 |
News Archive |
 |
Monday, 30 June 2008
CUPERTINO, Calif. — Solidcore Systems Inc., a provider of software to detect and prevent unwanted change, today introduced its S3 Control PCI Device edition, which enables retailers to achieve Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard compliance with reduced time and expense.
The new solution eases the burden on merchants using Windows Embedded grocery, retail and hospitality self-service systems to meet the PCI DSS requirements and to document compliance, according to a news release. The PCI Device edition also protects sensitive bank card data by prohibiting viruses and malware from penetrating point-of-sale terminals, servers, ATMs and kiosks.
Device manufacturers and merchants have been in a difficult position of retrofitting fixed-function retail devices with more costly security applications that degrade device performance, such as antivirus software. Solidcore addresses these challenges with its S3 Control PCI Device edition, which is a small footprint, low-overhead change prevention solution that runs transparently on Windows Embedded devices.
"It has become essential for retailers to control access and ensure software integrity across the entire in-store electronic payments and POS environment," said Ray Carlin, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Retalix, and president and CEO of StoreNext Retail Technologies. "Solidcore has combined extremely effective lock-down protection with rapid deployment, and this enables our supermarket customers to protect data and sustain PCI compliance with reduced effort and cost."
Monday, 30 June 2008
DAYTON, Ohio — NCR Corp. has announced a partnership with Integrated Technology Group to offer a library self-checkout solution in North America.
ITG, an NCR RealPartner, will offer its Apex XpressCheck library self-checkout software on NCR EasyPoint kiosk hardware equipped with an integrated barcode scanner and printer. ITG selected NCR EasyPoint kiosk hardware for its reliability, serviceability and versatile mounting options.
The solution will be demonstrated at ITG’s booth #1872 at the 2008 American Library Association show, being held June 26 through July 2 in Anaheim, Calif.
"Ever expanding their services to include Internet access, DVDs and other interactive options, libraries are increasingly looking toward technology solutions to help make simpler tasks — like checking out books and other materials — an automated process," said Shai Robkin, president and chief executive of Integrated Technology Group. "By offering a self-checkout experience to help accomplish basic transactions, library employees can be readily available to assist visitors with more personalized customer service."
In a typical transaction using the library self-checkout solution, patrons first scan their library card to pull up account information on the kiosk screen. Patrons then scan the items for check out using the kiosk barcode scanner. A receipt prints from the kiosk to complete the transaction.
Future plans include integrating the NCR EasyPoint kiosks with ITG's radio frequency identification-enabled self-checkout software.
"NCR is pleased to partner with ITG to offer this best-in-class library self-checkout solution," said Richard Arnold, NCR vice president, Retail Industry Marketing. "As a company driven toward self-service innovation and growth, we look forward to working together to explore how technology can empower librarians to improve operational efficiencies and better serve their patrons."
Friday, 27 June 2008
BlogCritics Magazine: Imagine going into a bookstore and buying a book out of a machine. It would be like looking through a jukebox or an ATM where you would browse for titles. You would make your choice and wait for it to be printed for you right there. Sound like the wave of the future? That’s just what the Espresso does. The Espresso is a $50,000 vending machine that can print, align, mill, glue and bind two books simultaneously in less than seven minutes with full-color laminated covers.
Read more
Friday, 27 June 2008
The (Douglas, Ariz.) Daily Dispatch: What kind of effect does NEXTEP Systems' Deli Express kiosk have on the customer experience? Quite a big one, according to Stephanie Nelson, a regular contributor to "Good Morning America." Nelson recently featured the kiosks in one of her online columns.
Read more
Friday, 27 June 2008
ATLANTA — When more than 6,000 north Georgians took a simple vision test using EyeSite, a self-service vision screening kiosk, inside a Wal-Mart store in Cumming, Ga., earlier this spring, the results showed that 30 percent of the participants had never visited an eye care professional for an examination. In addition, 80 percent of the people who used the kiosk were recommended to see an eye care provider, according to a news release.
These statistics come as no surprise to Jenny Pomeroy, chief executive of Prevent Blindness Georgia. PBGAs mission is to double the number of Georgians who seek regular eye exams by the year 2020.
"We know that people go to the dentist three to four times more often than they get an eye examination," said Pomeroy. "The concept of an EyeSite kiosk is a wonderful vehicle to deliver eye health messages to the public, such as information about glaucoma and for reminding diabetic patients that they need an annual dilated eye exam."
The EyeSite kiosk is the brainchild of Atlanta entrepreneur Bart Foster. His start-up company, SoloHealth, is in the early stages of testing the self-service vision screening device in several markets. SoloHealth plans to launch its kiosks in high traffic retail locations, such as Wal-Mart stores.
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Bank Systems & Technology: The phrase virtual teller may bring to mind a mechanical gypsy at an amusement arcade, but today's virtual teller solutions are nothing to laugh at. According to experts, the benefits of teller-assisted kiosks for banks range from improved staffing efficiencies to stronger security. In March, IBM Corp. unveiled its Interactive IBM Bank Kiosk. According to Luigi Di Pace, leader of the IBM Innovation Lab in Bari, Italy, IBM is in negotiations with three Italian banks, which he declines to name, to launch pilot programs with the new system.
Read more
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Centre Daily Times: Kaiser Permanente deployed its first "KP Self-Service Kiosk" to optimize the patient check-in and payment experience in a project that will include more than 60 medical clinics in Southern California. This is one of the largest pilot kiosk projects undertaken by any U.S. healthcare organization. During the kick-off event at Kaiser Permanente's Rancho Cucamonga Medical Office Building, officials demonstrated how the easy-to-navigate touchscreen kiosks will improve service to customers.
Read more
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Internet Retailer: New Orleans is one of 14 sites for new "concept stores" from Borders Group Inc. The stores will feature Web-based services including computer kiosks where shoppers can use digital and Internet tools for researching a trip and booking their travel. Self-service Borders.com stations will enable shoppers to access Borders' new e-commerce site in the store. Shoppers can check the availability of a particular title and its location in the store, or order products from the site. Books, music and movies ordered at the kiosk can be shipped directly to a customer's home or to the store for pick-up. The New Orleans store is expected to open in October.
Read more
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — RealTime Shredding Inc. is introducing magnetic strip and smart card software on its self-service shredding kiosk, giving businesses the ability to provide 'shred cards' to their customers and partners.
The new offerings for the Self-Service Shredder come in response to retailers' and other business' growing interest in non-cash-based systems, while meeting demands for innovative ways to brand and provide loyalty benefits to customers.
The magnetic strip card is ideal for businesses with a single kiosk, according to Amanda Verrie, RealTime Shredding's president. A business can provide cards with a set number of shredding minutes and/or sessions to customers, partners and others. Non-profit organizations even can sell shred cards for fundraising, says Verrie. With a shredding rate of up to 200 sheets of paper a minute on the Self-Service Shredder, a business could offer substantial use with just a few minutes of time on a card.
Smart cards are good options for repeat users and for businesses with multiple kiosks, adds Verrie, including retailers and businesses with several branches, such as banks. For the individual user, she says, the ability to use the Self-Service Shredder at any of the business' locations makes it easier and more convenient to keep up with shredding on a regular basis.
"The business benefits significantly from a customer's increased visits to their location," she said.
The new software offers key branding opportunities for kiosk owners, says Verrie. RealTime Shredding can customize shred cards with a business' logo, photo and contact information. For businesses that do not own the Self-Service Shredder but still want to help fight identity theft, the software provides the ability to provide shred cards for use in a local kiosk. RealTime Shredding also now offers the Self-Service Shredder kiosk in custom colors, providing additional branding opportunities.
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
CHELTENHAM, England — In the coming weeks, shoppers in the U.K. and Ireland will be able to benefit from the deployment of robotically operated DVD rental kiosks, and one machine being launched as a trial in a Tesco Ireland store initially could see the concept rolled out in 2008.
The kiosks, which offer users touchscreen access to a range of new release movies, also will be launched in Centra and Applegreen stores with an expected deployment across both the U.K. and Ireland, should the trials prove successful, according to a news release from The Movie Booth.
