Yes, there are dental whitening kiosks, often found in shopping malls. These kiosks offer teeth whitening services at a lower cost compared to professional dental treatments, typically ranging from $50 to $100 per session.
However, it’s important to note that these kiosks are not always supervised by dental professionals. The whitening agents used can be quite strong, which may increase the risk of gum irritation or tooth sensitivity. For safety reasons, some experts recommend having teeth whitening procedures done under the supervision of a dentist.
Have you ever tried teeth whitening before, or are you considering it for the first time?
The 7th annual comprehensive benchmark report of 100 U.S. merchants’ digital gift card offerings across 135+ criteria is here.
Conducted by NAPCO Research in partnership with Blackhawk Network (BHN)—a gift card pioneer and global industry leader—this report is packed with actionable insights and other information you can use to improve your gift card program right now, including:
• The many benefits of an effective gift card program
• Insights into what the nation’s top merchants are doing
• What to look for in your own program (or to include in your new program)
digital gift card exchange
For the seventh consecutive year, NAPCO Research and Blackhawk Network (BHN) have collaborated to produce their market-leading report on the gift card industry. This in-depth, comprehensive benchmark study offers readers the following
• A thorough assessment of 100 U.S. merchants’ e-commerce gift card programs, including the purchaser and recipient experience for both digital and physical cards of the brands’ own gift card, based upon 135 unique criteria;
• Best practices that can be implemented within your own company’s gift card program;
• Benchmark data to compare the performance of your own gift card program vs. direct competitors and the industry at large; and
• The opportunity to learn about new and innovative approaches to optimize gift card performance.
Tap Into Gift Cards for Major Revenue Potential
The U.S. gift card market is forecasted to produce a CAGR +6% during 2024-2028, reaching a value of $267.3 billion by 2028
. In addition, digital gift cards are expected to record a CAGR of +8% during 2024-2028, reaching $115.3 billion by 2028. Digital gift cards are forecasted to account for nearly 43% of total gift card spending by 2028.
Furthermore, gift cards were the No. 1 most requested gift for the 2023 holiday season, marking the 17th consecutive year it has been atop consumers’ holiday wish lists2. Total gift card spending was expected to reach $29.3 billion for the 2023 holiday season, up from $28.6 billion in 2022, with the top card categories forecasted to be restaurant (30%), bank-issued (26%) and department store (26%).
With this data in mind, merchants should be seeking to capitalize on growing consumer demand for gift cards by optimizing their programs for success. That includes catering to the wants and needs of multiple types of gift card purchasers (e.g., gift-givers, self-use buyers, bulk business buyers) and recipients (e.g., gift recipients, customers receiving refunds, reward and returns recipients). To help them do that, this report contains best practices and real-world examples from merchants’ gift card programs that can be implemented by all.
What’s New This Year
1. A customer loyalty trend synopsis, including actionable tips for integrating loyalty and gift card programs.
2. New verticals were added to the benchmark assessment, including entertainment, gaming, online services, and travel.
3. Scoring broken out by brand-only gift card programs as well as those that sell gift cards from multiple brands (i.e., gift card mall).
eBook: 2024 Could Be a Shockingly Normal Year for Gift Cards
U.S. shopper attitudes toward gift cards
After so many years of economic confusion and anxiety, how do shoppers across the U.S. feel about gift cards in 2024? How will they buy them, how many will they buy and how will they use them?
More importantly, how will all this affect the way you manage your gift card program?
BHN commissioned a global study of shoppers in 23 countries to provide insights meant to help brands meet customers with empathy and understanding. Making this connection will help you build customer loyalty and deliver business growth during these (still) uncertain economic times.
When you download this eBook of our U.S. findings, you’ll get answers to the following:
Are today’s shoppers buying more digital gift cards than last year?
Are they buying more gift cards overall or less?
Which group is buying more gift cards waiting in line at checkout?
How much do gift card recipients spend beyond the card’s value?
And much more
eBook— Fraud Report 2024: The state of gift card fraud
Download our new eBook, Fraud Report 2024: The state of gift card fraud.
As you know, gift card fraud affects merchants and customers alike. As gift card pioneer and global industry leader, we are right there with you. In fact, that’s one reason BHN continues to innovate and invest heavily in fraud prevention.
When shoppers purchase a gift card and send it to someone they love, they trust that gift is going to work. Unfortunately, fraud continues to be an area of focus across the payments industry, and this includes gift cards. Armed with a wealth of knowledge and experience from our expansive network, BHN is determined to maintain—and increase—the trust shoppers put in us and our merchant partners.
This new report combines new research and BHN insights to inform you on the latest challenges, trends and solutions regarding gift card fraud, including:
The rise of gift card fraud reporting
How BHN (and BHN Protect™) has been able to reduce fraud-related disputes on our managed content
Why consumers usually share their fraud experiences with others
How consumers contact customer care (and cost you money)
Types of fraud experienced
Fraud prevention tips from Homeland Security Investigations
This is a look at Walmart Self Checkout thru the lens of NCR who is the primary provider of SCOs and the service and maintenance. We see Walmart trending towards using its own SCO design and “moving away” from NCR. Obviously Walmart is NCRs biggest client for hardware, software and services. Having spent time in the NCR headquarters at Bentonville, we were given an inside view of the operation which for NCR has historically been massive, and a huge source of revenue.
Time to take another look as one the journals is looking for data.
Question: Could you tell me, or tell me where to find, the number of self-checkout machines/terminals currently being deployed by retailers in the U.S. for a story I’m writing?
Answer:
A reasonable “estimated total” for 80% of US is over 200,000? Figure hw/service/support at 20K a unit and its a 4 billion dollar industry for the Fujitsu, NCRs, Toshiba, etc of the world.
Do Amazon hubs and USPS self-pickup count? Whole bunch of other numbers.
Number of SCO Self-Checkout units in US aka Walmart Self Checkout
Here are the number of stores for some of the top retailers in the United States per copilot with number of estimated SCO per store in brackets:
Walmart: There are 4,618 Walmart stores in the United States as of April 15, 2024 [10]
Amazon: The number of Amazon stores in the United States reached 528 in 2020 [5]
Costco Wholesale: There are 606 Costco stores in the United States as of March 19, 2024 [10]
The Home Depot: As of the end of the fiscal year 2023, The Home Depot had a total of 2,015 stores in operation throughout the United States [5]
The Kroger Co.: As of the end of 2023, The Kroger Co. had a total of 9,395 stores [10]
Walgreens Boots Alliance: Walgreens Boots Alliance operates close to 10,000 stores throughout the United States [1]
Target: As of February 3, 2024, Target had a total of 1,956 stores open throughout the United States [8]
CVS Health Corporation: As of the end of 2023, CVS Health Corporation had a total of 9,395 stores
Lowe’s Companies: As of January 28, 2022, Lowe’s Companies had a total of 1,737 stores in the United States [6]
Albertsons Companies: As of the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, Albertsons Companies had 2,253 stores [5]
The true number is well north of 300K is my guess
Seems to be an “audience grabber” for many media outlets (Forbes e.g.) beating up on self-checkout. Maybe that tone gets them more eyeballs and clicks (and more ad dollars). Used to be truth and accuracy in journalism was bigger than the national enquirer/globe type panderings. I’m 70 so I remember some of the good old days.
Self-checkout only gets bigger and bigger. Easier to spend more money, and faster. Used to have clerks handling dollar bills. Now it’s NFC and facial (low friction)
Biggest problem with SCOs and retailers is that too often they overweight their checkout mix of SCO-versus-Clerk. Too many SCOs and not enough clerks is a problem. Generally 4-to-1 SCO versus clerk and often higher.
Costco has the best SCOs. Those are “attended” self-checkouts and the employee does all the work in your cart scanning.
The numbers seem to be holding for 2024 as they did in 2023.
In this report – 190K were shipped in 2022 and NCR had 1/3 of the shipments. This means that NCR shipped almost 63K units. You can figure that 2/3 of those were to the US or about 40K.
So in the last three years.. NCR has shipped over 100K in the US.
Let’s look at it a different way… Let’s assume that NCR has held a 30% ship share for the last 5 years. AND you use 190K (which is high) but you assume that only 50% are installed in the US (which is low).
If you just do 30% for the last 5 years you are at 285,000 units of NCR installed.
“Coinstar, in partnership with Coinme, has launched a pilot that allows its customers to use cash to purchase bitcoin,” Walmart communications director Molly Blakeman said. “There are 200 Coinstar kiosks located inside Walmart stores across the United States that are part of this pilot.”
Coinstar kiosk
Walmart shoppers who buy bitcoin at the Coinstar kiosks will be given a voucher that they must then redeem for bitcoin on Coinme — each bitcoin purchase carries a total of 11% in fees: transaction fee of 4% and a cash exchange fee of 7%, according to Coinstar. Fees to buy bitcoin vary by exchange, but at the cryptocurrency exchange undefined, for example, there’s a 2.49% transaction fee to buy bitcoin.
Ironically, Walmart shoppers cannot use U.S. coins to make bitcoin purchases at Coinstar machines — only paper money.
Coinstar LLC, a provider of self-service coin counting kiosks, will install Coinstar kiosks at 100 Mountain America Credit Union locations in six states, according to a press release.
Coinstar kiosks in branches will allow members to convert their coins to cash or directly deposit into their account.
“After a successful pilot, we are excited to roll out Coinstar kiosks at our branch locations,” Erik Finch, senior vice president, chief data and strategy officer at Mountain America, said in the release. “The pilot results showed improved operational and teller labor savings, as well as an improved experience for both staff and members. In addition, we look forward to offering coin-to-deposit functionality to provide members with the ability to automatically deposit their coin balance directly into their accounts.”
Coinstar Kiosks Provides Multiple Benefits to Credit Unions
Kiosks are serviced and maintained by Coinstar.
Implementation does not require any service contracts or capital investment.
Coin is picked up and handled by Coinstar; credit union employees don’t have to count, bag, or handle heavy coin bins or bags.
Coinstar kiosks are networked to ensure optimal uptime and reporting.
Coinstar is easy to use, highly accurate, and a trusted consumer coin-counting brand.
KioWare Launches New Website: User-Friendly Features With A Fresh Look And Feel – Kiosk Software Secure Browser Kiosk Mode
September 17 th , 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—KioWare, the leading secure browser and lockdown, is pleased to announce the official aunch of its redesigned website, marking an important milestone in its ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service to the self-service kiosk industry. The redesigned website represents the first step in a series of planned updates to improve how KioWare users interact with KioWare products and services.
The enhancements implemented in this phase are a direct response to customer feedback and the evolving needs of the industry.
secure browser lockdown
Enhanced Design and Interface
The website’s product layout and user interface have been refreshed, presenting a modern, visually appealing look and feel. This update, importantly, also simplifies navigation, allowing users to find information and resources with fewer clicks.
Improved Purchasing Process
To provide the best customer service from the start, KioWare’s online shopping experience has been refined to offer a more streamlined, user-friendly system. Users can easily access the products they need and check out, quickly and efficiently. International customers will also now see prices in their currency.
New Software Subscription Options
Choose your software subscriptions directly through our website for added convenience.
KioWare OS for Linux and Android
In addition to Light, Basic, and Enterprise level software, KioWare’s award-winning, secure software is now also available for Android, Windows, Chrome OS, and Linux. KioWare OS for Linux is now available for purchase directly from the website. This addition illustrates KioWare’s commitment to serving a diverse range of platforms and meeting the needs of their extensive customer list, spanning across different operating systems.
“This redesign marks a substantial step forward for KioWare as we continue to evolve and grow. Our goal has always been to provide our customers with the best possible experience: the new website and its upgraded features are a testament to that,” said Jim Kruper, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at KioWare. “We are confident that these updates will position KioWare for continued growth in the self-service industry.”
Behind the Scenes
The successful launch of the website results from extensive collaboration and effort across multiple teams. The design process, led by Amy Brancato, Senior Graphic Designer, was pivotal in bringing that vision to life. “We focused on making the design both engaging and functional, emphasizing ease of use. It was a true team effort. I’m grateful to the team and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished,” Amy shared.
A Word of Thanks
KioWare extends its sincere gratitude to all of its customers for their ongoing support. It is their trust in KioWare that drives us to innovate and push the boundaries of what we can offer. We believe this new website will not only enhance your experience with KioWare but also reinforce our commitment to delivering our exceptional products to the self-service kiosk industry.
KioWare, located in York, Pennsylvania, is a worldwide market leader in self-service kiosk and purposed device markets. KioWare is kiosk system software that kiosk applications are built on and is used in over 16,000 projects in over 140 countries with project deployments that range from a handful to many thousands of kiosks.
Many restaurants in the industry begin their self-service technology journey with a pole-mounted tablet solution.
However, these solutions don’t significantly disrupt consumer behaviors to increase ticket size and ROI. Additionally, they break down easily, the entire unit has to be replaced when this happens, and this solution is often scrapped in order to deploy a new product set at significant additional cost. Below we have outlined just a few of the benefits of our large-screen solutions, with durable commercial-grade components, the ability to update and repair individual units thanks to our modular design, and more. Plus, all of our product footprints can be adjusted to fit any size and space while still leading to greater ROI than other smaller screen solutions. It’s time to discover the ZIVELO difference, and rely on our experience successfully deploying thousands of kiosks to the top QSR’s in the nation. Are you ready to work with the best?
