What are "connected products"?
Comprehensive overview of connected products: hardware/software components, examples (kiosks, POS, security systems), industries served, and why they need specialized RDM.
Connected products combine proprietary software, hardware, peripherals, and internet connectivity to deliver services to customers, employees, and other stakeholders. Connected products are a type of unattended technology used by businesses and organizations to provide value, e.g. through information, services, access, assets, and more, on demand without requiring the direct involvement of people to support those products.
👉 Bookmark the Guide to Connected Products
What makes up a connected product?
A connected product combines hardware, software, peripherals, a network connection, and power in proprietary ways to complete some task, provide some service, or satisfy some other requirement.
What are typical connected product components?
Hardware Components
- Controller computers (PC or mobile device)
- Touchscreens and displays
- Printers (receipt, label, document)
- Barcode and QR code scanners
- Credit card readers and payment processors
- Bill acceptors and coin dispensers
- Cameras and sensors
- Network equipment and modems
- Power management systems
- Environmental sensors
Software Components
- Operating systems (Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android) and firmware
- Custom applications (proprietary software)
- Payment processing software
- Content management systems
- Security and authentication software
- Database systems
- Communication protocols
Peripheral Devices
- Ancillary touchscreens or displays
- Cameras
- Smart power
- Bill acceptors
- Credit card readers
- Scales and weight sensors
- Audio systems and speakers
- Lighting systems
- RFID readers
- Biometric scanners
- Conveyor systems
- Keypads and input devices
What are examples of connected products?
In the context of Canopy and remote monitoring and management for connected products, "connected products" could include any of the following categories of technology.
Kiosks
Self-Service Kiosks
- Food ordering kiosks (QSR/fast-food restaurants)
- Airport check-in kiosks
- Movie theater ticket kiosks
- Hotel check-in/check-out stations
- Car rental return kiosks
Information Kiosks
- Wayfinding displays (malls, hospitals, airports)
- Directory systems in large venues
- Tourist information stations
- Interactive maps and guides
- Government service kiosks
Retail Kiosks
- Self-checkout stations (grocery stores, big box retail)
- Price check stations
- Product search terminals
- Gift card activation stations
- Pharmacy pickup kiosks
Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems
Traditional POS
- Cash registers and checkout systems
- Payment terminals
- Receipt printers
- Barcode scanners
Mobile & Tablet POS
- Restaurant tableside ordering
- Drive-through ordering systems
- Pop-up retail solutions
- Food truck POS systems
Integrated Restaurant Systems
- Kitchen display terminals
- Drive-through technology
- Self-service ordering kiosks
- Digital menu boards
- Order management systems
Digital Signage
Advertising Displays
- Bus station advertisements
- Airport digital billboards
- Office building displays
- Retail store promotional screens
- Stadium and arena signage
Informational Signage
- Interactive menu displays
- Pricing displays
- Wayfinding systems
- Emergency notification systems
- Corporate communication boards
Outdoor Displays
- Highway digital billboards
- Transit stop information
- Weather and traffic displays
- Municipal announcement systems
Physical Security Systems
Camera Systems
- IP security cameras
- Video doorbells
- Surveillance networks
- NVR/DVR systems
- Video analytics systems
👉 For example, ButterflyMX relies on Canopy to support property access at 20K+ locations
Access Control Management
- Smart door locks
- Card readers and scanners
- Biometric access systems
- Turnstiles and gates
- Intercom systems
Emergency Response Systems
- Fire detection systems
- Medical alert systems
- Panic button networks
- Mass notification systems
- Intrusion detection systems
Smart Lockers
Package Delivery
- Amazon package lockers
- Apartment building delivery systems
- Office mail centers
- Campus package pickup
Equipment Management
- IT equipment checkout systems
- Tool and asset management
- Uniform and supply distribution
- Medical equipment tracking
Click and Collect
- Retail pickup lockers
- Grocery order collection
- Pharmacy prescription pickup
- Library book returns
Specialized Industry Solutions
Healthcare
- Patient check-in kiosks
- Prescription pickup systems
- Medical equipment monitoring
- Telehealth stations
- Laboratory equipment
Hospitality
- Hotel key dispensers
- Concierge information systems
- Pool and amenity access control
- Guest services kiosks
Transportation
- Parking payment systems
- Transit fare collection
- Electric vehicle charging stations
- Fuel pump systems
- Toll collection systems
Education
- Student ID card systems
- Library self-checkout
- Campus information kiosks
- Visitor management systems
- Attendance tracking systems
Sports and Entertainment
- Golf simulators
- Arcade gaming systems
- Sports betting kiosks
- Virtual reality stations
- Interactive entertainment systems
Automotive
- Electric vehicle charging networks
- Car wash payment systems
- Parking meter networks
- Vehicle inspection systems
- Auto parts vending
What kinds of industries rely on connected products?
- Quick Service Restaurants (QSR)
- Retail and Big Box Stores
- Healthcare Systems
- Financial Services
- Transportation and Transit
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Government and Public Services
- Education
- Self-Storage Facilities
- Apartment and Property Management
- Entertainment and Gaming
- Manufacturing
What are key differentiators for remote device management as with Canopy RMM?
Unlike traditional IT device management in an enterprise setting, connected products require:
- Multi-component monitoring (vs. standalone PCs or mobile devices)
- Mixed operating system support (Windows, Linux, Android, iOS)
- Peripheral device integration (printers, scanners, sensors)
- Environmental condition monitoring (power, network, physical conditions)
- Custom software application management
- 24/7 unattended operation capabilities
- Field deployment scalability (thousands of devices across multiple locations)
Why do connected products require remote monitoring and management?
Connected products, like self-checkout kiosks, security systems, smart lockers, and point-of-sale systems, are only useful so long as they’re operational and serve users without constant technical oversight. Because when connected products experience downtime, users become frustrated and complain, leading to costly on-site repairs, lost customers, and tarnished brands.
What about other kinds of products like wearables that could be seen as "connected products"?
There are many consumer-facing products that could be seen as "connected products;" for example, wearables, smart appliances, and common information technology (IT) assets like PCs and mobile phones. Canopy is used by connected products typically in service of businesses that are expected to provide ongoing support, maintenance, and service of those products.\