The Movie Booth is a new brand, based in the U.K., which supplies DVD rental kiosks to retail stores throughout the U.K. and Ireland. The kiosks enable users to rent movies on a pay-as-you-go basis, offering a modern alternative to the traditional high street DVD rental store.
"Customers use a touchscreen system to select and rent their movies, and it takes three steps to rent a film from the kiosk," said Carlos Marco Rider, managing director of The Movie Booth. "These new kiosks have been designed with the end-user in mind and have several features which make renting a DVD a simple process. The partnerships we are developing with retailers should ensure we achieve substantial coverage across the U.K. and Ireland by the end of 2008."
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
WAKEFIELD, Mass. — The PCI Security Standards Council, a global, open industry standards body providing management of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (DSS), PCI PIN Entry Device (PED) Security Requirements and the Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS), has announced the addition of two new payment industry device types to the PED program to strengthen cardholder data security.
Unattended payment terminals and hardware (also known as host) security modules now can undergo a rigorous testing and approval program to ensure they comply with industry standards for securing sensitive payment card data during any point in the transaction process. The Council also will maintain the list of approved UPTs and HSMs, provide documentation and training for labs evaluating these devices and be a single source of information for device vendors and their customers.
The PED Security Requirements are designed to ensure the security of PIN-based transactions globally and apply to devices that accept PIN entry. Until now, the requirements focused on traditional point-of-sale devices that operate in an environment that is attended by a merchant, cashier or sales clerk. UPTs are unattended payment devices that include self-service ticketing machines, kiosks, automated fuel pumps and vending machines. Vendors have been manufacturing and having the encrypting PIN pads (EPPs) that go into UPTs evaluated by approved labs, and the payment card brands have been requiring the use of PCI SSC approved EPPs. Having new and overarching UPT testing requirements will further protect the payment card industry participants.
HSMs are secure cryptographic devices that can be used for PIN translation, card personalization, electronic commerce or data protection and do not include any type of cardholder interface. The addition of UPTs and HSMs into the PCI SSC security testing requirements enables the Council to provide testing laboratories with a streamlined evaluation process for achieving compliance of these cryptographic devices.
"PIN entry devices go well beyond the typical POS terminals we are all familiar with and we are continually expanding into more and more areas," said Bob Russo, general manager of the PCI Security Standards Council. "Any device that processes personal identification numbers is an important link in the transaction chain. By including both UPTs and HSMs in the PED Security Requirements, the Council is reaffirming its commitment to developing additional standards to meet the needs of the industry and to ensure continued safety and security for consumers."
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Health insurers hoping to convince physicians to bypass their offices' brand name sample drug "closets" are embracing an ATM-like generic drug dispensing machine. Highmark Inc. for the past five years has partnered with MedVantx Inc. of San Diego, which places the generic drug machine in physician offices, free of charge to doctor and patient. "We wanted to encourage the use of generics when we began a pilot study in 2003," said Eric Culley, Highmark's manager of Clinical Pharmacy Services. Most insurers in the area are using the MedVantx system, he said.
Read more
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — PeopleCube, provider of intelligent workplace, resource and energy management technology, has announced an alliance partnership with KIOSK Information Systems, a designer and manufacturer of indoor and outdoor kiosks, public Internet stations and other electronic self-service informational terminals, according to a news release. This partnership allows both companies to meet the needs of organizations large and small to reduce real estate and energy costs by implementing an on-site shared workspace and room reservation solution.
Resource Scheduler is the leading Web-based workspace, resource and energy management solution that allows users to quickly and easily schedule and manage flexible workspace and other shared resources with just a few simple clicks. KIOSK Information Systems is an established leader in the design and manufacturing of self-service kiosks, having produced thousands of kiosks for more than 15 years. Through this complementary relationship, PeopleCube is able to recommend a leading vendor in kiosk technology to customers in need of an on-site reservation kiosk system. Conversely, KIOSK Information Systems can suggest Resource Scheduler to kiosk customers looking to maximize shared workspace utilization by implementing an office hoteling work environment. Using a KIOSK Information System reservation kiosk and Resource Scheduler, mobile and remote workers are able to check in and out of existing reservations, or search for and reserve available shared workspace upon entering the building using the self-service kiosk.
"Reducing real estate and related costs is becoming increasingly important, especially in a time of economic uncertainty. As a result, many companies are turning to flexible workspace programs as a way to save money and attract top talent because it allows them to maximize workspace utilization and provide much-desired flexibility to their mobile workforce," said Abe Zelkin, vice president of business development at PeopleCube. "By partnering with KIOSK Information Systems, customers are able to leverage the expertise of two leading vendors to implement a complete on-site workspace management solution, helping them to achieve both their economic and talent retention goals."
"As an innovation leader in the self-service kiosk marketplace, it is essential that we partner with proven winners in their respective industries to support the needs of our customers," explained Tom Weaver, chief marketing officer of KIOSK Information Systems. "We’re very excited about partnering with PeopleCube, as they have been at the forefront of office hoteling technology and are well-versed in how it can help our customers offset the soaring prices of gas and corporate real estate."
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
Financial Services Technology: In an increasingly crowded marketplace the battle for customer attention is fiercer than ever. Digital signage could be the tool that makes the difference, says David Drain, executive director of the Digital Signage Association and the Self-Service & Kiosk Association.
Read more
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
Self-service has a voice. And sometimes it's Allison Smith's.
Smith is used to people recognizing her voice, even if they can't remember where they heard it. A highly sought after voice actress, she charges $200 an hour to record announcements and prompts for companies such as Marriot Hotels, Toyota, Victoria's Secret and Bank of America. Subscribers to the Cingular Wireless network might recognize her as the warm, friendly operator telling them their calls can't go through, and Circuit City customers may soon hear her recorded voice asking them to rate the efficiency of store cashiers on automated customer service surveys.
But in recent years, Smith says voice professionals have found a new base of clients asking for their talents: deployers of self-service solutions.
"I'm hoping to increase exposure and raise people's awareness of hiring a professional voice talent to do the prompts for their kiosk," said Smith, who recently posted a listing in the classified section of SelfService.org, advertising her services.
Kiosk: Vocal or mute?
It's a decision every deployer must face: Should their self-service solution have audible voice prompts?
Manufacturers and deployers tend to agree that, in most cases, voice prompts can add a dimension of user friendliness and interactivity to the self-service experience. Such is the case with NCR Corp.'s popular FastLane retail self-checkout solution.
"NCR's extensive usability testing and in-store analysis show that people have different learning styles," said Marcia B. Crosland, a global-human-factors engineering management consultant for NCR. "Some people learn by listening to instructions and some people learn by viewing (reading). Our research shows that nine out of 10 people listen to instructions more effectively than by reading."
|
|
|
Professional voice actress Allison Smith has made a name for herself by providing narration for - among other things - self-service kiosks.
|
But experts caution that the decision to give voice to a kiosk isn't always a no-brainer. According to Doug Peter, president of St. Clair Interactive Communications, kiosks in quiet areas like hospitals and luxury stores should probably be mute. Even in busier retail locations where voice can be a good fit, like Wal-Mart or the mall, "chatterbox" kiosks that spout off too many prompts can annoy the customer.
"If you try to voice every screen, you'll drive people crazy," Peter said. "But for a few key elements, voice can be helpful."
Finding the voice
Once the deployer has decided to include voice prompts in their self-service solution, they have to choose a voice. Deployers can groom an established voice from within their company or look externally to experienced voice professionals.
Peter says clients with an established voice, such as one that voices the company's television or radio commercials, should probably use the same voice for their self-service project, with the advantage that the company's brand is preserved and reinforced. But he cautions the spokesperson should have some professional voice talent experience.
"We believe in pro-level recording," he said. "The studio costs money, so if your amateur is fumbling around, you can waste studio time as opposed to paying the pro their talent fee."
Options for voices are limitless. Deployers can choose from voices of various ages, ethnicities and nationalities.
Peter says the accent (or lack thereof) can be an important consideration.
