opinion
Evolving kiosk solutions
The reach of the kiosk industry continues to grow with technologies expanding the possibilities for deployments and the customer experience
By KioWare , now with KioCall Video Conferencing Kiosk App , www . kioware . com
Kiosks have a long-standing history with many traditional uses and deployments . Kiosks have been used to create an endless aisle experience , and provide users with access to services or information not typically accessible in a brick and mortar location .
This history has proven to improve the customer experience , reduce waiting times , and increase revenue through thousands of kiosk deployments . Traditionally , kiosks have been used for inventory expansion , ticket purchasing and printing , interactive digital signage , and product dispensing .
Evolving technology and services New technologies , new hardware , and innovative new ideas have allowed kiosks to evolve to serve new , and expanded , functions and services . A few of the most recent solutions added to the capabilities and uses of kiosks include loading and dispensing RFID bracelets , customer service video conferencing , and purposed device deployments .
Android and iOS tablets and apps have created a new opportunity for the use of kiosk hardware and kiosk software . Purposed devices can be used as mobile or stationary devices that can be configured for one particular application , task , or website . This type of deployment allows companies to provide employees and customers with secure kiosks for a lower cost and increased mobility .
Another recent development in kiosk solutions and deployments comes by way of the expanded use of RFID technology for ease of payment and increased ‘ handsfree ’ and ‘ card not present ’ capabilities . In particular , RFID bracelets are being used in tourist attractions and amusement park settings to allow for cardless and cashless payments , ticketless entry , and ID free ride , concert , or attraction admission . In short , kiosks located throughout the attraction can allow visitors to manage payments and dispense bracelets with ease . In museums , aquariums , amusement parks , resorts , and on cruise ships , RFID bracelets are being used to improve visitor flow , increase spending , and track visitor behaviour .
Video conferencing The introduction of video conferencing and video call capabilities to kiosks is the latest in kiosk technology . This technology adds another range of uses and options to kiosk functionality . Setting up kiosks to call a customer service centre or individual can improve call centre effectiveness and accessibility or add personalised , expert support to each kiosk location without requiring on-site support personnel .
The kiosk video call option can be deployed in any service industry to improve conversions across a variety of industries . Already being used in healthcare to allow patients to speak to a pharmacist or doctor on demand , these customer service kiosks increase access to a ‘ real person ’ and thus , the customer experience , for only a fraction of the cost of staffing on-site personnel at any number of brick and mortar locations . The reach of the kiosk industry will only continue to grow as available technologies and kiosk capabilities expand . What ’ s the next technology capable of expanding kiosk solutions into new scenarios ? n
34 KIOSK solutions