When Greg Marsh moved to NYC for business school, he and his wife got locked out of their new home. They had a horrible experience, as an unscrupulous guy showed up in an unmarked van and charged $300 to drill the lock. This experience got Marsh thinking about the locksmith industry and, later, to start KeyMe. As he researched the industry, he became really excited about the opportunity: it’s a massive, $7.5 billion/year industry in the U.S., which hasn’t seen innovation decades. He believed technology could deliver unmatched value and customer experience for key duplication, lockouts an
Kiosk Industry is happy to note that one of our sponsors recently won two awards at the CES 2023 show. The Dot Pad is the world’s first tactile display for braille and assistive technology.
Mobile Devices & Accessories, Virtual & Augmented Reality
Dot Pad is the World’s first tactile graphic device for the visually impaired and the blind. It has a total of 320 8-pin cells where 300 cells (2400-pins) are for the tactile display and 20 cells are for the braille-text display. It displays images, graphics, and charts in tactile form. It has an easy connection with devices via Bluetooth. Dot Pad is portable as it is very light and slim with a long-lasting battery life that lasts up to 11 hours once fully charged. Dot Pad encourages individuals to be independent in enhancing education, entertainment, daily life, and others.
The latest European accessibility standard with the EN 301 549 V3.2.1 2021-03 for ICT products and serivces and the EN 17 210 for the buit environment.
Xtreme™ High Bright Outdoor Displays and Indoor and Outdoor Kiosks to be demonstrated in Hall 12, Booth H90
Peerless-AV Indoor Outdoor Solutions at ISE 2019
AURORA, Ill. – January 17, 2019 – Peerless-AV®, an award-winning designer and manufacturer of the highest quality audio and video solutions and accessories, is excited to announce its showcase for ISE 2019. Products including Xtreme™ High Bright Outdoor Displays, along with a range of fully integrated, indoor and outdoor kiosks will be on display in Hall 12, Booth H90.
Debuting at ISE 2019, Peerless-AV’s Xtreme™ High Bright Outdoor Displays (XHB432, XHB492, and XHB552) will be put to the test in various impact and water demonstration scenarios, highlighting the resilient, all-weather capabilities. The outdoor displays offer full HD 1080p resolution for a bright, crisp picture and color accuracy up to 178°. Featuring a fully sealed IP68-rated design and an operating temperature range of -31°F to 140°F (-35°C – 60°C), there is no need to change filters or service the display, creating a maintenance-free solution for year-round use. Available in 43″, 49″, and 55″, the Xtreme™ High Bright Outdoor Displays include IK10-rated cover glass for the ultimate screen protection, remote and local monitoring functionality, 2500 nits of brightness, an updated input panel/compartment and cord cover, and IR control and button board lockouts.
In addition to the Xtreme™ High Bright Outdoor Displays, Peerless-AV will also be showcasing its new Smart City Kiosk(KOP25-XHB, KOP25-OHF). With a focus on functionality and aesthetics, the Smart City Kiosk is designed to be modern, approachable, practical, and endure the rigors of everyday use. To accommodate a variety of displays, the Smart City Kiosk can incorporate a 49″ or 55″ Xtreme™ High Bright Outdoor Display, or a 46″ or 55″ Samsung OHF Display. The all-weather rated Smart City Kiosk is ideal for sharing community information, travel, and weather details, as well as advertising, entertainment, and more.
Peerless-AV will be exhibiting its range of AV solutions at ISE 2019, Hall 12, Booth H90 from February 5-8, 2019. To schedule a booth interview, contact Beth Gard, [email protected].
For over 75 years, passion and innovation continue to drive Peerless-AV forward. We proudly design and manufacture the highest quality products, ranging from outdoor displays to complete kiosk solutions, digital signage mounts to wireless systems. Whether a full-scale global deployment or custom project, Peerless-AV develops meaningful relationships and delivers world-class service. In partnership with Peerless-AV, you are trusting an award-winning team of experts who will support your business every step of the way. For more information, visit peerless-av.com.
Comments – Latest outdoor display model in stock now, offering improved brightness output and thermal performance for full sun usage with key network control and operating system updates. Operationally designed and tested is more reliable than incomplete specs. McDonalds suffered display failures in California. The display and specs were exemplary (Samsung OH55s) however those were not a silver bullet by themselves. See reverse case study.
With an unmatched ingress protection (IP) rating and award-winning feature set, the new XHB553 is lighter in weight with significant mechanical and operating system enhancements that include thermal load diffusion, customized brightness scheduling, auto-source switching, power saving, and pixel shifting, to name a few. Even better – it is fan cooled to reduce heat build-up caused by thermal load from extended exposure to direct heat – The operating temperature remains the widest in the industry, ranging from -31°F to 140°F!
Peerless-AV’s Market Leading 55″ Xtreme™ High Bright Outdoor Display Now Enhanced for Peak Performance in Hotter Climates
AURORA, Ill – December 7, 2021 – Peerless-AV®, an award-winning designer and manufacturer of the highest quality audio and video solutions and accessories, has announced the availability of the new generation 55″ Xtreme™ High Bright Outdoor Display for all-weather, extreme temperature applications. The new XHB553 retains an unmatched ingress protection (IP) rating and award-winning feature set, but is now lighter in weight with significant mechanical and operating system enhancements that include thermal load diffusion, customized brightness scheduling, auto-source switching, power saving, and pixel shifting, to name a few.
To address performance requirements in hotter ‘desert’ or sunnier climates, the new XHB553 outdoor display is fan-cooled to reduce heat build-up caused by thermal load from extended exposure to direct sunlight. The display’s operating temperature remains the widest in the industry, ranging from -31°F to 140°F (-35°C to 60°C) and the patented thermal exhaust system keeps internal components cooled in extreme heat. It also offers 2500nits of light output and an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts brightness to match time of day conditions, thus reducing light pollution in evening hours and optimizing power consumption.
Click for full-size image — Outdoor Display Peerless-AV
The XHB553 is now 25% lighter than the previous generation 55″ and includes a gyroscopic sensor that detects any movement of the display. The XHB553’s IP66 rated design protects against the ingress of water, dust, dirt, moisture, and insects, and an IK10, tempered cover glass offers protection against vandalism and debris.
Additional new features include upgrades to the display’s network access and control functionality, as well as key operating system extras:
Auto-Source Switching: Allows the user to set the display to search for a secondary content signal if the main source fails, ensuring zero display downtime
Power Scheduling: Allows the user to set a specific frequency time and date for the display to turn on and off automatically
Brightness Scheduling: Eco and custom settings allow the user to use predetermined modes that set the backlight level intensity according to time of day, an important feature at night where regulations dictate brightness of digital signage, especially near roadsides
Power Save Mode: Allows the user to set the time for the display to power down or go to sleep mode if no content signal is present; The LAN port can also be set to passive or active mode to reduce power consumption when the display is not active
Pixel Shifting: Useful if using static content to avoid image retention; Horizontal or vertical shifting of an image can be set to a specific frequency
“Peerless-AV prides itself on providing the best possible solutions for our consumers, constantly thinking of ways to update or improve products to better suit the consumer’s needs,” said Nick Belcore, Executive Vice President, Peerless-AV. ” With an increased demand for outdoor displays built to last through extreme weather, sun exposure, cold, and more, we designed the XHB553 to excel and perform to the highest of standards in all weather conditions.”
The Xtreme™ High Bright Outdoor Display can be much more than a standalone unit. Peerless-AV also designs and manufactures stylish, fully integrated kiosk solutions, including Outdoor Smart City Kiosks (KOP2555-XHB) and Outdoor Digital Menu Boards (KOF555-1/2/3).
Date is 26 -27 April at Olympia in London is Retail Technology. Given the turnout this year the odds are pretty good that next year we make our once-a-year trip to London. Rumor has it the pubs are open… If you want any assistance setting up a meeting or scheduling you can email [email protected]
8400+ Retail & brand professionals in attendance – offers limitless opportunities to network and meet the right people to help improve your retail business.
300+ Exhibitors – showcasing the latest retail tech solutions to help meet your customer’s demands and future-proof your business.
100+ Speakers on stage – hear from game-changing leaders, to keep you up-to-date with the latest trends and challenges.
All this and much, much, more…
And yes, it’s free to attend.
VIDEO 2022 Highlights
More Posts and Resources
Kiosk Software – KioWare announces Europe & UK presence.(Opens in a new browser tab)
KeyMe, the rapidly growing NYC based company that is revolutionizing the locksmith industry, today announced that the company’s new retail kiosks are going to be deployed in over 100 locations across the U.S. before the end of the year, including over 20 locations in the metro NYC area beginning in November.
The new kiosks will be able to copy car keys, both with transponder chips and those without. This is an industry game-changer as this is the first time car keys have ever been able to be copied at a self-service kiosk.
These next generation kiosks are also integrated with the popular and free KeyMe mobile app, creating a seamless multi-platform experience – keys can be saved, accessed and then printed at the kiosks or via mail. The KeyMe iOS mobile app has hundreds of thousands of customers storing their keys and a new Android app is set to be released in November.
It’s a popular subject for many “publications” to run a story about how Walmart is pulling all its self checkout units. Aka unverified speculative news intended to garner an audience and increase advertising revenue. Some read mainstreams like Forbes (I used to way back) but other read independent “number-based” publications like Reforming Retail.
What you see is often times very much different than what people say.
Walmart is supercharging self checkout. How is that for a headline you haven’t seen?
July 29, 2024 Walmart, Costco agree to Grocery Code of Conduct — Video
Adaptive Retail: Walmart is integrating the best aspects of eCommerce and in-store shopping to enhance customer experience.
Survey Insights: A survey of over 2,200 Americans shows strong interest in social media shopping, personalized recommendations, and virtual assistants1.
Technological Innovations: Walmart is testing AI-powered virtual assistants, augmented reality, and mobile checkout to improve shopping convenience.
Future Vision: Walmart aims to transform shopping with machine learning and AI, making the process more personalized and efficient.
Survey Data
Among the most notable findings:
The long-touted impact of social media on shopping habits might be here, with 55 percent of Gen Z respondents saying they’ve shopped while browsing social media in the six months leading up to their response.
Additionally, almost as many Gen Z respondents now begin their product searches on social media as do on search engines or on a retailer’s own app or website.
More than half of shoppers said they’d like product recommendations tailored, or personalized, to either their body type or the space they live in.
Half of Gen Z shoppers, as well as those who are parents, want a virtual shopping assistant at all times.
Nearly 8 in 10 of all respondents have shopped online while focused on another task in the six months preceding the survey
Half of respondents were interested in phone-based self-checkout in stores, while 60 percent of parents and more than half of Gen Z respondents would like to buy products in a store but have it delivered to their homes for them.
Furner acknowledged that the prevalence of shoplifting and organized retail crime across the country remains a challenge for retailers of all sizes. He says shrinkage – the industry term for merchandise loss due to theft – has increased at Walmart over the past two years. In response, the big-box retailer has been selectively removing self-checkout counters from some locations where there are more instances of shoplifting and mis-scanned items, but Furner told ABC News that self-checkout is not going away at Walmart.
“There are a few stores where we’ve made the decision that they’ll come out of, but we haven’t made that decision in every store,” he said. “Over the next few years, we’re really going to lean into new types of technology that can make the checkout process even better for customers.”
Walmart is Modifying Self Checkout
Walmart Self Checkout 2024 Bentonville Store One
Walmart has relied on NCR for many years for POS and self checkout, and still does. NCR has a very large service arm. Having been to NCR Bentonville headquarters for a couple of days, we can attest to that. The “writing on the wall” is that the cashcow known in Duluth as Walmart, is weaning itself from NCR. Not good news for a service department that is probably 90% funded by Walmart.
NCR has its own set of problems which continue to grow.
And so Walmart is changing. Walmart is now developing its own self checkouts. It spends a ton of money on self checkout with NCR currently (and on POS) but those big checks look like they will be smaller and smaller in the future. Walmart has new tests of “Just Walk Out” Amazon-like scanning systems to ease checkout. We have pictures of new lockers in Sam’s in Mexico. Worth noting Walmart has over 4700 stores in U.S. Here are some key Walmart news items.
Update December 25th, 2023 – Latest test in downtown Bentonville Neighborhood market is RFID(?) cart. This example from a local Neighborhood Market store is an opportunity for rapid checkout with a cart full of tagged purchases. We will all be interested to see how this test unfolds in the year ahead. Meanwhile the troubles for Toshiba continue to grow.
What’s coming next? Optimization is moving from the counter to the upstream cart. Next stop is the shelf itself?