"If it's a regional chain, you want someone who echoes the region," he said. "If it's national, you don't want a New York accent or anything that is too distinctive by region."
Even the tone of voice can be critical.
Smith, who has a degree in drama from the University of Calgary, says she often draws on her arts training to deliver the performance required. But sometimes it's all a matter of trial and error, as she once discovered while narrating prompts for a Kodak kiosk.
"Apparently, I read it in kind of a seductive, sultry tone," she said.
The result, she said, was that men were using the kiosk in record numbers, while some female consumers seemed offended by the tone and would stop using the kiosk in the middle of the process. When she re-recorded the prompts, the situation improved.
"I had to pretty much redo it in more of a straightforward, businesslike tone, which was more appropriate for the kiosk, for sure," she said.
Some companies are tight-lipped about their criteria for choosing a kiosk voice. Representatives from NCR declined to comment on the basis for their choice for a voice prompt narrator for the FastLane self-checkout system, calling it "proprietary information."
A catalog of voices
Chris Porter, senior producer and voice talent for Procomm Studio Services, says his production company specializes in matching the right voice with the right application. A female voice may work well for a customer-service kiosk, he says, while consumers in a hardware store may respond better to a product information kiosk narrated by a deep male voice.
"We've done everything from providing a pirate voice for a casino kiosk with a 'treasure hunt' pirate theme to just doing straight-up product demos with pleasant voices that make them easier to approach," Porter said. "It's basically about providing an approachable persona."
Procomm's site features a catalog of various voices, all categorized with descriptive tags like "Conversational Real People," "Young Adults," "African American," "Children and Teens" and "Spanish." A special section for character voices includes some of the studio's more outrageous talents, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonators and voices of cartoon characters.
The most important thing to consider, says Peter, is that the voice encourages the customer to become engaged with the self-service device.
"I'd want it to have a nice, friendly voice that portrays it as a coach rather than a dictator," he said. "A know-it-all voice is bad news."
All in the script
Once the voice talent is chosen, it's critical for the deployer to have a well-crafted script of what the talent will say. Porter says these scripts usually are written by the deployer or by an ad agency, and the number of prompts in a script usually varies by the sophistication of the kiosk.
"It could be as short as one or two," he said. "Maybe it's just that a welcome message and a few short prompts could direct the person to where they're going to get the information they're looking for, or it could be from 10 to 100 prompts, if it's real in-depth and they're walking the person through every step of the process."
Smith says she doesn't mind making a script suggestion here or there, if the client is asking for help.
"I'll usually let them know if there's a prompt that's reading a bit awkwardly or if something needs to be reworded," she said. "And most people are very, very open to my input, but for the most part I like to leave that aspect up to the client because they ultimately know best what they want to achieve and what they want to say."
Peter says the deployer can expect to pay both a talent fee and a studio fee when the prompts are recorded (unless the talent has their own studio, in which he says the fees are combined). When installing the voice prompts into the self-service solution, he says it helps to put them on a time delay so that users who already know how to use the system can choose the next option before an annoying voice prods them.
"If somebody knows exactly what they're doing, they don't need the voice," he said. "They can just charge ahead. But some people might need a little encouragement to swipe their credit card."
The hazards of the job
Every occupation has its hazards and Smith says the voice professional is no exception. She says she has to protect her vocal cords, particularly when she catches a cold.
"That's like my worst fear, because that definitely affects my sound and almost makes me unable to work if I sound too congested," she said.
"I don't try to shout too much, I guess," Porter said. "But there is, of course, common sense stuff like trying to avoid smoking and things like that that can do damage to your voice."
Then there's the other danger: running into your own voice when you least expect it, such as when Smith recently received an automated phone call from eBay. She says she was exasperated, and a little annoyed, to hear her herself on the other end, telling her she had just been outbid on a handbag she wanted.
"So yeah, it is strange when I pick up the phone and it's me talking to me," she said. "Yeah. Very, very strange."
Click HERE to listen to Smith describe the unnerving experience of receiving a phone call from herself.
|
|
Click HERE to listen to Porter recount an instance where he heard his own voice at a Christmas display in his hometown.
|
Monday, 23 June 2008
 Starmount Systems - Our mission is to provide quality products and services, enabling our customers to realize maximum value from their chosen IT solutions. Taking a partnership approach, we help extend the lifetime value of our customers’ solution by focusing on understanding their exact business process as well as technology needs and providing complete integration of their systems.
To accomplish this, we recruit and retain the highest quality associates with significant experience in both the retail and IT business communities and utilize these combined talents and experiences for the benefit of our customers.
Monday, 23 June 2008
PADERBORN, Germany — By integrating cash recycling technology in the newest generation of self-checkout systems, Wincor Nixdorf helps retail businesses reduce the work and costs of cash handling and increase system availability. The new "Tower Line 150," which is part of the BEETLE/iSCAN product family, will be presented at the 2008 Retail Solutions trade fair in London. This system rounds out the company’s extensive portfolio of modular automated check-out solutions.
Effective immediately, Wincor Nixdorf, a supplier of IT solutions and services for banks and retailers, will offer its customers the choice of a next-generation self-checkout system with integrated recycling for banknotes and coins.
The use of cash recycling means that cash deposited in a POS system can be made available for dispensing after it has been authenticated by the system. This drastically reduces the high expenses associated with counting, sorting and transporting cash. Furthermore, stores will be able to cut the volume of change held in storage for replenishment purposes and the frequency of change replenishment. Streamlined cash handling — from point-of-sale operations to cash collection by security companies — translates into reduced waiting times at the checkout, greater customer satisfaction and considerable operational savings.
In addition to the cash recycling function, the new Tower Line 150 features a host of other benefits: The new design and modular structure of the self-checkout system make it suitable for a wide range of applications in supermarkets, specialist retail outlets, cash-and-carry wholesale chains and department stores alike.
The system covers every possible aspect of check-out operations. It can be configured as an express self-checkout with one-, two- or three-bag solutions, as a specialized DIY store system or as a scan or pay tower, allowing retailers to select the configuration that best suits their needs and delivers the most attractive return on investment.
Another key benefit is that associated with shopper convenience: All components have been designed for intuitive use. Additionally, shoppers are guided by an on-screen graphical user interface. The system can be equipped with a scanner module that includes either a vertical or a bi-optical scan unit for the purpose of barcode reading, while the payment process is covered by a module for banknotes and coins. Other modules include units for card-based payments, coupon management and receipt printing. The new system also is suitable for shoppers with physical impairments or disabilities, since it is fully compliant with ADA II (Americans with Disabilities Act II).
Tower Line 150 is operated by TPiSCAN, a hardware-independent software that controls all the modules incorporated in the self-checkout system. The software, which is based on programming standards, has been designed for fast and efficient integration into existing IT landscapes at retail level, regardless of which hardware and software structures are in place. As an exhibitor at Retail Solutions, Wincor Nixdorf will unveil a number of recently developed software features, such as central software distribution and administration.
"Tower Line 150 is a cutting-edge solution in the field of automated check-outs, combining exceptional customer value and superior productivity with streamlined process costs in the area of cash handling," said Joachim Pinhammer, marketing director of the retail division at Wincor Nixdorf.
The first pilot installation has been scheduled for the near future.
Monday, 23 June 2008
 At Banyan Electronics, we are passionate about sight and sound... about creating an experience. We manufacture video display solutions, kiosks, and touch panel technologies.
The focus of a good home theater is the TV. Whether Plasma or LCD, the TV must give its viewer a premium picture and excellent sound quality. We manufacture our displays knowing a TV will make or break an experience... and we are dedicated to bring to you the viewing experience we strive for ourselves... all at pricing that most everyone can afford.
Monday, 23 June 2008
READING, U.K. — Access IS, the data input technology company, has introduced a fixed-position, high-speed imager that captures barcodes from mobile phones or PDAs in less than one second.
Designed for use at self-service kiosks or turnstiles, or for flatbed installation in desk or podium applications, the LSR108 is a rugged, omni-directional imager with no moving parts that is designed to give years of trouble-free operation. It can be configured with data format settings and interfaced to the host system through either RS232 or USB using a single, detachable cable.