Over the holidays, the news highlighted the growth of retail sales (+5.2%) and specifically online sales growth (+18%), and rightfully so. But what is often buried in the headlines is the area of the greatest growth in retail – Buy Online and Pickup in Store (BOPIS) which was up by over 46% for the holidays. 1 The BOPIS experience is the focus of this collaborative research effort from Secret Shopper and IHL Group.
Between October and December of 2018, we sent 300 secret shoppers to research the BOPIS process for 10 top retailers across the US.
Introduction
The data we share here is both a current ranking of the retailers by experience, as well as a state of the industry – demonstrating where consumers are pleased with the BOPIS process and where things are falling short. It is important to note, the research here does not focus on a process that is prevalent among grocery stores, where products are delivered to a vehicle. Instead, it specifically examines BOPIS experiences where the consumer buys the product online, but must come into the physical store to pick up the items.
LOS ANGELES, Calif., Aug. 14, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Olea Kiosks®, Inc. is excited to announce the launch of its latest advancement in healthcare technology, the Chicago Healthcare Check-In Kiosk. This innovative and inclusive solution offers a sleek, modern ADA-compliant design, elevating the user experience for all.
Photo caption: Olea Kiosks Unveils its Chicago Healthcare Check-In Kiosk.
One of the standout features of the Chicago is its commitment to accessibility. This new design includes an offset monitor to provide easier wheelchair access and a tilt bracket to assist people of all heights. For those with low vision, the unit includes the thoughtful integration of an Audio Nav system and a keyboard to improve the user experience.
“This new design is the result of conversations with many healthcare companies that are all trying to figure out how to implement self-service properly. We wanted to ensure it addressed ADA, but not just for the sake of checking boxes, but making it user-friendly and comfortable for all users,” explained Frank Olea, CEO.
“We also wanted to offer facial recognition as part of the standard product because that requirement is coming soon, so we incorporated the camera and the tilt bracket to ensure the picture can be taken properly regardless of height. You’re juggling HIPPA and several requirements into one design so we’re proud to deliver a kiosk that is better designed and includes more features and is better value than what’s on the market today,” added Olea.
The Chicago is available in three form factors: a Height-Adjustable, Freestanding and Desktop.
By streamlining the check-in process, healthcare providers can reduce wait times, optimize staff efficiency, and ultimately enhance patient satisfaction.
A first-customer deployment of the Chicago kiosk is anticipated to be operational by the end of October.
About Olea Kiosks, Inc.:
Olea Kiosks® Inc., is a self-service kiosk solution provider for government, healthcare, hospitality, travel, and entertainment. Its technologically advanced, in-house manufacturing, design, and innovation have made it an industry leader. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, customers include Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Geisinger, Greyhound, Johns Hopkins, Kaiser Permanente, SmarteCarte, Subway Sandwiches, and Universal Studios. Olea Kiosks can be found wherever high-volume authentications and transactions are required, including 50+ major airports, amusement parks, and premier stadiums across all 5 major US sports leagues.
This is our August update for AI and Restaurants. News, rumors, regulatory updates and resource links (vetted).
One of the drawbacks to avatars in the past has been the sometimes crude representations of real people, to the point of, at times, introducing the “creepy” element. That seemed to be the missing piece to avatars. It reminds me of holographic generators and how they are really only effective at one viewing angle. Perhaps an AI-infused generator is being worked on?
Avatars can be created and nowadays using NVIDIA technology they are very realistic. The cover image is for Maxine. Very realistic, and she speaks 20 languages, on the fly. Might come in handy at tourist locations if nothing else.
Customer-facing includes call-in systems. Dominos is trying out AI assist on call-in-orders by customers.
Do Chat-Bots use Avatars? Yes, those are coming in form of personas thanks to Meta. The report indicates that Meta chatbots will take on different “voice” personas, including one that advises users on travel plans in the style of a surfer and another that speaks like Abraham Lincoln. Again, I would not mind calling into Popeyes for some chicken fingers and having Foghorn Leghorn take my order….
The newest iteration of visual avatars is using existing “personalities” and animating them. Imagine Mickey Mouse as an AI-powered restaurant guru with a side of wayfinding at Disney in Orlando (they have 35 restaurants there scattered all over the place). Las Vegas has 10,000 restaurants.
Cartoon characters repurposed as corporate mascots are another.
Hard to Believe Department aka Not the Best Idea — It does pay to be careful with avatars. Rax restaurants tried one and it literally put them out of business. What the agency came up with was Mr. Delicious, a creepy, aging divorcee who picks his teeth and talks about vacationing with young friends, an apparent anger management problem, and getting a vasectomy(?)— in a fast food ad! Not surprisingly, several months after the commercial aired, Rax filed for bankruptcy.
Rumors
A -as-yet-unannounced “deal” — super major QSR with the animation of their existing cartoon mascot. It would be used at drive-thrus, kiosks in-store and mobile phone ordering. Wish I could say more. The company has thousands of stores.
Here are the links and info that we have found useful recently. We are fairly harsh critics of content and especially data market reports so we do not provide this list lightly.
DATA
Disneyland — Disneyland has a total of 65 restaurants, including quick-service, table-service, and character dining. Here is a breakdown of the different types of restaurants at Disneyland:
Quick-service restaurants: These restaurants offer quick and easy meals, such as burgers, pizza, and chicken nuggets. There are 38 quick-service restaurants at Disneyland.
Table-service restaurants: These restaurants offer more formal dining experiences, with tablecloths, table service, and a wider variety of menu items. There are 23 table-service restaurants at Disneyland.
Character dining: These restaurants offer a chance to meet and greet Disney characters while you eat. There are four character dining restaurants at Disneyland.
Las Vegas — There are over 10,000 restaurants in Las Vegas, making it one of the most restaurant-dense cities in the world. This number includes everything from casual dining spots to fine-dining establishments, and from national chains to locally-owned businesses.
Here are some of the most popular types of restaurants in Las Vegas:
Steakhouses: Las Vegas is home to some of the best steakhouses in the world, including Morton’s Steakhouse, The Palm, and Bern’s Steak House.
Buffets: Las Vegas is also known for its buffets, which offer a wide variety of food from all over the world. Some of the most popular buffets include Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace, Wicked Spoon at Cosmopolitan, and The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas.
Asian restaurants: Las Vegas has a large Asian population, and this is reflected in the city’s diverse Asian food scene. Some of the most popular Asian restaurants in Las Vegas include The Peppermill, Raku, and Tao.
Casino restaurants: Many of the casinos in Las Vegas have restaurants that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These restaurants are a great option for people who are looking for a quick and easy meal, or for people who are staying up late and want to grab a bite to eat.
Empowering the Customer — Self-service technology empowers consumers by placing control in their hands.
Upselling and Cross-Selling Opportunities — One of the most significant advantages of consumer-centric self-service is its ability to foster customer loyalty. When individuals experience hassle-free, convenient interactions with a brand, they are more likely to return.
Staying Competitive — In today’s competitive business landscape, staying ahead is crucial. Companies that embrace consumer-centric self-service technologies position themselves as industry leaders.
The Kiosk Industry Group: Powering Self-Service Innovation — The Kiosk Industry Group operates as a dynamic cooperative entity within the self-service kiosk sector, offering a platform for collective perspectives, notably guided by the editor
Conclusion — The consumer-driven shift towards self-service options is a powerful force shaping modern business strategies. By prioritizing customer convenience, businesses can tap into the immense potential for increased profitability.
Excerpt
From a business perspective, the adoption of self-service solutions offers tangible benefits. These technologies streamline operations by reducing the workload on human staff, freeing them to focus on more complex tasks and customer interactions that require a personal touch. This results in lower labor costs and increased operational efficiency. Additionally, self-service kiosks and apps can collect valuable data on customer behavior and preferences, allowing businesses to fine-tune their offerings and marketing strategies.
An accomplished content maestro and ASO (App Store Optimization), with a rich tapestry of experience spanning over 5 years. Fueled by an unyielding passion for crafting captivating marketing content, she is a driving force behind the implementation of highly effective strategies that elevate app visibility and ignite robust growth in the dynamic digital landscape.
We welcome Tech For All Consulting to the Kiosk Manufacturer Association. Tech for All is also now a member of the KMA Accessibility Committee.
Our Story
For over fifteen years, our international accessibility and universal design consulting firm has served small companies, Fortune 500 corporations, educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations representing people with disabilities. Tech for All’s sole mission is to help its clients successfully address the challenges of making their products, services, websites, kiosks, and mobile apps accessible for all, including people with disabilities.
TFA seeks to be your Accessibility Partner. We will work with your organization to craft practical and effective solutions for the accessibility challenges you face. TFA offers a broad range of accessibility support services including training, planning, evaluation, remediation, implementation, and monitoring.
The TFA Logo
The greater than or equal to symbol is represented in the Tech for All logo and signifies our mission to help our clients provide equivalent or greater access to technology for people with disabilities.
Leadership
At the heart of TFA’s practice are the exceptionally talented, skilled, and experienced consultants who develop accessibility solutions and support successful implementation. Many of TFA’s experts are living with disabilities themselves. Each of TFA’s project teams includes seasoned consultants who bring specialized knowledge, capabilities, and solid experience to the task at hand.
Caesar Eghtesadi, PhD
Caesar founded Tech for All in 2001 after leading the development of the Universal Access Copier System, the world’s first voice-activated, large-scale office equipment product that was accessible and usable by people with disabilities. Caesar has led over 200 successful consulting engagements for diverse clients. He has been a major contributor to several projects for the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).
Malware locks Google Chrome in kiosk mode until you enter your password
New situation where hackers use kiosk mode to gain credentials. Bleeping Computer first reported. Excerpt — A malware campaign uses the unusual method of locking users in their browser’s kiosk mode to annoy them into entering their Google credentials, which are then stolen by information-stealing malware.
Specifically, the malware “locks” the user’s browser on Google’s login page with no obvious way to close the window, as the malware also blocks the “ESC” and “F11” keyboard keys. The goal is to frustrate the user enough that they enter and save their Google credentials in the browser to “unlock” the computer.
Once credentials are saved, the StealC information-stealing malware steals them from the credential store and sends them back to the attacker.
Here are the key points:
Malware Campaign: A new malware campaign locks users in their browser’s kiosk mode to steal Google credentials.
Attack Method: The malware blocks “ESC” and “F11” keys, forcing users to enter their credentials to “unlock” the browser.
StealC Malware: Once credentials are saved, the StealC malware steals them from the browser’s credential store.
Prevention Tips: Users should avoid entering credentials and try hotkey combos like ‘Alt + F4’ or ‘Ctrl + Shift + Esc’ to escape kiosk mode. If all else fails, perform a hard reset and run a full antivirus scan.
Malware Campaign: A new malware campaign forces Google Chrome into kiosk mode to steal Google passwords and other credentials.
Amadey Malware: The attack uses the Amadey malware loader, which has been active since 2018, to spread through malicious attachments, ads, and pirated software.
Avoiding Infection: Use keyboard shortcuts like Alt + F4, Ctrl + Shift + Esc, or Ctrl + Alt + Delete to exit kiosk mode safely. If these don’t work, reboot in Safe Mode and run a malware scan.
Prevention Tips: Install updates promptly, avoid unknown attachments and links, and consider using antivirus software for added protection.
Users who find themselves in the unfortunate situation of getting locked, with Esc and F11 not doing anything, should keep their frustration in check and avoid entering any sensitive information on forms.
Instead, try other hotkey combos like ‘Alt + F4’, ‘Ctrl + Shift + Esc’, ‘Ctrl + Alt +Delete’, and ‘Alt +Tab.’
Those may help bring the desktop on the foreground, cycle through open apps, and launch the Task Manager to terminate the browser (End Task).
Pressing ‘Win Key + R’ should open the Windows command prompt. Type ‘cmd’ and then kill Chrome with ‘taskkill /IM chrome.exe /F.’
If all else fails, you can always perform a hard reset by holding the Power button until the computer shuts down. This may result in losing unsaved work, but this scenario should still be better than having account credentials stolen.
When rebooting, press F8, select Safe Mode, and once you’re back on the OS, run a full antivirus scan to locate and remove the malware. Spontaneous kiosk mode browser launches are not normal and shouldn’t be ignored.
See us in Dallas in #1009. You will find us near TOAST, Bite, Soundhound and Panasonic– Where Restaurants and Tech Connect — Contact – email info@kioskindustry.org or call me for more information. Contact info for attendees below.
We’ll be showing the Olea self order restaurant kiosk and the Pyramid both running the Nanonation Self Order and Self-Checkout software.
Description – Kiosk Industry is the source for opinions, insights, news, and market trends for the self-service kiosks, digital signage, Point of Sale and more. Learn from experts and join the community. We are a collective “co-op”. We distribute RFPs (average of 10 per month) and we also provide comparison RFPs as templates for other deploying companies to check/compare their RFP composition. Our mission is information and open discussion aka opinion and insight. Our content is not paid for by advertisers. We support the KMA, the Kiosk Manufacturer Association and for any official KMA policy stance please visit the KMA site.
Actineon – Actineon is the market leader in high-performance and customizable computers for kiosks, micro-markets, edge, digital signage, AI, virtual medicine, and research. Beyond customization, Actineon can offer full stack development – incorporating expertise from all required engineering disciplines, including systems, software, electrical, electronics, mechanical, industrial, manufacturing, and test. Global sourcing, a broad and deep supply chain, and multi-sourcing allow Actineon to ship products with minimal lead times. We offer solutions integrating the latest technology that provides value to the healthcare and IT industry.
