Pro-Touch

Month: January 2013

Automated Reception Kiosks Installed In Sports Centre

Posted on by Tom Quarry

Self-service applications are being used more frequently and widespread throughout a range of different sectors such as retail, healthcare, airports and hospitality. In particular, businesses are making use of automated reception kiosks at events and in locations like hotels and leisure centres. They are used to offer a 'virtual receptionist' that manages the flow of visitors, speeds up processes and reduces staff costs.

The Aldershot Garrison sports centre has touch screen kiosks in their reception to manage the high flow of members. Its services must be efficient as the members are predominately army personnel coming to use the Olympic pool for training. The automated kiosk incorporates a ‘sign in’ feature for members to swipe their membership cards, allowing them to go through without queuing. Users interact with the touch screen to book classes in advance without going to the reception desk. A full class timetable is displayed, the user selects their class and then a paper ticket / receipt is printed from the kiosk. Divided into different categories, there is also a section for kids, to book ‘happy splash’ sessions. The self-service kiosk also acts as a marketing tool, using the Aspire brand identity within the design.

Key benefits include:

  • Shortened queues
  • Reduced number of staff needed
  • Easy to use for all members
  • Sped-up processes

Take a look at Protouch’s Queue Manager and our Aberdeen Sports Village case study to see how our kiosks solutions can make reception processes faster and more efficient.

Protouch Features In Airport Operator Magazine

Posted on by Tom Quarry

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.

How Are Interactive Kiosks Utilising Social Media?

Posted on by Tom Quarry

With the rise in social media, individuals and communities are using social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, as a platform to interact with others in sharing content across the Web. For businesses, this creates an ideal marketing opportunity for user-generated content to promote their brand online.

Photo Kiosks
Photo kiosks are being utilised at events, functions and venues to enable users to take photos and upload them to their social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. Placed in high volume locations, the kiosks are intended to encourage social interaction whilst acting as advertising for the brand. Sharing content online is becoming increasingly popular in the rise of social media networks.

Although we are now able to share photos via our Smartphones, kiosks provide physical points for sharing, which are more suitable for occasions and group shots. These kiosks invite consumers to share photos, interact with the brand and in turn, market for them to a wide online audience. The photos are liked, commented on and shared via the web, which spreads the brand message across the social networks. Some kiosk solutions are also using touch screen facilities so that users can edit their photos before sharing.

Benefits of linking kiosks to social networks:

  • Encourages social interaction
  • Invites consumers to interact with brand
  • Gives brand marketing opportunities
  • Maximises online presence
  • Spreads content broadly

Skype Stations
Recently, a European company have designed freestanding digital kiosks that facilitate video calls, which are ‘Skype stations’. These kiosks also serve as a marketing tool for deployers. These are being tested in airports as interactive ‘booths’ that users can engage with while waiting for a flight. The station incorporates an in-built webcam, interactive touch screen and speakers. Skype stations could take off with the deployment in alternative public locations.

Retail kiosks
Retail kiosks and digital signage solutions are also integrating social media to entice consumers and encourage user-generated content. Digital signage used in large retail spaces can provide live feeds and updates, also creating an opportunity for retailers to advertise promotions or campaigns. With links to social networking sites, people from the community are able to share their opinions, comments and photos within a public space. This benefits retailers as they can gain real life feedback and generate brand awareness.

Wayfinding kiosks
Within retail environments, social media interactivity is being utilised in wayfinding kiosks to drive traffic and provide a service. With the integration of Smartphones, shoppers are able to gain access to the shopping centre Facebook page and receive to directions that are emailed from the kiosk.

What?s In Store For The Kiosk Market In 2013?

Posted on by Tom Quarry

Highlights of the top kiosk trends for 2012

• Integration with iPads and tablets in retail kiosks
• Mobile kiosks
• Self-service healthcare
• DIY airport kiosks
• Photo kiosks and social media
• Vending kiosks

The forecast for last year told us that there would be movement towards self-service kiosks used in healthcare and a development in the integration of mobiles and tablets. Take a look at the predictions for the touch screen and kiosk market in 2013.

1. Restaurants and Self Service
In 2013, restaurant will jump on the bandwagon and invest in introducing new technology for a self-service food ordering system. A total of 44% of consumers would opt to use a self-service terminal and 40% would choose to use a Smartphone application to place a food order. As more restaurants utilise touch screen technology, consumers will become more accepting once they see improvements in service.

2. iPad and Tablet Trend
In 2012, the Apple iPad took the lead in the mobile devices market, however experts are predicting that the Microsoft Tablet, using Windows software, will be a strong contender in 2013. Tablet and iPad based kiosks have been sweeping the industry so far, and the kiosk market will be seeing continuing integration of kiosk and mobile applications. The developments in mobile devices and interactive screen will also advance digital signage further.

3. Kiosk Printers
With the emergence in Smartphone technology, the digital world is in competition with traditional applications. The market will develop so that kiosk printers and paper receipts become obsolete in the introduction of e-receipts. This would allow for reduced costs in the deployment of digital kiosks and also in the fact paper needs replenishing.

4. Photo Kiosks
Photo kiosks will be more widespread, more commonly being used in retail environments. Trends will move towards kiosks operating online to allow users to interact with social media sites, for example uploading photos to their Facebook. The market will also see photo kiosks converge with Smartphones and other mobile devices. In 2013, photo kiosks will be utilised as marketing tools in temporary promotional environments, such as events.