In retail, delivering barcoded vouchers to mobile phones is an economical way to drive up sales. At events, the LSR108 allows low-cost, secure and rapid access to venues when integrated with turnstile access systems.
An interactive mode allows the host application to control functions of the reader and integral Flash memory means that the imager is software-upgradable as new features become available. The LSR108 reads all popular linear, PDF417 and 2D symbologies.
Monday, 23 June 2008
PALO ALTO, Calif. — Based on its recent analysis of the remote patient monitoring market, Frost & Sullivan awarded Computerized Screening Inc. (CSI) with the 2008 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Technology Leadership in recognition of "its leadership and vision in the remote monitoring kiosks for community-based or population health disease management applications," according to a news release.
The release states that CSI's years of "leading the public kiosk space has given the company vital experience in this model of vital signs monitoring. By entering the dynamic health and disease management space with the Genesis Managed Health unattended clinic and remote medication management system, CSI is leveraging its expertise to capitalize on unique market conditions and end-user needs."
"Health kiosks provide a vital avenue to tap the right remote monitoring payer groups, which is crucial for higher revenues from remote monitoring services," said Zachary Bujnoch, research analyst for Frost & Sullivan. "Exploring avenues such as this show the market really beginning to establish itself and move toward its grand, billion-dollar potential."
"Convincing payers that a product or service is going to save them money is of critical importance in the remote monitoring market. Therefore the design of a system with the right payer group in mind is essential," said Bujnoch. "Recognizing the potential appeal of its kiosk model, CSI developed a unique system for the remote healthcare and disease management market."
The Genesis Managed Health System appeals to many untapped potential payer groups. For instance, in the emergency room setting, this kiosk can create Personal Health Records (PHR's) and Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) by itself, reducing paperwork in the admissions process.
In the corporate world, companies can reduce medical expenses by employing such a system for their employees on site. In remote areas this system can work independently as part of a clinic or pharmacy, greatly reducing the need for the long trip to a medical center.
Friday, 20 June 2008
Arlington Business Journal: The Arlington Convention and Visitors Service released rolling concierges and a stand-alone informational kiosk to bump up tourism in Arlington neighborhoods. Segways just hit the streets of Crystal City, and an interactive touchscreen kiosk will be at Rossyln's new Waterview development in early July. The kiosk, supplied by Comark Corp., will let people print walking directions and coupons from participating Arlington retailers.
Read more
Friday, 20 June 2008
BURNABY, B.C. — TIO Networks Corp., an automated bill payment and financial services network, announced that it has surpassed its 10,000th location activation milestone, according to a news release.
The Company is pleased to report that it has recently activated its 6,000th OEM Express location and has commenced to process payments. This growth has more than tripled the size of TIO's bill payment network to 10,000 locations over the past 6 months. The growth was primarily achieved through the implementation of TIO's new transactional application programming interface (API). The API integrates large networks into the TIO network to market the company's portfolio of products on a host of third party devices including kiosks, PCs and point of sale systems.
Additionally, the company has successfully launched its money transfer program with NEXXO Financial in four U.S. markets, including Phoenix, Tucson, Ariz., Houston and San Antonio, on over 80 kiosks. Money transfer is an important component of TIO's financial services growth strategy based on bill payment, money transfer, prepaid services and the myTIO consumer strategy.
"The new bill payment and money transfer locations are contributing to greater transaction volumes and revenue growth with the month of May being our best month of transactional performance ever," stated Hamed Shahbazi, chairman and chief executive officer of TIO Networks Corp. "With over 10,000 active locations six months ahead of forecast we are well on our way to achieving greater growth and will continue to aggressively expand our network to unlock the value of our biller and service relationships."
Friday, 20 June 2008
Centre Daily Times: Crandall Public Library's expansion project will offer patrons more than additional space. The expanded library will include radio frequency identification (RFID) technology from Polaris and Integrated Technology Group, a division of Vernon Library Supplies Inc. The new RFID system, which is designed to improve customer service for patrons and increase the amount of time staff members spend assisting patrons, also will include the deployment of self-service kiosks.
Read more
Friday, 20 June 2008
The Baltimore Sun: Baltimore residents who pay cash for water, sewer and other municipal bills could avoid a trip downtown — and the line at the Municipal Building — if the city adopts a plan to install neighborhood-based self-service kiosks. The city council held a hearing yesterday on a resolution to study the feasibility of installing ATM-like machines around Baltimore that would accept payments for municipal bills.
Read more
Friday, 20 June 2008
Telecomasia.net: Taking traditional movie rental to the next level, Digisoft.tv has introduced its eRental movie download platform that enables customers to download high-definition and standard-definition movies from an in-store kiosk to a portable storage device for later viewing at home. Digitsoft.tv developed the service in conjunction with Video Ezy of Australia and uses best-of-breed encryption and watermarking technologies from Verimatrix, the market leader in this space.
Read more
Friday, 20 June 2008
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Consumer fraud and identity theft numbers have risen steadily over the past few years, and, whether you realize it or not, your customers are taking notice.
In fact, according to "Data Security and Privacy: Best Practices for Protecting Customer Information through PCI," a report published by the Digital Technology Alliance (DTA), almost half of the consumers polled in a Gemalto survey said they worry about identity theft when shopping online.
The report also highlights in-depth research on where and how security breaches most often occur, as well as what operators in every industry can do to safeguard their customers' personal information. Focusing its attention on the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS), the report is packed with expert commentary on the challenges of PCI compliance.
"Rising reports of identity theft will continue to remind consumers that they need to pay careful attention to where, when and how they use their cards," said James Bickers, editor of RetailCustomerExperience.com, in his introduction to the report. And, as the report proves, retailers must learn how to catch up to industry standards if they want to keep their customers’ trust.
Friday, 20 June 2008
(Little Rock, Ark.) KLRT-TV, Channel 16: Travellers running late for a business trip or vacation who dash out the door and forget necessities like their digital camera or laptop, can now pick up these items on the fly. The number of items available for purchase or rental in self-service kiosks has jumped 15 percent to 20 percent in the last few years. Mp3 players, play stations, curling irons, digital cameras — even laptop computers — now can be obtained via self-service kiosk technology.
Read more
Thursday, 19 June 2008
Video Business: MOD Systems and Domino’s Pizza are in talks to give consumers the opportunity to have their pizza and movie delivered by the same person, according to participants at Wednesday’s Entertainment Supply Chain Academy. MOD Systems has been testing music manufacturing-on-demand to CD and/or portable device through kiosk installations at Best Buy. But retailers, including pizza chain Domino’s, see value in offering impulse-produced DVDs as a new revenue stream. The idea is that a Domino’s customer could order a pizza plus a movie of their choice and both would be churned out at the storefront for home delivery.
Read more
Thursday, 19 June 2008
ContactMusic.com: The music industry needs to adapt to the "digital landscape" as downloading increases, experts have claimed. A survey published by the British Music Rights (BMR) organization this week found that a huge proportion of 14- to 24-year-olds admitted to downloading music illegally, with some fans downloading thousands of songs per month. Music retailer HMV plans to combat this trend by deploying music download kiosks and social access points to improve the customer experience of obtaining music the legal way.
Read more
Thursday, 19 June 2008
(HONOLULU) KITV, Channel 4: The city on Monday unveiled a revamped information center at its newly renovated Ala Moana Center Satellite City Hall. Located where the old city store used to be, the center features a computer kiosk where customers can complete and print city forms while checking out free bus and boat route information.
Read more
Wednesday, 18 June 2008
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Transactions at self-service kiosks will surpass $607 billion this year in North America as consumers continue to embrace self-service technology, according to a new research study conducted by the IHL Group, an analyst firm and consultancy that serves retailers and retail technology vendors.
That amount will more than triple by 2012 to over $1.7 trillion, the study predicts.
"We expect continued double-digit growth in the revenue generated by self-service transactions for the foreseeable future," said Lee Holman, lead retail analyst of the IHL Group. "The results of this study confirm what we’ve been seeing for the past several years — namely, that consumers are showing a preference for self-service kiosk activity of all kinds."
