What is Self Service Kiosk

A self-service kiosk is a screened, fixed-location device that displays various types of information. It can also be used to provide a service such as placing an order or initiating an action. Some are touch screen-type devices that act as Point of Sale (PoS) checkout devices in supermarkets, department stores, or restaurants. Some are found in airports or bus terminals. Others are found in places like museums, zoos, amusement parks, and various types of tourist attractions where they provide directions and other helpful information to visitors.

The computerized kiosk terminal provides access to a variety of information as well as ordering capabilities to customers. Kiosks provide a faster, interactive, more organized experience by eliminating long wait times standing in line and by bypassing an employee who will take your order or request for information and enter it into a computer terminal of some type anyway. By eliminating the middleperson, companies are able to save you – and themselves – time and money. Self-service kiosks are growing in popularity with customers and businesses alike.

The first interactive kiosk was used at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1977. It was known as The Plato Hotline. It was used by college students and visitors to look up information on classes, maps, bus schedules, extracurricular activities, movies, and more.

As technology became more advanced in the 1980s, there was a greater demand for more innovative technology with regard to self-service kiosks. Interactive voice response (IVR) units were incorporated into self-service kiosks, making them even more user-friendly and popular in any number of settings.

Self-service systems were unveiled in the early 1990s and by the year 2000, approximately 15% of corporations and other types of large organizations were utilizing some type of self-service options. As technology advanced further, kiosks began to appear to assist customers, eliminate long wait times, and provide a wide variety of useful services.

Types of Self-Service Kiosks

Most people have become familiar with self-service kiosks from seeing and using them to place orders in restaurants. However, these kiosks have become popular in a number of other places thanks to their convenience, ease-of-use, and time-saving capabilities. Some of the different types of these kiosks and their functions include:

• SCHOOLS: Self-service kiosks let visitors register before being permitted to enter the school building. It then quickly checks to verify that the name of the individual is on a list of pre-approved visitors.
• HEALTHCARE: Patients are able to pre-register, check-in for appointments, pick up and pay for prescriptions, etc., using self-service kiosks located in the office of their medical provider, hospital, etc.
• BANKING: ATMs are one of the most well-known and most frequently used forms of self-service kiosks, allowing customers to access all of their banking needs. In most cases, this can be done without the customer even leaving the comfort of their car, thanks to most financial institutions and other places offering drive-thru ATMs.
• COLLEGES: Students can use on-campus kiosks to do things like request a replacement student ID card, order transcripts, obtain class schedules, pay tuition, look up information on extracurricular activities, and much more.
• RETAIL/CELL PHONE SHOPS: Customers can use a self-service kiosk to pay their phone bill, update account information, change existing service or order new service, purchase a new cell phone, etc.
• GOVERNMENT: Apply for government/state ID cards, print necessary forms of various kinds, etc.
• BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES: Most recently, many state BMV offices have made self-service kiosks available for customers to renew their licenses, purchase or renew state ID cards, and purchase license plates.
• INDUSTRIAL/BUSINESS: Self-service kiosks are now used as time clocks at many jobs. They can also be used to schedule vacation days, and much more.

Benefits of Self-Service Kiosks

Depending on how and where self-service kiosks are used, their benefits can be numerous. Many sectors make their use invaluable when taking into consideration the time and money saved and convenience added.

Some of the most notable benefits of self-service kiosks include:

• Customers no longer have to wait in long lines or for an employee to be available to assist them.
• Self-service kiosks are easy to use, ergonomic, and can be used at the individual’s own pace.
• They make it possible to serve more people in a shorter amount of time, saving money on additional employees or having them on the clock for longer periods of time.
• These kiosks offer a variety of services and a wide range of information, all in one convenient location.
• A great deal of stress can be eliminated for the customer and staff alike with the utilization of self-service kiosks.
• The technology used by these kiosks can be easily updated as new advancements become available without having to replace the entire kiosk.
• Placed in convenient locations, self-service kiosks save users time and the inconvenience of having to go to multiple locations.
• Kiosks can expand your footprint and reach with minimal investment.
• Kiosks can provide purchasing trends one might not normally see with traditional transactions and the fear of bias associated with human to human interaction.

Applications for Self-Service Kiosks

The use of self-service kiosks opened up a whole new world of possibilities in many ways. Some of these kiosks are large, eye-catching portals that make it easy for tourists and others to spot them right away. They can be designed and decorated to boost brand awareness as well. Other self-service kiosks are smaller and designed to resemble pieces of modern artwork in some instances. Regardless of their appearance, all self-service kiosks are created to provide convenient ways for users to complete their business quickly and easily.

Retail Self-Service Kiosks

The use of self-service kiosks is becoming more and more popular within the world of retail. One of the newest innovations rapidly gaining popularity is the handheld checkout device that can be used at grocery and department stores. They are used to scan each item as you shop and then give you the total amount owed. You can then pay for your purchases by simply scanning your credit or debit card. These Point-of-Sale (PoS) devices allow the customer to complete their entire shopping experience on their own. This is especially lucrative for the retailer and the customer as well during peak shopping hours as more customers can complete their shopping and bypass the long checkout lines.

Food/Drink Industry Self-Service Kiosks

Some of the first self-service kiosks began popping up in restaurants, from the quick-order kiosks at fast food places to tabletop ordering stations at more upscale establishments. The order can be placed, the bill paid, and a gratuity given without leaving the table or having to wait on the server to return. Ordering and waiting times are reduced significantly, meaning more orders can be taken and filled, increasing revenue. Studies have shown that use of restaurant kiosks decreases the possibility of errors and orders. Research also shows that diners spend on average 20% more at restaurants with self-service kiosks.

Hospitality Self-Service Kiosks

When it comes to self-service kiosk use and the travel/leisure/hospitality industries, these devices have been real game-changers. From airports to hotels to tourist attractions, they have simplified nearly every aspect of the entire experience. Lines are eliminated; long check-in and check-out processes are avoided; and scheduling activities, reserving rooms, seats, tickets, etc., are all at one’s fingertips.

Self-Service Kiosks for Banking

Many people don’t realize it, but they have been using self-service kiosks for many years now. Bank ATMs were some of the first self-service kiosks to become widely popular. Whether you are making a withdrawal, depositing your paycheck, checking your account balance, or paying a bill, all of your banking needs can be handled quickly and securely by using an ATM.

Healthcare and Self-Service Kiosks

Just like with banking needs, healthcare must be handled with the utmost accuracy and security. Self-service kiosks now make it possible to schedule appointments, check test results, pay medical bills, and review personal health information without long hold times or waiting for a call back from your healthcare provider. Pre-registration prior to a medical procedure can also be handled with ease by these devices.

Self-service kiosks are changing the face of the world. From making purchases with the touch of a finger to planning and scheduling your entire vacation to managing and tracking your personal health care, these devices are taking a lot of stress away and replacing it with peace of mind and relaxation.

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