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News Archive |
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Friday, 30 January 2009
 VDC Research Group (VDC) is a technology market research and strategy consulting firm that advises clients in a number of technology markets including: automatic identification and data collection, embedded hardware and systems, embedded software and tools, industrial automation and control, mobile and wireless, and power conversion and control. Using rigorous primary research and analysis techniques, the firm helps its clients identify, plan for, and capitalize on current and emerging market opportunities. We strive to deliver exceptional value to our clients by leveraging the considerable technical, operational, educational and professional experience of our research and consulting staff.
Friday, 30 January 2009
CR80News: Onity, a global provider of electronic locking solutions, has taken self-service to the next level. Returning college students don't have to go to the school's office to get their new room assignments. If they have a current student ID card, they simply stop by a kiosk and self-register. "Check-in historically has involved a lot of time-consuming, one-on-one interaction, with almost every new and returning resident," says Anthony Zamora, head of IT support for the University of San Diego. Students checking in at the university have stood in line for up to three hours, says Zamora. With the Onity kiosks, wait time has been reduced by more than 50 percent.
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Friday, 30 January 2009
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. -- Versatile Systems Inc. has announced that Mohawk, a commercial and residential flooring retailer, has made it easier for consumers to see their credit availability through an in-store credit kiosk that processes information quickly, while giving customers privacy and security.
According to a news release, this credit information system has helped stores across the country increase the number of store credit applications as well as increase the size of the average sales ticket.
The credit kiosk, created by Versatile Systems, features a touchscreen and built-in computer that allows the consumer, without store assistance, to connect to the lender and apply for credit. An answer, either approved or not, is provided in seconds. The kiosk provides credit line information encouraging shoppers to look beyond their initial purchase intent.
The credit kiosks are available in a custom cabinet with graphics or as a tabletop mount.
"We know that store credit is one of the most valuable selling tools for our industry," said Mike Zoellner, vice president of marketing services for Mohawk. "Studies show the average ticket sale with a branded store credit card is $2,600, compared to $600 for a cash sale or $750 for a bank card. Also, the initial purchase on a new private label credit card is typically higher than a store's average ticket sale."
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Thursday, 29 January 2009
TechLINKS.net: The Integrated Technology Group (ITG), a division of Vernon Library Supplies Inc., has joined with NCR Corp. to develop and launch the next generation of self-service systems for library patrons. The solution is designed to give library patrons the choice to check out library items without the assistance of library staff, reducing long waiting lines and providing better privacy during checkout. The new self-checkout design from NCR and ITG aims to enable a friendlier, easier checkout transaction, helping to boost self-service adoption and patron confidence in the service.
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Thursday, 29 January 2009
(Brixham, England) Herald Express: Brixham bookworms flocked to the port's library to try out the new self service kiosks — and gave the automated system an overall thumbs up. The machines allow readers to issue and return their own books and DVDs, as well as make reservations and pay overdue charges. It is hoped use of the two touch-screen machines will free up extra space for more books and give staff more time for customers with inquiries.
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Wednesday, 28 January 2009
International Supermarket News: Beginning February 11, Carrefour will work together with the country's leading mobile operators to put in place a series of large scale Near Field Communication trials that will see consumers using NFC phones to make payments via the contactless MasterCard version, of its own brand credit/loyalty card, known as Pass. At the same time it has also signed a deal to install between 1,000 and 1,500 self-checkout machines, incorporating the ability to handle a wide range of advanced payments technologies including NFC.
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Wednesday, 28 January 2009
MEXICO CITY, Mexico — Nextel has signed with NCR Corp. for a self-service bill-payment solution that allows Nextel customers to pay their bills at service centers throughout Mexico.
The solution, based on the NCR SelfServ 32 ATM platform, is designed to enhance service by allowing Nextel customers to quickly pay their bills using cash, credit cards or debit cards.
According to a news release, Nextel customers can still make payments at the bank in the usual manner. But the self-service solution is touted for its ability to improve operational efficiency for Nextel by allowing service center employees to focus more of their attention on revenue-generating activities on the sales floor and on helping customers who have questions about Nextel services or products.
Nextel de Mexico began installing the self-service solution in March 2008, and the rollout to more than 100 locations is scheduled for completion by the end of 2009.
The NCR SelfServ ATMs are installed at Nextel Customer Services Centers in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexicali, with plans to install the machines in 24 other major cities throughout Mexico.
“NCR provided a tailor-made solution that improves cash administration and helps make transactions faster and easier for our customers," said Juan Enrich, chief financial officer for Nextel in Mexico. "We handle 60 percent cash payments and the rest with credit or debit cards at a low operational cost. With this technology, we eventually will be able to provide service 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
The NCR billpay solution for Nextel includes a managed-services agreement that provides hardware and software service, remote system monitoring and 24/7 help desk support. NCR services are designed to help businesses enhance customer interactions, reduce costs and improve the effectiveness of the self-service channel through increased availability.
“Increased efficiency and growth take on a new meaning in the modern and competitive customer service environment,” said Agustin Guzman, NCR managing director in Mexico. “We were able to provide Nextel with a proven technology solution from the financial industry that offers improved service, security and friendly, intuitive usability, so they in turn can enhance service to their customers."
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
The complaints started in the fall 2008.
In late October, Heartland Payment Systems, a Princeton, N.J.-based company that provides payment processing for roughly 200,000 U.S. businesses, was contacted by Visa and MasterCard about reports of fraudulent activity taking place on cards it had processed.
"Everybody was trying to put the puzzle pieces together," said Jason Maloni, spokesman for Heartland. "We immediately engaged a forensic investigation firm that set about looking at our system from top to bottom."
Maloni claims it wasn't until the week of Jan. 12 that officials at Heartland realized security problems existed. That's when forensic investigators uncovered carefully hidden malware on Heartland's servers. The malware's purpose was to identify private cardholder data, record it – and presumably — transmit it to an unknown third party for criminal use.