The new research study, 2008 North American Self-Service Kiosks, examines the increasing use of six types of self-service kiosks where payment is accepted: self-checkout systems, ticketing kiosks, check-in kiosks, food ordering, postal systems and other retail kiosks.
Wednesday, 18 June 2008
Centre Daily Times: Travelers going through O'Hare International Airport in Chicago now can stop by the Boingo Kiosk to get their computers and cell phones charged up, print color documents for the plane and get online — or get a free pass to get online with their own laptops — while in the airport.
Read more
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
LINCOLN, Neb. — Nanonation has announced a partnership with Impact Mobile to deliver a variety of mobile media solutions to the hospitality and retail markets.
The partnership enables Nanonation to integrate a variety of mobile applications into digital signage and kiosk networks. The applications enable consumers to interact with digital screens via standard text messaging to create new and engaging customer experiences.
The solution leverages Nanonation’s award-winning enterprise software platform for the content delivery, management and measurement of the screens with Impact Mobile’s mobile media technology and applications.
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
The Atlanta Journal Constitution: Delta Air Lines is testing a plan to allow passengers to eliminate one more carry-on item: a paper boarding pass. Starting Tuesday, the Atlanta-based carrier is launching an electronic boarding pass option for passengers on domestic flights out of New York's LaGuardia Airport. Delta plans to launch the electronic boarding pass in Atlanta by the end of the year. It will allow passengers to use Web-enabled mobile phones and devices to check in online. Passengers will download an electronic boarding pass with a bar code that can be scanned at the security checkpoint and boarding gate.
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
AUSTIN, Texas — NCR Corp. has announced its newly designed NCR XpressPort, a modular hotel check-in kiosk designed to meet consumer demand for self-service convenience in a high-touch environment.
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts is among the first premier hotel chains to deploy the new NCR XpressPort kiosks as part of its overall lobby redesign moving forward.
"Hyatt guest usage grew to 30 percent within the first two weeks of implementing NCR self-service kiosks," said Lance Marrin, corporate director of rooms for Hyatt Hotels Corp. "Since then we’ve seen a direct correlation between our properties with multiple kiosks and guest service scores. Clearly the growing consumer expectation for self-service options, combined with the integrated design, has proved to be a winning combination for Hyatt."
On display this week at the 2008 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) in Austin, Texas, the NCR XpressPort kiosk is part of NCR Xpress Hotel, a self-service solution that allows guests to perform a number of tasks, such as check in and out, print room keys, locate and modify reservations and view and print messages. To make it easier for guests to locate amenities around a hotel property, such as identifying the best route to a guest room, pool, hotel restaurant or other services, NCR Xpress Hotel also features optional interactive wayfinding functionality.
The sleek and flexible NCR XpressPort features a 17-inch touchscreen interface as well as a signature capture module to facilitate transactions during a guest’s stay. Its simple-to-use, modular design can be either freestanding or configured to complement any hotel lobby layout.
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
The Washington (D.C.) Business Journal: Tourism in D.C. rakes in $5.5 billion a year, and local businesses are getting help from interactive kiosks to get a taste of the booming industry. The D.C. Chamber of Commerce paired up with Digital City Kiosks this month to publicize names and services of restaurants, hotels, retail and entertainment businesses in the area. The interactive kiosks, provided by the Alexandria-based virtual concierge service company, are located in 10 D.C. spots that include the D.C. Visitors Center and Residence Inn Dupont Circle.
Read more
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
 KOOLTRONIC, INC. was founded over 50 years ago to address the unique cooling needs of the emerging electronics, computer and telecommunication industries. Our Company engineered the development of the first air conditioners and heat exchangers for sealed enclosures, introduced in the early 1960s. Since then, KOOLTRONIC has evolved into the industry leader, specializing in the innovative design and production of forced ventilation and closed-loop cooling for various types of enclosures. KOOLTRONIC continues to lead today by applying cutting edge technology to the protection of sensitive electronic components.
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
Halfway around the world, the Shanghai, China, Convention Center soon will play host to a gathering of kiosk companies and users. The 2008 China International Self-Service & Kiosk Show, scheduled for June 26-28, is in its fifth year.
Among those attending the show this year will be David Drain, executive director of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association (SSKA), who says the show will provide an opportunity for the association to broaden its outreach and strengthen its relationship with its international partners.
Both Drain and Bob Fincher, executive vice president of NetWorld Alliance, will make a presentation at the show to focus on the future of the digital signage industry.
There will be plenty of attendees, according to Chris Lian, one of the event's organizers. Last year there were a total of 83 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions that participated in the show. In addition, 8,641 visitors from 46 countries attended the exhibition, according to the show's Web site.
Lian said the show covers the whole gamut of self-service including digital signage, bill payment kiosks, POS printers and touchscreens.
|
China Kiosk Show
June 26-28, 2008
Shanghai Everbright Convention & Exhibition Center
For more info, click here.
|
"We are the only professional exposition on kiosk and self-service industry in China," he said. "(The show is) a great platform for (attendees) to (view) the state-of-the-art products and technologies given by the leading companies in this industry."
In addition to the trade show exhibit floor, attendees will have the opportunity to visit the Kiosk & Self-Service Industry Summit, co-located with the show.
Some of the topics and presenters at the summit include:
- The Trend of Self-service and IBM Solutions, William Ng, IBM senior solution specialist for retail
- How Interactivity and Integration are Impacting the Customer Experience, Chia-Sheng Kuo from DT Research
- Digital Signage: The State of the Art and the Promise for the Next Five Years, David Drain & Bob Fincher from NetWorld Alliance
With the success of the show during the past four years, Lian said he expects this show to be better than ever.
"This is a not-to-be-missed chance to understand the present status and future trends of the Chinese self-service and kiosk industry," Lian said.
Monday, 16 June 2008
The Detroit (Mich.) Free Press: Nino Salvaggio, a specialty grocer best known for its fresh produce and imported gourmet foods, is applying fast-food restaurant technology to its deli department to reduce the other thing it's known for — long lines. The kiosks are at the front of the store so as customers come in they can order their sliced meats and cheeses. They can pick up their order 10 minutes later in the deli.
Read more
Monday, 16 June 2008
PADERBORN, Germany — How high are the costs for a bank’s self-service infrastructure over the entire product lifecycle? A new analysis tool from Wincor Nixdorf provides the answer. It calculates and analyzes the costs of implementing, maintaining and operating complex self-service solutions made up of hardware, software and services.
The tool – ToCOSS: Total Cost of Ownership for Self-Service Retail Banking – examines costs for everything from end-user devices to central systems in the background. It outlines a number of investment scenarios built around an array of parameters. Based on factors that include the cost of acquiring new hardware or software, integration costs, the expense of operating the data center or maintaining and monitoring the various systems, for example, ToCOSS then calculates the costs for the entire product lifecycle of a self-service network, known as total cost of ownership (TCO).
The new tool helps banks forecast what impact migration to new multivendor applications or integration in multichannel architectures will have on TCO. The bank’s IT managers can then base their decisions on solid analyses. The TCO analysis delivers investment protection, creates cost transparency and identifies savings potential.
Monday, 16 June 2008
The Indianapolis (Ind.) Star: Nancy VanMeter is just the type of person U.S. Postal Service officials hope to attract to their new self-service facility in Fishers. VanMeter likes the convenience of the small brick postal building inside the Saxony development, and she has little trouble using its automated mailing gadgets — officially called Automated Postal Centers.
Read more
Friday, 13 June 2008
dBusinessNews: Kimball Distributing Inc., a distributor of luxury appliance lines with showrooms in Denver and Salt Lake City, has announced that it added Viking appliance kiosks to each of its showrooms. The kiosks offer touchscreen access to Viking appliances—from its flagship ranges to cooktops, from refrigeration to grills. The kiosks display color choices, configuration options, product finishes, available accessories and pricing information for many of the Viking products that Kimball distributes.
