable solutions. We would especially like to highlight the reliable support whenever questions or challenges arose.”

Theres Rosenkranz
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Papenbreer Haus Service GmbH

International digital signage solution for Läderach

 

Läderach is known worldwide for high-quality Swiss chocolate, artisanal quality, and a premium brand experience. This brand promise should also be consistently and modernly experienced at the point of sale internationally. Against this backdrop, a global digital signage solution was gradually introduced to display content flexibly, in line with the brand, and across locations.

Brand presentation in stores and shop windows

Läderach relies on our expertise to implement an international digital signage setup with up to 700 screens at up to 380 locations worldwide. The focus is on two predominantly used installation concepts, which are supplemented by local special solutions:

In the stores

a 55-inch Brandwall screen is used, which is integrated into the existing store design. Above the sales counter, it serves as a central eye-catcher in the store. The screen acts both as an information display and a visual brand element, supporting consistent brand communication directly at the point of sale.

In the shop window

a 65-inch shopping window stele in portrait format is used. It is aimed specifically at passersby outside the store, attracting attention and arousing interest in the store. This stele displays content that is also used on Läderach’s social media channels. 

This creates a high level of recognition across various communication channels and a consistent brand experience throughout the entire customer journey – from the initial digital contact to the brick-and-mortar store.

Central project management with international scalability

As the partner responsible for the project, we take on the overall management of the project. In addition to conceptual planning and project management, this also includes technical implementation, including software, hardware, and international coordination.

Centralized project management creates clear structures and at the same time enables a high degree of scalability across country and market boundaries. The different requirements of global markets and branch concepts are specifically taken into account.

Clear processes and independent content management

For Läderach, the project has resulted in defined processes and reliable implementation across all locations. The software used enables independent and simple content management. Content can be flexibly controlled, quickly adapted, and played out globally. This ensures a consistent premium brand experience across all locations.

Hardware per location

  • At least one screen including mount (55 inches) – Philips
  • At least one stele (65 inches) – Philips
  • Navori Stix plus associated media player

Customers voice

„Working with echion AG is very professional, fast, personal, and solution-oriented. Within just a few months of the project launch, we were able to install more than 60 screens and media players in over 10 countries worldwide.“

Thomas Bergmann,
Digital Transformation Manager Retail

Digital Communication at CamboMare Kempten

CamboMare in Kempten is a paradise for visitors of all ages. The diverse bathing area, the award-winning and unique sauna village, the spacious outdoor pool, and a wide range of massage services offer both variety and relaxation.

With the construction of its new, modern self-service restaurant, CamboMare has added another highlight to its experience. The interplay of experience, service, and design is perfectly complemented by modern digital signage solutions at numerous touchpoints.

Inspiring Digital Signage Solutions Along the Guest Journey

Following an in-depth analysis, a customized digital signage concept was developed for CamboMare—complete with tailored control solutions for a variety of touchpoints:

  • Pool / Pre-Restaurant Area:
    In the central area of the swimming complex, two stretch screens in portrait format serve as an essential source of information for visitors. Positioned directly on a column, they accompany guests with information about offers, promotions, and services—clearly visible to everyone passing through the area or heading toward the new restaurant.

  • Restaurant – Menu Board:
    Above the ordering counter in the newly redesigned poolside restaurant, a three-part video wall (3× Samsung VH55R-R) provides clarity and structure. Menus, daily specials, and promotions are presented in a large, modern, and well-organized format. This digital solution allows for quick updates and makes the ordering process even more convenient for guests. It looks modern, appealing, and blends seamlessly with the new look & feel of the self-service restaurant.
  • Restaurant – Food Pickup Area:
    Two screens in the dining areas display the current numbers of orders being prepared or ready for pickup. Connected directly to the POS system and the self-service terminals, the information appears in real time—ensuring transparency and streamlining workflows for the staff. This solution was implemented in close cooperation with the existing POS provider.

 

Engaging Content

In a collaborative workshop, an extensive content package was developed for the digital signage displays. Together with the CamboMare team, we created content tailored to the various touchpoints—perfectly matched to the new restaurant and the existing visual identity of the facility. Our motion graphics department brought these concepts to life visually, ensuring consistent communication along the entire guest journey.

Customized Control and Simple Management

The content is reliably delivered to the screens via echion video players. Thanks to the content management system used by echion, all content can be managed easily and centrally—a noticeable relief for staff on-site. In addition, echion’s remote support ensures a secure and stable operation.

A special feature: the food-pickup screens in the restaurant are directly connected to the POS provider via a broadcast system. This ensures that information reaches the screens without any detours.

Hardware

  • 7 Samsung screens including mounts (32–55 inches)
  • echion video player

Customers Voice

Logo Cambo Mare

“We chose to work with echion AG because from the very first moment, we experienced them as professional, solution-oriented, and highly competent partners. Through on-site visits and many detailed questions, echion made every effort to fully understand our needs and get to know our company in order to achieve the best possible results for us and our guests in the area of digital signage. The centralized control of content and the easy, intuitive operation of the software make daily work very pleasant and simple. We are very happy with our decision to partner with echion AG. Working together has been a real pleasure!”

Daniela Pletzer
Head of Administration
Deputy Operations Manager

Innovation for a perfect leisure experience at aquaplex Eisenach

Sauna, swimming, sport & fun. In addition to an indoor and outdoor pool, aquaplex Eisenach also has a relaxing sauna world and a fitness studio with a wide range of courses. To further improve the experience for guests, the aquaplex has been equipped with innovative digital signage solutions and a digital spa map.