SelfPay — Since 2009, we develop and operate a global Network of Automated Payment Stations and Digital Channels offering all kinds of Payments to millions of consumers every year.
Provided that an electrical diagram is included with your order, all electric will be set in the booth before you arrive on this day.
Show Decorator Details:
Please reach out to Gulf Coast Expo for freight, carpeting and furniture details.
Show Hours:
Monday, September 16, 2024
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
3:30pm – 6:30pm
12:45pm – 5:45pm
Exhibitor Move-Out:
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
6:30pm – 10:00pm
7:00am – 2:00pm
Discount Schedule
Advance Pricing Deadline
Monday, September 2, 2024
Standard Price Applies
Beginning Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Show Site Pricing Applies
Beginning Sunday, September 15, 2024
Basic Wireless Non-Dedicated Internet Access to “GaylordConventions” Network$275.00 Each
$225.00 Each through 9/2/2024
Enhanced Wireless Non-Dedicated Internet Access to “GaylordConventions” Network$425.00 Each
$375.00 Each through 9/2/2024
APNews — WESTMINSTER, Colo., Sept. 10, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Kiosk Manufacturer Association: FSTEC in September! This month we have added Quick Quote. Over 100 participating companies and we’ll send to appropriate ones. Kiosks and more on For Sale listings + plus super discount Chinese display quotes. Seminar 9/12 for Casinos wanting to go cashless – Join CPI for an exciting sneak peek into the Betbridge™ solution before G2E! Did we mention CPI is our latest Gold Sponsor?
By Kiosk Manufacturer Association
Published 5:07 AM MDT, September 10, 2024
WESTMINSTER, Colo., Sept. 10, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Kiosk Manufacturer Association: FSTEC in September! This month we have added Quick Quote. Over 100 participating companies and we’ll send to appropriate ones. Kiosks and more on For Sale listings + plus super discount Chinese displa y quotes. Seminar 9/12 for Casinos wanting to go cashless — Join CPI for an exciting sneak peek into the Betbridge™ solution before G2E! Did we mention CPI is our latest Gold Sponsor?
HongJiaLi (one of top three in China.) Ask for Summer (good english)
LCDKiosk – large format Android kiosks. 32” for $874. Ask for Sakura/Yoyo
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About Kiosk Industry
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General Areas of Discovery and Due Diligence for Kiosk ADA Checklist Review
Kiosk ADA Checklist Initial Design
Begin your initial design phase with full accessibility accommodated. You can always do a cost/benefit analysis and compare later to a stripped-down unit with its inherent liability
Kiosk ADA Checklist Hardware
ada kiosk knee and Toe reach illustration – click for full size
Assistive considerations – user controls such as Braille and Tactile guidance
Hardware assistive device inventory (audio jack e.g.)
Software
Does your application extend to assistive technologies ( Example: ICT with a display screen shall be speech-output enabled for full and independent use by individuals with vision impairments.)
The Big Seven – captions, contrast, audio, focus, target size, errors and labels
Devices
Assisted interface – review available tactile interface devices (NavPad e.g.)
Review biometric and proxy interfaces – is there facial or is a mobile device required?
Testing
People with Disabilities – Blind, sight-impaired, deaf, quadriplegic e.g.
Mobility – People in Wheelchair or Quadraplegic user group testing
Installation
Space, protruding, and maneuvering space?
Light and any other environmental factors (ambient noise e.g.)
Notes
The above points are meant to provide a brief generalized direction that should be reviewed for any project.
Historically self-service or user-operated projects have been approached with little priority on ADA and accessibility.
More times than not true ADA is only offered as option which has costs in time and money, and generally minimized as much as possible to achieve price and delivery endpoints.
The Kiosk Association recommends beginning with true ADA as overall project scope to start with. Calculate your costs, timeframes and liabilities upfront. If you want to subsequently reduce the accessibility components for cost calculations, then you can always reduce your overall scope from your start point. You could develop a plan/method to accommodate and develop future accessibility for that matter.
The M51 rugged mobile computer delivers a 6″ FHD scratch-resistant touch display, Android 14 OS, powerful Qualcomm 6490 octa-core processor, integrated NFC and optional 2D barcode scanner. Available in WiFi and cellular models – both offer IP68, front and rear cameras and warm-swappable batteries.
I have one of the most fun jobs in the world and get to work with an amazing team of marketers. Imagine having the freedom to create a video like this! Here’s how the conversation actually started:
Creative Team: “We want to do something fun and creative with the new M51.”
Me: “Sure, go for it!”
Creative Team: 😁
mobile computer elo specs
Product number
Marketing description
E450425
Elo M51C Mobile Computer, 5G Cellular (NA), Wi-Fi 6E, Android 14 with GMS, 6-inch 2160×1080 display, Qualcomm 6490 Octa-Core Processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB Flash, Bluetooth 5.2, No BCR, NFC, 8MP Front Camera, 13MP Rear Camera, EloView compatible, Black
E450619
Elo M51C Mobile Computer, 5G Cellular (NA), Wi-Fi 6E, Android 14 with GMS, 6-inch 2160×1080 display, Qualcomm 6490 Octa-Core Processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB Flash, Bluetooth 5.2, 2D BCR, NFC, 8MP Front Camera, 13MP Rear Camera, EloView compatible, Black
E446755
Elo M51 Mobile Computer, Wi-Fi 6E, Android 14 with GMS, 6-inch 2160×1080 display, Qualcomm 6490 Octa-Core Processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB Flash, Bluetooth 5.2, no BCR, NFC, 8MP Front Camera, 13MP Rear Camera, EloView compatible, Black
E449855
Elo M51 Mobile Computer, Wi-Fi 6E, Android 14 with GMS, 6-inch 2160×1080 display, Qualcomm 6490 Octa-Core Processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB Flash, Bluetooth 5.2, 2D BCR, NFC, 8MP Front Camera, 13MP Rear Camera, EloView compatible, Black
Elo Touch Solutions, commonly known as Elo, is a company that specializes in touchscreen technology. Here are some key points about the company:
History and Innovation: Elo has been a pioneer in the touchscreen industry for over 50 years. They are credited with inventing the touchscreen and have continued to innovate in this field.
Global Reach: With over 30 million installations worldwide, Elo’s products are used in various industries, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, and transportation.
Product Range: Their product portfolio includes interactive touchscreen displays ranging from 7 to 65 inches, all-in-one touchscreen computers, OEM touchscreens, touchscreen controllers, and monitors.
Customer Focus: Elo emphasizes quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. They aim to provide personalized support and maintain long-term relationships with their customers.
Technological Leadership: The company holds over 400 patents and offers a broad range of touch technologies, including Surface Acoustic Wave, Projective Capacitive, Surface Capacitive, Infrared, and Resistive.
Elo’s touchscreens are commonly found in gaming machines, interactive kiosks, point-of-sale terminals, and many other applications. They are headquartered in Milpitas, California
Kiosk Industry Announces “Best We’ve Seen!” Awards
Kiosk Awards – The kiosk industry and self-service in general is rarely legitimately recognized for excellence. Exceptional designs and deployments deserve recognition.
Too often awards are basically purchased and are used as revenue streams for media outlets.
We have our own stable of judges and experts with over 200 years in group experience. We don’t pay judges and we don’t charge to be recognized. There are no requirements and is open to all companies no matter where they are located.
Kiosks must be deployed in order to be considered (though we will note revolutionary design prototypes).
Cutting edge applications for increasing sales and profit
Best designs in kiosk enclosure technology
Best new verticals (transportation, EV, restaurants, financial, and government)
Lockers, vending
Notable new “biz opps” (think Bitcoin ATMs and vending)
Coolest new designs
More to be added.
The Kiosk Industry Awards will be announced at NRF in NYC in January.
Entering is simple and free — send a brief on features along with photo to info@kioskindustry.org
As we say on LinkedIn, “Competition is a good thing”
Self Order – EK Series by KIOSK
Hospitality – Hotel Check In by Olea
QSR POS AIO – Elo Pay
Restaurants – ACRELEC QSR K27
wayfinding outdoor santa monica
Mini PC Jukeboxes Giada UK
Bill payment Olea Franklin
Custom Kiosk – Wayfinding – Empire State Building – Olea
Restaurant Kiosk EU – ACRELEC DoubleBack standard kiosk
The best self-order kiosks exemplify several key qualities that enhance both customer experience and business efficiency:
User-Friendly Interface: They are designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, ensuring that customers can place orders quickly and without confusion.
Integration with POS Systems: The best kiosks seamlessly integrate with point-of-sale (POS) systems, allowing for smooth transactions and accurate order processing.
Customization and Flexibility: They offer customizable options to handle complex orders, such as food modifiers or special requests, making them suitable for various business types.
Marketing and Upselling: These kiosks often include features that suggest popular add-ons and collect customer information for marketing purposes, helping businesses increase sales.
Efficiency and Speed: By reducing wait times and allowing customers to order at their own pace, self-order kiosks help businesses manage high volumes more effectively.
Accessibility: They are designed to be accessible to all customers, including those with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive experience.
Think back to the last time you had to check-in somewhere. Perhaps it was this morning when you arrived at a meeting, your last visit to the doctor, or in a hotel the last time you traveled. Regardless of when or where you last checked in, when you reflect back on your experience, does anything about it stand out or was it simply another waiting game?
Odds are, you probably endured a waiting game. Though the check-in process is one that consumers go through on a regular basis, it is also one that is typically associated with delayed service and long lines. This association has emerged as especially problematic as consumers have begun living busier lives and placing higher value on their time and the quality of the service they receive.
Check-in kiosks aim to eliminate some of these woes and to provide a more enjoyable experience for customers by streamlining processes, decreasing wait times, and allowing customers to complete the task at hand at their own convenience. Best of all check-in kiosks can be used to increase efficiency and customer satisfaction across a variety of industries—from hospitality, to healthcare, to a corporate workplace.
Hospitality Check-In
The hotel check-in desk is usually one of the first stops visitors make when arriving in a new city. Often tired from their journey and burdened with luggage, getting their room key and unpacking is usually a high priority for guests. Hospitality check-in kiosks, strategically placed throughout a hotel’s lobby, make it simple—guests can simply enter their reservation information, provide a credit or debit card for payment, and retrieve their room key from the dispenser. By using this process, guests are able to expedite and simplify the check-in process. Similarly, hotel employees who would have previously been tasked with the check-in process, are now available to serve a more customer service-oriented role—answering questions, providing directions, and further enhancing the guest experience. Naturally, they can also be available to help guests with the kiosk check-in process as well, if necessary. Another added perk of hotel check-in kiosks is that they’re available 24/7. Regardless of how late into the night they arrive, guests are able to complete the check-in process and retrieve their keys in a matter of minutes.
Healthcare Check-In
Similar to when first arriving at a hotel, when arriving at a medical appointment the first thing a patient does is check in. Often comprised of completing and updating paperwork this process is one that can also be quite timely. Healthcare check-in kiosks can be used to simplify and expedite the process. Patients are able to check-in upon arrival, enter and update their personal health information and medical records, scan their insurance card, and even schedule their next appointment, all from the kiosk. In addition to their time-saving capabilities, healthcare check-in solutions are highly versatile and able to successfully improve the check-in process in the small private practice to large hospital systems. With the ability to seamlessly tie into any healthcare facility’s back office system electronic medical records system, both patients and healthcare providers will be able to more easily, and securely, access the medical and charting information they need, regardless of their location throughout the facility.
Corporate Check-In
Checking-in to an office building or corporate campus where you’ve never been before can be somewhat overwhelming—after all, you’re probably arriving for an important meeting or interview and you’re nervous enough as it is without having to worry about finding the specific office or meeting room where you’re supposed to go. Corporate check-in and wayfinding kiosks tackle the check-in worries with ease. Not only does the kiosk provide a platform on which visitors can enter their information and indicate the party they are visiting, it can also be designed to incorporate a camera and printer to produce visitor badges, and provide wayfinding instructions to lead visitors to their desired destination. Additionally, corporate check-in kiosks can incorporate badge scanners and other peripherals for internal use for companies who require their employees to check-in on a regular basis.
As consumers continue to live increasingly busy lives, time-saving measures like check-in kiosks are becoming increasingly valuable. While there’s certainly no denying the important customer service role that front-of-house staff play—and will continue to play—in the visitor, patient, and customer experience, check-in kiosks are finding ways to improve efficiency across the board.
Multiple articles on the new Alaska Air announced policy of removing check-in kiosks and forcing mobile only. We don’t fly very often and are in the TSA program. Still, we tend to print boarding pass to have as safety valve in case we forgot to charge the mobile. Thanks to Hilton Schwartz of Canada ADA pointing out some news.
Notable articles
Live And Lets Fly 4/19 — By late 2024, Alaska plans to introduce facial ID recognition which will streamline the process even further. My Prediction: This Will Not End Well For Alaska [reasons given] — Do you still print boarding passes or use check-in kiosks at airports or is it all done on your smart phone?
Removing Portland kiosks — Alaska has already eliminated check-in kiosks in Las Vegas; Indianapolis; Cleveland; Missoula; and Boise. The airline of course says this isn’t about cost, it’s about the environment, since this will “cut down on paper use” as they encourage you to use larger full sheets of paper from your home printer.