Thanks to Reforming Retail& Jordan for the tip. Recommended highly subscription (we do…). Forget the sponsor-advertiser led “news portals”.
More Perspective
Interesting comments on employees.
In an exclusive and far-reaching interview with ABC News, John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S., talked about the retail giant’s push to hire more non-college degree workers for high-paying corporate jobs at the company.
Currently, 75% of Walmart’s salaried managers began as hourly associates. High-performing Walmart managers at the store’s Supercenters now have the ability to earn more than $400,000 a year, which includes a new stock grant rewards program. Some of those managers have college degrees, while others do not – it is not required for the job.
“While college is great for some, it’s not exactly the right answer for everyone,” Furner told ABC News.
One of our ongoing threads in tracking Walmart Self Checkout. See Walmart – NCR Self-Checkout Being Replaced with Homegrown? Walmart is a technology leader no doubt. In past years they have always been willing to test new iteration and even new payment methods (here is link on Affirm regarding latest BNPL Buy Now Pay Later capability.
Seems to be a magnitude of change coming. Biggest change might be walking away from NCR with its Fastlane POS and it’s self-checkouts. We wrote them up on their Whole Foods iteration and others like Lowes and Target have fled the roost. We have first hand experience visiting and touring the main NCR facility in Bentonville (down the street from Store #1) and the elimination of the service component would be mega body blow for NCR.
Toshiba isn’t much better either…(see earlier story – Meanwhile the troubles for Toshiba continue to grow.)
In the news are many articles that make it sound like consumers hate self-checkout and that Walmart is in process of getting rid of all its SCOs. We have some cheap land in Florida for sale too… Between click hungry “journalists” and AI reading too much into “faddish” trends fact is Walmart continues to increase the number of checkouts. Here is article on LinkedIn and also here on kioskindustry.
Update December 25th, 2023 – Latest test in downtown Bentonville Neighborhood market is RFID(?) cart. This example from a local Neighborhood Market store is an opportunity for rapid checkout with a cart full of tagged purchases. We will all be interested to see how this test unfolds in the year ahead. Meanwhile the troubles for Toshiba continue to grow.
What’s coming next? Optimization is moving from the counter to the upstream cart. Next stop is the shelf itself?
Thanks to Reforming Retail& Jordan for the tip. Recommended highly subscription (we do…). Forget the sponsor-advertiser led “news portals”.
The good news is we have some more pictures of those Walmart self checkout units
Thanks to Scott Benedict who just happens to live in Arkansas. Affiliate Partner at McMillanDoolittle | Top Retail Expert | Retail Merchant | Consultant | Educator | Author | Mentor | Speaker | Podcaster | Advisory Board Member | eCommerce Executive | RetailWire BrainTrust Panelist
Walmart Self Checkout 2024 – Click for full size
New Walmart Checkout 2024 – Click for full size
New Walmart Checkout 2024 – Click for full size
Walmart Checkout 2024 – Click for full size
Meanwhile over at Sam’s and Costco?
Link to video — I had the privilege of sharing on stage at CES our news to converge those two priorities by delivering new levels of convenience by leveraging a first-of-its-kind application of artificial intelligence and computer vision technology, creating a seamless exit experience. This digital solution addresses a key member concern, waiting in line for receipt verification to exit the club, by allowing a member to simply walk out with their purchased items.
Alleviating Key Pain Point from Progressive Grocer — Currently running pilots across 10 Sam’s Club locations, the technology is used to seamlessly confirm members have paid for all items in their shopping carts – without requiring an associate to check members’ purchases before leaving the club. Before this technology, members were slowed by queuing at the club’s exit area to have Sam’s Club exit greeters review receipts. Members continue to say they want a faster and more convenient shopping experience and consistently rated the wait times at the exit – especially during busy periods – as a pain point in the shopping experience.
Let’s not leave out Costco — Costco appears to be testing a digital ID scanning station at the front door of at least one of its stores. Shoppers spotted the tech at the store near Costco’s corporate headquarters in Issaquah, Washington.
Meanwhile Back In Colorado at Super Walmart January 2024 – New Checkout Units!
We visited the local super duper Walmart here in Denver and went thru the self checkout. The attendant let me know that the SCOs were brand news and literally were installed the night before. The biggest change he thought was new additional charge for bags. All the colors kind of remind me of a bag spilt skittles. Also camouflaged.
Click for full size — walmart self checkout 2024 — Comments: Modified NCR R6C SCO….perhaps that is a new model from NCR. Likely the R7 unit that was in Whole Foods lab.
The computer vision checkout fixture has been installed in my local Sam’s Club in Springdale, Arkansas. The device has not been activated yet, but it looks to be close to being operational. Awesome! Thanks to Scott Benedict Affiliate Partner at McMillan Doolittle!
Interesting 2006 Video by IBM [Thanks Zac at Nanonation!)
walmart self checkout
sams club checkoutUpdate Feb 2024 – Walmart announces massive new updating and ungrading of existing stores to its “Store of the Future” concept.
Update December 25th, 2023 – Latest test in downtown Bentonville Neighborhood market is RFID(?) cart. This example from a local Neighborhood Market store is an opportunity for rapid checkout with a cart full of tagged purchases. We will all be interested to see how this test unfolds in the year ahead. Meanwhile the troubles for Toshiba continue to grow.
What’s coming next? Optimization is moving from the counter to the upstream cart. Next stop is the shelf itself?
Thanks to Reforming Retail& Jordan for the tip. Recommended highly subscription (we do…). Forget the sponsor-advertiser led “news portals”.
We track SCOs as we call them. Everybody uses them from Lowes, Home Depot, to Target to Whole Foods, Costco and yes, Walmart.
Updated 10/16/2023 — see below image and comment
Good article on Reforming Retail detailing what RR thinks the next steps are for Walmart and Self-Checkout. We have a paid subscription and RR is very nice about us republishing their content. We recommend a paid subscription to access all the articles. We say that very rarely. Reports from Insiders isn’t quite the same as a corporate announcement for sure. We’ll monitor. For reference Whole Foods uses NCR SCOs. We have an article on their lack of accessibility.
After Losing Lowes and Home Depot, Insiders Say NCR Lost Walmart Self Checkout Business
Imagine a company so corrupt that an incompetent CEO can make $20M a year to lose customers the size of the ones in the article title. Yet that’s exactly what’s happening according to N…
In late 2022 they began deploying the machines in the Dallas market.
The way it works, per the NCR insiders, is like this:
NCR will provide the installation and services of these new Gulfstream self-checkouts. But NCR’s self-checkout product is dead as far as Walmart’s concerned.
There was a hiccup in October of 2022 with Gulfstream’s cash dispensing module so Walmart had NCR come back in to temporarily reinstall their NCR machine until Walmart could get through the holidays.
But now, according to NCR insiders, Walmart is dead set on rolling out their Gulfstreams.
Over the next four years Walmart won’t install any new NCR systems and Walmart will roll out their own. It will probably take decades to replace NCR, but BCS has a warehouse full of Gulfstream machines and even had to buy the building next door to store all of the Gulfstream units.
NCR insider
We called BCS but they offered no comment.
We also asked NCR for comment and they offered none.
As we were told, years ago Walmart went away from NCR to Compucom. It turned out that Compucom didn’t have enough resources so Walmart begrudgingly negotiated a new contract with NCR. But ultimately, Walmart is not a fan of NCR (neither are we fans of companies who pay executives tens of millions a year to screw shareholders and employees).
When we first started deploying the Gulfstream it was taking 6 hours to build the system with 2 technicians, which is labor intensive as these things go. Instead, BCS is going to assemble them all and ship them out, drastically cutting down on NCR installation time.
Under my tenure NCR has lost Lowe’s and Home Depot, so it’s not surprising a larger, more sophisticated retailer is booting NCR.
NCR insider
In response to the bleeding, NCR has made huge personnel reductions according to insiders.
NCR fired so many people to get up profit margins so it looks good on paper. We eliminated territory managers in the self-checkout depart, stopped all travel for installations, and only allow travel for break/fix issues
NCR insider
According to the insiders, the theory is that NCR’s self-checkout business will be sold to Amazon, who own Whole Foods, one of the only sizable retailers left using NCR.
Of course Amazon has their own self-checkout technology, and it’s better if for nothing else than it cuts down on fraud.
Why they haven’t rolled this out to Whole Foods is anyone’s guess.
But in the Walmart vs Amazon world, NCR might make some money on the grudge match.
Just expect all of it to funnel directly into the pockets of NCR’s management.
Partnership enables more than 500,000 website customers to easily and affordably achieve legal compliance for digital accessibility
TUCSON, Ariz., January 21, 2020 — AudioEye, Inc. (NASDAQ: AEYE), an industry-leading software solution delivering website accessibility compliance to businesses of all sizes, has announced a partnership with Duda, the leading web design platform for companies that offer web design services to small businesses.
WCAG Conformance
With this partnership, AudioEye is now one of five site-enhancing tools, and the only digital accessibility solution, integrated into the newly launched Duda App Store. This native integration now makes it possible for the more than 6,000 digital agencies and solutions providers to create legally compliant, fully accessible websites for hundreds of thousands of customers that help ensure barrier-free access for everyone, regardless of their individual abilities. Trusted by some of the largest and most influential businesses and organizations in the world, AudioEye provides an always-on testing, remediation, and monitoring solution that continually improves conformance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
“By enabling any website on the Duda platform to quickly turn on AudioEye with a click of a button, Duda has elevated the importance of digital inclusion with their customers, placing website accessibility on a level playing field with other essential and familiar website solutions for businesses such as SEO, CRM, SMS marketing, and several other fully integrated tools. Given their target customer base, this is the ideal positioning for the AudioEye solution,” said AudioEye Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder Sean Bradley. “This partnership represents a tremendous step forward for AudioEye in its mission to eradicate all barriers to digital access, and we are honored to partner with like-minded companies like Duda who also prioritize digital inclusion.”
Accessibility SaaS On-Demand
“We’re continuously innovating our platform to ensure we provide our digital agency and SaaS customers with the tools needed to create the most modern, feature-rich, responsive websites available. This includes sites that are accessible to individuals of all abilities, which is why we are proud to now offer AudioEye’s industry-leading solution,” said Duda CEO Itai Sadan.
According to a recent Duda survey, more than 60-percent of clients have asked about web accessibility in the past year, with legal compliance being the most prominent motivator. In the United States, digital accessibility-related lawsuits have increased significantly over the past five years, with more than 2,000 lawsuits filed in federal court in 2018 and 2019, consecutively. This trend shows no sign of slowing in 2020. Overwhelmingly, courts are siding with accessibility. Recently, the Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal from the international pizza restaurant chain, Domino’s, upholding a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Decision in favor of accessibility. Internationally, more and more governments continue to establish or reinforce their own accessibility laws, which most commonly harmonize with WCAG. With AudioEye on a website, businesses significantly reduce their risk of a costly, time-consuming digital accessibility-related lawsuit.
AudioEye Pro and Managed are now available on the Duda App Store:
AudioEye Pro: best for freelancers who want to harness the power of AudioEye to manage website accessibility on their own using AudioEye’s developer tools. AudioEye Pro couples machine-learning automation with free developer tools. AudioEye’s always-on technology identifies WCAG errors, fixing some of the most common issues in real-time, while developer tools assist site owners in fixing remaining issues. AudioEye Pro includes scanning and monitoring and access to digital accessibility training and customer-only webinars. Pro also provides customers an Accessibility Statement, showing site visitors a commitment to digital accessibility, as well as a 24/7 Help Desk to report any accessibility issues encountered.
AudioEye Managed: ideal for agencies managing multiple websites who prefer to rely on AudioEye to ensure accessibility standards are met. AudioEye Managed provides a fully managed, comprehensive, speed-to-compliance digital accessibility solution. Managed enhances patented machine-learning technology with manual testing and engineering to deliver to site-specific remediations. Managed builds on the benefits of Pro adding the AudioEye Trusted Certification, verifying a site’s ongoing legal compliance with official documentation to assist in responding to any accessibility complaints or legal threats.
Both Pro and Managed customers also receive the AudioEye Accessibility Toolbar, which includes a set of personalization tools for site visitors to customize their site experience. Examples include adjusting color contrast, changing a site’s font or font size, disabling animations, and more.