Read more
Friday, 13 June 2008
The (Doha, Qatar) Gulf Times: QTEL plans to set up some 70 automated ‘payment and top-up’ kiosks across the country by the year-end. Qatar’s first telecom service provider will have 150 such consoles in the country by 2009, said Waleed Mohamed al-Sayed, QTEL's executive director of customer services. Through such fully-automated machines, customers could view and pay bills and top up the credit of their pre-paid services, round-the-clock. The self-operated machines give instructions in both English and Arabic.
Read more
Friday, 13 June 2008
Nutraceutilcals World: While hot beverage machines aren’t exactly a good fit for the gym and health club crowd, Bessemer City, N.C.-based Vendweb.com thought a cold nutraceutical drink machine might be. The company’s Nutri-Vend 1000 is capable of dispensing any powder-based nutraceutical drink mix—be it protein, weight loss, low-carbohydrate meal replacement, high carbohydrate meal replacement, recovery or energy supplement—in the form of a chilled beverage. The company guarantees great tasting, healthy nutraceutical and energy drinks delivered cold to the consumer in 30 seconds, all at the touch of a button.
Read more
Friday, 13 June 2008
The (San Mateo, Calif.) Daily Journal: Nine-year-old Lourdes Moreida’s family came to America from Mexico, she explained to Mitch Postel, executive director of the San Mateo County Historical Association. With that information Postel steps over to an interactive kiosk with a map of the world. Colored pins are on the map in various places. Each pin represents a story filmed by someone sitting at that very location. One click and Moreida is able to watch a story of one person’s recollection of the family immigrating to America. The kiosk was launched last month as part of the museum’s bigger exhibit, "Land of Opportunity: The Immigrant Experience in San Mateo County."
Read more
Friday, 13 June 2008
 POWER products s.r.o. (Europe, Czech Republic, Prague) was founded in 1991. POWER designs and manufacturers a full range of modern stylish kiosks (indoor & outdoor) which, complemented by a comprehensive selection of accessories, offers attractive and cost effective solutions for a wide variety of business and information applications. POWER`s kiosk production exceeded 4,000 units in 2007. The company`s sales turnover exceeds Euro 8.5 million. POWER has been ISO 9001:2001 QMS certified since 2002.
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
DAYTON, Ohio — Unified Grocers Inc., a U.S. cooperative grocery wholesaler, has teamed with NCR Corp. to support and promote the NCR Advanced Checkout Solution (ACS) POS software solution to its approximately 3,000 independently owned retail grocery customers in the western United States.
"This relationship provides Unified with a consistent and reliable POS solution that can be extended to all of its retail customers," said John Saccomanno, director, NCR Food, Drug and Petroleum Industry Marketing. "By using ACS, Unified’s customers will benefit from a POS software solution that helps drive maximum operational efficiencies and enhances consumers’ shopping experiences."
Joining Unified and NCR in the strategic relationship are NCR RealPartners SNCR and Team Business. These NCR resellers will facilitate the execution of the program, as well as the delivery and support of the ACS solution to Unified’s retail customers.
ACS is designed to enhance customer service and help retailers improve labor productivity, retain profitable customers and quickly adapt to changing business environments. Offering superior promotional flexibility, ACS can be customized for larger retailers or packaged for smaller retail formats, such as independent merchants, making the software a strategic choice for Unified and its customers.
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
Blip.tv: In a visit to Nino Salvaggio's grocery in Clinton Township, Michigan, Cathy, host of "Cooking with Cathy," uses NEXTEP SYSTEMS’ Deli Express kiosk. Nino’s store manager, Frank Nicolella, shows Cathy how to order her turkey and cheese, and then pick it up at the deli counter in 10 minutes.
Click here to see the video.
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – IBM, a global provider of business technologies, and Self-Service World, the leading news and information source covering the self-service industry, announced a free webinar. "Serving the New Consumer Through Self-Service" will take place Wed., June 25 at 2:00 P.M. EDT.
Spending at self-service units was $438 million in 2006 and IHL Consulting Group estimates consumers will spend more than $230 billion in 2008. Besides simply providing the self-service option, new technology can attract, interact and allow customers to transact in new ways, offering products and services across all aspects of their buying patterns, in multiple formats and across many industries.
Speakers Norma Wolcott of IBM and Christopher Fletcher of AMR Research will discuss:
- Emerging operational best practices to enhance the shopping experience
- Current and future use of selling tools such as kiosks, digital signage, and mobile devices
- Killer software applications that are driving investments
- Cross-industry dynamics driving consumer expectations
- Customer examples of successful implementations
Participants will also be able to get real-time feedback from the panel during a closing Q&A session.
Sign up for this free webinar.
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
CHANTILLY, Virginia — GAMUT Systems has announced that TRAVELER has been selected and implemented by the Bolivian Ministry of Tourism to provide real-time information for travelers using interactive informational kiosks installed throughout the 3 largest cities in Bolivia; La Paz, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba.
TRAVELER is an interactive and scalable composite application solution from GAMUT which integrates data from disparate sources into a single-view touchscreen user interface, whereby users can quickly gain access to information on various points of interest within a specified locale.
TRAVELER operates online via the Internet as well as on a desktop or personal data computer (PDA). TRAVELER is also available in several languages such as English, Spanish, French, and German. In addition, TRAVELER deploys a built-in advertising screen-saver which constantly scrolls through local ads and events and even exhibits a virtual keyboard for custom ad hoc searches.
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
MINNEAPOLIS — iMOZI has announced a partnership with the Nash Finch Company to rollout DVD kiosks in a number of its corporate banners, as well as within its independent retailer affiliate stores.
iMOZI’s kiosks provide automated and digital self-service solutions. The DVD vending kiosks are located at the front of each store and each kiosk holds up to 750 DVDs, with about 200 different titles.
"This concept truly delivers a value-add to the shopping experience, while helping the retailer to drive repeat visits and customer loyalty," said Soheil Samimi, president of iMOZI. "As one of the most frequented and regular destination for many consumers, we believe that the supermarket of the future can certainly continue to become a major destination for getting movies and other media."
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
Chattanooga (Tenn.) Times Free Press: David Drain, executive director of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association (SSKA), when interviewed by the Chattanooga Times Free Press, argued that many self-service technologies are more user friendly than some computers. "We are looking for ways to save time and take control," Drain said. "If I can avoid a long line by buying tickets at a movie theater kiosk or scanning my own groceries, I'm going to do it."
Read more
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
The (Johannesburg, South Africa) Times: MoviesStop has released DVD rental kiosks in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa. The kiosks operate similar to the redbox DVD kiosks in North America.
Read more
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
The (Cleveland, Ohio) Plain Dealer: Premier Election Solutions, the voting machine company Cuyahoga County might sue for selling equipment that had been discarded, has struck first, filing its own lawsuit. Premier, part of Diebold Inc., is asking Franklin County Common Pleas Court to rule that the company fulfilled its contracts with Cuyahoga and the state.
Read more
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
North America's dominance in the self-service market continues, according to the latest Summit Research Associates kiosk state-of-the-industry report.
"North America still eats everyone for lunch," said Francie Mendelsohn, president of Summit Research.
But Europe is starting to make headway, Mendelsohn said. In Summit's previous report released two years ago, the Asia-Pacific region had taken over Europe in terms of the number of kiosks installed. Europe has now regained its second place position and is primed to grow at a steady rate.
Those tidbits and more are found in Summit Research's seventh flagship report, Kiosks and Interactive Technology. The report examines recent trends, provides projections for the kiosk installed base, profiles, predictions and revenues from the present through 2010.
Overall, the kiosk industry has seen very impressive growth in projects across several market sectors. The number of currently-installed kiosks has truly exploded, from a world total of 734,000 in 2006 to 1,151,574 at the end of 2007.
"Usage is up, hardware and software downtime has been significantly reduced, and customer satisfaction is at an all-time high," the report says. "More than ever before, people are comfortable and confident in using kiosks."
While North America will maintain its lead over other world regions, Europe should increase its number of kiosks installed by 53 percent, Mendelsohn said.
Biggest surprise?