The first airline to introduce check-in kiosks at the airport will be the first to get rid of them. Alaska Airlines is removing the kiosks this year from its main airports, including Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Anchorage. It’s part of a plan announced Tuesday to spend $2.5 billion over three years on to upgrade passenger technology in airport lobbies. The plan is to transition to a fully self-service experience for check-in and baggage drop-off, with the goal of getting passengers through a lobby and to the security line in five minutes or less, the company said.
The check-in kiosks will be replaced with iPad stations — essentially an iPad and credit card reader on a stand — where the passenger can pay for a checked bag and print the paper bag tag.
The next step involves adding self-service stations, beginning in spring 2024, where the passengers can drop off their bags. The machine will scan the passenger’s face, identification, and bags before the passenger places the bag on a conveyor belt to be loaded onto the aircraft.
Alaska is continuing to experiment with an electronic bag tag, as well, as the first U.S. customer of Amsterdam-based startup Bagtag since 2022. Through that program, travelers can purchase the reusable electronic tag and attach it at home, using their phone to connect it with the airline’s baggage system.
The Importance of Accessibility and Usability in Healthcare Self-Service Kiosks
Updated 9/8/2023
More than ever, healthcare kiosks are an essential tool for serving patients. Self-service devices have become standard in the patient journey. They can streamline appointment check-ins, update patient information, collect outstanding balances, provide wayfinding in healthcare facilities, measure blood pressure and perform other diagnostic testing, enable telehealth services, and more.
Self-service technology has become increasingly prevalent across various industries, and healthcare is far from the exception. According to Industry, ARC’s Self-Service Kiosk Forecast, the self-service kiosk market is estimated to surpass the $35.8 billion mark by 2026, with an expected growth rate of 6.4% from 2021 to 2026.
The rampant growth of self-service devices in healthcare is likely, in part, a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A Market Report by Grand View Research estimates that the medical kiosk market grew 10.4% from 2020 to 2021. In 2021, the global medical kiosk market size was valued at 1.1 billion USD, and that number is expected to expand at a compounded annual growth rate of 14.8% from 2022 to 2030.
Innovations in the self-service medical space are not new: this 2013 article in Forbes shows diagnostic kiosks placed in pharmacies and grocery stores. And in 2030, the revenue forecast for the medical kiosk market is 3.8 billion USD. Self-service functionality in the healthcare space is here to stay.
Healthcare kiosks have several use cases that can improve patient care. However, without a thorough understanding of how and why accessible features must be implemented and reviewed, patient care is at risk of being compromised for a substantial portion of the population.
Patient Care and Disabilities: Why Accessibility is Vital
Making a healthcare kiosk accessible is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities regarding public accommodations, and the court has defined public accommodations to include service establishments, including healthcare facilities, under Title III.
The ADA provides protections for people with a wide range of disabilities that cause physical, cognitive, or sensory impairments. To be accessible for patients who are blind or have low vision, self-service devices need to have screen reader software, such as JAWS® for Kiosk, to turn text into speech.
There are 7.2 million visually impaired adults in the United States, according to the National Federation of the Blind. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that, globally, blindness and low vision impacts over 282 million people and is expected to increase by 72% over the next 11 years.
When considering the widespread need for accessibility in healthcare self-service devices, it is important to note that patient demographics skew older, and so does the percentage of people with disabilities. 80% of those who are blind are over 50 years old, according to WHO. The Census Bureau estimates that about 46% of Americans ages 75 and older and 24% of those ages 65 to 74 report having a disability, compared with 12% of adults ages 35 to 64 and 8% of adults under 35.
According to The Institute of Medicine’s Committee on the Future Health Care Workforce for Older Americans, older adults use far more healthcare services than younger groups. A large majority of older adults (approximately 82 percent) have at least one chronic disease that requires ongoing care and management. And over the coming decades, the total number of Americans ages 65 and older will increase sharply. As a result, an increasing number of older Americans will be living with illness and disability, and more care providers and resources will be required to meet their needs for healthcare services.
An ADA-compliant and usable self-service kiosk empowers equal access to healthcare kiosks for all patients, regardless of ability.
The Benefits of Accessible Kiosks in Healthcare
There are many advantages to using kiosks in healthcare, like shorter wait times and streamlined check-in processes. Consistency is another benefit: Kiosks provide patients with the same experience each time, which improves efficiency. Kiosks can be used to schedule follow-up appointments, pay bills, collect insurance information, and request contact or demographic details. Kiosks serve a wide range of purposes and help alleviate healthcare attendants’ demands.
Kiosks can also save time and resources, allowing healthcare providers to obtain more patient information while reducing employee demands. They can also serve patients across language and literacy barriers.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, kiosks helped mitigate the risk of exposure through the use of temperature sensing and exposure questionnaires. Healthcare kiosks can be used to gather patient information without exposing providers to the immediate risk that occurs when interacting with patients directly. Using kiosks to collect patient information allows for distancing and proper triage processes, minimizing the number of potential contagious interactions during a doctor’s office visit.
Making kiosks accessible is critical to preserving the quality of patient care for all patients.
Kiosk Accessibility Settlements and Agreements
Kiosk accessibility has been at the root of numerous public settlements.
In a July 2016 settlement, Massachusetts Attorney General, Maura Healy, with the National Federation of the Blind, announced a settlement with Pursuant Health. In the agreement, Pursuant Health agreed to make their self-service healthcare kiosks accessible to blind consumers.
The services available on the kiosks included vision assessments, blood pressure screening, weight assessments, BMI evaluations, and advice on pain management. Pursuant also agreed to pay $95,000 in the settlement, in addition to the cost of retrofitting their kiosks for accessibility.
Post settlement, Mark A. Riccobono, President of the NFB stated “Health information has the potential to be more accessible than ever to the blind with twenty-first-century technology, but only if the manufacturers of technology keep accessibility in mind.”
Creating an Accessible Healthcare Kiosk
To comply with the ADA and ensure usability, healthcare kiosks must be physically accessible.
Wheelchair users need to be able to access the kiosk. This is a requirement of the ADA, which outlines specific compliance guidelines for the height of operable parts, the viewing angle, and the approach area for accessing the kiosk. The approach area requires a clear path without stairs, uneven flooring, or objects to obstruct access.
Once physical accessibility has been established, turn your attention to an equally vital component: software. The kiosk application must be accessible to someone who is blind or has low vision. The kiosk needs to have a screen reader, such as JAWS® for Kiosk, to turn text into speech.
Touchscreens may be difficult for people with disabilities, so an external input/navigation device is also useful to allow users to engage with a kiosk without using a touchscreen. The kiosk application must be developed to ensure it can be easily navigated and understood when read through a screen reader. and website guidelines for accessibility must also be incorporated. The kiosk application must be developed to ensure conformance and usability according to accessibility best practices and the latest WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
See An Accessible Patient Check-In Kiosk in Action
During the 2023 HIMSS Global Health Conference, Storm Interface US Operations Manager Nicky Shaw used the patient check-in experience to demonstrate common barriers for vision-impaired patients.
Planning Your Accessible Healthcare Kiosk: Keep These Questions in Mind
What application will you be using? Is it already accessible? If yes, can you improve usability for kiosk users?
Is the kiosk hardware ADA-compliant for height and reach specifications?
Does the kiosk include an input device with an audio jack? Using an input device that includes an audio jack allows JAWS® to turn off and on based on the presence of the headphones. Learn more about selecting the right input device for your accessible kiosk.
Are you providing information in a way that is accessible to all users, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, and those who are blind or who have low vision? That includes any PDFs being read on the screen, videos needing captioning, and document signing for HIPAA compliance.
Are you protecting user privacy at every turn?
Ensuring Privacy with an Accessible Kiosk
In any healthcare setting, kiosks must provide an accessible and private user experience for all patients. This means including accessibility features to allow a blind or low-vision user to use the kiosk without assistance and not broadcasting personal information out to the entire room. In order to protect patient privacy, all patients with disabilities should be able to use kiosks without the need for third-party assistance.
You can protect patient privacy with kiosks by providing a privacy screen that shields others from viewing the screen. Additionally, proximity switches that reset the kiosk when a user is finished should be implemented, and kiosk software must clear user data between each session.
Protecting Patients with Clean Kiosks
The need to protect patients and healthcare workers from exposure and relieve healthcare workers from unnecessary tasks was of utmost importance during the COVID-19 healthcare crisis, but the question of kiosk cleanliness is always relevant in a healthcare setting.
Anti-microbial touchscreen films and surfaces are available through some kiosk manufacturers.
Kiosks can be easily overlooked on cleaning schedules and are only cleaned if they are considered a priority by janitors and staff. Therefore, it is also important to discuss cleaning procedures and appropriate cleaning supplies for washing kiosks and kiosk accessories such as input devices.
Here are some resources about cleaning kiosks and peripheral devices:
Patients should take the same precautions when using a kiosk as when they handle a shopping cart. If facilities provide appropriate cleaning supplies for patients to use prior to utilizing the kiosk or upon completion of usage (like at a gym), then the kiosks will preserve both user safety and that of healthcare staff.
What’s Next for Healthcare Facilities with Kiosks
Retrofitting accessibility software and physical guidelines is an option for kiosks that are already deployed in a healthcare setting. Kiosk input devices and screen reader software can be added, and applications can be updated, to provide an accessible experience.
If new kiosks are still being deployed, it is more cost-effective to consider an accessible design earlier in the production phase, or before new kiosks are manufactured. The costs to build an accessible kiosk are marginally higher than those of an inaccessible one.
For more info
Implementing usable and accessible self-service kiosks requires careful consideration and expertise. This is where accessibility experts, like the team at TPGi, can provide valuable guidance. Experienced consultants can help develop and implement inclusive healthcare kiosks, which maximize inclusion for patients and optimize efficiency for healthcare operations. Schedule a call to speak about your kiosk project today.
This past year, global reliance on self-service kiosks has grown by leaps and bounds. There is also greater awareness and understanding – both socially and politically – about our need to provide all kiosk users with an equal and accessible experience.
If you’re just starting to explore accessibility for your self-service kiosk project, we also recommend you check out our blog Make Your Self-Service Kiosk Accessible. There you’ll find insight into the positive impacts of showing consideration for the needs of customers with partial sight. When you make your self-service kiosk accessible, it’s a win for your brand and a big win for prospective customers with a disability or neurodiversity.
We also recommended five accessibility features included in SuperNova Kiosks by Dolphin that can help inclusion-minded businesses consider accessibility more closely.
New legislation which will directly address kiosk accessibility is in the works across many countries. So the time to consider the future of your business’s accessibility is now.
Dolphin performs a lot of consulting around the specifics of how to make self-service kiosks accessible. We thought it would be helpful to share the key areas in which our customers seek guidance. Considering these areas in relation to your own business will help you develop a better understanding of what will be involved for you in delivering accessible kiosks. We’ll also recommend actions you can take now, while you’re in the discovery and planning phase.
Kiosk accessibility requires four components
Kiosk Accessibility Hardware
There is a wide range of kiosk hardware models available, so it’s likely that you will consider models based on your setting and user conditions. For example, the restaurant industry often uses tabletop models, whereas you might notice hotels use stand-alone models for check-in.
Choosing the right model all depends on the setting, the actions that are required by the customer, and the experience you want to create. For a more thorough understanding of the kinds of kiosk models and the companies that make them, we suggest you visit the Kiosk Manufacturers Association website. Membership in the KMA is a great indicator that the manufacturer is reputable and knowledgeable about accessibility compliance.
POS and Industry Software
Looking closely at your point of sale (POS) software is a critical step in your journey to delivering an accessible experience. First, the size of your company will drive who is developing the software you use for your business. Usually, large corporations have their own in-house software engineers. The advantage of using your own development team is that it provides you with opportunities to make changes to your software and incorporate accessibility standards.
If you have a small business, you might subscribe to a customizable POS package. If this is the case, it’s wise to request that the software publisher provides you with an accessibility review before purchase. This helps ensure your products and services will be accessible to your customers. If you’re already using software and you find inaccessible areas, you will need to report them to the software developer and request compliance.
Another variable is the product or service you’re selling. Are you selling a hamburger or a train ticket? If you are selling a hamburger, you’re likely to have a picture of that juicy burger with all the fixings! Without the image, customers with visual impairments won’t have a similar experience unless you provide an image description, as an ‘Alt Tag’.
Alt tag example: ‘Cheeseburger on a pretzel roll, topped with lettuce, tomato, and onion. Price $6.99’
These variables – and many more – have an impact on how accessible your software currently is to people with visual impairments. Here is a list of things you might consider and review to anecdotally determine how accessible the software you’re buying is:
Does your software or app meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)? While your software may not be web-based, applying WCAG is a useful strategy for learning about digital accessibility, to ensure elements within your application are accessible.
Do your interface and customer-use scenarios rely heavily or exclusively on imagery and graphics? If graphics are minimal, you can easily apply alt tags and captions for an accessible experience. If your current display is entirely visual, you’ll need to create an alternative text-only experience for users who are blind.
Are keyboard commands and keyboard navigation built into the software? People who are blind will navigate, select and completely interact with your software through an external keypad.
Kiosk Accessibility Software
Accessibility software enables businesses to deliver products and services through kiosks, in ways that enable customers to use them independently. It adds another layer of support, using your software as a baseline for providing the extras. When accessibility software is incorporated, your customers can access the right level of support for their level of sight. This might include alternative color schemes, magnification, speech and more. These software supports are commonly referred to as accommodations.