About AudioEye AudioEye is an industry-leading software solution delivering immediate ADA and WCAG accessibility compliance at scale. Through patented technology, subject matter expertise and proprietary processes, AudioEye is eradicating all barriers to digital accessibility, helping creators get accessible and supporting them with ongoing advisory and automated upkeep. Trusted by the FCC, ADP, SSA, Uber, and more, AudioEye helps everyone identify and resolve issues of accessibility and enhance user experiences, automating digital accessibility for the widest audiences. AudioEye stands out among its competitors because it delivers Machine Learning/AI-driven accessibility without fundamental changes to site architecture. Join our movement at www.audioeye.com.
About Duda Duda is the leading web design platform for all companies that offer web design services to small businesses. The company serves all types of customers, from freelance web professionals and digital agencies, all the way up to the largest hosting companies, SaaS platforms and online publishers in the world.
Duda was founded by Itai Sadan and Amir Glatt in 2009, and raised a $25 million growth equity round from Susquehanna Growth Equity (SGE) in 2019. Based in Palo Alto, California, it currently hosts more than 15 million websites and was named PCMag’s Editors’ Choice website builder in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Media Contacts: AudioEye:
Rachel Sales
Silicon Valley Communications
(347) 601-5350 [email protected]
Investor Contact:
Matt Glover or Tom Colton [email protected] (949) 574-3860
Duda:
Christopher Carfi
Duda VP of Content & Product Marketing
1-775-442-4740 [email protected]
My goal for this series of articles on kiosk software development is to give an overview on the basics of developing kiosk software that’s both a joy for your customers to use and adheres to the guidelines of PCI-Compliance. This is more of a series of general guidelines and tips based on my 7+ years of experience developing and dealing with other people’s kiosk software not a comprehensive how-to guide. When I use the term “kiosk software” I’m referring to any software running on a kiosk in a self-service (unattended) environment regardless of the technology used. The kiosks our company commonly deals with are running Microsoft Windows so I’ll use terms like “Web app” or “Windows app” when referring to the kiosk software but feel free to substitute whatever technology is appropriate for your environment. This first article in the series will cover the basic considerations you’ll have when getting started on your first kiosk software project and later articles I’ll get into more advanced topics like security, payment processing and more.
Should my kiosk software be web based or a Windows app?
Originally we did all of our kiosk software development as web based (specifically ASP.NET web applications) because the kiosk lockdown software we were using only supported locking down the Internet Explorer web browser not a Windows application. After several years of trial and error I now prefer developing Windows based .NET WPF apps for our kiosk. We’ve found it’s much more responsive because the processing is done client-side and also reduces the load on the server. Interfacing with complex hardware devices is also easier when the logic is performed client-side. Speed of the internet connection is much more of a factor when using the web browser since a lot more bandwidth is used to deliver the content. We had cases where the kiosk would perform great at most client’s sites and then we’d come across a site where the client had opted for a cheap (slow) internet connection and the web browser would get really laggy and occasionally fail to load content. To which we would lamely respond with recommending a better internet connection. In short if you value responsiveness and want to minimize bandwidth and load on the server then create your kiosk software as Windows software not web based.
Replace the Window Explorer shell with your own kiosk software
This is a really cool feature of Windows that allows you to run your kiosk software as the Windows shell instead of explorer.exe. This means that Windows will boot right into your kiosk software at start-up. This can be accomplished easily enough by modifying the Windows registry value “HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Shell” and replacing explorer.exe with your kiosk software. This is a great way to minimize memory usage when launching Windows and is perfect for a kiosk environment. If you need to launch additional software take a look at the registry value HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Making your kiosk software touchscreen friendly
This was a must for our kiosk software since many of our client’s kiosks did not include a physical keyboard. It was surprisingly involved to create a “skinnable” touchscreen keyboard that was easily “brandable” to our client’s look and feel but I’m going to save you some heartache here. We originally wasted a bunch of time creating an HTML keyboard and styling it via CSS but we had cases where the web browser control failed to load the keyboard (even though it was stored locally) and so we ditched that idea. Instead we ended up creating a XAML keyboard and loading it via our WPF kiosk software. It ended up being much more responsive and reliable which is one more reason I prefer creating our kiosk software as Windows software over a web app.
Summary
Developing kiosk software that is both a joy to use and secure is a daunting task but many others have done it before you so take heart. Using a kiosk lockdown software can also help offload much of the development I’ve outlined above and address the security concerns I’ll cover in the next article.
Our company has created some easy to use kiosk lockdown software called KioskSimple (www.KioskSimple.com) to do just that so you can focus on developing your kiosk software and leave the security of your kiosk to us.
The next article in my series will focus on the security aspects of “hardening” your kiosk software. Please follow me on Facebook at facebook.com/kiosksimple or Twitter @kiosksimple
How To Improve Accessibility – Testimony by Eve Hill July 2022
Testimony of Eve Hill during Senate Hearing. She calls out the Social Security Administration intake kiosks, calls for enforcement tools among other things and ending the immunity of the federal government for its wide-ranging violations. Interesting point raised “if Access Board is given enforcement authority”. Many thanks to Bill Goren and Understanding the ADA
“In a world in which digital communications and services happen at the speed of light, people with disabilities must not be left to rely on slow, obsolete, and expensive analog technologies,” Eve explained in written testimony. “If websites aren’t accessible to people who are blind or low-vision, if videos are not captioned for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and if kiosks are not built to communicate flexibly, people with disabilities are not just inconvenienced – they are shut out.”
About Eve Hill — Partner at Brown Goldstein & Levy and was formerly a Deputy Assistant Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division. She has spent her career implementing the laws protecting the rights of people with disabilities.
During her testimony, Eve offered her insight on the meaning and history of technology accessibility law as it pertains to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which requires all federal agencies to make all their information technology accessible to people with disabilities. She also addressed areas where government oversight and accountability can be strengthened and best practices for achieving/maintaining web and technology accessibility in the federal government.
Excerpts from Testimony
If websites aren’t accessible to people who are blind or low-vision, if videos are not captioned for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and if kiosks are not built to communicate flexibly, people with disabilities are not just inconvenienced – they are shut out.
Many individuals with vision disabilities use screen reader software that can convert visually delivered Internet content into an audio or Braille form; however, the visually-delivered content must be properly formatted and structured for the screen reader to work effectively. For instance, a screen reader or similar assistive technology cannot “read” an image. Thus, when images appear on websites they must be paired with “alt-text” that describes the image for screen readers to read. In addition, individuals with vision and manual dexterity disabilities often cannot effectively use a mouse, so websites need to be coded to allow navigation using the keyboard.
As the Court in Robles v. Dominos Pizza, LLC, explained, “Defendant contends that its phone line is an acceptable accessibility substitute for its webpage and App. This is not true; it is undisputed that Plaintiff waited over forty-five minutes before hanging up on at least two occasions. No person who has ever waited on hold with customer service – or ever been hungry for a pizza – would find this to be an acceptable substitute for ordering from a website.
in February 2022, 96.8% of the top one million home pages still had accessibility barriers. Each page had an average of 50.8 accessibility errors. A user with a disability can expect to encounter one error in every 19 home page elements they use. And most of these errors are simple – low contrast text, missing alt-text for images, incorrectly labeled form inputs, empty links or buttons, and failure to identify the site’s language. If these accessible elements had been incorporated as a matter of course in the design of the site, they would have added nothing to the complexity or cost of the site. In fact, they would have made the sites work better for everyone. The WebAIM Million, The 2022 Report on the Accessibility of the Top 1,000,000 Home
Pages, https://webaim.org/projects/million/.
While issuing digital accessibility regulations for federal, state, and local governments and agencies is a good first step, it is also critical to issue regulations addressing the web accessibility obligations of public accommodations under Title III of the ADA. Private entities, including retail stores, restaurants, medical professionals, entertainment, schools, gyms, and service providers, play significant roles in our lives. Now that they have mostly moved their goods and services online, people with disabilities cannot afford to wait for equal digital access.
in 2021, the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation found that 30% of the most popular federal websites were not accessible and nearly half had access barriers on at least one of their most popular pages.
If this is the result for websites – the simplest form of information and communication technology to make accessible – one need not guess at the level of accessibility of other forms of technology, such as self-help kiosks, telehealth platforms, multimedia trainings, and office equipment
In fact, the accessibility of those types of technology is dismal. Clients of my firm, alone, are currently dealing with trainings required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that are totally unusable by screen readers, and intake kiosks used by the Social Security Administration that are not usable by blind people. In each case, people with disabilities are being forced to rely on third parties, and even to reveal private information to strangers, such as security guards, in order to receive service at all.
The Social Security Administration has also, as a policy matter, refused to adopt accessible technology at all. For example, it insists on wet-ink signatures on various documents required to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, in spite of the wide availability, security, and accessibility of electronic signature programs. Although the agency began accepting e-signatures temporarily as a result of litigation during the pandemic, and did so successfully for nearly 18 months, it has refused to change its policy on a permanent basis.
For Section 508 to be effective, the federal government needs to stop the inflow of inaccessible technology into its agencies. This requires agencies to pay attention to accessibility at the beginning of a procurement or development. Agencies often rely on Voluntary Accessibility Product Template forms or other statements from vendors made during the procurement process to support their assumptions that selected products meet the Section 508 standards. Unfortunately, these statements are often aspirational, misleading, or confusing and too often do not ensure accessibility. This is particularly problematic when agencies such as the Treasury Department or GSA purchase technology that is then used across the government.
If the Access Board is given enforcement responsibility, it must also be given appropriate authority to respond to complaints, to conduct compliance reviews, to engage in informal enforcement activities, such as public notices of violation, and to engage in formal enforcement, such as administrative compliance orders. Of course, with a staff of fewer than 30, the Access Board does not currently have the resources to meet its current responsibilities and add responsibility for oversight of federal government digital offerings.
Congress should amend Section 508 to make clear that both taxpayers and federal employees have a private right of action to enforce the law. In addition, Congress should explicitly waive the government’s sovereign immunity to such suits – another argument that has been raised by the government but not decided by the
courts.
Congress should ensure that agencies have strong tools to hold their vendors accountable – including contract recission, liquidated damages, indemnification, and specific performance. Congress should insist that agencies actually use those tools and requiring regular reporting on technology products that were found to be inaccessible, the vendor responsible, and the action taken to remedy the breach.
More Testimony
Anil Lewis Executive Director for Blindness Initiatives
The Social Security Administration offers good and bad examples of providing equal access. In one instance, the introduction of technology has made it more difficult for a blind person to access SSA services. Formerly, I would go into a Social Security office, pull a number and wait an indefinite time alongside other citizens. This was frustrating, but equal. With the implementation of the new Social Security kiosks, which are inaccessible to the blind, I am confronted with the option of coordinating my visit with a sighted friend or family member, or asking a complete stranger to enter my Social Security number into the inaccessible kiosk to be added to the service cue. In another instance SSA has demonstrated the benefit of accessibility through the creation of one of the most accessible websites within the federal government. At one time, it was extremely easy to use my screen reader to access the information provided at https://www.ssa.gov/. Unfortunately, this was only as long as the individuals familiar with the technology were on staff. The access continues to diminish as the trained staff retires, or leaves for other employment.
News from the U.S. Access Board • September/ October 2017
Access Board to Host Workshop Comparing Accessibility in the U.S. and Australia
GSA Holds Interagency Forum on Refreshed Section 508 Standards
Access Board to Meet November 15
Upcoming Board Webinars
Mayer-Rothschild Foundation Releases Report on Grab Bar Research
Transportation Research Board Issues Airport Wayfinding Guide
Voting Kiosk ADA
Access Board to Host Workshop Comparing Accessibility in the U.S. and Australia
The Access Board will host a workshop with accessibility experts from Australia on November 13that will compare how building accessibility is addressed in Australia and the U.S. The public is welcome to the free event which will explore methods used in both countries to regulate, monitor, and enforce compliance with accessibility requirements. The goal is to foster a better understanding of how covered entities meet their responsibilities under civil rights and other laws governing access to the built environment.
Representing Australia will be Michael Small, a former government official and the recipient of a Churchill Fellowship to study building accessibility from an international perspective. He was active in drafting Australia’s building accessibility regulations and standards and also produced a variety of resources to assist building professionals in meeting them. He will be joined by Robin Banks, a consultant in human rights who formerly headed the Australian Public Interest Advocacy Centre and served as a state Anti-Discrimination Commissioner.
The Access Board has invited panelists from disability rights organizations, building codes groups, government, the design profession, and industry. The structured portion of the program will run from 9:30 to noon. Following a break for lunch, there will be an informal guided discussion with invited panelists, other participants, and members of the public that will cover implementation, particularly in relation to alterations and additions to existing facilities. The public can attend in person or remotely through a phone bridge with communication access real-time translation (CART). Call-in instructions and the CART link will be posted on the Board’s website at a later date.