"The good news is that the software has been removed," Maloni said. "Unfortunately, the bad news is that key data was compromised during a period in the latter part of 2008."
Too many 'debit' and 'credit' unknowns
At this point, it's difficult to judge just how bad that bad news is. Maloni says his company processes roughly 100 million transactions per month, 40 percent of which are for small-to-medium-sized restaurants. It's not known how long the malware was on the server, nor whether it was able to transmit data to its intended third party — although Maloni admits the complaints of fraudulent card activity received by Visa and MasterCard would seem to indicate that the data was successfully transmitted to the third party.
Reports vary on exactly how many transactions may have been compromised. A Jan. 20 article in The Washington Post estimates the amount to be in the "tens of millions."
For perspective, the infamous TJX breach — until now thought to be the largest case of card-data theft in history — affected 45 million cardholders, though it's not known how many individual transactions were compromised. The Washington Post article says the Heartland branch may exceed that.
But Maloni says it's far too early to be making comparisons.
"Frankly that is speculation at this point, since we don't have a firm idea of what numbers are out there," he said.
David Shackelford, the chief security officer at Configuresoft Inc., says the abundance of unknowns is the most troubling aspect of the breach.
"These guys had malicious software installed in their environment that monitored transactions going pretty much across the board, and the big thing about this is they didn't know when it was installed, how it was installed, or how long it was there," said Shackleford, whose company provides IT solutions for businesses. "All the other factors are almost moot in comparison right there."
Maloni did say, however, that the investigation so far has confirmed that personal identification data, such as Social Security numbers, addresses, zip codes, PINs and CVV2 numbers (the three digits on the backs of credit/debit cards often used in Internet transactions), were not compromised.
What may have been compromised, he says, were card names, card numbers and expiration dates.
Another thing Maloni says he can confirm is that it wasn't an inside job. He says the U.S. Secret Service, which is investigating the breach along with the U.S. Department of Justice, has uncovered information that suggests the breach may involve individuals from outside the U.S.
"It appears to be an international cyber crime organization — a global cyber crime organization," he said, though he wouldn't provide any details about the countries allegedly involved.
Representatives from the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Secret Service refused to comment.
Also of interest to investigators is the entry point the criminals used to install the software on the server. Neither U.S. authorities nor Heartland has released information about that issue.
Though Shackleford admits it's speculation, he says hackers often use badly coded Web sites as backdoors to company servers. Using such a site would enable the hackers to plant the software from an off-site location.
"That's the No. 1 thing that most people are starting to have trouble with," he said. "Everybody rushed to put Web applications out there and they’re coded horribly."
Who's to blame?
When it comes to prosecuting data breaches like this one, Shackleford says the international aspect can be a significant obstacle, given that some countries have no extradition laws for computer crime. In fact, Shackleford says U.S.-based criminals will often send the data from server to server, crossing through another country so authorities can't easily follow the trail.
"The minute it crosses the border into Yugoslavia, the case is almost dead," he said. "It's crazy, right? Most people don't realize that the No. 1 location in the world for online auction fraud is Romania. Romania is one of those countries, so it's very, very difficult to prosecute things there."
Even cases in the U.S. can be difficult to prosecute, Shackleford says, adding that the data trail often leads to a computer lab at a university or public library, where it's next-to-impossible to link the evidence to an individual user.
Penalties
Obviously criminals can be prosecuted, but the breach does raise questions about liability.
Shackelford says the onus is on card associations like Visa and MasterCard to put the pressure on processors and merchants that get compromised. He says that pressure could come in the form of dramatically increased fees for any Visa or MasterCard transactions, or through card issuers disallowing the transaction altogether – something that did not happen after the TJX case.
"Have they (TJX) really suffered at all?" Shackelford asked. "That's the question. No: They got a slap on the wrist. They had some fines levied against them that were paltry."
At the same time, he says consumers remain indifferent to news of the breaches.
"If you as a consumer still go shop at Marshalls and pay with a credit card, even after what happened happened, then TJX pretty much gets away scott free," he said. "Consumer apathy is one major problem."
That said, it's still unclear what actions Heartland could have taken to avoid the alleged breach. Maloni says the company has been PCI compliant since April 2008. And he dismissed the suggestion that Visa and MasterCard should raise Heartland's transaction fees.
"It serves no one to talk about stringent penalties unless we're also going to talk about what we need to do to make sure we have stringent security," he said, adding that Heartland has created a site, www.2008breach.com, where consumers and merchants can learn more about the data compromise.
The liability factor
The real question that might worry merchants, restaurants and self-service deployers that are customers of Heartland is the issue of liability. Could they be held civilly liable for choosing a payments processor that may not have had all the necessary security measures in place?
Larry Washor, an attorney for Los Angeles-based Washor & Associates who specializes in business and technology law, says he doesn't think so, since there is virtually no way a merchant can investigate a processor's security measures, beyond confirming that those measures are PCI compliant.
But there are some basic steps a merchant can take.
"Check with the Better Business Bureaus as to the reputation of the processor," he said. "Some have very, very bad reputations. I could name several that I would recommend people not use, although I wouldn't want to do it in print."
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- Fujitsu Components America Inc. has added a new high-performance, "mini" interface board series for its 24-volt, FTP-609 series of 2, 3 and 4-inch thermal printer mechanisms, according to a news release.
The new boards are 40 percent smaller and cost 20 percent less than the existing FTP-629DSL100 interface board series. When integrated with a Fujitsu print mechanism, they provide designers with a high-quality, cost-effective, space-saving printing solution for POS, kiosk, ticketing, labeling, banking, instrumentation and medical equipment applications, according to the release.
Designed to address advanced printing functionality and increased data communication speeds, the new FTP-629DSL300 series supports USB 2.0 and high-speed Serial RS-232C (up to 460kbps) connectivity, as well as 200mm/sec. maximum print speeds.
