Redyref may be known for digital signage and interactive kiosks (in particular our enGAGE line), but with tablet kiosks coming of age as a mature technology, we have taken great care to ensure that we are able to offer a full range of these kiosk types as well. Over the next few weeks, we’ll discuss some key factors to consider when designing a tablet kiosk, from choosing a kiosk operating system (OS) to program deployment.
There are a few questions we hear frequently from our clients who are considering investing in tablet kiosks. One has to do with tablet operating systems -- which of the “big three” is most compatible with kiosk integration? The truth is that there are valid reasons to use each of them, but the number one most important factor to consider is the end-user. Who exactly will be using the tablet kiosk? How will they use it? So while the OS is important -- it must offer an outstanding user experience -- the type of tablet and operating system chosen (Android, iOS or Windows) shouldn’t be the first consideration. Understanding the user is the most critical step to explore, and that needs to happen before worrying about the OS.
If the user journey has already been fully mapped out, this is when it becomes more helpful to take a closer look at the different operating systems and the various pros and cons. Happily, there are excellent tablets out there that are able to deliver great content at just about every size and price point. This is another reason why it’s important to understand the end user’s goals for interacting with the tablet kiosk. For instance, while it may at first feel necessary to invest in the latest iPad (the iPad Pro starts at $799 -- not an easy number to swallow for most), if an oversized screen and extra graphics power aren’t required in order to effectively present your content to its intended audience, then you would do just as well with the original iPad air (which can be found as low as $299 for 16GB), saving $500 per installation. That’s the type of savings that adds up quickly, especially to smaller businesses.
REDYREF's range of fully integrated manufacturing solutions allows what is often a complex process to be handled completely in-house, from design to delivery. When combined with our industry-leading customer service, we make it easy for companies of all sizes to offer their customers the latest and best interactive kiosk experiences. Give us a call at (800) 628-3603 ext 525 or submit a request for proposal online and our team will be with you every step of the way.
Our last blog continued the discussion around self-service kiosks’ impact on the medical industry. This week, we’ll focus on how digital kiosks are creating efficiencies for both banks and their customers via modern ATMs that feature Automated Teller Assist (ATA) technology.
Ever run out to an ATM to get money for the babysitter, or the dog walker or the teenager down the street who mows your lawn, only to be incredibly irritated when you remember that it only dispenses $20 bills? And you don’t have change? Because no one uses physical money anymore? This is just one of many problems ATA-enabled ATMs solve. Starting with Bank of America in 2013, this new generation of automated teller machines includes a wide variety of impressive new features, including deposit splits between multiple accounts, the ability to make loan payments and deposit checks with cash back (and receive exact change!) and yes -- withdrawals will finally be made available in a variety of different denominations, including $1 and $5 bills. According to BOA executive Bassam Awadalla, "Half the transactions that occur at the bank are processed after hours...this is a way we're leveraging new technology to provide our clients with additional options and convenience."
While some of the technology found in ATAs (also called ITMs -- Interactive Teller Machines) has been around for a couple of years now, the latest upgrades are just starting to roll out in 2015. The biggest change is the inclusion of video chat that allows customers to speak to a live banking teller, who is located at a central customer service center. This makes it possible for customers to initiate and complete more complicated transactions than they otherwise would. While live teller assist is not currently available 24/7 (Bank of America’s remote tellers, for instance, are available 7 am to 10 pm weekdays and 8 am to 5 pm weekends), it’s not difficult to imagine a time in the near future when this type of service would be available around the clock.
While BOA is an example of a large financial institution integrating new technologies into self-service kiosks, these types of deployments are also rolling out in community banks, including credit unions. While smaller banks and CUs may not see the same economy of scale as a national bank from the standpoint of equipment upgrades, because they are localized with fewer branches to update, they are generally more nimble and will need to spend considerably less money overall in order to stay competitive with big banks.
Want to know what else the future of self-service kiosks holds? Keep following RedyRef to find out. Already know that you want to be a part of the automation movement? Our experts are available to assist organizations of all sizes; just give us a call at (800) 628-3603 ext 525 or submit a request for proposal online and our team will be with you every step of the way.
Last week, we began a discussion on the future of self-service kiosks. Much has been written about the topic, and consumers’ feelings about them certainly vary, but every indication still points to the fact that digital kiosks are here to stay. This means that the question isn’t if kiosks will be relevant; instead, it’s what the next wave of applications will be, and in what capacity are they most likely to be deployed.