For further information, contact Marsha Mazz at (202) 272-0020(v), (202) 272- 0076 (TTY), or [email protected].
Achieving Access for People with Disabilities in the Built Environment: An International Comparison November 13, 9:30 – 12:00 (ET), followed by an informal discussion after the lunch break
Access Board Conference Center
1331 F Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, D.C.
Dial-in Number: (877) 701-1628, International: (517) 268-2743; Passcode: 69545743
CART Link: [to be posted] Note: For the comfort of all participants and to promote a fragrance-free environment, attendees are requested not to use perfume, cologne, or other fragrances.
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GSA Holds Interagency Forum on Refreshed Section 508 Standards
The General Services Administration (GSA) held an interagency forum on accessibility to information and communication technology (ICT) on October 13 at its national headquarters in Washington, D.C. The full-day event focused on the refreshed Section 508 Standards issued by the Access Board in January which apply to ICT procured, developed, maintained, or used by federal agencies. The Access Board and several other agencies partnered with GSA in conducting the event, including the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Homeland Security. It attracted over 350 attendees from government, industry, and advocacy.
The day started off with welcoming remarks from Dominic Sale, Deputy Associate Administrator for GSA’s Office of Information, Integrity & Access and a keynote address by Access Board Executive Director David Capozzi.
“Although section 508 only applies to the federal government, its impact has been felt in state governments, the private sector, and around the world,” Capozzi noted. Last year, the U.S. government spent about $80 billion on ICT; when you can harness that purchasing power to drive accessibility, progress is bound to happen.
Capozzi recounted the history of Section 508 and called attention to its global effects. “The European Union now has a new set of ICT accessibility standards – modeled after our updated section 508 standards; Australia is using public procurement to drive accessible technology; and, Canada is developing a new law that will address public procurement of ICT as well,” he stated. “The world is paying attention to what we do here.”
The forum featured a series of workshops organized into tracks on ICT development, agency policy, and the revised 508 Standards. Representatives from the Access Board and other agencies conducted the sessions which addressed different aspects of Section 508 and the standards, including major changes in the updated standards, how the standards apply to federal acquisitions, IT development contracts and the IT lifecycle, revisions to federal agency Section 508 policies, testing methods and other topics. The event also provided an opportunity to publicize new tools and resources, including a“Toolkit” on the revised 508 standards developed by an interagency transition team and the Information Technology Industry Council’s recent release of an updated Voluntary Product Accessibility Template which businesses can use to document product conformance with the revised standards.
For further information on the Section 508 Standards, visit the Board’s website and GSA’s section508.gov website.
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Access Board to Meet November 15
The Access Board will hold its next meeting on November 15 from 1:30 – 3:00 (ET) at the Board’s conference space in downtown Washington, D.C. The public is welcome to attend in person or through a live webcast of the meeting. A public comment period will be held during the final 15 minutes of the meeting. Those interested in making comments in person or by phone should send an email to Rose Bunales at [email protected] by November 8 with “Access Board meeting – Public Comment” in the subject line. Please include your name, organization, state, and topic of your comment in the body of the message.
Meeting of the U.S. Access Board November 15, 1:30 – 3:00
Webcast link: www.access-board.gov/webcast
Access Board Conference Center
1331 F Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, D.C. Note: For the comfort of all participants and to promote a fragrance-free environment, attendees are requested not to use perfume, cologne, or other fragrances.
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Upcoming Board Webinars
The next webinar in the Board’s free monthly series will take place November 2 from 2:30 – 4:00 (ET) and review differences between the ADA Standards and counterpart provisions in the International Building Code (IBC) and the accessibility standard it references, the ANSI A117.1 Standard. While the ADA Standards and IBC/ANSI A117.1 were largely harmonized, substantive differences remain. In addition, the newly released 2017 edition of the A117.1 standard includes additional changes not reflected in the ADA Standards. A representative from the International Code Council, which maintains the IBC and published the new A117.1 standard, will partner with the Board to highlight differences between these documents, answer questions, and clarify common areas of confusion.
For more information or to register, visit www.accessibilityonline.org. Questions can be submitted in advance of the session (total limited to 25) or can be posed during the webinar. Webinar attendees can earn continuing education credits. The webinar series is hosted by the ADA National Network in cooperation with the Board. Archived copies of previous Board webinars are available on the site.
Section 508 Best Practices Webinar
The Board also offers a free webinar series on standards issued under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act which requires access to information and communication technology in the federal sector. This year’s sessions focus on the updated Section 508 Standards published by the Board in January. The next webinar in this series is scheduled for November 28 from 1:00 to 2:30 (ET) and will review available resources explaining the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0. Issued by the W3C’s Web Accessibility Initiative (WIA), WCAG 2.0 is a globally recognized, technology-neutral standard for accessible web content. The Board’s updated Section 508 Standards reference WCAG 2.0 Success Criteria Level A and AA and applies them not only to web-based content but to other electronic content as well. This session will cover various technical assistance materials issued by the W3C’s WIA to support use of the WCAG 2.0, including a customizable reference guide and guidance on developing conformant web content.
For more details or to register for this session, visit www.accessibilityonline.org/cioc-508/schedule. The Section 508 Best Practices Webinar Series is made available by the Accessibility Community of Practice of the CIO Council in partnership with the Board.
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Mayer-Rothschild Foundation Releases Report on Grab Bar Research
At the Access Board’s September meeting, Board members received a briefing on the results of recent research sponsored by Mayer-Rothschild Foundation on grab bar specifications for independent and assisted toilet transfers in residential care facilities.
The study used subject testing to assess preferred configurations, dimensions, and placement of grab bars at toilets. Project Director Jon Sanford of Georgia Tech’s Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access and Margaret Calkins of the Mayer-Rothschild Foundation presented the findings from the project. The study tested the side and rear grab bar configuration required by the ADA Standards, parallel fold-down grab bars on both sides, and customized configurations preferred by test subjects. The subject pool included seniors who can bear weight and transfer independently and those who required assistance. Researchers collected feedback from both elders and caregivers on various specifications, including grab bar length, height, positioning, as well as spatial dimensions and clearances for assisted transfers.
There was strong preference, highly consistent among transfer types, for a hybrid configuration with fold-down grab bars on both sides approximately 13″ – 14″ from the toilet centerline along with a fixed grab bar on one side two feet from the toilet centerline. The optimal configurations were further tested in follow-up field trials and in laboratory biomechanical evaluations. Researchers also conducted force tests on bilateral fold-down grab bars to determine their maximum weight capacity.
These and other findings are discussed in the project report, “Determination of Grab Bar Specifications for Independent and Assisted Transfers in Residential Care Settings.” The research was funded by the Hulda B. & Maurice L. Rothschild Foundation, a national philanthropy dedicated to improving long-term care for elders. Visit the Mayer-Rothschild Foundation’s website for further information.
Transportation Research Board Issues Airport Wayfinding Guide
The Transportation Research Board (TRB) has published a guidebook on airport wayfinding for people who are elderly or have a disability under its Airport Cooperative Research Program. The new resource,Enhancing Airport Wayfinding for Aging Travelers and Persons with Disabilities, offers best practices for improving and optimizing information for wayfinding and travel by people with cognitive, sensory, or mobility challenges in the complex environment of airports. It is intended to help airport operators and planners implement pedestrian wayfinding systems in standardized accessible formats to better serve travelers with disabilities or who are elderly.
The guidebook includes an airport wayfinding accessibility audit, guidance on creating wayfinding plans, information on best practices and available technologies and state-of-the-art techniques for wayfinding, and other topics. Further information is available on TRB’s website.
Kiosk Software – NEW to KioWare for Android – Improved Wi-Fi Management & Expanded Guided Setup Assistance
Kiosk Software Version 3.13 of KioWare for Android is now available. New Guided Setup options have been added to make it easier to create a custom start page, set up your device to play videos, and add a start page for use with KioCall video conferencing. KioWare has also added a number of features to improve the use of wireless networks. KioWare for Android also adds the ability to create a reboot schedule for Samsung devices running KNOX.
September 2017, York, PA – Analytical Design Solutions Inc. (ADSI) has released a new version of KioWare for Android kiosk software allowing users to create a custom start page and improving the wireless network experience, as well as other changes and additions.
Custom Start Page Creation – Easily add buttons and modify styles to create a custom start page
Version 3.13 of KioWare for Android (Lite, Basic, & Full with Kiosk Management) has added new options to the Guided Setup tool. This tool (first available in version 3.12) helps new users quickly and easily configure KioWare. In Version 3.13, the Guided Setup wizard has added options to select the type of deployment they will be needing from additional options including start page creation, video player set up, and KioCall video conferencing portal customization.
Improved Usage and Management of Wireless Networks
KioWare for Android 3.13 has also added features to improve the use of wireless networks on your kiosks. KioWare for Android allows for setting up a Wi-Fi access point list, automatically connecting to networks in the list when KioWare starts, saving networks to the list, and managing existing access points. A Wi-Fi indicator button is also now an option for use with the custom toolbar. This shows the strength and connectivity of the Wi-Fi network, and, optionally, the network name.
Additional new features for KioWare for Android (Lite, Basic, Full with Kiosk Management)
Click for full size image
New guided setup options include:
Custom start page setup – If you don’t have your own web content, you can now create a custom start page with custom buttons to navigate to URLs, open apps, or make calls with KioCall.
Video player setup – Creates a portal page with buttons that will show full screen video content.
KioCall portal creation – Creates a portal page with buttons for making calls with KioCall.
The ability to automatically connect to networks in the list when KioWare starts.
The ability to save networks in the list.
The addition of an option to clear known Wi-Fi access points.
The ability to create a Wi-Fi indicator toolbar button:
Shows the strength and connectivity of the Wi-Fi network.
Indicates the network name (SSID) when you click the button.
Support for Android 8.0 (Oreo™)
Web pages can now receive JavaScript events when the Wi-Fi status changes.
End users can now control screen brightness:
An option has been added to create a toolbar button to allow kiosk users to control the screen brightness.
JavaScript functions can also now be used to control the brightness from web pages.
Via the addition of a JavaScript long click event, web pages can now respond to long clicks on the screen.
Using Samsung KNOX and the KioWare Samsung Support App, Samsung devices with KNOX enabled can reboot the device on a schedule.
KioWare can now be configured to set PDFs to display within a current tab or a new tab.
Support has been updated for Star Micronics Printers.
KioWare Basic for Android and KioWare Full for Android now support these additional Star Micronics Printer Models: TSP100U/ECO, TSP100GT, BSC10, TSP-L10, SM-S210i/230i and the mPOP mobile printer.
Licensing KioWare for Android
A license is needed for each deployed kiosk running KioWare for Android. Quantity pricing is available. Annual support and maintenance is recommended and current support is required in order to upgrade. View a full description of features for this and other versions of the KioWare product line.
All of these products are available as a free trial download. Existing clients have the ability to upgrade.
KioWare has been providing OS, desktop, and browser lockdown security for the kiosk and self-service industry since 2001 and Android software since 2012.
Parabit has received commitments from 7 of the top 20 Commercial US Banks for 10,000 plus units over the next two to three years. Over the last 4 weeks 3 US Commercial Banks have upgraded their ACS-1E systems with MMR’s or installed MMR’s with our ACS-1E ATM Lobby Access Control System at over 400 ATM Lobby locations.
Here is a pdf of accessibility standards PAS 1899:2022
84 pages.
Enabling more accessible EV charge points
What’s happened and why?
Intending to provide an inclusive experience for people with accessibility needs, PAS 1899:2022 is a new standard giving designers, procurers and installers essential specifications on providing accessible public charge points for electric vehicles.
What does PAS 1899:2022 cover?
It covers the physical aspects of the environment surrounding fixed charge points (e.g. kerb height, ground type); the location, placement and spacing of charge points within the streetscape/public realm; the information, signals and indicators to be provided to users; and the factors to be taken into account in the design and specification of accessible charge points (e.g. height of charge point, cables and cable management systems, bollard spacing, colours used on screens, weight and force and ease of use of the equipment).
Why use PAS 1899:2022?
It aims to support building an inclusive EV charging infrastructure in the UK. As such it can help designers, procurers and installers to:
Anticipate and overcome restrictions and barriers that could prevent any user from making full and independent use of the charge point
Accelerate innovative practices
Improve the efficiency with which EV charge points are deployed
Build confidence in the accessibility and inclusivity of EV infrastructure
Strengthen the risk management of EV projects
Owners and operators can also use the PAS to assess the accessibility of their existing charge points.