To enable more compact end designs, the board footprint measures 70mm (L) x 50mm (W) x 22mm (H). A paper near-end sensor and jam sensor provide monitoring to reduce downtime.
The FTP-629DSL300 board series is supported with the latest Windows software drivers including Windows CE 5.0,/2000/XP/Vista as well as Linux. It features on-board Flash/SRAM memory and supports over 60 different programmable commands including multi-language fonts, image rotation, reverse printing and print speed. It also enables 2D barcoding, graphics printing, and OCR extended numeric character capability.
Available immediately, the RoHS-compliant, FTP-629DSL300 interface board series is priced at $91.00 each in 1000-piece quantities.
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
(Wash.) TriCityHerald.com: The Walla Walla office of the State's Department of Licensing will be open another 18 months after elected officials urged the agency to reconsider closing it this year. The Walla Walla location is one of 25 licensing offices statewide scheduled to close between March of this year and April 2010 to help remedy the state's nearly $6 billion shortfall. One of the possible solutions to lessen the effect of closures is to install self-service kiosks at select locations, particularly in offices where people renew car tabs, said Gigi Zenk, communications director for the agency. But finding locations for those kiosks appeared to be more challenging in Walla Walla, which is a big reason for postponing the closure, she said.
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Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Inside Self-Storage: OpenTech Alliance Inc., developer of the INSOMNIAC line of self-storage kiosks, has released 2008 kiosk-usage numbers, providing insight into consumer adoption of self-service. As of Jan. 1, 2008, 196 of the company's kiosks were in use across the country. Another 155 came online during the period ending Dec. 31. During 2008, consumers used the kiosks to rent 8,938 storage units, make 76,260 payments and purchase 5,014 locks, representing a total of $8,709,980 in self-service transactions.
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Monday, 26 January 2009
Mt. Pleasant, Pa. -- ITSENCLOSURES has announced a partnership with Ingram Micro Inc. to distribute the complete product line of digital signage LCD enclosures, according to a news release. ITSENCLOSURES will be the first large format display enclosures supplier for Ingram Micro.
ITSENCLOSURES products will further enhance the value of Ingram Micro's Digital Signage Division by addressing channel partners' needs to have access to custom and standard digital signage LCD enclosures.
According to Kevin Prewett, vice president of the Digital Signage Division and vendor management, Ingram Micro U.S., digital signage is becoming standard use in many of today's vertical markets, especially when real-time communications and streaming video are critical to ensuring a positive user experience.
"Take for example baseball stadiums, railroads, coffee shops, airports, retail outlets and entertainment parks - all of which have started to use digital signage as a primary means of communicating and interacting with customers," said Prewett. "There's no question that opportunity is out there and with this new line of standard and custom ruggedized LCD enclosures our channel partners will be able to better address market demands and protect and preserve their clients' digital signage investments."
JT Spangler, president of ITSENCLOSURES, issued a statement expressing his satisfaction with the new partnership.
"Ingram Micro's established footprint in the digital signage arena, combined with its existing reach into the U.S. channel community made this relationship an ideal catalyst for growing our partner base," said Spangler. "As the digital signage market has matured, demand for outdoor LCD displays has increased and created an outstanding value proposition for our enclosures. We see tremendous opportunity to market and sell our products to and through Ingram Micro's channel partners and look forward to growing our business together."
ITSENCLOSURES' complete product line of digital signage LCD enclosures is available now to Ingram Micro solution providers nationwide as well as international. For more information, contact your local Ingram Micro sales representative.
Monday, 26 January 2009
Franchising.com: The UK's largest hotel chain, Premier Inn, has announced that it is launching its first fully self-check-in hotel at St Mary's Gate, Sheffield, reducing check-in time to under a minute for guests. The self check-in automated kiosks have already been successfully trialed at the London King's Cross Premier Inn; they allow guests to take complete control of their own booking when they arrive at the hotel. The check-in process currently takes an average of 8-10 minutes, but the new technology employed by Premier Inn will dramatically cut this time down.
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Monday, 26 January 2009
The Malaysian Insider: Usape Nelson Wireless Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mesdaq-listed Nextnation Communications Bhd, is suing its former business partner Macro Kiosk Bhd for breach of contract and is seeking damages of approximately RM20 million (U.S. $5.5 million). It is also seeking an injunction to freeze the bank accounts of Macro Kiosk, its shareholders and related parties, according to a filing. Macro Kiosk offers mobile messaging gateway services and is majority owned by Goldis Bhd.
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Monday, 26 January 2009
(Milwaukee, Wis.) Journal Sentinel: United Leasing Associates of America, a Brookfield, Wis.-based company, has filed lawsuits against 39 churches in eight states alleging that those congregations owe at least $1.4 million for failing to make payments on interactive kiosk systems that they leased. At the same time, many of the predominantly urban churches say they have been the victims of a kiosk scam that involves United Leasing Associates of America and Washington D.C.-based Television Broadcasting Online and its subsidiary, Urban Interfaith Network.
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Monday, 26 January 2009
CHICAGO -- The American Hospital Association has awarded an exclusive endorsement to Vecna Medical, a Maryland-based technology company, for its kiosk and Patient Portal services, according to a news release.
AHA Solutions Inc., a subsidiary of the AHA, awards the AHA endorsement to organizations that help member hospitals and health care organizations achieve organizational excellence.
After a thorough review of vendors in the market, AHA Solutions selected Vecna's Kiosk / Patient Portal because of its integration capabilities. The integration of disparate information systems is truly the backbone of either a Web portal or a kiosk. In order to truly benefit from these solutions, a patient must be able to access certain information and have any updates or requests based off of that information communicated back to the hospital. It is this approach that allows a more streamlined process for the patient and a more efficient process for a hospital resulting in the value from the investment in these solutions. A hospital must examine its needs and carefully decide what it wants to make available through a portal or kiosk and Vecna's Kiosk / Patient Portal can work with the hospital's existing systems to coordinate that information back to the patient. Vecna's integration experience and consultative nature was a standout for the AHA and their members.