Interestingly, one of the biggest markets for self-service kiosks is the medical industry. As Boomers age, it is becoming an accepted fact that there will be many more patients in need of care than there will be doctors available to treat them. Therefore, hospitals and medical facilities are looking for ways to more quickly move patients through the system, while reducing costs at the same time. An innovative way to make this happen is via self-service registration kiosks, which create efficiencies in several ways:First, they get rid of pen and paper forms, which are often redundant, and generally viewed by patients as inconvenient or a waste of time. Decreasing the amount of time required to fill out paperwork increases the chance that patients will matriculate to an exam or treatment room faster, allowing doctors to stay on schedule (keeping patients happy), and potentially see more patients per day, contributing to a healthier bottom line. Second, digital registration kiosks decrease the need for human labor. While there will most likely always be a need for front-desk associates to assist patients to some degree, that need will decrease greatly if manual entry and organization of patient information is no longer required. This leads to labor cost savings for both private practices and medical systems, which in turn frees up monetary resources that may be better allocated toward hiring additional clinicians. Third, electronic records, in particular those that are input directly by the patient, are more likely to be accurate than those entered by a third party. Records mistakes that are the result of hard-to-read handwriting, an incomplete understanding of the patient’s medical history or even just simple human error, can be dangerous for patients, and therefore costly to practitioners who use this information to diagnose, treat and prescribe. So what else is on tap for self-service kiosks? We invite you to follow RedyRef as we continue to explore the future of the industry over the coming weeks. Already know that you want to take the plunge into high-tech kiosk deployment? RedyRef’s experts are available to assist organizations of all sizes; just give us a call at (800) 628-3603 ext 525 or submit a request for proposal online and our team will be with you every step of the way.
Ask any ten people how they feel about self-service kiosks, and you’re likely to get a range of answers. Some of this depends on the age of the consumer -- Millennials are far more likely to have a favorable impression of them than Boomers, for instance -- but other factors are important as well, such as the type of kiosk and the environment in which it has been installed.
However, while potential users’ feelings toward self-service kiosks may vary, one thing is certain: they are not about to lose momentum any time soon. This means that the real question isn’t if kiosks will play important roles in transactional and service environments; it is, instead, where and when. If recent trends continue, the truth may very well be that digital kiosks will be able to find a place in almost any industry where human interaction often hinders the process (via a combination of inefficiency or inaccuracy) more than it helps -- especially if the real costs of the human resources are, in the long run, higher than that of the machine.
Also important to note is that as the market for digital kiosks broadens, often into unexpected areas -- as they have during the COVID-19 epidemic -- the technologies being incorporated into them are becoming increasingly high tech in order to take full advantage of the range of opportunities for their deployment, e.g. temperature scanning and building access control. Rather than simple barcode scanners or limited touch screens, we’re now seeing biometric integrations, high-resolution displays and touchscreens with pressure-sensitive capabilities.
Some of this is the result of demand for additional security during financial transactions, but it is also due to the unique needs of some kiosks, such as those dispensing expensive items or controlled substances. On the flip side, because self-service kiosks are more common than ever before, it means that pricing continues to fall, making less complex machines more accessible to smaller companies. Small businesses may not need biometric-enabled kiosks, but they certainly stand to benefit from some of the more basic technologies available, especially as the minimum wage continues to rise.
Excited to get a glimpse of what’s next for self-service kiosks? Us, too. We invite you to follow RedyRef over the next few weeks as we explore the future of the industry. For those who already know they want to take the plunge into high-tech kiosk deployment, RedyRef’s experts are available to assist companies of all sizes; just give us a call at (800) 628-3603 ext 525 or submit a request for proposal online and our team will be with you every step of the way.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
RedyRef Interactive Kiosks launches the enGAGE™ line of standard kiosks that can be used as it exists or be semi-customized to meet the component requirements of any kiosk application.
Riverdale, New Jersey. – March 5, 2015 – RedyRef, a turn-key self-service kiosk solution provider announced that they have launched the enGAGE™ line of standard kiosks which features over a dozen different styles for kiosk deployers to utilize as the basic platform of their kiosk requirement. The platform can be used as it exists or be semi-customized to meet the component requirements of any kiosk application.
Platform Approach - It is simple, the enGAGE™ line is built on a standard frame concept that was devised on the idea that retail sells real estate by the square foot. Each enGAGE™ is designed on a frame system that is standardized by the foot –12”, 24” 36”, 48” and so on, so that the footprint easily fits within the parameters of retail space allocations. And, of course, since the enGAGE™ is a frame system, it can easily be customized to other sizes if needed to meet the component requirements of the kiosk component array.
