Pro-Touch

Tag: Kiosks

Using Kiosks To Improve Security

Posted on by Tom Quarry

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?

Posted on by Tom Quarry

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.

How Can Digital Kiosks Improve Healthcare Services?

Posted on by Tom Quarry

With healthcare in the media limelight and always under scrutiny, there is increasing emphasis on the need to augment services and improve the patient experience. Hospitals are utilising the latest technology to maximise the delivery of local health care. Self-service kiosks are being used to simplify basic services, like registering on arrival and picking up repeat prescriptions.

The NHS Dumfries Infirmary has recently had six digital kiosks installed to assist with the check in process. Patients can automatically check in by swiping their appointment letter over the touch screen. The kiosks allow NHS staff to ensure a streamlined process, by managing this time consuming aspect. With the kiosk technology available in a reception, the issue of privacy is also tackled, as patients do not have to verbalise their details over the desk. Graham Gault, head of IT with NHS Dumfries and Galloway, explained that the kiosks “provide a more streamlined, efficient service for patients.” (BBC, 2012)

Automated kiosks can benefit hospitals with functions such as:

  • Wayfinding
  • Patient check in/check out
  • Patient communication
  • Information points
  • Digital signage
  • Translation

As well as satisfying the patients, the hospitals are also hugely benefitting from the introduction of digital kiosks in the healthcare system. For example, the technology allows for accuracy of data information and reduces the risk of error. Kiosks used in the healthcare industry can also help minimise the amount of paperwork involved with each patient. A report has shown that patients and administrators spend over 110 millions hours a year on paperwork.  Having kiosks reduces wasted time, allowing staff to focus on more important tasks and enabling the patient to come first.

Check out our NHS case study, which explains how Protouch introduced the queue management kiosk in Nottingham University Hospital to reduce waiting time and improve organisation.

Automated Reception Kiosks At The BBC Worldwide Showcase

Posted on by Tom Quarry

With the emergence in touch screen technology, users are becoming more accepting of the notion of a self-service culture. Touch screen kiosk solutions are being utilised within businesses and organisations to maximise resources and streamline processes.

The BBC has recently invested in launching automated reception kiosks. Their main purpose is to provide a point where visitors are able to register their arrival with ease and simplicity. Whilst they still have the chance to interact with a receptionist in person, the reception kiosks offer an interactive, self-service option that enhances the user experience. With the integration of software, the kiosk is able to create a log of visits.

Key features include:

  • Touch screen sign-in
  • Motion sensor to trigger display
  • Webcam takes photo of visitor
  • Prints visitor pass with photo
  • Information storage

Twelve reception kiosks also featured at the BBC Worldwide Showcase Liverpool 2012, which were established to enable visitors to sign in upon arrival. As first impressions are vital, the kiosks were designed to be aesthetically pleasing and adapt to the contemporary space. Having twelve applications available means that the kiosks are able to deal with a large volume of visitors, thus, crowding and queues can be minimised. The kiosks received positive feedback in that a large proportion of the visitors used them and were satisfied with the service they provided.

Key benefits include:

  • Reduced queuing times
  • Sped-up process
  • Less receptionists needed
  • Handles large volume of visitors at one time
  • Allows visitors to interact with event

See how Protouch Solutions can offer your business similar benefits. For example, take a look at our NHS case study, where we installed a queue management kiosk in Nottingham University Hospital.