Magnification Best Practice
If a self-service kiosk project includes a dynamic touchscreen, then a large icon or visual button should be made available on the home screen, to turn on the magnification.
You might be thinking, it’s a touchscreen, customers can just increase the size with pinches and screen gestures. It doesn’t exactly work like that, there are usability nuances that people who need magnification require, and increasing just the size of elements on the screen does not address this. Here are just a few examples:
Smoothing text and images
Often when you increase the size of things on screen, they become pixelated. Accessibility software eliminates this. It ensures text and images are smooth and sharp at increased magnification levels.
Screen focus
Accessibility software makes it easy to zoom in and move around the screen when it’s already magnified. Users can enlarge items on screen using their fingers, then keep this magnification level as they pan around the screen using a swipe or drag motion. This enables users to quickly preview all of the information on the kiosk screen, without the need to constantly zoom in and out.
Customizable color schemes
Many people with visual impairments benefit from specific color combinations. Accessibility software enables this at the touch of a button. So users can quickly switch to higher contrast colors, a black background with yellow text for example, or choose a particular colour scheme to help with glare, color sensitivity or color vision deficiency.
It is important to recognize that out of the 253 million people in the world who are blind and visually impaired, 86% (217 million) are partially sighted, which means that they may need only magnification to have an independent experience of your kiosk.
It is estimated that an additional 1.1 billion people worldwide suffer from presbyopia, an age-related eye condition1 that requires magnification when reading at close range. Think about the opportunity that exists within this group, as you consider your plans for accessibility.
When considering accessibility for customers who are partially sighted, keep in mind that SuperNova Kiosks is currently the only accessibility software that provides true touchscreen magnification.
Screen Reading Best Practice
Businesses that seek to include people who are blind need to provide full accessibility with their self-service kiosks. This means screen reading and potentially braille output, which can help braille readers, particularly those who are both blind and have partial loss of hearing.
When accessibility standards are built into the POS system and screen reading is deployed, each element shown on the screen, whether an image or text, is read aloud to the customer as they move through the user paths. Everything here is supported with speech output, whether customers are filling out form fields, or moving through a list of selections.
Navigation Hardware or Peripherals
A kiosk must also include alternative navigation in a scenario where screen reading accommodation is provided. This is often accomplished through a peripheral ‘navigation pad’. The navigation pad includes an audio headphone jack and screen reading is activated the moment headphones are plugged in. When the user removes their headphones the accessibility software turns off and the kiosk returns to the home screen.
Height should also be considered here. Can a wheelchair-user access the screen, the navigation and any other interaction point?
Be proactive about kiosk accessibility now!
The fundamental truth is that even if your self-service kiosk is currently compliant with existing disability laws, it might still not be independently useable by someone with a disability.
New accessibility laws that specifically include guidelines for self-service kiosks are coming. Once those laws are introduced, there will be timelines established for compliance. If you change your software and incorporate accessibility now, you will be ahead of the curve. Your forward-thinking and early planning demonstrates your brand’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion for all of your customers.
If you need help creating your accessibility plan, you can partner with Dolphin. Whether you need a development consultation, an accessibility review or technical support – the Dolphin team of assistive technology experts is here to help.
From the design stage, your developers can rely on the experience and expertise at Dolphin to enhance the accessibility of your kiosk application.
If you are looking to retrofit, we can do that too. Dolphin offers flexible support, service and licensing terms that ensure the long-term success of your kiosk project.
Dolphin is a proud member of the Kiosk Manufacturers Associations (KMA) and a member of the Accessibility sub-committee. The KMA sub-committee makes recommendations to the United States Access Board and other global organizations that are driving the need for clearer accessibility guidelines and updated legislation related to kiosks and accessibility compliance.
October 26th 10am – The courts find for ACB in suit against Quest. The case involved injunctive relief. So, that means an order telling quest to fix it and attorney fees for the plaintiff. We are checking with ACB to make sure we are identifying the correct unit (aka unit violating ADA). As for an appeal, it would go to the Ninth Circuit, which tends to be more on the side of persons with disabilities than not. We imagine there could be post verdict motions. As far as cost goes, plaintiffs would be entitled to their attorney fees and the defendant would of course have to pay their own attorney fees as well. A relevant blog entry is here. Just What Is a Sales Establishment Anyway per Title III of the ADA?
Thanks to Bill for alerting us. He is a great and recommended resource. William D. Goren, Esq., J.D., LL.M., Attorney and Consultant, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),https://www.understandingtheada.com/. Also thanks Joe Sawicki at KIOSK for the Labcorp photo. Appears to be same model Quest is using and likely the same number of installations (2500?)
Update 11/15 Initial Look
Latest Events
11/16 — November 13, 2023, Julian Vargas et al v. Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories, Inc. et al, USCA Notification of Case Number, NOTIFICATION from Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals of case number assigned and briefing schedule. Appeal Docket No. 23-3436 assigned to Notice of Appeal to 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, 389 as to 23-3436 American Council of the Blind, Julian Vargas. (mat)
11/9 – Both plaintiff and defendants unhappy with lower court ruling and each are appealing. November 09, 2023 Julian Vargas et al v. Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories, Inc. et al Appeal to 9th Circuit Court of Appeals NOTICE OF APPEAL to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals filed by Plaintiffs American Council of the Blind, Julian Vargas. Appeal of Judgment,, 378 , Order on Motion to Certify Class Action,,, 190 . (Appeal Fee – $505 Fee Paid, Receipt No. ACACDC-36386305.) (Miller, Jonathan) — thanks to https://www.understandingtheada.com/
Our Predictions
Our understanding would be that attorney fees and any remediation would likely get put on hold while it is appealed. Certainly, you would expect the defense to ask for a stay until the appeal is resolved.
QD contemplating $6M remediation + attorney fees. They may have delayed that outcome via the suggestion they might have to fix it now, and then 2 months later have a whole new “fix list” to do via U.S. Access Board regs in December.
Another look at Labcorp. Click for full size. Thanks to Joe Sawicki at KIOSK for sending this photo in. https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-sawicki-2b570642/
Several points regarding attended, un-attended, usually not attended and more
iPad includes a screen reader software but just the one dataport which proves critical
Not sure what QD does when they have to replace the iPads a year from now
Injunctive Relief Requested — Plaintiffs seek a permanent injunction requiring Quest to modify the Kiosks to include (a) screen reader capability, (b) screen magnification capability, (c) tactile controls, (d) speech output privately available through headphones, (e) volume control, (f) the ability to repeat speech, and (g) Braille instructions indicating how to start speech.
Dr. Montgomery recommends a tactile keypad that could be 6attached to the iPad using an adaptor. Montgomery Decl. ¶ 62. The particular model discussed by Dr. Montgomery costs $309.75 per unit, and has both tactile navigation keys and an external headphone jack. Id. Dr. Montgomery indicates that a device like this could lower maintenance costs, because an external headphone jack would be easier to replace than the iPad’s internal headphone jack.
Quest identified several potential logistical obstacles to Dr. Montgomery’s recommendations. For example, Dr. Montgomery testified that a hole could be manually drilled into the existing enclosure to allow for access to the iPad’s headphone jack. Day 3 Tr. at 118:1–3. But Walsh testified that doing so would void Quest’s warranty for the product. Day 4 Tr. at 57:20–24. Walsh also testified that adding a keyboard and potentially headphones would necessarily add new, breakable parts, which, unlike the iPad, would not be securely housed in an enclosure. Walsh Decl. ¶ 7(a). Moreover, the existing Kiosks have only one data port, and Quest needs that port to attach the camera needed to scan insurance cards. Id. at ¶ 7(b). Quest does not expect to be able to continue to use the internal headphone jack because of its understanding that both Apple and Android expect to phase out their headphone jacks over time.
Finally, Quest emphasizes the high administrative burden of installing new physical equipment to the Kiosks. This would require training technicians in the installation and use of the equipment, and would necessitate new training for PSC staff. Walsh Decl. ¶ 7(d). Because the rollout would take years to effectuate, Quest staff would be required to monitor and maintain two parallel systems until the rollout was completed. Id. at ¶ 7(f) Quest would have to rewrite its software as well as update hardware.
Instead, “[p]public accommodations must start by considering how their facilities are used by non-disabled guests and then take reasonable steps to provide disabled guests with a like experience.” Baughman v. Walt Disney World Co.
There is no dispute that Vargas and the Class could not use the Original Kiosks at the Quest PSCs without assistance. Phlebotomist assistance—which Quest contends was the “auxiliary service” offered to make the Original Kiosks accessible—was not readily available to Class Members to enable them to have an experience like that of sighted patients. It is undisputed that Quest generally does not have a receptionist or attendant in the waiting room. See, e.g., Trial Ex. 13 (acknowledging that having a person available to ask for help was “not a reality for our locations”)
Making the changes requested by Plaintiffs would require Quest to forgo certain changes it has or intends to make to the Kiosks, because Quest wishes to use the single headphone jack in the existing Kiosks to connect a device that can be used to scan insurance cards. Indeed, Quest already does use the headphone jack for that purpose at many of its PSCs. Moreover, the changes requested would require Quest to reprogram its Kiosks and to revamp the physical Kiosks at each of its locations. Finally, although Quest does not emphasize this factor, DOJ’s ANPRM indicates that regulations that would require modifications similar to those requested by Plaintiffs are forthcoming from DOJ. As a practical matter, if the Court ordered the modifications sought by Plaintiffs, Quest may be required to revamp its Kiosks twice: first to comply with this Court’s injunction, and then a second time, to comply with the DOJ’s regulations.
Forthcoming Regulations
The Department of Justice (“DOJ”) has issued an Advance Notice of Proposed 6Rulemaking (“ANPRM”) seeking comments on a proposal to promulgate regulations regarding accessibility of self-service kiosks. See Self-Service Transaction Machines and Self-Service Kiosks, 87 Fed. Reg. 57662 (proposed Sep. 7, 2022). In the ANPRM, the DOJ indicates that it intends to supplement the existing ADA Guidelines to require self-service kiosks to meet requirements currently applicable only to ATMs and fare machines. Id. at 57663. DOJ indicates that it will evaluate a number of potential questions, including what kiosks the new rule should cover, what technical requirements should be
incorporated, and how many accessible kiosks a location should be required to provide.
click for full size – labcorp kiosk
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Following a week-long bench trial in Los Angeles, a federal court in California found Quest Diagnostics in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and permanently enjoined Quest from continuing to violate the ADA.
Beginning in 2016, Quest Diagnostics began to install self-service kiosks at its Patient Service Centers, which allow patients to, among other things, check in for phlebotomy appointments in a private and independent manner. Following complaints from ACB’s members that these kiosks as designed prevent people who are blind from accessing their services, ACB joined a civil rights complaint in federal court alleging that Quest’s kiosks deprived members of the blind community full and equal enjoyment of Quest’s services and failed to provide effective communication.
The Court ruled in favor of ACB and a nationwide class of blind and low-vision Quest patients. The court found that Quest violated Title III of the ADA in that Quest failed to provide people who are blind with full and equal enjoyment of Quest’s services and facilities because of their disability.
“Self-service kiosks are being used more and more in many aspects of daily public life,” said Dan Spoone, Executive Director for the American Council of the Blind. The Court’s decision that Quest violated the ADA and that the check-in services of these kiosks must be accessible to people who are blind is a significant step towards ensuring that the rights to full and equal enjoyment and effective communication are protected.
Deb Cook Lewis, ACB’s president, added, “Although the ADA is more than 30 years old, people who are blind are still forced to fight for full and equal access to healthcare. This judgment sends a clear message that full and equal enjoyment is required by law, and health care providers must ensure access for people with disabilities.”
quest kiosk
This litigation has been led by ACB’s counsel at Nye Sterling Hale Miller and Sweet and at Handley Farah & Anderson.
Matthew Handley, one of ACB’s attorneys in the litigation, added, “Touchscreen kiosks are an ever-increasing aspect of our daily lives – this decision ensures that accessibility of those kiosks will need to be front and center in the minds of every company wishing to make use of self-service technology.”
About the American Council of the Blind
The American Council of the Blind is a national member-driven consumer organization representing Americans who are blind and visually impaired. During the organization’s 60-year history, ACB has become a leader in national, state, local, and even international advocacy efforts. With 66 affiliates, ACB strives to increase independence, security, equality of opportunity, and to improve the quality of life for all people who are blind and visually impaired. For more information, visit ACB’s website.
About Handley Farah & Anderson
Handley Farah & Anderson are lawyers who seek to improve the world. Based in Washington, D.C., they fight for: workers deprived of wages, consumers deceived about products, tenants denied access to housing, parents deprived of adequate parental leave, persons with disabilities denied access, and women and communities of color subject to discrimination.
SOURCE American Council of the Blind
More Background
ID Card Scanning
Always a pain here is a video on how Acuant used in Quest kiosk
Quest Diagnostics Streamlines Patient Check-in with Aila’s Interactive Kiosk
Quest Diagnostics selected Aila’s Interactive Kiosk as a rugged, adaptable self-service platform to create its next-generation patient check-in experience. Aila’s expertise in patient check-in for enterprise healthcare providers gave Quest the confidence that Aila could provide the technology and support to deploy a major new experience in its patient service centers. “Aila was a known solution that would work for us,” said Congersky, “this helped us avoid a lengthy product exploration process.”
