Pro-Touch

Discover the Latest Developments in the Kiosk Industry with Protouch at Kiosk London Expo

We're pleased to announce that Protouch will be exhibiting at this years Kiosk London Expo. As the UK's sole conference and exhibition dedicated to the self-service industry; the show will return to The Barbican Centre for it's third year between 16-17th October 2013, promising to be another exciting event.

KLX 2013 acts as the central meeting point for all those affiliated with the self-service industry and, as such, will be a hive of activity for industry leaders, purchasers, strategic customer service managers, VPs, brands managers and those responsible for the implementation of self-service solutions and technologies throughout the UK.

A lot can change in a year, especially when it comes to emerging technologies and new developments. Therefore the show provides a great opportunity to catch up with the latest industry news and developments; helping you to discover how adding a self service solution to your business can increase sales and boost ROI.

As Europe’s number one supplier of touchscreen self service solutions, Protouch will be showcasing a wide variety of our best performing kiosks and kiosk software. Amongst these we’ll be presenting kiosks which have made a huge impact on specific industries and brands across the UK, including; express lanes for Birmingham Airport; kiosks for product look up and payment at Kiddicare; instore information and phone chooser at O2, and ticketing kiosks at Heathrow Express.

The Protouch team will be on hand to discuss your self-service solution requirements and answer any questions you may have. Whether you require ticketing, fast-track, payment, translator or browser features; our technology can help. Protouch equipment suits any brand for any function, any place.

KLX 2013 is free to attend and is a great networking opportunity, which also aims to deliver comprehensive seminars, offering information on all of the industry’s hot topics and cutting-edge technology. Located in the heart of London, it is easily accessible by rail, underground and road.

If you’re going to the show and you’d like to find out more about how we can help you, contact the Protouch team today and arrange a meeting with us.

Register for Kiosk London Expo 2013 today and we’ll see you there!

Protouch Features In Airport Operator Magazine

Protouch’s success with launching touch screen kiosks in Birmingham Airport has recently been featured in The Airport Operator Magazine, the official editorial of the airport operators association. Protouch is proud to have introduced an ‘express lane’ using the latest Xen X6 kiosks, which allow passengers to opt for a priority pass. The aim was to improve the airport’s processes whilst enhancing the passenger experience.

The feature highlights that Protouch has played a part in the growth and development of Birmingham Airport, in introducing pioneering self-service kiosk technology.

To find out more take a look at the Birmingham Airport case study.

Using Kiosks To Improve Security

Touch screen kiosks are being used by businesses, in buildings, rooms, car parks and airports, as a way of tightening security.

For example, airports in the US have an increased need to maximise their security facilities since 9/11. Funded by taxpayers and airline travellers, kiosks are being deployed to assist with the screening process. Security kiosks improve the efficiency of homeland security, whilst reducing costs spent on security staff. They are also valuable for capturing data and storing information for security records. Airports in Canada, such as the Vancouver Internation Airport are also using self-service kiosks in their screening process, to allow passengers to scan their own passports and declaration forms. This particular programme is called the Automated Boarder Clearance, used to reduce queuing times and make their security processes more efficient. 

Access Control can provide your business with a simple security system that controls visitor entry.

  • Manned or un-manned control
  • Video and audio communication
  • Biometric upgrade option
  • Custom access reporting
     

Securing Your Kiosk Network

When deploying kiosk in your business, you must consider the protection of your network. Some kiosks are in unsecure locations or are unmanned, which poses a threat to the overall security. For example, you could be risking information theft or unauthorised access to the software or operating system.

Limiting access to the operating system is one of the most important aspects of securing your kiosk network. With this access to the key areas of the control system, an unknown user can steal information, alter setting and also install harmful viruses on to your kiosk.

The risk of information theft is worth consideration depending on what information is stored on the kiosk. Access to vulnerable data such as passwords, numbers and personal details could present significant issues for a business.

With the security of your kiosk compromised, your software is at risk of virus. This can affect your Internet in allowing unauthorised websites to be displayed. Most importantly, an unexpected virus impairs the performance of your kiosk when it should be at the peak of efficiency.

Secure Browser software can offer a security solution that will manage the following aspects.

  • Protect the operating system
  • Secure access to the Internet
  • Control website viewing
  • Track kiosk usage

How Can Self-Service Kiosks Make Travelling Easier?

As self service technology develops, aspects of travelling are being made a lot simplier and quicker. Self service kiosks have been deployed in many airports around the world to allow passengers to travel with ease, speed and less stress.

Key Example 1
The Post Office has recently signed an agreement to have touch screen kiosks across the UK in over 9,000 sub post offices. Operating under the Post Office brand, the kiosks will consist of two computer screens with a keyboard and touch screen facility. The customer will be able to engage with the kiosk like a digital travel agency, exploring their choices and browsing the latest travel deals in their local Post Office. (BBC news, 2012)

Key Example 2
The use of touch screen kiosks has multiplied across the world in an abundance of airports to assist passengers with the check-in process, making it more efficient and time saving. British Airways have recently launched digital self service kiosks that allow passengers traveling from London City Airport, to print their own luggage tags. Along side touch screen check in facilities, these kiosks add to the ease and freedom of self-service.

Richard Gooding OBE, CEO, London City Airport, stated that they “welcome the launch of this new innovative technology which further strengthens commitment to transferring passengers to their destination with ease and speed.”

According to the 2012 SITA/Air Transport World Passenger Self-Service Survey, the increasing use of kiosk technology to assist travel has received positive feedback from the majority of passengers, as it minimises stress. There has been an increase of people choosing to use the self-service kiosk facilities for check-in on the day, with a total of 77% preferable. Checking in is one of the top three most stressful steps in the process, due to lengthy task of queuing.

Airports can benefit from digital kiosks for a variety of functions.

  • Fast track
  • Booking
  • Information
  • Check in
  • Payment
  • Promotion
  • Internet

The survey highlighted that people would like to see future development in technology that would allow an automated bag drop and self-service boarding. It has been reported that 74% of airlines and 60% of airports aim to introduce the automated bag drop by 2015.

Take a look at the Birmingham International Airport case study as an example of how Protouch can accelerate the every day processes in your airport.