For the last two years, the quick serve restaurant industry has been poised to adopt, in large numbers, self-service technology. However, as of 2008, that has not happened, Mendelsohn said.
"This is definitely a surprise because the return on investment is there in terms of upselling," she said. "Yet (the QSR area) is not where companies are going just yet."
The Summit report gives several reasons for QSRs failure to catch on in the past two years.
- Early adopters like McDonalds made the process too complicated. Customers still had to go to the counter to complete the transaction. Some kiosks accepted exact change, others were not up-to-date; products out of stock were not de-listed from the kiosks.
- When the units were operational, there were no greeters to show customers how quick and easy it was to order their food from the kiosk.
- There was no employee education. Restaurants did not prepare workers or even store managers for the upcoming technological change.
- Many units lacked an interface to the store's POS. This made it difficult to manage and make changes.
- There was a lack of remote monitoring. Many locations did not have Internet connections and the administrative programs were very limited.
- Early administration programs were very limited and/or complicated to manage.
The report gives two examples of convenience store chains that had successful QSR deployments. Sheetz and Wawa have had success by installing the kiosks at gas pump islands, Mendelsohn said.
At the c-store kiosks, customers receive a receipt for their order which they take inside the store to collect and pay for their food. They often purchase additional items such as soft drinks, candy and other snacks before they pay at the cashier, she said.
"The successful QSR and c-store food ordering kiosks gave customers no choice," the report says. "If they wanted to purchase food at that establishment, customers had to use the kiosk. Those projects where customers could either order at the kiosk or by transacting with an actual employee failed. People have a fear of the unknown; if they always placed their order with a human, they would continue to do so unless there was no alternative."
To get a copy of the report, click here.
Friday, 06 June 2008
LONDON — KioskCom Self Service Expo Europe has launched its 2008 show Web site and, with an added interactive element, manufacturers can play a part in demonstrating the future of retail technology.
The innovation gallery, a new feature for Self Service Expo 2008, offers a platform for exhibitors to showcase their most cutting-edge products – those that aim to change the face of self-service.
"At the show this year, we want to demonstrate the evolution of the self-service market and show our visitors – the people that are investing in the technology – exactly where the next big thing is coming from," said Phil Hunter, event director. "It’s about more than just showing the existing products that make life easier for the consumer. We want manufacturers who have taken things to the next level to shout about their innovations. Perhaps a previously functional kiosk application that has been made totally secure or something none of us have seen before."
Exhibitors – and those who intend to exhibit – can log on to www.selfserviceexpo.co.uk and enter their product via the call for innovation section. Details are submitted online and successful entries will form part of the Self Service Expo Gallery at London’s Olympia on Oct. 1-2.
As well as helping gather information on the latest in kiosk technology design and display solutions, the show Web site is a comprehensive resource for visitors and exhibitors alike, providing a wealth of event information and the latest news from Self Service Expo. Potential exhibitors can download facts and figures on the show and visitors can register for their free show passes.
Thursday, 05 June 2008
LUBBOCK , Texas – iMOZI has announced a partnership with United Supermarkets LLC to roll-out DVD kiosks across the chain’s locations in Texas.
iMOZI’s kiosks provide automated and digital self-service solutions. The DVD vending kiosks are located at the front of each store and each kiosk holds up to 750 DVDs, with about 200 or so different titles.
"The iMOZI DVD rental kiosk is a new way for United Supermarkets to be involved in the changing movie rental business and more importantly provide a service which our customers are looking for," said Tandy Arrant, category manager for the chain. "This is quick, fun, self-service, and a perfect fit for the busy lifestyles of our guests looking for one place to shop and pick up all their needs."
iMOZI, a kiosk technology and distribution company, provides a full turnkey solution for retailers to host or operate self-service media solutions.
Thursday, 05 June 2008
The (Everett, Wash.) HeraldNet: A man accused of ripping off about $450,000 from grocery store coin-counting machines in three states has been charged with five counts of theft. Prosecutors allege that Michael Burns, 40, wore his Coinstar Inc. uniform when he walked into stores and used inside knowledge as an employee to break into the kiosks, court records show.
Read more
Thursday, 05 June 2008
Knoxnews.com: St. Mary's North Women's and Imaging centers in Knoxville have added self-service check-in kiosks for such services as MRI, CT, ultra-sound and mammogram tests. Similar to check-in kiosks at the airport, hospital officials say patients will be able to verify personal and insurance information and sign the necessary consent forms with an electronic signature pad.
Read more
Wednesday, 04 June 2008
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Pan-Oston has announced that Phil Lempert, better known as The Supermarket Guru, has agreed to be the national spokesperson for the Utopia self-checkout kiosks and other Pan-Oston retail checkout and store fixture solutions.
"I do not normally endorse products or services and those I do need to meet extremely high standards," Lempert said. "Pan-Oston’s Utopia self-checkout solution is the most customer friendly and store operations friendly self-checkout system available on the market today and the only solution for the independent grocery trade."
The Utopia self-checkout solution is a Microsoft or Linux-based self-service checkout solution that can integrate with any POS software. The kiosk is also PCI compliant, incorporates soft programming, delayed mediation, VPN access, biometric security as well as a Banknote Recycler.
Wednesday, 04 June 2008
The Des Moines (Iowa) Register: First State Bank in Parkersburg, Iowa, has released new surveillance video that shows a house being ripped apart by a tornado. The video was recorded the evening of May 25 from a camera inside the bank's drive-up ATM. It shows the house across the street being destroyed. First State Bank also released video from surveillance cameras inside the building. That video shows windows being blown out and debris flying around as the tornado hit. Both videos give you a glimpse of what it's like to be in the path of a tornado.
Click here to see the videos
Wednesday, 04 June 2008
DALLAS — TableTop Media LLC has announced a wireless, interactive tabletop device with next-generation pay-on-demand capabilities. The company plans to display the device in the Microsoft Booth at FS/TEC, an international trade show focused on technology for the foodservice industry.
TableTop Media’s device has three main features: split check, touch tip and email or print receipt capabilities.
Using the solution, the company says restaurant operators will receive key benefits.
- Dynamic Content Delivery – Increase consumer interaction via digital promotions at relevant times with measurable results.
- Real-Time Feedback – Boost customer loyalty by empowering guests and alerting managers if certain conditions are met.
- Infotainment – Engage and entertain guests while enhancing the overall dining experience with information, movie trailers and ticket purchasing.
TableTop Media’s solution has been installed at Cozymel’s Mexican Grill in its Grapevine, Texas, location for the past three months.
Wednesday, 04 June 2008
The Puget Sound (Seattle, Wash.) Business Journal: Starbucks Corp. is experimenting with selling espresso drinks from a machine, sans barista. The company, through its Seattle's Best Coffee label, has teamed up with Coinstar Inc. and a small Bellevue company, Concordia Coffee Co. Inc., on automated, self-serve espresso kiosks in grocery stores in eight states. The machines grind their own beans and crank out lattes, mochas, chai teas, hot chocolates and drip coffees. There are 86 machines installed in Albertson's stores and other groceries in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Illinois, Wisconsin, Maryland and Tennessee.
Read more
Wednesday, 04 June 2008
Ars Technica: Retail chain FYE has announced the testing of a kiosk in two of its stores. The kiosk allows customers to browse and purchase MP3s from a retail store, and also provides a way to get the music back onto a computer at home. The idea is simple: patrons are able to browse a catalog of songs at an FYE Tunes kiosk in a store for single tracks or complete albums, then build a playlist. The customer can then either pay to have the songs burned to CD or downloaded as DRM-free MP3s to an iPod or other USB-compatible player for $.99 per track.
Read more
Tuesday, 03 June 2008
One of the things Don England, vice president of sales and business development for Livewire International Inc., was known for, was his sense of humor.
Just ask David McCracken, president of the company. McCracken recalls an incident in which an employee wrongly feared that he was going to be fired. When the employee confided this to England, McCracken said England mustered the most serious expression he could and dryly said, "We wouldn't fire you on a Friday. We'd fire you on a Monday so we'd have all week to enjoy it."
|
|
|
Don England passed away May 1.
|
It was England's wit, McCracken says, that brought levity to the situation and alleviated the employee's fears. It's a trait many of England's friends came to appreciate.
