Pro-Touch

What Aspects of Kiosk Software Increase Effectiveness?

According to a recent article by Kioskmarketplace.com, there are three aspects of high quality kiosk software. The site reveals that the user experience design, remote monitoring capabilities, and on-site care of the software are important to determine the effectiveness. Now there are various aspects which need to be taken into account for the software to be successful and this needs to be considered when deploying touch screen technology in your business. Here at Protouch we believe that a number of features contribute to a fruitful kiosk instalment as well as the aforementioned properties; including a familiar and reliable system that is easy to use as well as one that is operated in real-time so you can achieve an interactive experience at all times. Here is a guide to effective kiosk software…

What is the main purpose?

Why is the customer using your kiosk? This is the underlying question which you need to ask yourself when designing bespoke software. What do they want to use it for, what do they want to achieve, who will be using it- these are the kind of queries which should be at the back of your mind to ensure user experience is optimised. By getting into the mind-set of the customer you will improve your retention rates and boost the overall happening. If you haven’t considered a certain feature, or if the software is too complicated, the user will just walk away so it is vital that the software is adequate. Ask yourself what do I want to see on the screen, how do I want the information presented/communicated, how long do I want to be stood there, what do I want the kiosk to look like? By asking yourself these questions you can make the most of the technology and make sure the user gets the most out of it too. So for example; do they need printing features, internet access, or payment facilities? If so, make sure this is integrated in the software.

– How is it controlled?

How is the kiosk supported, by you on-site or via remote management? This is an important aspect to ensure all machinery runs smoothly. If something breaks or needs maintenance, it is essential it is fixed promptly. The system’s health needs to be monitored as well as checking for updates. How speedy with troubleshooting or malfunction calls be? When contemplating touch screen technology, use a provider that will be prompt and supportive. You want a firm that will keep costs as low as possible rather than charging you a fortune on service call outs; and someone who specialises in on-site care.

North America Is the Largest Region for Self-Checkout

The total number of self-checkouts to be shipped will reach 60,000 by the year 2017, it has been forecast. RBR, a London-based research firm predicts that self-checkout is here to stay. According to their recent study, which involved 52 countries, it was revealed that 26,700 self-checkout terminals were shipped in 2011. This is seven times higher than a decade ago so with more and more businesses jumping on board the band wagon, it is imperative that your corporation gets involved. The findings show that North America is the largest region for self-checkout accounting for 41% of the global total of shipments. Kiosks now account for two-thirds of points-of-sale in US supermarkets and at least 25% of supermarket transactions are reportedly conducted at self-checkouts.

Key results include;

– 98% of installations are in Western Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America. – Latin America has seen a rise in interest in self-checkout – Saudi Arabia recently deployed very first self-checkout kiosk – NCR is the world’s largest vendor of self-checkout terminals (64% of total global shipments in 2011) Now here at Protouch, we do not offer self-service checkouts but the industry related news is still important because it shows how the trend is increasing in popularity. We specialise in the retail sector and we have a vast array of kiosks to provide fast and efficient customer service. Self-checkouts are fundamentally vital for payment and our technologies offer this as well as an array of functions including product browsing, information, ordering, wayfinding and loyalty. Cut the queues and speed up the service with our expertise whether it is in supermarkets, departments, shopping malls or banks.