Many of the accessibility (and usability) issues such as the positioning of the charging points, the access around them, the heights of the various elements that the user interacts with will all fall under the scope of EN 17210:2021 on “Accessibility and usability of the built environment – Functional requirements” and the accompanying report that gives some of the actual dimensions that the EN lacks. EN 17210 defines the “built environment” quite broadly:
“external and internal environments and any element, component or fitting that is commissioned, designed, constructed and managed for use by people”. This standard has been published by CEN/CENELEC JTC 11.
EN 301 549 on “Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services” has clause 8.3 that applies to the physical design of “Stationary ICT” which is defined as “ICT that stands on the floor, or is mounted on a wall or other immovable structure, and is not intended to be moved by its user”. So, if an EV charging station was designed as a pedestal that is mounted on the ground or a box that is mounted on the wall, then the position of controls and screens on the pedestal or the box would be covered by clause 8.3, but where that box was mounted on the wall or whether the pedestal is stood on something would be covered by EN 17210. EN 301 549 has been developed by ETSI and published jointly by CEN CENELEC and ETSI.
Looking to the future, the European Commission has recently issued a mandate to the three European Standardisation Organisations (CEN CENELEC and ETSI) to revise the two harmonized European Standards above and new versions of them are in preparation for publication at the end of the summer 2025.
“Smart office“ sounds like the future: hip technology companies and expensive new buildings. In fact, the first steps on the road to a smart office are easier than they seem. A good starting point is a modern access control system. It ensures security and, in combination with smartphone-based ID solutions, more productivity in everyday work. We reveal which aspects companies need to consider to make an implementation a success.
A good starting point to a smart office is a modern access control system.
Access Control Systems
ID cards and key fobs based on RFID have proven their worth in connection with access control. However, new solutions now also incorporate so-called mobile credentials. Digital smartphone credentials have clear advantages. For companies, they are easy to manage. For employees, they provide greater convenience by allowing the company cell phone to be used as a universal identification medium: electric vehicle charging, time recording, access to meeting rooms, logging on to the computer with single sign-on, secure printing, paying in the canteen — it all works completely seamlessly. Finally, employees save time that they can invest in value-adding activities. Simple access is provided by an app that implements the appropriate authorizations on the smartphone. This allows iOS and Android devices to communicate directly with RFID readers. Here are some tips to make a modern access control system a success.
Tip No. 1: Go for a holistic consulting approach
To ensure that the solution meets the expectations of users and operators, careful planning is the key. In the run-up to implementation, a whole series of questions must therefore be clarified, such as:
Should access control be introduced for a single building or for different properties and possibly even across national borders?
Are several technologies and credentials already in use?
Which applications are to be covered?
Comprehensive pre-sales consulting, therefore, includes an inventory and requirements analysis (including documentation of results), a feasibility study, proof-of-concept, and a project and rollout plan.
In the implementation phase, hardware and software integration, application development, configuration and all customizations as well as testing and verification of protocols should be covered by the solution provider.
Tip No. 2: Invest in future security
Requirements and IT infrastructures change over time — and so does the overall system. Technical support must therefore not end with the initial integration. Only with a flexible system that provides for optimizations, adaptations and upgrades are companies also on the safe side in the future. As a solution provider, we at ELATEC, therefore, provide our customers with the DevPack software development kit. The versatile DevPack contains a range of tools that make it possible to easily adapt the products delivered in the standard configuration to specific requirements — even via remote access.
Tip No. 3: Look for flexibility
For companies with several office buildings, the introduction of a uniform access solution for all properties is worthwhile. After all, central remote maintenance of digital badges significantly reduces administrative effort. However, implementation can be a challenge, especially for companies with international operations. Often, different technologies are even in use from country to country. The solution: multi-frequency readers from ELATEC. The devices are compatible with up to 60 transponder technologies and certified for sale in up to 110 countries worldwide. The devices use RFID for authentication and access as well as NFC (Near Field Communication) or BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) technologies to integrate mobile devices into access control systems.
Tip No. 4: Make the system secure
Access control systems are designed to protect people and assets, so they must be secured against tampering. On the one hand, the physical security of the reader must be considered. On the other hand, the reader must support the credentials and encryption algorithms appropriate for the application’s security level. For effective and holistic security, not only the reader but the entire system must be included in the security concepts.
After a consistent implementation of the tips, all doors are open for a successful digital access control solution.
Sean Houchinis the product manager for ELATEC Inc in Palm City, Florida and is part of the global ELATEC GmbH product management team. He has more than 20 years of experience in product development, management and applications engineering. Sean is an expert in RFID technology, optoelectronic and fiber optic video, audio, and data transmission equipment for military and commercial applications and is a veteran of the United States Navy.
For good info on an outdoor display, digital signage, kiosks and drive-thru’s one of our favorite sources is Keyser. Their latest blog entry on Outdoor displays doesn’t disappoint. Did you know about IK ratings? What vandalism might an outdoor advertising display for Tesla in 2025 be prepared for?
Summary
Overview of IP Ratings in Outdoor Display & Digital Signage
If you have any specific aspects of IP ratings or digital signage you’d like to explore further, feel free to ask ([email protected])
Additional
While there isn’t a direct equivalent to IP ratings specifically for wind resistance in outdoor displays, there are several factors and standards that address wind-related concerns:
Wind Load Ratings: These are crucial for outdoor structures, including signs and displays. Wind load is a measure of the pressure wind exerts on a structure, depending on its size, shape, and the wind speed. The American Society of Civil Engineers provides standards for calculating acceptable wind loads based on the maximum expected wind speed in a location
Why did you join RSPA? We joined RSPA to gain more visibility on the hardware and services we provide to the ISV community offering point-of-sale solutions in retail and other verticals.In one sentence, what do you want RSPA members to know about your business?
UCP Inc. is an authorized distributor and value-added reseller of payment hardware that you can rely on to configure and deploy your terminals correctly, and trust to support your merchants post installation.
Name one fun fact that makes your company different from others.
We decided long ago that we would never have an automated answering service. We treat our clients like family, and when family calls, you answer!
What new/existing technologies do you have an interest in learning more about?
We are really interested to see the innovative ways ISVs are leveraging AI in the retail and payment industries.
What would you tell other resellers like you about the need to join RSPA? The member directory of the association’s website is a valuable tool in finding partners and solutions to resell in numerous industry verticals.
What is the most encouraging thing you see for the future of the point of sale technology industry? Since we specialize in payment systems for self-service we are often solutioning for harsh outdoor environments, so we are encouraged to see the adoption of contactless only payment technologies in our industry.
A very informative paper (88 pages?) on self-checkout innovation over the last few years. Thanks to Zahdan of Pyramid Computer (one of the featured examples) for pointing this out.
Click – self-checkout pyramid
The guide summarizes the status and future of self-checkout (SCO) systems in retail. It notes that SCO systems are becoming increasingly popular as they offer several advantages to both retailers and customers. For retailers, SCO systems can help to reduce labor costs, improve efficiency, and free up staff to focus on other tasks. For customers, SCO systems can help to save time and avoid long checkout lines.
SCO Self Checkout Summary
“Self-Checkout Inspiration Guide” is by the EHI Retail Institute. It celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Self-Checkout Initiative and provides a comprehensive overview of self-checkout systems in retail. Here are some key points:
History and Development: The guide traces the evolution of self-checkout systems in Germany, highlighting the initial skepticism and gradual acceptance by both retailers and consumers.
Market Insights: It provides detailed market analysis, showing the increasing adoption of self-checkout systems in various retail sectors, including food, non-food, and DIY stores.
Technological Innovations: The guide discusses the latest technological advancements, such as AI applications, digital shopping carts, and theft prevention measures.
Case Studies: There are numerous examples from practice showcasing how different retailers have implemented self-checkout solutions. This includes interviews with retailers like Edeka and Ikea, who share their experiences and insights.
Future Outlook: The guide looks ahead to future trends in self-checkout technology, emphasizing the importance of continued innovation and adaptation to meet consumer needs.
Components and Solutions: It also covers various components and solutions related to self-checkout systems, such as payment systems, RFID checkouts, and mobile self-scanning.
Overall, the guide is a valuable resource for retailers looking to implement or improve their self-checkout systems, offering practical advice and highlighting successful implementations.
Table of Contents SCO Checkout
Preface
The status quo of self-scanning
Impressions from food retail
Interview with Edeka
Self-checkout in non-food retail
Impressions from non-food retail
Interview with Ikea
Smart Stores 24/7
Digital shopping carts
Components & Solutions
SCO terminals in the Schubert Edeka store
Semi-Assisted Checkout Solutions at C&A
Mobile self-scanning at Coop CH
Teo Grab & Go Darmstadt
Self-service terminal in the Schreyer farm shop
Self-checkout at Poco
SCOs at Thalia
RFID checkout at Amarak
Edeka 24/7 Offenburg
Payment systems at the self-checkout
Receipt printer
Outlook76Theft prevention
Artificial intelligence
KPMG study
Looking to the future
Publication details
Excerpts
Why don’t retailers in Germany offer self-checkout terminals or self-scanning solutions? This was the question that gave rise to EHI’s Self-Checkout Initiative back in 2014. Wincor-Nixdorf had put the question to EHI at an in-house fair in Germany’s Eastern Westphalia region. And to be honest, we had no answer at that time. Self-checkout terminals were well established in other countries, but in Germany they were few and far between. Ikea, Real and a few independent grocers had made a start, but that was it. Thus it was high time to take a closer look at the question.
A number of companies were quick to offer their support, and the EHI Self-Checkout Initiative was born. The first task was to conduct a major survey of consumers in Germany. The results were surprising: few people had ever used a self-checkout system, but those who had were very satisfied. And non-users expressed considerable interest. Our first big customer survey therefore clearly showed that the demand for self-checkout systems went beyond what retailers had been offering.
This study was followed by further retailer surveys and talks with retail employees, plus many roundtable discussions and events. Within a short time, a large community devoted to self-scanning and self-checkout came into being
History: The first prototype of a self-checkout terminal was developed in the early 1980s by the American David R. Humble, head of the IT company CheckRobot in Florida. The terminal was first installed in a Kroger store in Atlanta in July 1986. This “CheckRobot” was a big attraction at EuroShop 1990 in Düsseldorf. It was presented in a cooperation project with the south German checkout counter manufacturer Harr (photo)
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.
Rising Retail Theft: Major retailers like Walmart and Target are closing self-checkout terminals due to a spike in shoplifting, leading to a loss called “shrink” which surged nearly $20 billion in a year
Self-Checkout Evolution: The self-checkout (SCO) technology is evolving with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to combat theft, using cameras and sensors to detect unscanned items.
Adapting Business Models: Retailers are adjusting their SCO-to-cashier ratio and introducing measures like attended SCOs and receipt-scanning gates to prevent shoplifting.
Future of SCOs: Despite challenges, the SCO technology is poised for a comeback with new AI-powered systems expected to be deployed by the end of 2024
Main issues and developments regarding self-checkout systems in retail as discussed on the page.
Excerpt
Target, for example, is using artificial intelligence (AI) to develop a new system that uses cameras and sensors to detect items that shoppers fail to scan. It will create audio and visual alerts and identify shoppers who ignore notifications and repeatedly fail to scan their items after being prompted, Daily Mail reports. Target is hoping to deploy the new AI-powered SCO technology in all stores by the end of 2024.
The SCO business model is also adapting to prevent shoplifting:
Receipt-scanning gates are reportedly being deployed at grocery stores, such as Safeway.
Retailers are reexamining their SCO-to-Cashier ratio.
The one of the biggest problems is that retailers been too zealous, often overweighting their checkout mix of SCOs and cashiers, industry analysts say. While a good rule of thumb is to have ratio of one SCO for every one cashier, some retailers are currently using a ratio of four or more SCOs per human cashier.
Thus, as retailers continue to gain experience with self-checkout, they’re adjusting their store’s ratio to find a mix that both improves the customer’s shopping experience and also protects the retailer’s bottom line.
Self-checkout solutions have been around for decades. However, advancements in technology, changes in consumer behavior, rising costs, and labor shortages have all led to more adoption in recent years. A 2022 study found that self-checkout is the dominant form of checkout for grocery stores, accounting for 55 percent of transactions.
Lately, though, retailers have announced they’re starting to pull back. Those headlines reveal that despite self-checkout’s potential, chains like Costco, Wegmans, and Walmart are moving away from these solutions due to challenges that impact both the customer experience and the bottom line.