The Interactive Kiosk was able to save phlebotomists’ time by automating a range of customer experiences that previously required face-to-face interaction:
ID and insurance card scanning
Smartphone scanning for pre-registered patients
Digital check-in and wait list queuing
The Interactive Kiosk also provided a platform that was adaptable for Quest’s evolving check-in experience. This includes, a way for patients to check in for someone else, such as a child or parent, schedule service times on-site, and give patients the option to wait in their vehicle after checking in where they’ll receive a text message when it’s their turn.
In combination with Aila’s Interactive Kiosk and floor stand, Quest further improved the check-in experience by developing a welcome center that also included wall-mounted Interactive Kiosks. This helps guide patients to the self-service center and provides a welcoming environment to check in. Having a range of mounting options to choose from further illustrates Aila’s ability to enable ideal solutions across thousands of locations with differing layouts.
Previously, we have blogged on a case involving Julian Vargas and the inaccessibility of kiosk equipment used by Quest diagnostics. It turns out that he is involved in a similar case involving Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings with another plaintiff, Luke Davis. A district Court in California approved a class under the California antidiscrimination law, Unruh Act, as well as a nationwide class under the ADA. Laboratory Corporation appealed. As usual, the blog entry is divided into categories, and they are: facts; court’s reasoning that Vargas had standing; court’s reasoning that the Unruh act class action as certified by the district court goes forward; court’s reasoning that the district court did not abuse its discretion in certifying the nationwide class under the ADA by determining that a nationwide injunction could provide relief to all members; and thoughts/takeaways. Of course, the reader is free to focus on any or all of the categories.
Summary
Inaccessible Kiosks Can Cost You Big Time: The page discusses a case where two blind plaintiffs sued Lab Corporation for violating the ADA and the Unruh Act by using inaccessible kiosks for their services.
Court’s Reasoning on Various Issues: The page analyzes the court’s reasoning on several issues, such as standing, class certification, and injunctive relief, and explains how the plaintiffs prevailed on most of them.
Thoughts/Takeaways: The page offers some insights and suggestions for businesses and lawyers regarding the accessibility of kiosks and the implications of the case. It also provides some links to other resources and blogs on related topics.
When it comes to class actions, the whole key comes down to whether a class is certified in the first place. If a class is certified in the first place, the stakes go up exponentially. So, it wouldn’t surprise me to see this case head towards settlement rapidly.
The case is not published.
Standing for a person with a disability is conferred when the allegations show that the person with the disability was denied full and equal enjoyment of the facility.
This case makes you wonder why Quest Diagnostics, which we discussed here and which involved the same plaintiff, appealed their case. While this case is unpublished, the facts are essentially the same.
As mentioned previously, I am involved with the Kiosk Manufacturers Association on an informal basis. There are companies making accessible kiosk and it is a significant point of emphasis of the Kiosk Manufacturers Association.
It is significant that the court said that full and equal enjoyment of facilities includes effective communication because now effective communication becomes a statutory requirement rather than just a regulatory requirement. That distinction can sometimes be important when it comes to being able to claim a cause of action as not every final regulation can automatically serve as the basis for a cause of action.
While discomfort, difficulty, or embarrassment was not required in this case, a blind individual having to go through this would certainly suffer difficulty, discomfort, and embarrassment.
Interesting that the first name on the pleading at the Ninth Circuit is not Vargas but someone else, since Vargas is the subject of the appeal
One wonders why Lab Corporation litigated all this because my understanding is that fixing the situation with accessible kiosks is not terribly difficult or expensive, especially considering the resources of the defendant, and would certainly be much cheaper than litigating the matter.
Feb 9 Update
LInk to full article — There was an important court order (and a big win for accessibility) from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on February 8, 2024 in the case against LabCorp about check-in kiosks at their medical labs.
The court ruled that the case can proceed as a national class action for possible injunctive relief (fixing the problem) and as a California class action (for possible money damages to blind people in California who had experienced the inaccessible kiosks). LabCorp had appealed a lower court order arguing that the lawsuit should not be a class action.
Read the June 28 2022 Update below for more information about the lower court’s class certification order.
The case will now continue in the lower court to determine if there is in fact a legal violation and if so, what LabCorp must do to remedy the violation. The Ninth Circuit’s opinion saying this case can proceed as a class action for money damages in California means that LabCorp may have to pay a significant amount of money to blind California patients in addition to making the kiosks accessible.
The Ninth Circuit Opinion in this case is “unpublished” which means it is not binding on other federal courts in the Ninth Circuit like published opinions are. (The Ninth Circuit covers California, Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Nevada and the Northern Mariana Islands.) Still, it can be cited in other cases, and should serve as a serious wakeup call to any kiosk providers who have not yet considered whether disabled people can use their kiosks.
Materna IPS at Orlando International Airport with Spirit Airlines
Nice video by Materna on Orlando Airport Bag Drop kiosks. Materna provides check-in solutions for airports and airlines. They provide kiosk check-in solutions, mobile and web check-in as well as counter solutions based on CUPPS and CUTE. Materna IPS check-in solutions allow passengers to check in at a kiosk quickly. Data shows they achieved a record 19.1 seconds for a kiosk check-in at Frankfurt Airport1. They also offer self-service check-in and bag drop kiosks at airports. Their check-in solutions are fully compliant with IATA RP 1706c and allow easy airline integration. They offer biometrics and payment functions for an improved passenger experience. On-site maintenance services are provided on request. Materna works with a number of kiosk manufacturers behind the scenes to develop new kiosk iterations.
Orlando Airport Bag Drop and Kiosk Improvements:
Passengers stressed due to traffic and long queues.
⏱️ Standard agent desk queues take 20-30 minutes.
AI technology introduced for hassle-free check-in.
Baggage regulations consistently enforced.
Facial recognition for boarding pass and ID.
⚖️ Bag is weighed, scanned, and placed on the belt in 20 seconds.
Streamlined process helps airlines and passengers.
Successful partnership between airport, Spirit, and Mat Turna.
The future of telehealth depends on our ability to make it as convenient and seamless as possible to deliver healthcare on-demand, and healthcare kiosks do just that
From Frank Mayer blog Apr2020
As news reports detail the impact COVID-19 will have on our population and the healthcare system that serves it, many medical facilities have put systems in place to streamline services and keep frontline workers safe. Once the pandemic ends, these same procedures will remain, with clinics and hospitals looking to invest in strategies to maintain efficiency and facilitate patient and employee health.
Emergent technology like healthcare kiosks will be especially important to care providers moving forward, helping to restructure patient check-in, keep staff protected from communicable diseases, and offer easy telehealth options to less critical cases.
Healthcare kiosks streamline patient check-in
Simplifying processes continues to be an essential focus for the healthcare system, with facilities relying on websites to distribute information and nurse lines to vet cases that need to be seen immediately. These same types of efficiencies can be carried out in waiting rooms.
Offering patient check-in kiosks gives people control over their own registration process, ensuring less errors in recorded personal information and providing easy means to apply copays or pay bills at the kiosk. Streamlining these procedures frees front desk staff from data entry and allows them to focus on other tasks like scheduling or answering questions.
Delegating more control over the check-in process to the patient ensures hospital or clinic staff can concentrate on what’s most important – providing top medical care.
Minimize human-to-human contact with medical kiosks
The extensive spread of the novel coronavirus has spurred significant conversations about keeping public-facing employees safe in a variety of industries. This issue is especially vital in the healthcare industry where essential front desk staff are tasked with checking in potentially ill patients.
This greater awareness of human-to-human contact will live on with new measures to safeguard employees. Medical check-in kiosks can provide an important solution to the goal of maintaining proper social distance.
When patients can check in at a self-service kiosk, counter staff no longer risk being exposed to germs from sick individuals. Additionally, healthcare kiosks are easily disinfected. Staff can be tasked with cleaning the units, or kiosks can be outfitted with special attachments to hold sanitizing wipes or gel for patients.
Expect a solid future for telemedicine kiosks
As hospitals and clinics concentrate on keeping non-emergent illnesses out of facilities in order to make room for more critical cases, the use of telehealth options has increased.
With that, people are gaining a greater comfort level using alternative healthcare methods to communicate with a physician. In the future, telehealth kiosks placed in private areas of locations like pharmacies, schools, big box stores, and large businesses will not only provide access to medical care, but can be outfitted with special tools to help doctors retrieve necessary information like body temperature and blood pressure.
Telemedicine healthcare kiosks can also provide convenience to places with immune-compromised or elderly individuals like group homes and assisted living care facilities. These telehealth kiosks can provide on-site care easily and efficiently, reducing the need to risk exposure at a clinic or make travel arrangements for seniors to visit the doctor.
Conclusion
The pandemic has been a catalyst for innovative healthcare solutions to keep operations moving efficiently while ensuring safety is a top priority. When communities begin to emerge from the shadows again, expect beneficial technologies like patient check-in kiosks and telemedicine options to be a new expectation in the future of healthcare.
Originally published on Retail Systems — In the not-so-distant past, a trip to the grocery store involved casually chatting with a cashier as they scanned your items and packed your bags. Today, an impersonal yet efficient self-checkout machine is replacing familiar interaction. As these sleek, touchscreen hybrid POS kiosks become a standard fixture in retail environments, one can’t help but ponder: Are we witnessing a revolution in shopping convenience, or are we unknowingly stepping into an era of heightened surveillance?
Update 9/24 — Curbing theft at Walmart Self Checkout — Walmart (WMT) has quietly rolled out a new feature at its stores that is beneficial for paying customers, but bad news for thieves.
In a recent TikTok video, which has amassed over 200,000 views, a Walmart customer showed herself scanning Great Value items through a self-checkout machine at Walmart without using a barcode.
The rise of self-checkout systems has undoubtedly streamlined the shopping experience, allowing customers to bypass long lines and take control of their transactions. However, behind the facade of convenience lies a much more complex narrative. These machines are equipped with sophisticated technology designed not only to assist but also to monitor. From weight sensors to AI-driven cameras, the self-checkout is far from a simple tool; it’s a multifaceted device that collects data and observes behavior. As we dive deeper into this phenomenon, we’ll uncover how this shift reshapes our retail experience and consider whether the trade-off between convenience and privacy is worth it. From Walmart see Walmart Goes Interactive and Looks like Lidar – Retail Systems
In the bustling digital era where efficiency trumps tradition, the shopping experience is transforming significantly. Picture this: you’re in a grocery store, and instead of waiting in long lines for a cashier, you stroll over to a sleek, touchscreen kiosk. You scan your items, bag them yourself, and complete the transaction in minutes. Self-checkout stations are popping up everywhere, from local supermarkets to big-box retailers, revolutionizing how we purchase everyday goods. It’s not just about speed and convenience; it’s about control and independence.
Self-checkout systems empower consumers, allowing them to manage their transactions at their own pace. But is there more to this technological marvel than meets the eye? While self-checkout promises unparalleled convenience and reduces the hassle of human error, it also opens up a labyrinth of concerns around privacy and surveillance. Each beep of the scanner and click of the button feeds into a vast data collection network, quietly amassing insights about our shopping habits, preferences, and even our behavioral patterns. As we embrace this modernized shopping method, it’s crucial to delve deeper into its dual nature, weighing the convenience it brings against the potential risks of increased monitoring. Join us as we explore the intricate balance between ease and oversight in the age of self-checkout, peeling back the layers to uncover what truly lies beneath this digital innovation.
Self Checkout Deployers
The major deployers of self-checkout systems vary across different industries and regions. In the retail sector, major players like Walmart, Target, and Kroger have heavily invested in self-checkout technology to enhance customer experience and streamline the checkout process. Additionally, fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Panera Bread have adopted self-order kiosks to expedite service and reduce customer wait times. And to repurpose employees. In the hospitality industry, hotels like Marriott and Hilton have integrated self-check-in kiosks to offer guests a quick and seamless check-in experience. Furthermore, airports worldwide have implemented self-service check-in and bag drop kiosks to facilitate a smoother travel experience for passengers. Overall, the deployment of self-checkout systems continues to grow across various sectors, driven by the demand for convenience and efficiency in today’s fast-paced world.
Key Points in Self Check-out
The shift towards self-checkout systems in various industries is a significant trend that offers benefits and raises concerns. Let’s take a closer look at some key points to consider:
1. **Convenience and Efficiency**: Self-checkout systems undeniably provide convenience and efficiency for both customers and businesses. They reduce waiting times, offer control over transactions, and streamline the checkout process, ultimately enhancing the overall customer experience.
2. Data Collection and Privacy Concerns: On the other hand, the advanced technology integrated into self-checkout systems raises questions about data collection and privacy. These machines gather information about shopping habits, preferences, and behaviors, potentially leading to concerns about surveillance and data security. The potential risks of increased monitoring should make us all more cautious and aware of the data we’re sharing.
3. **Industry Adoption**: Major retailers, fast-food chains, hotels, and airports are increasingly adopting self-checkout systems to meet the demands for speed and convenience in today’s fast-paced world. This widespread adoption indicates a shift towards a more self-service-oriented approach in various sectors.
4. **Technological Advancements**: Tech companies specializing in self-checkout solutions constantly evolve their offerings to incorporate features like mobile payment integration, barcode scanning technology, and AI-driven customer support. These advancements aim to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction further.
5. Balancing Convenience and Privacy: The growing popularity of self-checkout systems necessitates a careful balance between convenience and privacy. It is crucial for businesses and consumers to be aware of the trade-offs involved and actively address concerns related to data protection and surveillance. This balance is not just a consideration; it’s a necessity in the age of self-checkout.
