How do you overcome the challenges of installing kiosks outdoors?
Many companies have begun using kiosks for their self-service processes. These outdoor kiosks act as the perfect touchscreen interfaces that help companies and businesses deliver their self-service operations directly to the people. However, the current trend has seen these kiosks begin to be placed outside rather than putting them inside, as has been the tradition for a majority of Kiosks. Having outside kiosks has an advantage, and it does come with various issues for the organisations, businesses, and consumers.
The uses for outdoor kiosks
There are so many uses for outdoor kiosks. These include, but are not limited to:
1. Wayfinding
Business and organisations can use the kiosks to help assist their customers to navigate their way to their destinations. Using the kiosks for wayfinding solutions is used in airports, hotel businesses, and city centre companies. Visitors can use the booth to help them book their transportation, make hotel reservations, and learn more about local events and restaurants.
2. Ticketing
Ticketing kiosks are useful in as they allow customers to get their tickets instantly. These kiosks work well especially for companies that deal with the promotion of concerts and other ticketed events.
The self-service ticketing kiosks act as a consumer-facing point of sale. The allocation of such tasks to the stalls allows companies to focus on more pressing jobs. The components of such a kiosk generally include an optical scanner, digital printer, pin pad, and a chip reader.
3. Parking management
Parking management kiosks help businesses and organisations keep track of unoccupied and occupied parking spaces in their car park. They also act a simple solution for drivers looking for their cars. These kiosks use components such as thermal printers, web cameras, and unattended payment devices.
4. Check-in
Organisations that hold meetings frequently can make use of a kiosk for their security check-ins. A check-in kiosk gives guests the chance to sign in for events and meetings conveniently. The check-in kiosks usually scan your guests’ IDs; capture their photos, print pass badges among other things. These devices tend to use biometric sensors, cameras and badge printers.
5. Digital signage
Organisations and businesses can take advantage of outdoor kiosks to place their signs on them. The use of a kiosk as digital signage gives companies the opportunity to reach their market audience. A digital signage kiosk is more accessible than standard signage. The components for such a booth are web cameras, printers, and a VoIP phone for users to call.
The issues with outdoor kiosks
Despite the many uses of the kiosks, they don’t come without their issues. Some of the issues businesses can experience by using these kiosks include the following.
1. Theft
Since these kiosks are located outside; there is a great risk of vandalism and theft. Dealing with theft especially of the components found inside the kiosks can be hard for any organisations. Therefore, to prevent theft cases and the tampering of data in the kiosks, companies put in place various safety measure that ensures their kiosks and data are safe.
2. Environmental factors
A majority of kiosks are not built to withstand the outdoor weather conditions. Some of the weather conditions like rain or snow can lead to the loss of equipment and revenue in the kiosks. However, to prevent such a massive loss, kiosks come properly sealed to prevent water, smoke, or dust from passing through. There is also the risk of increase in temperature, which can also cause damage to the kiosk.
To help prevent damage due to an increase in temperature, the kiosks come with built-in air conditioners that cool the kiosks in case temperatures increase.
3. External and internal damage
When businesses install kiosks outside, they are at the mercy of the elements. This can cause external and internal damage to the kiosk. To prevent this, kiosks come with stable mounting cement cable to hold it in place. The wires keep the kiosk from banging, shaking, or vibrating which can damage the internal components of the kiosk.
If you’re looking for an kiosk solution designed to meet the challenges of outdoor use, get in touch with our experts for a consultation.