"Vecna was selected because they can truly consider the individual needs of each hospital and then combine that with their technical expertise to make it a good fit for the hospital," said Anthony Burke, president and chief executive of AHA Solutions. "We value their commitment to hospitals and patients, their innovative thinking and their partnership approach."
Friday, 23 January 2009
The Financial (Tibilisi, The Republic of Georgia): Cathay Pacific Airways, a Hong Kong-based airline, has launched Mobile Check-In, a new self-service solution that enables travelers to check in for their flights on Web-enabled mobile phones. The solution then sends a two-dimensional barcode to the mobile phone, which can be scanned by airline personnel via handheld scanners. The barcodes eliminate the need for a paper boarding pass. Travelers can access the solution by opening the Web browser on their mobile device and typing "m.cathaypacific.com" as the URL.
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Friday, 23 January 2009
DALLAS -- As DVD kiosks and digital download movie solutions become increasingly prevalent, Blockbuster Inc., a global provider of media entertainment, has hired former Philips executive Kevin Lewis as senior vice president of digital entertainment.
According to a news release, it's a newly created position. Lewis will be responsible for the development and execution of the company's initiatives to deliver Blockbuster-branded content to consumers via both established and emerging technologies such as direct-to-home connected devices, set-top boxes, portable video players, DVD vending machines and digital kiosks.
"Blockbuster is committed to being the leading entertainment retailer in the physical marketplace as well as an established leader in the delivery of digital content," said Jim Keyes, Blockbuster chairman and chief executive. "Kevin brings to Blockbuster a wealth of business development and technology innovative experience. We're pleased to have him lead our digital business initiative."
Before joining Blockbuster, Lewis, 37, served as chief of strategy and new business development for Philips Consumer Lifestyle, a $20 billion product division of Royal Philips Electronics, based in Amsterdam. At Philips, Lewis led a global team that oversaw worldwide strategy development, product innovation, mergers and acquisitions and technology development. He was especially focused on introducing new simplicity consumer propositions into the market, including interactive television, 3D video, digital audio and health and wellness solutions, and was at the forefront of leading Philips Consumer Lifestyle into the direction of well-being.
"Kevin will be a key part of our management team, and will help us expand Blockbuster's reach as a multi-channel provider of media entertainment," said Keyes.
Prior to joining Philips, Lewis held several leadership positions during a 10-year career at the Boston Consulting Group, a management consultancy. He focused on global assignments in new market entry, mergers and acquisitions and international strategy development. At BCG, Kevin was a member of the core group of the Retail and Consumer Goods practices, as well as a founding member of offices in Monterrey, Mexico and Washington D.C. He holds a bachelor's degree in international relations from Stamford University, and an MBA with distinction from INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France.
Friday, 23 January 2009
SHENZHEN, China -- Universal Travel Group Inc., a travel services provider in the People's Republic of China, has announced that it has entered into an exclusive, five-year agreement with Byte Power Info Tech Ltd, the developer of the TRIPEASY kiosk.
According to a news release, the TRIPEASY kiosk is the first of its kind in China. It provides user-friendly access to travel bookings and entertainment guides to those who have limited access to the Internet. The kiosk has a footprint of 16 square meters.
According to the agreement, Universal will integrate its TRIPEASY kiosks with Byte Power Info Tech's existing Internet kiosks. It will install the database related to travel services, government and public affairs and periodically provide on-site personnel to promote the use of TRIPEASY kiosks. Additionally, the company will increase the number of functions TRIPEASY kiosks may provide, such as utilities payment, fixed and mobile phone fee recharge, lottery purchase, transportation IC card recharge, etc. Byte Power Info Tech will provide the machine installation, operation, maintenance and local media promotion.
In the first phase of the trial rollout, 13 TRIPEASY kiosks will be integrated into the Internet kiosks at major shopping malls, office buildings, road junctions and pedestrian malls.
"We are pleased to take our TRIPEASY kiosks beyond the city of Shenzhen, and into a wide range of public locations in Chongqing," said Jiangping Jiang, chief executive of UTVG. "By co-operating with Byte Power Group, we will save the time, energy and expenses related to negotiating and securing public locations, as well as upgrade the functionality of our kiosks to appeal to a broader sense of consumers."
Friday, 23 January 2009
LAS VEGAS -- NEXTEP SYSTEMS has announced the opening of a new office is Las Vegas, according to a news release. 
Tommy Woycik, president of NEXTEP, says the new office will enable his company to better serve the casino and gaming market.
"With our casino customer list rapidly filling up in the Pacific and Mountain states, it benefits us to expand into Las Vegas," Woycik said. "And it will add extra benefit to our customers as well."
Many of the largest hotel, casino and resort properties in the world are located on the Strip in Las Vegas, with a total of 67,000 rooms. NEXTEP is known for its Casino Express touchscreen gaming kiosks, digital signage solutions and in-room ordering solutions.
NEXTEP's new office is located at 7251 West Lake Mead Boulevard, Suite 300, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89128.
Thursday, 22 January 2009
PADERBORN, Germany -- An ability to provide a more comprehensive package of services and solutions for retail and banking is something Wincor Nixdorf AG executives are touting at this year's Wincor World.
Wincor Nixdorf president and chief executive Eckard Heidloff has stressed the corporate vision of a continued transition from providing solely hardware to providing more inclusive solutions and services that offer financial institutions and retailers more.
On the retail side, that means service and IT infrastructure, and a chance, the company says, to make inroads in developing markets such as India and China. But Wincor Nixdorf also expects its holistic approach to help build its business in developed markets like the United States, where retail growth has been a challenge. Last year, Wincor Nixdorf's retail business dropped 2 percent, and it fell another 3 percent during the first quarter of fiscal year 2008/2009.