In conclusion, the rise of self-checkout systems represents a significant evolution in the retail and service industries, driven by the desire for enhanced convenience and efficiency. While these systems offer undeniable benefits, increasing reliance on advanced technology raises essential data privacy and surveillance considerations. Finding a balance between convenience and privacy will be necessary as we navigate the implications of this digital transformation in the way we shop and interact with businesses.
The current environment for credit card readers gets more complex every day. Not only from a deployment standpoint but also as retro upgrades. Four years from now whatever you put out now, you will likely want to switch then. Kiosk and terminal manufacturers don’t have the option of a clean VESA mount like LCDs and touchscreens do. Mounts come in all flavors.
Historically too deployers have “cheated” with POS devices just like they cheat with assistive technology. The rationale used is “we have people available to help”. For larger companies they just exact a guarantee of limited liability using a device NOT rated for unattended. SMBs take it on the chin. In assistive tech, it becomes “we are providing meaningful access” legally albeit in violation of Title III for same service.
What we think about:
mitigating all of the different mounts so present and future is easier
Does the KMA raise that as relevant action item to review?
Why does PCI SSC ignore accessibility and assistive qualities?
Why does PCI SSC ignore companies that use attended devices instead of unattended? Enforcement?
Processors and POS systems could encourage proper card reads by using fees (that only go up)
Companies like Ingenico have made strides but Verifone seems stuck.
NRF tried Javapos and other methods to standardize middleware connections (think CUSS and Java)
Hotels and restaurants unite?
Cheap slow credit card readers should be replaced.
We asked some experts about it.
Looks good to me. Although, one comment I have is that we have many partners leveraging semi-attended installs for merchants of all shapes and sizes and we’ve never really had pushback from the processor for boarding the accounts. In fact, strangely enough one of the most popular devices used by our kiosk provider partners is a mounted Ingenico LANE/3000. OEMs like Touch Dynamic, PartnerTech, Pye, and others standardize on mounted countertop devices for their kiosks – against our recommendations since we support purpose-built unattended products as well and recommend those for any unattended use-case. I have received feedback that the mounts for attended devices are surface-mount friendly (and therefore easier to swap), whereas the purpose-built unattended devices require custom casework because they’re designed to be more integrated. We see this in amusements, fast-casual/QSR kiosk ordering, lighter-use vending, ticketing, cafeteria, municipal kiosks, etc…
Couple of hardware OEMs that standardize on countertop hardware for their kiosks.
Just wanted to weigh in since this is pretty prevalent among hardware OEMs that cater to a variety of POS providers.
And another
Yes, the article looks good to me as well. I would suggest expanding a bit on what xxxxxx mentioned regarding the mounting of attended versus unattended terminals. Experienced kiosk companies often incorporate modularity into their designs by using removable block plates. This allows for the flexibility to use different unattended devices on the same kiosk by simply changing the block plate, rather than replacing the entire cabinet door. In fact, I would argue that switching between different attended devices on a kiosk requires nearly the same level of engineering.
And another
Hi xxxx. I agree with Jared that semi-attended has become much more commonplace as the years have progressed since we had that original conversation. To me now the use case and environment the kiosk will be placed into is the biggest deciding factor between using an attended or unattended terminal. I added a chunk of sentences addressing that point. I added some additional info and edits to make some of the statements less matter-of-fact and more up to the reader’s interpretation. Thanks for the shout out.
Here is original instigator (super major kiosk manufacturer)
If the LCD companies of the world can work within a standard for mounting, (VESA) then why can’t the Credit Card Reader manufacturers? I’ve got to be far from the only person who thinks this sucks. Unless you make a living making 100’s of different mounting stands for them I guess…
Here is edited version of Cardholder Activated Terminal FAQ
There are two primary classifications of Point of Sale Terminal Types: Attended and Unattended Payment Terminals are classified into two major types, depending on the situation:
Attended Terminals
A POS Transaction occurring at an attended POS Terminal is a face-to-face Transaction, since a Sales Person or Representative is present at the time of the Transaction.
Unattended Terminals or Cardholder Activated Terminals (CATs)
A POS Transaction occurring at an unattended POS Terminal is a non-face-to-face Transaction, as NO Sales Person or Representative is present at the time of the Transaction. Examples of unattended POS Terminals include ticket dispensing machines, vending machines, automated fuel dispensers, toll booths, kiosks, and parking meters.
Resource: we highly recommend UCP Inc. and Rob Chilcoat for detailed questions on CAT terminals. For actual terminals we recommend Ingenico Self Service
Saying Yes to a McDonalds, Costco or a Home Depot
Quasi Classification of “Semi-Attended” — This is a gray area coined by processors in order to permit use of Attended Terminals on self-service kiosks. in an Unattended Mode. Typically this is seen by large corporations Solution like this have become common in big box retail stores (e.g. Home Depot, Costco). where They wish to use the same terminals throughout their organization as this reduces their upfront costs and long term support costs. business case with the same liability. The processors will “concede” to the use but only with If a kiosk maker goes this direction, it is important to be aware that merchant accounts may come with additional stipulations for use. Example stipulations might be that the kiosk is only accessible during business hours and is under the supervision of an agent of the merchant (store employee). Preconditions for obtaining such a classification by the processor is directly related to leverage the corporation may exert. Small business is not in that position.
As far as the PCISSC is concerned there is no such thing as “semi-attended.” A device is either an attended device (used with the assistance and under the supervision of a representative of the merchant) or is unattended (cardholder activated and used for self-service). Another big determining factor when deciding to go to market with a semi-attended solution is the physical environment the kiosk will be placed. We’ve had major transportation system companies ask to use an attended device on a train platform or another client that wanted to use it for ferry ticketing at a marina. An attended device is not designed to stand up to temperature variations, humidity, direct sunlight, or the abuse and traffic it will experience in these use cases. Other things like wet fingers at a water park and wet credit cards will also make using an attended device cost much more money in the long run due to frequent field support and repair issues. This gray area of “Semi attended” was coined by the processors who allow some merchants to use attended terminals in unattended situations which always comes with stipulations like the terminal must be only accessible during business hours and up to X number of self-checkout stations have to be supervised by an attendant, or you can’t sell alcohol or cigarettes at them. The alcohol stipulation was changed a while back by having the attendant at the self-checkout area check the ID and either swipe a badge or enter a code to allow for the sale of age-restricted products. If a kiosk solution provider wants to do everything aboveboard from a PCISSC perspective they should use unattended devices designed for self-service environments and have enhanced physical and tamper detection features. It is important that all merchants routinely check their terminals for signs of tampering and merchants operating self-service kiosks need to be extra vigilant. so that no exceptions ever have to be sought to operate in this semi-attended gray area with their prospective client’s processor. Use case and terminal model to be used are made part of a merchant account application and it is always possible an underwriter who reviews that application for risk might flag an attended device used at a kiosk as unacceptable. Also, when a kiosk solution uses a device that has gone through all the required testing to be considered and certified as a true unattended solution there are other added cost savings benefits when the merchant account is setup properly. it comes to an EMV certification, there is a whole host of tests scrips the person doing the certification has to run through to get an L3 EMV cert with a processor, and when the use case is for self-service there are additional tests cases that have to be run for the L3 EMV cert to cover unattended. It’s all-around best practice to use a device designed for self-service basically.
There are two primary classifications of Point of Sale Terminal Types: Attended and Unattended Payment Terminals are classified into two major types, depending on the situation:
Attended Terminals
A POS Transaction occurring at an attended POS Terminal is a face-to-face Transaction, since a Sales Person or Representative is present at the time of the Transaction.
Unattended Terminals or Cardholder Activated Terminals (CATs)
A POS Transaction occurring at an unattended POS Terminal is a non-face-to-face Transaction, as NO Sales Person or Representative is present at the time of the Transaction. Examples of unattended POS Terminals include ticket dispensing machines, vending machines, automated fuel dispensers, toll booths, kiosks, and parking meters.
Resource: we highly recommend UCP Inc. and Rob Chilcoat for detailed questions on CAT terminals. For actual terminals we recommend Ingenico Self Service
Saying Yes to a McDonalds, Costco or a Home Depot
Quasi Classification of “Semi-Attended” — This is a gray area coined by processors in order to permit use of Attended Terminals in an Unattended Mode. Typically this is seen by large corporations (e.g. Home Depot, Costco) where they wish to use the same terminals throughout the business case with the same liability. The processors will “concede” to the use but only with additional stipulations for use. Preconditions for obtaining such a classification by the processor is directly related to leverage the corporation may exert. Small business is not in that position.
CAT Definitions
The generally used CAT definitions for Mastercard for example are for CAT1, CAT2, CAT3, CAT4, CAT6, CAT7 and CAT9
CheckPoint Kiosk is a non-thermal camera, health screening kiosk that allows you to easily screen employees and visitors with a simple set of health questions. After screening, a date-stamped badge is printed for easy identification within your facility.
Does the kiosk include thermal temperature screening?
No. CheckPoint does not include thermal temperature screening and instead asks the user a series of questions to determine their risk level. Since thermal cameras have not been proven completely reliable and many infected people are asymptomatic, the CheckPoint kiosk depends on CDC-approved screening questions.
How can I tell if someone has passed screening?
After successful screening, a date-stamped badge is printed with the day of the week, date, and time in large text. Everyone in your facility must wear a badge with the current day clearly showing at all times.
How are new visitors coming in notified of the screening requirement?
Anyone coming into your building is instructed to stop for screening by the large graphic panel mounted on the rear of the kiosk. We recommend placing the kiosk close to the front entrance in a position where it cannot be missed.
Is any identifying data stored about the person being screened?
No. US employment law tightly regulates how health data of employees is stored and managed. While emergency exceptions have been carved out during the current pandemic, these exceptions are not clearly defined and can expose a business to significant liability.
How many kiosks do I need?
You will most likely need a kiosk for every entrance into your facility. If you have a high volume of employees or visitors entering at a single time, you may want to consider additional kiosks to expedite screening and encourage social distancing. You may choose to limit alternate entrances while running screening and instruct people coming into your facility to use one or more primary entrances. If you need a way to direct individuals to these entrances, we offer custom printed signage as an optional add-on.
Will voice-recognition work in noisy environments?
Voice-recognition requires that the iPad’s microphone can clearly distinguish the user’s voice from background noise. Noisy environments can interfere with recognition. In this case, the user can touch the on-screen answers. A 1 hand sanitizer pump bottle is mounted on the kiosk if users wish to sanitize their hands after interacting with the screen. If you are installing CheckPoint in a noisy environment where voice recognition is unlikely to be successful, please notify us when ordering so we can provide a version of the software and signage that removes the voice activation feature.
How long does screening take?
Initial screening generally takes less than one minute. As employees become more familiar with the questions, this time decreases to 30 seconds or less.
What questions are asked during screening?
After asking the user to agree to wear a mask and practice social distancing within the facility, CheckPoint asks each individual about fever, symptoms, and possible exposure. A complete set of questions and the decision tree can be reviewed here.
Individuals are deemed to be high-risk if they:
● have had a fever over 100.4° F (38.0° C) or used any medicine to reduce a fever in the last 24 hours
● have had symptoms associated with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, including fever or feeling feverish (chills, sweating), new cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, muscle aches or body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or new loss of taste or smell and symptom onset was less than 10 days ago or symptoms are not improving
● have reason to believe that they been exposed to or acquired COVID-19 in the last 14 days, This is in line with current CDC guidelines and will be updated if that guidance changes.
Can I customize the questions?
No. Questions are based on the current Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for health screening and discontinuance of isolation for individuals showing symptoms. However, messages shown when a person fails screening can be customized (see below for details).
Will the questions be updated when Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidance changes?
Yes. We are monitoring the CDC’s website and will update questions automatically when their recommendations change.
What happens when a visitor or employee fails screening?
A label is printed with instructions on what the person should do next. The text shown and printed can be customized separately for visitors and employees and updated from within the app’s settings.
The price per kiosk is $4,195 US plus tax and includes shipping anywhere in the continental United States.
Do you offer volume discounts?
Discounts are available for single purchase orders over 50 units. Please contact hardware-sales@kioskgroup.com for special volume pricing incentives.
How do I pay for the kiosk?
Contact a Kiosk Group Sales professional at hardware-sales@kioskgroup.com to start the process. Our experienced representatives will send you a form to get required information. Upon receipt of that information, we will send a complete quote outlining all of the solution details, pricing and tax. You can accept and pay online, call our office at 301-732-4629 x116 to provide your credit card over the phone, or pay via ACH (with bank information will be provided upon request).
What components are included?
The CheckPoint kiosk includes:
● Roo printer kiosk – steel enclosure with durable silver powder coat paint finish; rear keyed-lock access for full-front printer label replenishment.
● 10.2 “ iPad enclosure with microphone access grill – black textured ABS construction for easy cleaning, secure toolhead lock located beneath enclosure for easy removal if needed
● Star Micronics TSP743II Bluetooth printer – high speed for commercial use
● Roll of label stock (900 labels)
● Sanitizer pump bottle for hand sanitizer (hand sanitizer gel not included)
● Disposal bin for printed label backing
● Rear-mounted sign with easy-to-understand instructions
● Power strip for standard power outlet
● QuickStart instructions + hardware kit
● Packaging with pallet & shipping within the continental US
A 10.2-inch iPad with Retina display, 32 GB of storage, and WiFi is included as a separate one-year lease with options to renew leasing if continuing to use CheckPoint or buy out at the end of use for a $1 payment.