Customizable Skins - The next part of the modularity of the design is in the fact that the metal cabinets, that we call skins, are mounted/hung from the frames, which are also completely customizable to the needs of the sizes of the components that they house.
Branding Platform - Finally, the skins are not only customizable but also they make for a great branding platform for graphics and decals that complete the holistic intentions of the enGAGE™ modular design. Best of all, the design allows us to meet the needs of your brand and performance while managing cost and speed to the market. Additional benefits include the ability to choose from a variety of monitor sizes to fit your needs, optional custom vinyl-wrapped graphics to further strengthen your brand, the possibility of having a branded header on the kiosk, and extensive equipment options.
Software Solutions - As with all of our kiosks, we provide cutting-edge kiosk software that can suit the needs of your company whether you need an electronic directory, interactive way-finding program, digital signage and much more!
The enGAGE™ kiosk can seamlessly blend into any environment and we have the capabilities to make custom modifications on standard kiosk units to fit the specified requirements of your project. Your business could benefit from a kiosk whether you work in an office, hospital, university, hotel, airport, courthouse, convention center, shopping mall and more. The versatile options can give you stand-alone variations, wall mounted, desk mounted and custom mounted applications so it can virtually work in any given space.
About Redyref
Established 101 years ago, RedyRef Interactive Kiosks is a complete vertically integrated kiosk organization with in-house design engineering, metal fabrication, powder coating, electrical engineering and integration, software development, installation and on-going maintenance solutions to meet your self-service kiosk needs. RedyRef truly offers you a one-stop Self-Service Kiosk solution. Learn more at: www.redyref.com
Contact:
Will Pymm
[email protected]
www.redyref.com
Ph: (800) 628-3603 Ext #519
At REDYREF, we know that building a successful interactive kiosk requires the consideration of many factors, including kiosk size, design, and software. This can make the process of planning and overseeing the construction of an interactive kiosk seem somewhat overwhelming; however, we've taken care to ensure that building a digital kiosk is as simple as possible for our customers. We know that when a kiosk can be easily customized, branded, and fitted to specific uses, both companies and their customers are more highly satisfied.
Interactive kiosk customization is one of the primary ways we've made the building process easier for customers. REDYREF interactive kiosk design features can be customized in a number of ways to better meet customer objectives; these features include monitors, security cameras, printers, dispensers, speakers, card readers, and signature pads. Our customers can also customize their kiosks to be wireless, accept currency, include biometric scanners, and feature dual monitors. With such a variety of advanced customizable features, our kiosks are able to offer customers exactly what they're looking for. Additionally, we can work one-on-one with customers to make recommendations, review features, and guarantee kiosks are properly customized.
Effective branding is an integral component for the success of any business, and that's why we've made it easier for our customers to increase their brand recognition with custom exterior designs. Our enGAGE kiosks are available with skins that can be custom-designed to reflect your company's name, logo, and corporate colors to ensure that your kiosk markets your brand more effectively. Our enGAGE line of kiosks can also enhance aesthetics through its ability to modify the standard structural design to best suit a particular environment; kiosks can stand alone, be mounted on walls and desks, or be custom mounted to other surfaces. Our kiosks can also be customized to any desired size.
Creating a kiosk is also made easier with comprehensive service. When customers have a knowledgeable partner to walk them through the building process step by step, the end result is a product that optimally fits their needs. At REDYREF our experts work with customers to plan out initial concept details, discuss and select specific design features, and create a realistic rendering via CAD software. After we receive your approval, we'll then develop a prototype in our own facilities, which allows both our engineers and our customers to make final adjustments and troubleshoot any construction issues. All prototypes can be thoroughly tested by our customers, who have the ability to make further adjustments. From there, we'll construct, ship, and professionally install all of your kiosks and their interactive software. In short, with comprehensive service, customers receive professional guidance from start to finish.
Some interactive kiosk designs are optimally suited for certain environments; customers in need of kiosks for these niche locations will find kiosk creation easy with REDYREF's specific venue solutions. For example, our interactive mall kiosks are equipped with software that features building directories and navigation tools to help shoppers easily identify the location of their intended destination. These mall kiosks can also feature store advertisements, mall announcements, and as with our other kiosks, feature customizable color and size for effortless integration into a mall's existing aesthetic.
Our tablet kiosks are also ideal for hotels and businesses, as they offer elevated interactivity, increased efficiency, and a reduction of overhead sales costs. They also improve the user experience by allowing users to explore a business's offering on their own. The iPad kiosk's compact stature also makes it highly versatile for positioning in any space.
Ready to build your next interactive kiosk? Contact us for a free kiosk project review today!