But Heidloff expressed confidence about retail growth over the next three quarters, saying "We have strong innovative solutions for retail with cash management, but we have to communicate our offerings much better in the U.S."
In addition to cash management and automated checkout solutions, which Wincor Nixdorf has showcased at Wincor World for the last few years, this year the company introduced a new transaction processing offer for retailers and FIs.
On an outsourced basis, Wincor Nixdorf can now manage debit- and credit-card transaction processing for FI and retail customers. The payment processing services for retail companies include IT-infrastructure management, the transfer of all card transactions to the bank acquirer that settles the card transactions, as well as the provision and support of the POS terminals at the retail location.
One advantage to the outsourced approach, Wincor Nixdorf says: Retailers are no longer tied to a specific bank.
"The option of changing its financial services provider improves a retailer's position when it comes to negotiating lower charges," the company says. "Wincor Nixdorf's transaction processing services for banks range from transaction checking and forwarding to authorization, back-up and transfer of the posting data records, and provision of the data center and network infrastructure. All types of national and international cards are processed. The service covers all transactions offered at self-service terminals: from balance inquiries to cash dispensing."
Wincor Nixdorf says it also assumes responsibility for the maintenance, remote monitoring, cash replenishment and the transaction platform for all of the ATMs in the retail environment.
"Quick and smooth transaction processes are ensured by automatic synchronization with systems at other locations and automatic transfer of the relevant functions," Wincor Nixdorf says. "As a result, transactions can be monitored and analyzed online, at the branch or store and at the head office."
Thursday, 22 January 2009
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The Self-Service & Kiosk Association, a trade association dedicated to the promotion of self-service applications across all industry verticals, is accepting nominations of candidates for its advisory board.
Six advisory board positions are open. Association members have the right to recommend potential candidates and vote in board elections, which will take place in late February or early March.
The term for board members is two years.
The companies represented by the candidates must be institutions of good standing. No company may have more than one representative on the board, and each representative is required to attend two in-person meetings per year.
The association will accept nominations until Feb. 10, at which point the nominations will be compiled and ballots will be distributed to the primary delegates of each member company. Elected board members will be announced in mid-March and will assume their roles immediately. The first meeting of the new advisory board will be held May 5 in Las Vegas in conjunction with the KioskCom Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show. At that meeting, the newly elected board will elect the officers of the association from among the board.
"The Self-Service & Kiosk Association is blessed to have members of the highest caliber," said David Drain, executive director of the association. "Each of our members is committed to promoting the value of self-service in today's economy. I'm excited to see the crop of new candidates we'll be working with this year."
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Silicon.com: Colonal Sanders has tried self-service and, if customer response is any indicator, it's finger-lickin' good. A KFC franchise in North Wales began trialing self-service kiosks in Aug. 2008. Customers can evade long lines by ordering and paying for their meal at the kiosks. The user interface for the kiosks, provided by YESpay, has boosted the average order size from £5.83 (U.S. $8.01) to £7.93 (U.S. $10.90). Roughly 15 percent of the franchise's business takes place at the kiosks.
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Thursday, 22 January 2009
Tulsa (Okla.) World: Tier Technologies, a Reston, Va.-based provider of electronic payment solutions, has agreed to purchase ChoicePay Inc., a company with a network of self-service kiosks that accept payments for local, regional or national billers. The transaction is for $7.5 million in cash at closing, and has an earn-out potential for ChoicePay shareholders capped at $2 million, based on future business. It is not known how the acquisition will impact ChoicePay's workforce of roughly 80 members. "Both companies are optimistic that the deal could close as early as next week," said Ben Peters, chief financial officer of ChoicePay.
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Thursday, 22 January 2009
Home Media Magazine: The so-called "father of DVDs" is involved in a legal wrangle with digital technology company MOD Systems. Warren Lieberfarb, who is credited for pushing the motion picture industry toward the DVD format while president of Warner Home Video, sued MOD Systems last year, claiming the company owes him at least $749,560 in consulting fees. MOD Systems filed a countersuit earlier this month, alleging Lieberfarb overstated his connections to the company, as well as his expertise. MOD Systems recently made headlines for its deal with Warner Brothers and Paramount Digital Entertainment for the rights to distribute motion pictures from the two companies via digital download onto SD cards.
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Wednesday, 21 January 2009
The Washington Post: Experts are saying a data breach that occurred last year at Heartland Payment Systems, a payment processor based in Princeton, N.J., may be the largest breach of card data ever. The company has announced that tens of millions of credit and debit card transactions may have been compromised. Heartland's chief financial officer says the company, which processes transactions for more than 250,000 businesses, discovered malicious software on its server. That software was recording payment card data. It is not known how long the software was in place, nor how many transactions were recorded.
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Wednesday, 21 January 2009
NEW YORK — Fujitsu Transaction Solutions Inc. unveiled a host of new U-Serv self-service hardware and partner software for retailers at the National Retail Federation's 98th Annual Convention and Expo.
Among the new kiosks:
- The U-Serv 60 will feature theater ticketing, which allows movie patrons to forego long lines at the box office by self-ticketing with the kiosk. Patrons can either go online and order a ticket for will call pick-up at the kiosk, or browse the available movies and purchase on site. Today, Regal Entertainment and AMC Entertainment, the No. 1 and No. 2 movie chains in the world, use Fujitsu ticketing solutions.
- Med-Serv Patient Registration Kiosk. Along with sister company Fujitsu Computer Products of America, and partner Allscripts, Fujitsu is demonstrating a patient-registration kiosk.　The Med-Serv unit shows how a patient can register and be positively identified using Fujitsu palm vein biometric technology.
- The U-Serv 75 is Fujitsu's higher-end kiosk solution. In concert with software partner Escalate Retail, the U-Serv 75 will feature the assisted guided selling application. Guided selling allows consumers to help themselves by simple queries and unbiased suggestions and recommendations.