"He just had a good sense of humor," said Jim Kruper, president of Kioware and another friend of England. "He was not someone to denigrate someone or talk badly about someone. He took the other approach. He'd make light of the situation."
Those fond memories bring comfort to the friends and colleagues who knew him well. On Saturday, April 26, Don England suffered a severe brain aneurysm and was rushed to the hospital. He went into a coma and passed away on May 1, just days after his 57th birthday.
McCracken said the self-service industry has lost a champion.
"He was just a great guy," McCracken said. "From day one, it clicked. I could tell he was very grounded, but he was also enthusiastic about what we were doing."
From POS to kiosks
England's path to the self-service industry was a winding one, according to McCracken. Shortly after graduating from college, England became a systems analyst for NCR, but soon left that career and spent the next 25 years working sales positions in the point-of-sale industry for companies such as ParTech Inc. and Triversity Corp.
Then in 2006, McCracken became president of Livewire.
"I wanted to bring somebody new on board as sales, basically a right hand man for me, with a lot of experience in sales," McCracken said. "Don was available at the time and just brought a great wealth of experience with him, particularly from the point-of-sale industry in retail, which is one of our focuses."
McCracken said England turned out to be a capable addition to the company and began traveling regularly to trade shows all over the world, representing Livewire. It was his charming personality, McCracken said, that often won over many new clients.
"It's funny. We would meet with potential clients or partners and he always seemed to be able to find a connection with those people," McCracken said.
He recalls that one client in particular had been in the Navy in his youth and had served aboard a submarine, an experience England shared. The two became instant colleagues.
"It's just amazing how he could come up with a connection with everyone," McCracken said.
A fast friendship
Ed Crowley, vice president of sales at 5point, says he came to know England through the rough-and-tumble world of trade show life.
"I got to know him sort of on a fast pace," Crowley said. "Sometimes in the industry it takes years to develop friendships and partnerships, but because of the close tie we had with Dave and Livewire, we kind of jumped in with both feet, and we really got to know each other really fast."
He says one of his fondest memories of England occurred years ago during the Self-Service & Kiosk Show in San Antonio, when he and others had dinner on the Riverwalk.
"The evening was filled with laughter, good friends and good food," he said. "Then we walked the Riverwalk together."
Crowley said England was an avid golfer, enjoyed traveling and was a connoisseur of fine wine.
World traveler
McCracken says he was moved by the industry's response to England's death, which brought condolences from all over the world.
"After his aneurysm, I had been communicating with several people he had worked with, and they kind of spread the news throughout their organizations," he said. "Because he was in international sales, he had moved around quite a bit. He had the opportunity to travel the world."
Last year, England expressed his confidence in the self-service industry as a whole while speaking with Travis K. Kircher, editor of SelfService.org.
"As the population of the U.S., and of the world for that matter, gains more computer experience and technology experience, it is more convenient at times for consumers to use self-service terminals to not only get information, but purchase things and have them provided to them at the point of sale," England said in that interview.
England leaves behind a wife, Sandy; two sons, Chris and Mike; and four grandchildren.
"He was just a wealth of knowledge who was just incredible to have around," Kruper said. "And he's going to be really missed because of it."
Tuesday, 03 June 2008
TROY, Mich. — NEXTEP SYSTEMS, a provider of automated ordering solutions, has announced record sales growth for its self-order kiosk and online ordering solutions. First quarter 2008 results were up 300 percent when compared to first quarter 2007. With a month yet to go, 2008 second quarter results have already doubled second quarter results for 2007.
NEXTEP also recently announced self-order projects with Little River Casino Resort, Silver Diner, Randazzo's Fresh Markets, Citizens Bank Park, and Berry Chill.
"After years of successful pilots, we are now seeing the start of full-scale adoption of self-order kiosks for high volume food and beverage operations." NEXTEP president Tommy Woycik said.
Tuesday, 03 June 2008
Aruba.com: The Aruba Airport Authority has announced that KLM and Martinair passengers can use newly installed Common Use Self Service (CUSS) check-in kiosks to check in and print their own boarding passes. The airport claims it is the first Caribbean airport to offer the service.
Read more
Tuesday, 03 June 2008
ReadWriteWeb: Blockbuster is struggling, and seems to be trying as hard as it can to keep that moniker. Even though the company's finances are looking up, it continues to make one questionable move after another in its attempt to compete with Netflix, Apple, and Amazon. Blockbuster first started talking kiosks last November, and last week unveiled the prototype to the press. Despite some good revenue news, Blockbuster still seems like a company that's making all the wrong moves as it struggles to transition to the digital world.
Read more
Tuesday, 03 June 2008
The Louisville (Ky.) Examiner: In a city where motorists complain of too few parking spaces and too many parking tickets, a bright spot has emerged. Solar-powered electronic parking kiosks, introduced four years ago at parking hot spots throughout the city of Baltimore, have nearly doubled revenues from meters and reduced the number of tickets issued to motorists who overstay their welcome, new statistics show.
Read more
Monday, 02 June 2008
Marketing Daily: Macy's, which has been testing vending kiosks that dispense consumer electronics, says it's rolling its e-Spot automated shops into more than 400 stores. E-Spots sell such brands as Sony, Canon, Apple, Bang and Olufsen and MyVu, with prices ranging from $14.99 to $349.99. The company says it has been testing them with ZoomSystems for two years.
Read more
Monday, 02 June 2008
BOISE, Idaho — Earthpure Organics showcased its 100 percent organic, EnergyStar compliant vending kiosk at the Idaho Green Expo recently. Earthpure Organics is a U.S. vending company that offers organic snacks and beverages that are carbon offset with EPA/BEF wind power green tags.
Earthpure Organics partnered with Mountain Coin Machine Distributors of Salt Lake City, using a Crane UltraFlex machine, to produce a custom skinned, eco-friendly vending kiosk targeted toward their strongest market segments: schools and hospitals. The kiosks provide a healthy and fully organic alternative to the conventional products currently being sold in traditional vending machines, while utilizing USA Technologies Vendmiser energy controllers to effectively save an average of 35 percent energy consumption.
Monday, 02 June 2008
CNN.com: Walk into the recently opened Hyatt Place in Columbia, S.C., and guests can order meals on a touchscreen kiosk at any time of day; self-service kiosks greet travelers by name and spit out room keys. At only $140 a night, don't expect to be pampered — this new kind of chain is about modern functionality. Called "select service" by industry insiders, the hotel category is taking a democratized dose of style from upscale predecessors like W and Kimpton. And it's altering the landscape for travelers both here and abroad, with brands that are a step up from bland budget hotels like Marriott SpringHill Suites, Hilton Garden Inn and Courtyard by Marriott.
Monday, 02 June 2008
ABC7 (San Francisco, Calif.): A first-of-its kind service for BART public transport riders started recently. You can not only enjoy the ride, you can enjoy a book from the BART library, available right at an automated book lending system. There are 400 fiction and non-fiction books inside the kiosk and all you need is your Contra Costa County library card to access it. You can check out up to three books at a time. You can keep the books for three weeks and then you have to return the books to the kiosk.
Read more
Monday, 02 June 2008
CAMPBELL, Calif. — DVDPlay has announced that Charles "Charlie" T. Piper has been appointed as president and chief operating officer, effective immediately. Most recently, Piper served as senior vice president of operations for Blackhawk Network, a market leader in prepaid and payments network and card-based financial solutions. At Blackhawk, Piper established operational support for Blackhawk’s 80,000 retail partners and was also responsible for Safeway’s front-end revenue programs.
Before joining Blackhawk, Piper was vice president of corporate retail operations for Safeway Inc., where he developed key strategies for retail application and implementation. Piper’s retail career started in southern California in 1986, and he has held progressive store and division level positions across Western and Midwestern States before moving to a corporate leadership position. Piper’s experience includes 11 years with Albertsons prior to joining Safeway’s Denver division in 2000.
|