Self-Checkout Challenges
The first issue with self-checkout is customer experience. One study spearheaded by Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business found that consumers may be more likely to remain loyal when a business offers assisted checkout services, especially in grocery stores. However, the study was based on the perceived effort of the checkout process. When shoppers viewed the extra effort in self-checkout as a rewarding experience, their loyalty matched that of regular checkout shoppers.
Another issue is reliability. Machines with clunky user interfaces make it difficult for consumers to accurately identify products, particularly produce or bulk foods, weigh them when necessary, and scan efficiently. Additionally, medication or alcohol purchases that require age verification can significantly slow down the checkout process as consumers wait for employee assistance.
Furthermore, studies are finding that companies with self-checkout solutions have a shrinkage rate of 4 percent– more than double the industry average. Another survey found that 15 percent of self-checkout users admitted to stealing, and 44 percent planned to do it again.
Lately, though, retailers have announced they’re starting to pull back. Those headlines reveal that despite self-checkout’s potential, chains like Costco, Wegmans, and Walmart are moving away from these solutions due to challenges that impact both the customer experience and the bottom line.
Are Self-checkouts Worth Saving?
While retailers and grocers may see self-checkout as a problem to eliminate, ISVs and VARs should see the challenge of improving it as an opportunity. Although feedback may indicate that consumers demand changes, the data shows that many arestill using self-checkouts. When given the choice, 73 percent of consumers prefer them over waiting in line, and they are the go-to system for 85 percent of Gen Z.
Another reason not to give up on self-checkout is that labor shortages continue, with retail struggling with a large number of job openings since 2020. Merchants need to find ways to operate with less staff. They also need to adapt to rising labor costs, especially in states that have enacted laws to boost baseline pay over the federal minimum wage rates.
Self-checkout, if done right, delivers a viable solution that meets customers’ expectations for autonomy and a fast, efficient experience and that eases retailers’ staffing and labor cost issues.
How to Improve Self-Checkout Experiences
To design a self-checkout solution that delivers the features and functionality that retailers need, solutions providers need to do the following:
Understand the Customer Journey The optimal self-checkout experience starts by understanding the customer journey at your client’s business. It isn’t the same for a big box store as it is for a grocery store. Merchants need help tailoring the experience to their specific vertical and customer base. These factors will help determine the right solution. For example, the number and size of items consumers scan will impact whether barcode readers should be embedded, handheld, or both. In some situations, RFID readers will enhance shopper experiences. Focus on removing barriers, like difficult lookups, for items that shoppers must weigh.
Prototype If a self-checkout solution isn’t user-friendly and intuitive, even consumers who prefer them won’t use them. Furthermore, your clients may turn to your competitor for a better solution. Testing a self-checkout design with a merchant’s customer base is key to implementing a winning solution. Also, ensure merchants can easily integrate self-checkout solutions into their IT environments and manage them centrally.
UX Design and Accessibility Because self-checkout users are consumers and not store employees, solutions providers need to take a different approach to UX. Solutions must be designed so anyone, without training, can use them easily. That includes shoppers with disabilities, such as mobility challenges and vision impairments. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) offer guidance on ensuring accessibility. Consider touchscreen size, height, text-to-speech, and other assistive technologies when designing your self-checkout solution.
Design with Security While shrinkage is a real challenge for retailers when it comes to self-checkout solutions, remember that the right technology can mitigate risk. Solutions with intelligent image recognition can identify an item without even having to scan it. This helps address shoppers who may have forgotten to scan an item, or with an intention to commit fraud or theft. Additionally, AI-enabled fraud detection software can compare transaction data with historical records (like real-time inventory numbers) and flag potential instances of theft, scanning errors, or fraud.
Put Humans in the Loop While self-checkouts’ aim to help address labor shortages, they shouldn’t replace employees. Instead, they should allow them to be more productive and assist more customers. Make it easy for employees to be available to intervene when a customer is encountering a barrier to their self-checkout experience. Also, provide easy ways for both customers and employees to continue to provide feedback regarding their self-checkout experience, and work with your retailers to continue to optimize the solution over time.
Optimize Unattended Payments
Self-checkout technology can’t provide consumers with a fast, convenient, friction-free experience without incorporating modern payment technology. When optimizing a self-checkout solution design, include an unattended payment solution that’s:
Processor-agnostic to give merchants options and agility
Secure, meeting all PCI standards for payment security
A true omnichannel solution where all payment data can be managed from a single platform
Create a Brighter Future
Self-checkout technology may be experiencing a setback, but ISVs and VARs can address challenges and deliver solutions that enhance both the customer and merchant experience.
To learn more about the unattended payment solution you need for the next-gen self-checkout solution you’re bringing to market, contact us.
For a lockdown browser, we recommend Sitekiosk. Also known as a secure browser because it protects your computer from almost any type of manipulation by hackers trying to break in. Inserting USB drives for example or calling up javascript tools to hijack the computer or media player.
For public kiosks, kiosk software offers several important benefits and features:
: Kiosk browsers limit users to specific websites or web applications, preventing access to unauthorized content47.
: The software locks down the device, restricting access to the operating system and other applications.
: Administrators can implement whitelisting to allow only approved websites, reducing the risk of users encountering malicious content.
: Kiosk mode can be configured to reset sessions after inactivity or user logout, clearing browsing history, cookies, and cache to protect user privacy37.
: The kiosk mode can be tailored to show only necessary options, improving usability for public users7.
: Kiosk browsers typically run in full-screen mode, providing an immersive experience without distracting browser elements.
: Administrators can monitor and control devices from a central dashboard, enabling real-time updates and troubleshooting.
: Some kiosk software provides insights into user behavior and device performance.
Public kiosks using lockdown are commonly used in various settings, including:
Information kiosks in malls, museums, or airports
Self-service payment stations
Ticketing and check-in kiosks
Digital signage and advertising displays
Public internet access points in libraries or community centers6
While kiosk lockdown offers many advantages for public kiosks, it’s important to note that basic browser “kiosk modes” may not provide sufficient security and management features for unattended public use. More comprehensive kiosk software solutions are often necessary to address the unique challenges of public kiosk deployments
Digital Signage Software – Improved Device Integration and Content Management for Interactive Displays
SiteKiosk Online has unveiled its latest update, Version 1.5, introducing new features and improvements to enhance and simplify managing and deploying interactive displays for better user experience and functionality. This Cloud-based Kiosk and Digital Signage software is used for various interactive displays, such as HR Kiosks for employee self-service and product information displays in retail and corporate spaces. SiteKiosk Online is a Cloud subscription and licensed server software for on-premises deployments. Free trial accounts at https://us.sitekiosk.online
Digital Signage Software Enhancements:
Improved Hardware Support: The update streamlines incorporating predefined hardware, such as Nexmosphere devices, into kiosk projects. Version 1.5 extends support for various sensor and hardware devices, including:
● Nexmosphere (light, motion, distance sensors)
● MaxBotix (ultrasonic distance sensors)
● Generic emulated keyboard devices
● Serial port devices
New Calendar Element: Users can now display customized daily schedules on displays using iCal links from popular online calendar services like Google or Outlook.
Revamped File Manager: A new file manager for Windows clients enables administrators to manage files across multiple folders.
New File Explorer: A new file explorer for Windows and Android clients allows for flexible positioning within projects to display files like PDFs and videos.
Additional Features:
● Custom buttons can be added to the taskbar and browser toolbar for personalized functions.
● New predefined virtual keyboard layouts are available.
● The browser toolbar can now be positioned at the top or bottom of the screen.
● Users can override system colors for text, icons, and highlights.
“We are thrilled to announce the release of SiteKiosk Online Version 1.5, which represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide cutting-edge solutions for interactive displays," said Heinz Horstmann, CEO of PROVISIO, LLC in Miami, Florida. "This update reflects our commitment to innovation and responsiveness to customer needs. The improved device integration and enhanced content management features will empower our clients to create more engaging and efficient interactive experiences.”
HIMSS 2024 was our first booth at the show and it started as a 10×10 and then went to 10×20, and then finally ended up as a 10×30. Traffic was lighter than expected but we brought in many highly qualified leads looking for patient kiosks and telehealth. Around 200 total which is more than NRF.
Physically the show may be the most taxing of all. If you were older than 35, you “complained” about the very long walks (Freeman service center was more than a mile away e.g.)
The show not only covered patient kiosks, wristbands, and telehealth, but thin client is a big deal at hospitals. Single sign on Imprivata e.g. LG Business had a huge booth showing all types of healthcare computing. Here is the link for very impressive 3D walk thru of their booth.
click for full size – LG HIMSS and “check out” the slick check-in kiosk
PREVIEW
Be sure and visit us at HIMSS 2024 in March. The Kiosk Association’s mission is to inform and educate. Membership is open to all companies. Contact [email protected] — at HIMSS 2024 we will also be offering our Advance Regulatory Guidelines.
Kiosk Association Booth #2189 – Make an Appointment!
Stop by the booth and be scanned so you get our Association guidance doc on what you can expect for regulatory accessibility changes in July by U.S. Access Board.
YourDolphin — See our kiosk bundle for ambulatory & hospital outpatient clinics.
REDYREF Telehealth kiosk solution for“always-on access” to care.
ImageHOLDERS – Experts in digital kiosk solutions in the healthcare sectors.
Kiosk Innovations – will have their brand new patient check-in unit there at booth
Boca Systems, Inc. — BOCA produces thermal printers, known worldwide for their speed, reliability & durability. BOCA’s wristband, badge and label printers, combined with their experience in barcode and RFID encoding, are well-suited for the health technology environment.
At the Show — Our Regulations Change Advance Notice will be available. Our insight and predictions for upcoming accessibility and ADA changes by U.S. Access Board in July.
OTHER MEMBER BOOTHS TO VISIT
LG Electronics – LG Business Solutions offers various form factors of Cloud Devices along with cutting-edge medical-grade monitors that provide excellent image quality to healthcare providers across the globe. LG’s excellence in display products can add value to your work environment with better performance and lower costs.
LG Business kiosks & digital signage & thin client
22Miles – AI-enabled visitor and wayfinding software
For more information contact [email protected] or call Craig at 720-324-1837
MORE BOOTHS
ACF in 2806
Certify 863
Connected 2090
Glory Star 5476
IGEL 4362
Phreesia 6661
RFIdeas 3313
Samsung 2667
VIDEO OF ACCESSIBLE KIOSK CHECK-IN
See At Our Booth 2189
About Kiosk Association
Kiosk Industry will feature patient check-in kiosks & telehealth in our booth 2189. Assistive tech from Storm Interface for tactile navigation on standup and countertop kiosks. Pyramid and Imageholders will provide those kiosk enclosures. See the YourDolphin screen reader + magnifier on an ECS Entropy kiosk. Also the latest telehealth kiosk as deployed by RedyRef. Kiosk Industry and the Kiosk Association is an industry co-op comprised of over fifty companies in self-service and can provide market research and RFP examples. Learn from the experts and join the community. It is free assocation for self-service. Contact [email protected] for more info
Smart City project by Peerless-AV — Pierson Computing Connection, Inc. is proud to share a recent installation of a Peerless-AV Smart City Kiosk at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina, completed in partnership with our friends at CDW.
These state-of-the-art outdoor kiosks are designed to replace static signage and elevate campus communication with dynamic, real-time content. Perfect for sharing campus news, wayfinding, event info, weather updates, and more — all in a sleek, modern design built to withstand the elements.
The Smart City Kiosk features:
✅ 55″ Xtreme™ High Bright Outdoor Display with full HD 1080p resolution — crystal clear even in direct sunlight.
✅ All-weather rated enclosure for long-term durability.
✅ Optional 10-point IR touch overlay for fully interactive experiences.
✅ Easy installation without the need for heavy equipment.
✅ Locking rear door for simple maintenance access.
By integrating this advanced kiosk technology, Fayetteville State University is taking a big step toward improving campus engagement and streamlining information sharing.
👏 Big thanks to CDW and Peerless-AV for being great partners in bringing this project to life!
A tall outdoor digital display in a Smart City setting features a screensaver of a palm tree and sailboat. Its lower panel is open, revealing internal electronics. A person from Peerless-AV crouches beside it, working with a laptop to ensure seamless operation in North Carolinas vibrant environment.
A person is crouched down, skillfully working on the wiring of a tall, metallic structure that is part of the Smart City initiative outdoors. The structure stands near the entrance of North Carolina’s Charles A Lyons Science Complex, with several boxes and shadows cast on the ground.
A digital kiosk from Peerless-AV with a large touchscreen display stands on a grassy area next to a sidewalk. It showcases a beach-themed desktop wallpaper. This Smart City feature enhances the outdoor scene under the clear sky, surrounded by North Carolinas buildings and trees.