- The U-Serv 150 exterior solution is ruggedized for outdoor use. It features a 17-inch touchscreen color display, card reader, omni-directional scanner and high-end PC.　The U-Serv 150 has been redesigned to make it more affordable for more locations like stadium and concert venues. The U-Serv 150 is a Univations solution but will not be displayed at NRF.
- The U-Serv 50 entry-level kiosk solution, which can be configured for countertop use or freestanding on a pedestal. The U-Serv 50 will be displayed as part of the DeliVision System self-ordering kiosk, in conjunction with partner Modiv Media. Roche Bros, a New England-based grocer, recently began implementing this solution chain-wide.
"Today, consumer demand for self-service options has become mandatory in the retail environment," said Peter Wolf, vice president of self-service and Univations operations at Richardson, Texas-based Fujitsu Transaction Solutions. "Fujitsu has a renewed focus on self-service technology in retail, and these new U-Serv solutions and applications represent that commitment to quality and affordable innovations that will further enhance customer service and satisfaction."
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
MEBANE, N.C. — ArcaTech Systems, a supplier of transaction automation solutions for the financial, retail and self-service industries, has a new retail cash automation solution that allows merchants to control cash in retail environments.
Funds are automatically deposited and withdrawn from the secure system. Cash deposits can be transported to the retailer's financial institution at a later time. Ideal for large retail operations, ArcaTech's solution allows users to reduce costs and shortages while improving cash control and cash availability.
"Our back room cash automation solution represents the next technological leap in the cash cycle," said Aubrey Meador, vice president of ArcaTech. "We've replaced a manual, antiquated process and, in the process, lowered the costs of doing business."
Jim Halpin, ArcaTech's retail solutions director, believes merchants will dramatically improve the way they conduct banking transactions. "The industry has spent more than 40 years automating the cash cycle, but we are moving now to a fundamentally better process," he said. "I haven't seen such a high level of interest in a technological product since ATMs were introduced."
ArcaTech's centralized cash room technology is comprised of an integrated system to handle cash, coins and other media. Limiting in-store cash touch points, the systems will help retailers avoid mistakes and discrepancies, eliminating human error and reducing risk of theft. The solution also improves fund availability and operational efficiency by speeding the time required to count, dispense or deposit funds.
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
MINNEAPOLIS -- Multi-Tech Systems Inc., a data communications and telecommunications technology manufacturer based in Minneapolis, and Symstream Americas Inc., a Texas-based wireless technology company, have announced the release of their SocketModem SS embedded cellular wireless modem, according to a news release.
Designed to reduce ATM fleet management cost on Symstream enabled GSM/3G networks, the SocketModem SS (Model MTSMC-G1-SS) cellular wireless modem incorporates Multi-Tech Systems' cellular wireless hardware and Symstream's internationally patented data transfer protocol that is fully supported by Symstream's management and gateway system.
According to the release, the SocketModem SS offers greater flexibility and connectivity for ATM terminals, kiosks and POS terminals as it provides connectivity throughout the carrier's larger GSM (voice) wireless network as distinct from their packet data network. Now shipping in the USA utilizing the AT&T GSM network, the SocketModem SS will be available in Asia and Europe in Q1 of this year.
An added benefit of the SocketModem SS is that it is plug compatible with the Multi-Tech dial-up SocketModem currently used in many of the leading ATMs in the U.S. marketplace, therefore allowing a simple, cost effective upgrade to this new powerful cost saving wireless modem. An external model is also planned supporting Ethernet, RS-232 and USB interfaces.
The SocketModem SS, when connected to the Symstream network, also provides access to the comprehensive Symstream Souran management system which supports remote operation and a high level of performance monitoring allowing network and fleet operators to potentially reduce their overall costs and provide greater uptime for their ATM fleet. Souran is a carrier grade management platform that offers flexible connectivity to ATM terminals, kiosks and point-of-sale terminals. Souran management offers GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA and optional HSUPA capabilities designed to operate on a variety of platforms from a central point.
"Multi-Tech and Symstream's synergies and cooperative relationship ensure that our customers will continue to receive a quality product in a timely manner," said Mark Gamon, Symstream's sales and marketing director. "Multi-Tech's excellent in-house hardware design team, global recognition for their product quality, and also international sales and support network combined with Symstream's world-leading wireless technology, will create an end-to-end solution and strengthen our entry to serve the worldwide financial market."
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
BERKSHIRE, England -- Black Cat Displays, an England-based manufacturer of information kiosks and customized digital displays, has developed and supplied customized, portable, twin-headed kiosks for the National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh, Scotland. Dubbed Gemini, the touchscreen kiosks provide gallery visitors with up-to-date information about the exhibits.
The kiosks were developed and supplied in less than eight weeks, according to a news release.
"The touchscreen terminals exceed our high expectations in design, manufacture and implementation," said Tessa Quinn, head of new media for the gallery. "They have proved easy to maintain for staff, easy to use for visitors and [they have] given the IT Gallery software that they host a new lease of life."
According to the release, the twin-headed displays provide visitors with an ergonomic and comfortable operating position from standing to sitting. Additionally, the gallery is able to relocate the kiosks with minimum hassle by simply wheeling the units to the next available power point in any of the rooms.
The Gemini kiosks are equipped with a pair of 20.1 inch color TFT displays mounted on a pedestal with a customized finish and silk screening to match the environment. Besides the standard sound from the integrated speakers, there are optical illuminated bezels, hearing loop amplifier capability, keyboards, trackerballs, telephone handsets and cameras. The PC comes with network support and a complete system power supply.
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Earlier this month, when Warner Brothers and Paramount Digital Entertainment signed agreements with software startup MOD Systems, history was made, albeit quietly. For the first time, MOD Systems could legally distribute motion pictures from the two studios via digital download to SD cards.
But more importantly, the agreements marked the first serious acknowledgement by any major studio that digital download via a self-service kiosk is a viable retail delivery channel.