While this is structured as a lease, you are under no obligation to return the tablet to Kiosk Group.
The CheckPoint software is included as a separate annual subscription and requires the iPad to be leased from Kiosk Group for installation and use. Pay-In-Advance 2-year software incentive – pay for 2 years now, save $300 per unit, 2 nd year software renewal subscription fee only $695.
Additional coverage for the printer and tablet are available as optional add-ons.
Why must the iPad be leased from Kiosk Group?
The CheckPoint kiosk comes with software pre-installed and ready to go out of the box. To provision and manage the iPad tablet, we use Apple’s Device Enrollment Program (DEP) and mobile
device management software. In addition, the CheckPoint app is distributed as a Custom B2B app through Apple Business Manager (ABM). Apple’s terms for these programs clearly state that Kiosk Group must retain ownership of the iPad while it is enrolled in our DEP or has the CheckPoint app installed.
What happens at the end of the iPad lease or when I no longer want to use CheckPoint?
If you want to continue to use CheckPoint screening, you will need to renew the existing iPad lease and software subscription. The cost for the annual renewal is currently $995 annually paid in advance. Otherwise, at the end of the lease period or when you choose to no longer use the CheckPoint screening, you can return the iPad or buy out the lease for a $1 payment. After the buyout, the iPad will be released from Kiosk Group’s Device Enrollment Program account, wiped remotely to remove the Checkpoint software and mobile device management profile, and ownership
officially transferred.
What happens if the leased iPad is damaged or lost?
The customer assumes responsibility for the iPad for the full lease term. If the iPad is damaged, lost, or stolen during this period, you must notify Kiosk Group immediately and will be responsible for paying for a replacement if you want to continue to use CheckPoint. Additional AppleCare+ coverage is available as an optional add-on at the time of purchase and covers up to
two incidents of accidental damage with a deductible. See below for details.
I already have my own iPads – can I use these for CheckPoint instead of leasing?
For deployments of more than 100 kiosks, we can optionally set up a separate instance of the CheckPoint app that would be linked to your organization’s Apple Business Manager account. In this instance, you would be responsible for provisioning and managing the iPads on your own.
What am I responsible for providing?
Label stock, liquid hand sanitizer and a WiFi internet connection. While we provide an initial roll of label stock, subsequent refills are the responsibility of the end customer.
Additional cases of 12 rolls (900 labels per roll) can be purchased from Kiosk Group at a cost of $195 per case (approx. $.02/label). The kiosk ships with an empty pump bottle for hand sanitizer. Purchasing hand sanitizer to fill this bottle or replacing it with a new bottle is also the responsibility of the customer. If you do not want to offer hand sanitizer, the sanitizer mounting kit can be removed from the kiosk at any point.
Is an internet connection required?
Yes. CheckPoint is a hosted solution, which means an internet connection is required for use. If you do not have a reliable WiFi signal where the kiosk is to be placed, we can provide a kit to connect the iPad to wired Ethernet for an additional fee.
Can I customize the printed badges?
Pre-printed label stock can be used with CheckPoint if you want the badge to show your organization’s logo or imagery at the top of the badge. Please contact us to discuss how much of the label can be pre-printed and arrange for the alternate badge layout required.
Can I purchase additional badge labels?
Yes. Additional rolls of badge labels are available in cases of 12 rolls (with 900 labels per roll) for $195 per case.
Can I customize the graphic panel that comes with the kiosk?
Custom graphics for the rear panel are available for an additional $129 each.
Can the kiosk be set up outside?
No. CheckPoint kiosks are designed for indoor use and are not weather-proof.
How does shipping work?
The kiosk is shipped fully assembled on a pallet with protective packaging. The graphic panel packaged separately, ready to attach and set in place for plug-and-play operation. A QuickStart guide for connecting to power and WiFi, loading label stock into the printer and attaching the rear sign is also included. Packaging and freight shipping within the continental US are included for loading dock delivery. If a lift gate or indoor delivery is required, there will be an additional $100 fee.
What is required to set up the kiosk?
Software for your CheckPoint kiosk comes pre-installed and configured. For on-site setup, your team will need to:
● attach the graphic signage panel to the kiosk
● fill the provided sanitizer pump bottle or add your own bottle of sanitizer gel
● connect the iPad to power and WiFi
● connect the printer to power and confirm that the printer’s Bluetooth connection to the tablet is working
● launch the CheckPoint app
What tools are required for unpacking and assembly?
(pending answer)
How often does the printer need to be refilled?
Label stock for the printer comes with 900 labels per roll. How frequently this will need to be replaced will depend on traffic at your location. The CheckPoint kiosk opens through a keyed lock at the rear of the enclosure. The front hinges out to provide access to the printer. The top of the kiosk front should be supported with a hand while opening. Nothing has to be removed and changing out label stock should only take a couple of minutes.
Is technical support available?
We provide complete documentation for setting up your CheckPoint kiosk and email support is available weekdays from 9am to 5pm. For questions about the CheckPoint software, please contact software-support@kioskgroup.com. For questions about the kiosk enclosure and hardware components, please contact hardware-support@kioskgroup.com. For repairs or warranty coverage for the tablet or the thermal label printer, Kiosk Group will provide email contacts through our support portal once a ticket is opened. Please email hardware-support@kioskgroup.com for instructions.
What warranty is provided?
There is a one-year warranty on all items manufactured by Kiosk Group, including the kiosk enclosure and graphics. The tablet and all peripherals are provided with the manufacturer’s warranty only. Additional support and warranty coverage is available for each as an optional add-on. All software is provided as-is. If voice recognition is not possible in your facility due to background noise, an alternate version of the software without voice recognition will be provided. Graphic panels without the voice activation indicator are available for $129 each or can be substituted on request for the standard panel at the time of purchase for no additional charge.
Is additional support & warranty coverage available for the tablet and/or printer?
Yes.
Optional Swap-a-Star Printer Replacement – for $69 additional per unit, your kiosk can be registered with our printer partner, Star Micronics, who will be the printer replacement depot for your kiosk for 24 months from date of purchase. If a new printer is required after troubleshooting any printer issues, Star Technical Support will drop-ship a replacement printer to your location overnight. This coverage can only be added at time of purchase and is linked to the serial number associated with the printer.
Optional AppleCare+ Coverage – for $169 additional per unit, AppleCare+ extends your iPad warranty coverage to 24 months and includes up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage. Each incident is subject to a service fee of $49, plus applicable tax. AppleCare+ also adds 24/7 priority access to Apple experts by chat or phone. This coverage can only be added at time of purchase and is linked to the serial number associated with the iPad. This coverage is transferred along with ownership at the end of the lease.
What is the return policy for the kiosk?
Due to the current business environment, CheckPoint kiosks are not returnable. All sales are final.
Billing information needed:
● Company Name
● Contact name, phone number and email address
● Please note the information above must match the billing and contact information on your credit card. You may also pay by ACH.
● Billing street, city, state, zip code
Delivery address:
● Company Name
● Contact name, phone number and email address
● Shipping street, building number, etc.
● City, state, zip code
● Indicate whether tax-exempt or not and provide a copy of your tax exempt certificate.
Nice writeup and flowchart showing Coinstar bidding $70 for $100 card, then handing off to Blackhawk who sells the $100 card on Cardpool.com for $90. Coinstar and Blackhawk split the profit of $20 50-50
The scene: Disney and its spouse (also Disney) have just finished a hard evening’s grocery shopping. Cart piled high with all the things a growing-but-massive entertainment conglomerate needs, the pair stop at the store’s exit, right next to a distinctive bright red kiosk. Disney turns to its partner:“Honey, should we pick up a Redbox lawsuit tonight?” “Oh, yeah, that sounds like fun!”
Coinstar, a leader in self-service coin counting, and doxo, an innovative web and mobile bill payment solution, today announced a partnership to provide an easy and convenient cash bill pay service to consumers via thousands of Coinstar® kiosks in high-traffic retail locations.
“Cash is a vital bill payment option, especially for the 34 million unbanked or under-banked households in the country. Over six percent of bill payments totaling more than $235 billion annually are made with cash,” said Steve Shivers, CEO and co-founder of doxo. “For billers, providing an easy way for their customers to pay with cash is not only a valuable service, but helps keep accounts current. Our partnership with Coinstar provides this opportunity with very little effort on the part of billers.”
Consumers will be able to select “Pay Bills with Cash at Coinstar” from among the payment options of participating billers when using doxo through the web or their mobile device. Then, at cash-accepting Coinstar kiosks, payers identify their biller and deposit their cash payment. Users will receive a printed or emailed payment receipt and can track their payment delivery status in real time through doxo. Billers also have the option of being featured for bill pay on Coinstar kiosks that are within their local service areas.
Coinstar kiosk and Amazon Partner in cash reload sites 2018.
BELLEVUE, Wash.May 15, 2018/PRNewswire/ — Coinstar announced today that customers can now add cash to their Amazon Balance by using Amazon Cash at select Coinstar® kiosks across the country.
“We’re excited to team up with Amazon and give shoppers an easy and convenient way to add cash to their Amazon Balance,” said Jim Gaherity, CEO of Coinstar, LLC. “Coinstar is proud to enable Amazon Cash at Coinstar kiosks for cash-preferring customers, who can now enjoy the same benefits of shopping online as any other customer. Best of all, there are no fees to use the service.”
Coinstar Amazon Cash Reload
Amazon customers wishing to spend their cash on Amazon via Coinstar only need to associate their phone number to their Amazon account, which they can do at www.amazon.com/cash. To begin a transaction at Coinstar cash-accepting kiosks, the customer selects “Cash Services,” and then “Amazon Cash.” Next, the customer enters their phone number and inserts bills into the cash acceptor on the kiosk totaling any amount between $5 and $500. An Amazon.com Gift Card is automatically purchased and claimed to the customer’s Amazon Balance and is available for immediate use for eligible items on Amazon.com or select affiliated properties. There is no fee to use this service at Coinstar kiosks.
Coinstar kiosks are conveniently located in high-traffic retail locations, including grocery stores and mass merchants. Coinstar expects to have approximately 5,000 kiosks enabled by the end of the year to accept cash for Amazon Cash customers, and the rollout begins today at select grocery stores in the northeast. To find a Coinstar cash-accepting kiosk with Amazon Cash functionality, customers may visit: coinstar.com/amazoncash. For additional details on Amazon Cash, including full terms and conditions, customers may visit: amazon.com/cash.
About Coinstar, LLC
Based in Bellevue, Wash., Coinstar owns and operates the largest fully automated, multi-national network of self-service coin-counting kiosks. With nearly 20,000 kiosk locations, Coinstar provides convenient and reliable coin counting services at mass merchants, grocery and drug stores and financial institutions. Consumer solutions include coin-to-cash, coin-to-eGift card and charity donation options. For kiosk locations and information, visit www.coinstar.com.
SOURCE Coinstar
Coinstar News
There are some recent news articles regarding Coinstar, a company that operates self-service coin counting kiosks, and its partnership with Amazon, the online retail giant. Here are some of the main points:
Coinstar announced that customers can now add cash to their Amazon Balance by using Amazon Cash at select Coinstar kiosks across the country. This service allows customers to shop online without a credit card or bank account, and with no fees. Coinstar expects to have about 5,000 kiosks enabled by the end of the year12.
Coinstar agreed to pay $6 million in fines and restitution to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) after its prepaid debit cards were found to have taken unfair advantage of some 1.2 million prisoners who were issued one since 2011. The cards charged fees for accessing the money that prisoners were owed, and Coinstar failed to provide them with a cardholder agreement or an alternative option to receive their funds. The CFPB ruled that Coinstar violated the Electronic Fund Transfer Act and Regulation E3.
Oct 2021 — Keeping track of the deployments and footprint for Coinstar locations is challenging. From the Coinstar website in December 2021 — Coinstar® is the global leader in self-service coin counting with 23,000 kiosks in North America, Europe, and Japan. More than 800 billion coins have been processed since Coinstar’s inception in the early 1990s. In the United States, consumers can convert their change to cash, a no-fee eGift card, or donate to charity at supermarkets, mass merchant, drug stores, and financial institution kiosk locations. Expanded cash services at Coinstar kiosks include purchasing cryptocurrencies and adding money into digital accounts. For brand advertisers, Coinstar now offers adPlanet™, which enables lead generation on the interactive kiosk screen and a flexible digital advertising platform that sits atop Coinstar kiosks at select grocery locations. For more information on Coinstar or kiosk locations, visit www.coinstar.com.
The recent news for Coinstar is the addition of crypto-currency
Crypto onboarding service Coinme has announced the introduction of six new digital assets available for purchase via cash deposits at kiosk stations located across the U.S following a partnership deal with Coinstar.
Alongside Bitcoin, users will also be granted access to Chainlink, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Stellar, and Polygon at a purportedly instant transaction rate.
CEO and co-founder of Coinme Neil Bergquist said that the crypto service has allowed the firm to “scale to 10,000 additional physical locations, providing instant cash onramps to crypto, which can be purchased and securely stored in the Coinme wallet or sent to nearly any wallet globally.”
The wait is over! Coinme is going beyond bitcoin and is now offering the top cryptocurrencies to buy with cash at over 10K Coinme-enabled, Coinstar locations!
Creative Team: “We want to do something fun and creative with the new M51.”
Me: “Sure, go for it!”
Creative Team: 😁