A Peerless-AV digital kiosk showcases a desktop wallpaper of a tropical beach scene, complete with palm trees and a sailboat. Situated in North Carolina, this smart city feature is positioned on a grass patch by the sidewalk, framed by nearby buildings and trees.
A Peerless-AV outdoor digital display panel, showcasing a computer desktop with palm trees, graces the sidewalk. Nestled near a modern building and lush trees under clear skies, it embodies the essence of a Smart City in North Carolina.
Bitcoin ATM – California CryptoCurrency Bill SB401
Introduction
California is debating a bill that would harm the bitcoin atm kiosk industry. The gist is the Arbitrary fee cap. The legislature picked a number they thought worked, there is no –to our knowledge –financial basis for the number. It might be derived somewhat from ATM fees, but we don’t know that for certain. There are many good things in the bill such as safeguards. The industry does seem prone to violations of all sorts and regulation and licensing can mitigate those liabilities.
Negative feedback on the transaction limits and fee caps which presumably would drive bitcoin ATMs “out of business” generally omit the specific details which isn’t very informative. What are the limits and caps now, and how are they supposed to change is probably our biggest question at this point. It appears to us restricting max transactions to $1000 a day per customer is part of it. Also $5 or 2% fee.
SB401 requires kiosk operators to be licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation (DFPI), a significant change considering kiosk operators are currently not required to obtain a license from the state. Additionally, as we previously discussed, the bill would require kiosk operators to comply with certain specific per customer transaction limits and fee caps.
As introduced by Senators Toni Atkins and Monique Limón, both members of the Democratic Party, the bill could have significant implications for the crypto industry as a whole, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow and lead to increased regulation of the industry. While the bill aims to protect consumers from fraud, scams, and other risks associated with digital financial asset transactions, it could also make it more difficult for crypto kiosk operators to do business in California, or drive them out of the state entirely. The outcome of the hearing remains to be seen and the future of digital financial asset transaction kiosks in California is uncertain.
Video of Testimony by BitAML President
Timeline
March 22nd, First letter deadline (Senate)
March 29th Opportunity to Call in to the hearing to record opposition (we will send more information about this soon but the details are below).
Next hearing is June. (Assembly) There will be another opportunity to submit letters in May and another opportunity to Call in.
The call in option will be during the hearing, which is at 1:30 on 3/29.
One can watch the Senate Banking & Finance hearing live at the Senate’s website.
The call in number to testify under the opposition side will be loaded on the committee website likely next week (not there yet). We assume the Senator will bring the bill up on the later end of the hearing because she has to chair the rest of the committee, but no true way of knowing.
Here are instructions or when the number is listed.
Verification that the wallet presented at the time of transaction is in the control of the customer
Proper warnings displayed to consumers on the kiosk screen before they complete a transaction (e.g., references to popular scam typologies, the irreversibility of crypto transactions, etc.)
Systems and controls designed to detect red flags associated with predatory elder abuse, romance scams, pig butchering etc.
Ensuring conspicuous contact details for the operator are displayed on the kiosk screen and/or stickers affixed to the machines in the event that consumers have questions, complaints, or require further information
Ensuring that the total transaction cost and fee(s) are displayed on the screen in a simple manner that may be easily understood by the consumer.
Detailed line-item, printed receipts available to all customers, which documents the transaction amount and breaks out any-and-all fees
Commitment to cooperating with, and educating, members of law enforcement
Putting forth arbitrary blanket transaction limits or fee caps is likely not the most effective risk-based mechanism for preventing frauds and scams.
From actual bill
3902. An operator shall not accept or dispense more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) in a day from or to a resident via a digital financial asset transaction kiosk.
3903. (a) An operator shall provide an option for a resident to exchange any amount of a digital financial asset for fiat currency.
(b) If the resident has a balance of fiat currency with an operator that exceeds one thousand dollars ($1,000), the operator shall not dispense more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) in a day at the resident’s request.
3904. An operator shall not collect charges, whether direct or indirect, related to a single digital financial asset transaction that exceed the greater of the following:
(a) Five dollars ($5).
(b) Two percent of the United States dollar equivalent of digital financial assets involved in the transaction.
Current ATM regulations
Bank-owned ATMs are different than non-bank owned
Total ATM fees vary from city to city, ranging from $5.38 in Atlanta at the high end to $4.21 in Los Angeles. [Bankrate Jan23]
Non-bank owned ATMs have a different set of ATM operating rules and regulations to follow; and are a lot simpler.
These machines are only allowed to dispense cash; no deposits are accepted at these locations.
They must display, on the ATM, the logos of the types of cards that are accepted at their machine.
The owners of the ATM can charge customers a fee for their transaction; however it must clearly be posted at the machine as well as on-screen during the withdrawal transaction.
All non-bank owned machine owners are required to file an annual notice of ownership which is typically done through the ATM processor they signed up with.
Some States have their own set of non-bank regulations, check with your ATM Company to be sure they manage this process for you.
California — Generally, tax does not apply to automated teller machine (A.T.M.) charges when an access device (commonly known as a debit card or credit card) is used to make a cash withdrawal from, or to engage in any other transaction that is not subject to tax at, an A.T.M. The transaction is not regarded as a sale of tangible personal property but is a nontaxable financial transaction.
Video Surveillance
ATMs located within banking institutions must meet certain requirements under federal law. Any analog surveillance system operated by the banking facility must use a commercial or industrial grade videotape. The tape should only be used once from beginning to end within a 30-day period. The videotape can be recorded over after this period of time, however, the same tape should not be used more than 12 times in total and must be replaced within 365 days from the date of its first use. Once the tape has been used, the banking facility must hold onto it for at least 45 days.
Lighting Regulations and Statutes
Banks and other institutions that operate ATMs must comply with U.S. federal laws, namely the Federal Electronic Funds Transfer Act and the Bank Protection Act. These laws, however, primarily address the security of the ATMs themselves rather than the ATM users’ safety. Currently, there is no federal law that requires minimum-security standards to protect ATM users. To remedy this, several states, including California, Texas, Florida and New York, have passed their own laws regarding security standards for ATMs. Most of these state laws set minimum standards for lighting, landscaping, visibility, security, reviews and customer safety tips.
Non-Bank Owned ATMs
ATMs that are not owned by a state or federal agency must abide by a different set of rules and regulations. Unlike banking ATMs, these machines must only be used for dispensing cash and under no circumstances can accept deposits. Non-bank owned ATMs must display a logotype or identification symbol alerting the customer as to whether or not his card will be accepted. Owners may impose a surcharge, as long as they clearly disclose it to the consumer both by a sign on the ATM and electronically on the terminal screen. It is possible for anyone to own a cash-dispensing ATM, provided they file a notice of ownership with their local commissioner within 60 days of ownership. Non-bank ATM owners must also file an annual notice of ownership.
Template for opposing, due March 22, which you can quickly complete and submit to Committee.
The Honorable Senator Monique Limon
Chair, Senate Banking & Finance Committee
1021 O Street, Suite 6510
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: SB 401 (Limon): Cryptocurrency Kiosks— OPPOSE
Dear Chair Limon,
On behalf of XXXX we respectfully write in opposition to SB 401, which, as written, would eliminate the cryptocurrency kiosk industry in California or drive it underground.
Cryptocurrency kiosks, oftentimes referred to as crypto ATMs, operate as a convenient, fast, and familiar currency exchange, offering everyday people the opportunity to purchase or sell cryptocurrency at their local convenience stores, grocery stores, or bodegas.
SB 401 sets up a licensing regime for the industry, which will allow the CA Department of Financial Innovation & Protection to approve, audit, and collect information about all crypto kiosk operators in the state. This regime is welcomed by the industry and the consumers that use them. However, SB 401 also sets up an arbitrary fee cap and transaction limit amount, which given the capital costs of owning, installing, maintaining, and operating a crypto kiosk, would drive these machines out of our communities and out of the state. It will also take the small business retailer income, tax revenue, and financial inclusion consumer benefits along with them.
Why do people use Crypto Kiosks?
Crypto kiosks are accessible and convenient, offering one of the fastest modes available to purchase cryptocurrency—allowing those looking for an on-ramp to diversify their investment portfolios to do so in a familiar and expeditious way. Additionally, cryptocurrency is becoming increasingly popular to remit funds cross-borders—an appeal to many that do not have access to a bank account or need to send funds quickly to family and friends overseas. 25% of users that remit funds internationally have used cryptocurrency (CITE), and many are increasingly finding that crypto kiosks are the faster and even more affordable way to do so versus traditional money remittance services.
How do crypto kiosk machines work?
(1) A customer creates an account and agrees to the terms of service and privacy policy; (2) the customer selects the type and amount of cryptocurrency to purchase; (3) the customer completes account registration at the kiosk and undergoes the corresponding Know Your Customer (KYC) process; (4) the customer scans their digital wallet, and the operator performs OFAC/sanctions screening on the digital wallet; (5) the customer inserts cash into the kiosk for the purchased amount; (6) Immediately after the cash is received, the operator sends the purchased cryptocurrency from its digital wallet to the customer’s digital wallet.
Crypto Kiosks Are Safe
SB 401 unfairly targets the crypto kiosk industry, suggesting they are contributing to consumers being defrauded or scammed but this does not solve the root of the issue, which is a lack of understanding generally by the population about scams. Scam and fraud activity are enormous problems across the entire financial services industry. However, the volume of funds people get scammed at a crypto kiosk is de minimis1 compared to central exchanges, money remittance companies, Zelle, and bank accounts2.
Unlike many other financial services, cryptocurrency has unparalleled transparency, which allows law enforcement and kiosk operator companies to coordinate together to freeze assets and return money to victims that come forward. Unlike cash, the blockchain is an open ledger; therefore, all transactions can be traced. Kiosk operators and law enforcement use blockchain analytic tools that can trace the movement of cryptocurrency across the blockchain. Many can identify and blacklist digital wallet addresses affiliated with fraud and do so when needed.
Crypto Kiosks Contribute to our Communities.
The most considerable capital expense of owning and operating a crypto kiosk is the rent an operator pays to house the machine at a local retail business. This can be anywhere between $300-700 per month, which in addition to increased foot traffic and purchases while the customer is visiting the location, is significant income to many small, frequently minority-owned retail businesses across California. California has over 3,6463 crypto kiosks in California, which equates to over $21 million in rent payments to small business retailers alone. This amount does not include the additional supply chain operation costs, including armored vehicle services, security, maintenance/repair, manufacturing, and banking. These costs are not incurred by online exchanges, which send profits overseas or out of state versus redirected back into our state and communities.
Cryptocurrency is a relatively new financial service technology and has no doubt had challenges as it involves and gains more mainstream users in an uncertain economic time–making headlines and increasing the response of lawmakers to create regulations to protect consumers. However, SB 401 will do nothing to solve fraud/scams in the industry, and if anything, will allow scammers to use less traceable services or tools not captured on a public blockchain. Additionally, the arbitrary fee cap will not allow operators to compete and maintain a consumer-friendly market, nor will these machines be able to operate in the state— as the bill does not account for the extremely capital-intensive cost of converting a currency to cash and vice versa instantaneously. For these reasons, we must oppose SB 401.
Excerpt from very nice article on Fast Company covering Walmart and its IRL lab stores. Great example of inventory management and fulfillment via AI and cameras
When Amazon launched its first Go store in 2018, the public lined up around the block to see the future of retail: a new experience where you could walk in, grab something off the shelf, and walk out. Sure, there were cameras on the ceiling and AI on computers tracking silently from above, but the promise was convenience through automation–maybe not The Jetsons, but a better 7/11 for certain.
Now Walmart has shared its version of the future of brick-and-mortar retail, the Intelligent Retail Lab, or IRL for short. Unlike Go, it doesn’t feature any futuristic user experience. There’s no automated checkout or similar whiz-bang head turner that people will Instagram about. Instead, IRL can track Walmart’s inventory in real time with unprecedented efficiency, making sure every item on every shelf is always in stock.