"It's a very big deal," said Adrienne Lenhart, director of marketing for MOD Systems. "The studios are very, very, very selective about who they go with, especially when choosing something that's a new format."
The news is raising the eyebrows of some in the self-service industry, causing many to wonder if it signals a paradigm shift in the way movie content is delivered at the self-service level. Until now, redbox has been the undisputed champion when it comes to movie kiosks, but its kiosks dispense DVDs. Now, some are wondering whether digital download may emerge as the next contending format.
The digital triangle
MOD Systems, NCR Corp. and Toshiba have all partnered to get a foothold in the digital download business model. In September 2008, NCR and Toshiba announced $35 million in funding for MOD Systems.
"Toshiba is interested in working with us because they're planning on putting a lot of emphasis on SD card technology in all of their consumer electronics devices," Lenhart said, citing TVs, DVD players and set-top boxes as examples of Toshiba products to receive the new card readers.
MOD Systems' digital download application will likely be hosted on NCR's recently unveiled NCR Xpress Entertainment movie kiosk, which in the future, could fitted to provide movies via DVDs or digital downloads.
Click here to see a demonstration of the NCR Xpress Entertainment kiosk.
In the past, critics have argued that digital download applications simply aren't feasible because the user has to wait several minutes – perhaps even hours – to download a feature-length motion picture. But Lenhart said MOD Systems is currently demoing an application that would enable the transfer of standard-definition feature films to SD cards in under three minutes.
As for storage capacity, she also pointed to a 2 terabyte SD card recently exhibited at the Consumer Electronics Show by the SD Association, a trade association that publicly advocates SD technology. The card can hold up to 30 high-definition movies, 60 hours of high-definition audio or 17,000 fine-grade images, according to a news release.
"The curve with SD cards in terms of how fast they’re evolving, in terms of their capacity and speed is just crazy-ridiculous," she said.
Not so fast …
Not everyone in the self-service industry shares Lenhart's enthusiasm for digital download. Gary Lancina, vice president of marketing for redbox, says the real money – at least for the time being – is still in DVDs, citing the growth of redbox DVD dispensing kiosks from 6,000 locations at the end of 2007 to more than 12,000 locations by the end of 2008.
"I do not anticipate the agreement with MOD Systems will have an immediate effect on the entertainment industry," said Lancina. "The majority of consumers still prefer physical media over alternative technologies."
Lenhart capitulates that some consumers simply can't do without the slick packaging and artwork that comes with DVD purchases, but she said movie downloads could also come with digitized high-resolution versions of this artwork so the user can exhibit it on their big-screen televisions.
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NCR Xpress Entertainment kiosk.
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"It's sort of like what you see today with all of their DVDs lined up on the shelf," she said. "We're going to be offering something in sort of a digital experience that's similar to that so people can have a sense of ownership."
That said, both Lancina and Lenhart deny any competition between DVDs and SD cards, calling them "complementary technologies."
"We think optical and digital are going to exist together for quite some time," Lenhart said. "I think you're probably going to see a lot of growth in digital – perhaps more so than in optical. But we definitely see them co-existing together."
In retail?
The problem with deploying digital download kiosks in a retail environment, according to technology blogger Davis Freeburg, is that they're simply not in demand. The proliferation of high-speed Web connections like broadband, as well as digital media software such as BitTorrent and DivX, have eliminated the need for a movie kiosk – or a retailer – altogether.
"If you're dealing with an electronic file, you're not going to go to the store for that," Freeburg said. "You're going to download it off the net … versus actually going to a store and remembering to have your memory stick with you so you can load it up with the movie and take it home."
But even more significant will be the issue of price. Freeburg says DVD kiosks and digital download technology utilize completely divergent business models. Companies like redbox purchase DVDs from commercial resellers and – under the legal doctrine of fair use – rent them to consumers repeatedly without paying any licensing fees to the studios, enabling them to charge only $1.00 per day. It's a business model that was recently challenged by Universal Studios.
Under the digital download business model, the deployer never gains ownership of the digital copy of the motion picture – it's still retained by the studio. Thus the studios, Freeburg says, will demand a share of the profits for every rental that takes place at the kiosk. That means the kiosk deployers will likely have to jack up the price for consumers.
"When push comes to shove for the kiosk companies [digital download] is going to be a really bad deal for them because they're going to have to pay for all of these licensing fees that they don't have to pay today," Freeburg said.
Any takers?
For now, MOD Systems, Toshiba and NCR are moving ahead with plans to trial digital download kiosks in the retail sector.
"I believe you'll see some pilot deployments this year – probably a little closer to summer," Lenhart said. "We're being pretty careful about picking the right customer to go out with. We want somebody who is very much a market leader."
Lenhart is evasive when pressed for names, saying only that they've spoken with a lot of "big name retailers."
"Yeah, it will be a name you know," she said.
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Retail Customer Experience magazine announced the publication of its inaugural Best Retail Customer Experiences report, a comprehensive market survey that asks thousands of shoppers to rate retailers based on several aspects of their customer experience.
"It's easy to look at publicly available figures and determine which retailers are selling the most, but until now it hasn't been possible to see, at a glance, which retailers are satisfying their customers the most," said editor James Bickers, who authored the report. "This document brings together the voice of those shoppers, voices which we have distilled into numerical rankings."
Major retailers in eight different retail segments (apparel, department store, entertainment, pharmacy, etc.) were identified, and 2,500 shoppers were asked to rate them in five attributes: customer service, aesthetics, inventory, online experience and overall customer experience.
Those numbers were assembled and used to find winners in each of the eight segments, along with an overall "Best in Show" – for which there was a two-way tie, between a prominent apparel retailer and an entertainment superstore.
"The two retailers which took our 'best in show' typify customer experience at its pinnacle – beautiful and inviting stores, the inventory that the audience wants, and customer service that is truly legendary," Bickers said.