Inspiring digital signage solutions on the guests' journey

Two individual screens welcome visitors in digital form right from the entrance area. The screens present current offers, event tips and inspiring insights into the aquaplex world, creating a pleasant atmosphere and making it easier for guests to enjoy their leisure time. The clear, concise information shortens the perceived waiting time for guests and makes communication easier for staff.

Digital solutions are also used in the health world, the fitness studio in the aquaplex: four existing screens have been equipped with echion video players and provide motivating content, event information and appealing videos that enhance the training experience.

A special highlight is located at the sauna entrance: a double-sided shop window screen that has been attached to a suitable ceiling mount. Thanks to a brightness sensor, the display brightness automatically adjusts to the lighting conditions. The 3,000 nits surface facing the window offers brilliant image quality even in direct sunlight, while the 1,000 nits surface on the inside presents the daily infusion schedule for sauna guests in an appealing way.

The aquaplex’s gastronomy also benefits from the new, digital communication: a 55-inch screen presents the culinary offer in appetizing visual language, facilitates decision-making and improves communication with hungry guests.

Eine gemütlich- einladende Couchecke über der ein Bildschirm eine weibliche Person zeigt
Blick auf den Trainingsbereich der Aquaplex mit verschiedenen Trainingsgeräten
Ein Bildschirm zeigt eine Werbegrafik für die aquaplex Postkarte

Individual control and simple management

The content is reliably and automatically transmitted to the respective screens via the echion video players. With echion’s own content management system, the content can be conveniently and centrally booked and updated – a great relief for the employees on site.

thermenplan.de – Digital infusion plans at the touch of a button

Tailor-made communication for the sauna experience

The double-sided screen at the sauna entrance plays a central role in communication. The daily infusion schedule is shown dynamically and clearly on the display. Current events in the sauna area, such as the themed sauna, are also communicated here. Thanks to the browser-based platform thermenplan.de, data can be entered quickly and easily. With just a few clicks, thermenplan.de generates the content in the perfect format for the sauna display. The templates in aquaplex design ensure a uniform look and recognition in all areas. Visitors thus enjoy optimal orientation and always up-to-date information for a relaxed sauna experience.

Hardware

2 Samsung QM55C
1 Samsung OM55N-DS
1 QH75C
4 screen mounts
8 echion players

Customer testimonial

“Thanks to the digital signage solutions and the digital infusion schedule from echion, we can now communicate information such as offers, events and services to our guests even more quickly and easily. Digital maintenance saves us a lot of time and makes our daily work much easier. The scope for design in particular makes it possible to present content flexibly and in a targeted manner. We are very satisfied with this modern solution, which benefits our guests and our team in equal measure.”

 

Sebastian Pütz, aquaplex operations management

Digital signage in the k kiosk: a step into the future

The Swiss retail company Valora is using digital screens in its k kiosk outlets to promote sales. This project replaced the traditional illuminated advertising boxes and introduced a digital redesign of tobacco advertising in the sales outlets. Almost 900 locations throughout Switzerland were equipped with screens to provide tobacco product suppliers with a modern and efficient platform for their promotions.

Efficient implementation and appealing communication

During the rollout, all k kiosk outlets that stock tobacco products were equipped with one or two screens in the counter area. Depending on the location, the visual communication was also supplemented with a monitor in the tobacco wall. To ensure a homogeneous appearance, the displays were fitted with uniform frames, so-called bezels. In future, the screens will show advertising films that the cigarette manufacturers will upload to the content management system themselves. As a result, the content can be controlled in terms of time and location, which ensures a target group-oriented approach. The diversity of the sales outlets in terms of their design, size and sometimes difficult-to-access locations required a particularly systematic project organization.

Implementation

  • Equipping almost 900 locations throughout Switzerland with screens
  • Placement of one or two screens in the counter area and in the tobacco wall
  • Homogeneous appearance thanks to uniform frames

Digital signage for Migro

Digital customer communication at Migros Aare

The Migros Aare Cooperative, one of Migros’ ten cooperatives, was formed in 1998 from a merger of the Bern and Aargau/Solothurn cooperatives. With two new digital projects, it is setting standards in customer communication and strengthening the dialog with its customers.

Digital screens at the fresh food counters

Screens were installed above the fresh meat, fish and cheese counters at two Migros Aare locations. The animated content presents appetizing images of prepared dishes, promotions and recommendations from the head butcher. Additional services such as individual preparations and special marinades complement the diverse content. This digital communication with a targeted approach is intended to increase customer frequency at the fresh food counters, boost sales of the products and improve orientation in the stores.

The digital wish tree - focusing on customer wishes

Migros Aare’s “Wish Tree”, an innovative project to involve customers directly in the design of the product range, allows them to submit their product wishes via a touchscreen terminal. This approach was honored with the “Digital Signage Best Practice Award 2012” and the “POPAI D-A-CH Digital Award 2013”. The most popular customer requests appear in a ranking list and help Migros to tailor its product range to the wishes of its visitors. The system has been successfully implemented in nine stores and many of the most popular products can now be found on the shelves. Registration with the personal customer card ensures that the results are reliable and representative.

Implementation

  • Equipping the fresh food counters (cheese, fish, meat) with two screens each
  • Content conception and creation of the entire content
  • Integration of a local application for easy control and management of content

Interactive information system and displays for Swissprinters