Rethinking the entire shopping experience, as Amazon Go has done, was not on the table. “It’s just not a priority for us right now, as we think about it,” says Mike Hanrahan, CEO of IRL (which is technically a startup within Walmart itself). Instead, the IRL store has 1,500 cameras hanging from the ceiling to ensure that when you walk up to the meat section, there’s in stock. “If you have really good inventory, it leads to a better managed store,” says Hanrahan. And a better managed store is a more profitable one.
by Food Institute. Includes comments from Toshiba, Storm Interface and also Kiosk Association. One distinction that we like to make is that self-checkout at grocery stores is closely aligned with Point
Toshiba kiosk
of Sale terminals and in fact are truly just hybrid customer-facing POS terminals or platforms. You can see on the Toshiba site how they categorize their self-service offerings with three iterations one of which is what we call a standup kiosk. The “warts” which are the POS terminals attached to these are almost always the complicating factor. Money transfers have that effect. We are impressed with Toshiba responding. You might think NCR would respond but probably they have their hands full right now in the middle of their reorganization of retail and financial divisions (the financial division being
From a consumer perspective, the merits of a self-checkout lane are speed and privacy. During the 2018 lawsuit, Walmart maintained that its self-checkout system is accessible because staff are trained to help. But if disabled customers have to ask for assistance, not only will the transaction likely take longer, they also lose the option to keep their purchases private.
“When it comes to the self-service checkouts in retail stores, we all understand that there are certain items we might want to purchase which are of a personal nature,” said Nicky Shaw, U.S. operations manager at Storm Interface, a company that creates assistive technology products used at both Taco Bell and McDonald’s, in an interview with The Food Institute.
“Having the option to check out independently is unfortunately not available to all customers because of inaccessible POS,” Shaw explained. “By denying some customers this option, what message is the retailer sending to those customers?”
Meanwhile, self-checkout has only become more ubiquitous in the last few years. In 2018, self-checkout represented 18% of all grocery store transactions. By 2021, when the Walmart ruling came to pass, that figure had increased to 30%, according to FMI.
Walmart, Kroger, Dollar General and Albertsons are all piloting stores that consist entirely of self-checkout lanes.
“Having the option to check out independently is unfortunately not available to all customers because of inaccessible POS. By denying some customers this option, what message is the retailer sending to those customers?” -Nicky Shaw, U.S. operations manager at Storm Interface
From Toshiba — The U.S. Access Board’s proposal is already supported by the NFB and the National Association of the Deaf. If an agency with enforcement powers adopts the new guidelines, the proposed regulations could become official rules, changing the standards that retailers and self-checkout manufacturers must comply with.
“Our self-checkout systems and their components such as payment device location, touch screen, scanner location and bag racks are designed to meet or exceed industry guidelines for accessibility,” said Dan Kelaher, senior human factors engineer at Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions.
But ensuring that self-checkout machines are actually accessible once they’re placed in a store requires close collaboration between manufacturer and retailer.
“Retailers must also follow building guidelines and requirements to ensure adequate space is provided around the self-checkout system so all individuals can access and use all the available features,” Kelaher said.
“You play in a muddy pond, you are going to get muddy,” said Craig Keefner, executive director of the self-service and kiosk association, and a leader in QSR, fast casual, point-of-sale, and kiosk operations, to The Food Institute.
“Home and corporate are different environments, and the usual caveats and cautions always apply. Maintain focus on outside third-party vendors and suppliers that access your commerce and ordering platform,” describing a situation at Target when a vendor logged into the supply chain software using free malware that hadn’t been updated. A virus spread across the primary domain controllers, disrupting business and prompting a massive internal audit of security actions and procedures.
“The usual complaint about IT is that they are never 100% happy until no one can access your network,” he added, “and the increased number of remote workers logging into corporate systems are yet another danger (much like third-party vendors accessing your corporate system).”
So given the reasons to not use self-checkout at grocery, why is it flourishing?
The biggest reason companies are deploying Self-Checkout now is that they cannot get enough employees to run their stores. COVID helped move the trend further, but retailers must do more with less. There are 3 million fewer retail workers than we had pre-COVID, but 10,000 new stores. So self-checkout helps retailers move employees to other functions like Click and Collect, preparing meals, and picking digital orders. This is just one technology of many that retailers are deploying to help redeploy labor and lower costs. — Greg Buzek of IHL Services
Walmart Ghost Kitchen Kiosks Now Offer Restaurant Kiosks
Updates to the story:
8/19/2021 – Hospitality Ghost Kitchen Expansion — Butler Hospitality recently added the Canopy by Hilton Washington DC Embassy Row to its list of 100+ hotel clients. Ghost kitchen for hotels specializing in virtual room service and catering for hotels.
Post on NRN March 2021 — Locations will offer kiosk-based ordering on-site and third-party delivery of restaurant and CPG food brands
Click for full size — ghost kiosk kiosk walmart kiosk
Wendy’s News 8/11/2021– Wendy’s on Wednesday also unveiled an ambitious update to its global development plans. It now expects to have between 8,500 and 9,000 locations worldwide by 2025, up from a previously forecast 8,000. That growth will be aided by three new initiatives:
A new $100 million build-to-suit development fund is expected to result in 80 to 90 new franchised units.
Lowered liquidity and net worth requirements for prospective franchisees.
Cloud Kitchen Factoids
Top 500 players is around 230,000 units in US.
Figure another 500,000 independent restaurant operators
Percent of units offering delivery — now around 90% (Dairy Queen is 89)
RTN June 2021 — Market surveys indicate that half of enterprise brands will launch some form of ghost, host or cloud kitchen concept in 2021, and that the global cloud kitchen market size, estimated at $43.1B in 2019, is forecasted to reach $71.4B by 2027.
Numbers from Restaurant Dive as of Oct 2020 — The U.S. currently has 1,500 ghost kitchens, putting it ahead of the U.K. market (750), but behind China (7,500+) and India (3,500+), according to Euromonitor estimates from July.
Excerpt:
The new service will allow shoppers in those locations to select items from the menus of about 15 national and regional restaurants and CPG food concepts, including Quiznos, Saladworks and others, combined in a single order. The on-site kitchens, meanwhile, will also serve as delivery hubs for those brands via third-party delivery services such as Uber Eats.
In the Wild – SEVA at Walmart check-in kiosk (take a number)
Seva operates microstores in Walmart and for customer check-in you take a number though you use a kiosk to get the number. The kiosk is a tablet which is sandwiched between black particle board on spinning lazy susan (as they say here in the states). I might call it the Black Oreo.
Walmart Innovation Lab 415-C is opening submissions to technology companies wanting to be selected for Walmart’s “Technology Innovation Open Call” on Oct. 6, 2016. Submission deadline is July 22, 2016 or the first 250 submissions. Submissions should include a three-minute video and written overview of the company.
During the open call event, vendors will meet with key technology leaders to pitch innovative solutions/technology for retail, logistics, big data, security and social media. It is anticipated that more than 100 of Walmart technologists, leaders and senior leaders will meet with companies.
“As part of Walmart Technology, Lab 415-C actively seeks to engage emerging technology in order to better understand how to serve our customers,” said Tom Douglass, director of Walmart Lab 415-C. “Our goal in the event is not only to offer these companies a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but to keep Walmart on the cutting edge of technology.”
Not only is the open call aimed at finding technology, but it is also designed to companies to better understand working with Walmart Technology. To accomplish this, Lab 415-C will be hosting an information session prior to the pitch event.
The Walmart Lab 415-C “Technology Innovation Open Call” event is part of the 2016 Northwest Arkansas Technology Summit hosted by the Northwest Arkansas Technology Council as part of the Bentonville/Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce.
Submission deadline is July 22, 2016 or the first 250 entries.
You will be notified by August 1, 2016 if your company is selected for the Open Call. If selected your company will travel to Bentonville, Arkansas in October to present.
With the recent news of the Walmart Innovation Lab 415-C soliciting new tech ideas, I thought it would be useful to look back at one of the original Star Labs.
From March 22, 2002
Technology Spotlight — NCR Room 504
In these days of busted budgets and deferred deployments, it was a real treat while at the ATMIA show in Florida, to be invited to the rumored-to-exist-to-date “Room 504”. This is name NCR gives to the private display of futuristic technology concepts. I personally applaud NCR for this fantastic commitment to the future in this time of budget scrutiny. I know other companies such as Intel and others have their own scenario labs and I count myself very fortunate to have been given a peek into NCRs.
What is Room 504?
It is the brand name for NCR’s Future Concepts. It is NOT the location or room number (tell that to the elevator operator in NCRs Dundee Scotland Headquarters!).
The idea was introduced to customers back in 1998 by NCR’s “Self Service Strategic Solutions” team, who have been instrumental in the develoment and introduction of many future concepts and ideas.
SSSS monitors the key indicators which highlight potential changes which will impact business; they then build concepts which demonstrate possible future senarios. Keeping a close eye on “disruptive technologies” and how they influence new business models is key to a company being a core participant.
The feedback and knowledge gained from these concepts influence the design and development of NCR’s new solutions.
Back to the Show!
Mark Grossi, Chief Technology Officer from the NCR Financial Solutions Division (out of Dundee, Scotland) and Neal Schwartz, Vice President Convenience TouchPoints, NCR Financial Solutions Division (USA) were the hosts in Florida.
I actually have had some dealings with Mark and the Dundee group prior to this when I was gathering reseach, comments and perspective from various Association members regarding Biometrics and specifically Facial Recognition. I had a presentation at a conference in London in February where I presented on this subject. Mark and Group were very helpful and encouraging towards my presentation and I consider myself very fortunate for the opportunity to work with them on this subject. I would be remiss if I didn’t also thank Tim Peterson and Dan Palczynski of NCR as well. The presentation is accessible at http://www.kiosks.org/smi.
In the photo is Morrison Reyner, Mark Grossi and Bob Sutherland by the way.
Before we started there was the inevitable NDA to sign. Once that was out of the way my NCR Room 504 tour was led by Mike McNamara with Mark and Bob Sutherland (all from Dundee). In the photo is Morrison Reyner, Mark Grossi and Bob Sutherland by the way.
The most interesting concept that I took home just happened to be the very first one and that was the idea of “prestaging transactions”. I like that concept!
(Note: I cannot describe precisely what I saw as that would be in violation of my agreement and the consequences at the very least would be that Mark and company could not buy me beer! It’s actually much more serious than that of course).
Somewhat younger Keefner and Grossi
Anyway back to the tour — they took my picture at the first “point”, which always makes anyone nervous. I decided to even the match a bit and whipped out my Palm Pilot with my hand carefully obscuring what could be 802.11x transceiver. Mark smiled and squinted a bit trying to eyeball my palm. Mission accomplished I revealed I didn’t have a transceiver. Tech war in Florida! Count me in…
Seriously though, other concepts which got lodged in my brain were “object computing and communcation”. All types of objects. My own longtime favorite of personalization was not lost on this crowd as they had pushed the envelope in that regard. One bit of very good advice from Mark is to learn to leave preconceptions at the door. Harder to do than it sounds take it from me.
All of which also communicates some very basic concepts that all of us are aware of. One, is never put all of your eggs in one basket. Another is that Consumer Trends and Consumer Behavior is something that must be constantly evaluated and tracked. Don’t make people wait. Handle all types of media.
Some people will wonder if looking ahead to the future makes perfect sense. I used to work geophysics for Litton Resources back in the 70s and we had our own specially funded “Star Wars Group” in the UK that looked ahead. Exxon, Shell and Chevron were our big clients (and that’s pretty big…). Back then experts were predicting that the world’s oil reserves would be completely depleted by 1995. That didn’t happen because we found new ways to find oil. I noticed BP Chairman Sir John Browne talking about the tremendous new reserves in deepwater Gulf of Mexico just the other day. Like it or not, technology advances occur and make tremendous economic impact. If Exxon and Shell had restricted themselves to West Texas, yes we would’ve run out. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
I really want to thank the guys (and gals) from Dundee and NCR Financial Division in general for the opportunity that they extended to me.
Note: The concepts on display at Florida were a very small segment of the concepts that SSSS has developed (I will guess I was exposed to at best one of ten).
And to close, just to introduce the SSSS team I do have one picture of the main team in Florida cutting up for the camera. “Freedom” for customers to conduct transactions and to manage their information safely and more effectively is a concept which any company serving customers can appreciate….
These state-of-the-art outdoor kiosks are designed to replace static signage and elevate campus communication with dynamic, real-time content. Perfect for sharing campus news, wayfinding, event info, weather updates, and more — all in a sleek, modern design built to withstand the elements.
The Smart City Kiosk features:
✅ 55″ Xtreme™ High Bright Outdoor Display with full HD 1080p resolution — crystal clear even in direct sunlight.
✅ All-weather rated enclosure for long-term durability.
✅ Optional 10-point IR touch overlay for fully interactive experiences.
✅ Easy installation without the need for heavy equipment.
✅ Locking rear door for simple maintenance access.
By integrating this advanced kiosk technology, Fayetteville State University is taking a big step toward improving campus engagement and streamlining information sharing.
👏 Big thanks to CDW and Peerless-AV for being great partners in bringing this project to life!