Along with background information on the eight winners, the report includes expert commentary on each from a variety of sources, analyzing the retailers and dissecting what they do well and how they do it – and how other retailers can learn from them.
The report also includes, as a bonus, "The customer perspective: What shoppers want in an in-store experience," an exclusive survey in which shoppers give their candid opinions on a variety of aspects of customer experience: digital signage, self-service, loyalty programs, card data security, multichannel retail and more.
"The Best Retail Customer Experiences 2009" is available immediately at: http://www.networldalliance.com/best-retail-customer-experiences-2009.
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
IRVINE, Calif. -- Advantech, a global ePlatform service provider, has unveiled its latest embedded computer optimized for kiosk, industrialized automation, digital  signage and gaming applications.
According to a news release, the ARK-6310-6M01E embedded computer features an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and the Intel 965GME chipset on an integrated Mini-ITX motherboard. That motherboard is also equipped with an Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100, which can deliver high-quality 3D/video/graphics to fulfill application requirements.
The ARK-6310-6M01E embedded computer has a cushioned anti-vibration design that secures one 2.5 inch SATA HDD/SSD. A user-friendly bottom cover supplies easy access to the CompactFlash socket at the back of the embedded motherboard. The unit's fanless design enables it to operate silently and it is designed to operate reliably in harsh environments. The PC can also be expanded if the application demands.
Shortly after the launch of the ARK-6000 Compact Embedded Computer series, Advantech extended its family of dual core industrial computers with this new member. The ARK-6310-6M01E continues the well-known ARK-6000 series design principles of high modularity, flexibility and compactness.
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
BaldwinCountyNow.com (Fairhope, Ala.): The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center in Mobile, Ala., has a new tool to combat health issues -- 50 new tools, as a matter of fact. The center has deployed 50 interactive kiosks that will educate visitors on topics such as obesity, sensible eating, exercise, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. It's all part of the My BodyWorks exhibit, which opens Jan. 19.
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Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Global Atlanta: According to a survey recently conducted by SITA, an information technology company that services the air travel industry, the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport leads airports around the world in the percentage of passengers who use online or kiosk check-in self-services. Dominique El Bez, director of portfolio marketing for SITA, said baggage is the leading deterrent to self-service check-in adoption. "The baggage problem will only be solved through a combination of education, improved processes at points where bags are dropped off and increased confidence among travelers that their baggage is safe," he said.
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Monday, 19 January 2009
PADERBORN, Germany -- Wincor Nixdorf has released its first-quarter 2009/2009 financial statements and they indicate an increase in both sales and net income over the same period last year.
According to the financial records, 1Q net sales were €646 million (U.S. $848 million), up seven percent from the same period last year, when it was €602 million (U.S. $790 million.) At the same time, net profit for the period was €35 million (U.S. $46 million), up 11 percent from last year's 1Q results, which were at €32 million (U.S. $42 million.)
Basic and diluted earnings per share were both up this year over 1Q last year, with both indicators at €1.11 (U.S. $1.46) while last year, they were both at €0.98 (U.S. $1.23) - an increase of 13 percent.
President and chief executive Eckard Heidloff emphasized that these figures should not be extrapolated to the year as a whole.
"The impact of the economic crisis will also be felt by Wincor Nixdorf," he said, adding that this outlook should be seen against the backdrops and risks governing future performance. "The opportunities presented to us come in the form of favorable sector-specific trends that continue to apply within the area of retail banking and retailing as well as in the form of large-scale project tenders. The risks currently emanate from an economic crisis that is difficult to assess and whose direction is impossible to predict."
Heidloff said he could not rule out the possibility of business development becoming less dynamic in the short term, if both the banking and the retail industries were to scale back capital expenditure in response to a serious deterioration in the state of the economy as a whole. He added that the company had taken appropriate action to address this eventuality by initiating measures aimed at bringing greater flexibility to its cost structures. At the same time, he expressed his cautious optimism for the medium-term future.
"The overriding industry trends such as intense competition and pressure to streamline operations remain unchanged both in retail banking and in the retail sector, as does the move towards internationalized activities and standardized IT infrastructures - developments to which we have already responded by establishing a strong position in the relevant areas," he said.
Monday, 19 January 2009
SHENZHEN, China -- Zupera Technology has announced the release of its Industrial / Kiosk Crown SS-KB-T keyboard series, according to a news release.
The series utilizes a plunger-style key structure that provides the user with the mechanical feel of a keystroke for comfortable key input which, according to the release, is appropriate for applications in kiosk and POS environments.
Two drainage ports from underneath the keyboard chassis enable liquid spillage to be expelled appropriately. One drain is positioned to protect the keyboard and the other is for liquids that might spill near the laser-optical cursor trackball.
The company holds patents on the designs for the chassis structure and optical-laser.
Monday, 19 January 2009
The Puget Sound Business Journal: Much has been made of the recent partnership between Mod Systems, a provider of digital movie download solutions, with NCR and Toshiba, but not everyone is pleased with the performance of the Seattle startup. Investor Robert Arnold, an early backer of Mod Systems, isn't satisfied with the company's response to numerous requests for financial and business records, and now he's demanding answers. "Most of the disagreement relates to the use of investment funds," said Jeff Smyth, an attorney who is representing the former banking executive.
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Monday, 19 January 2009
SOLON, Ohio -- A new kiosk about to be unveiled by Tameran Graphic Systems will enable libraries to scan and digitize books and other publications without compromising the life of those documents.
The company will introduce its new book2net digital color book scanners at the American Library Association MidWinter Meeting in Denver, Jan. 23-26.
The new book2net kiosk is designed specifically for the public market. According to a news release, the kiosk enables quick and easy scanning with a self-contained unit that includes an intuitive two-step touchscreen user interface, embedded PC with Windows XP operating system, scan area from 5-1/2 inches x 8-1/2 inches to 18 inches x 24 inches. This scanner will replace multi-function copiers with face-up scanning that is especially important for protecting the intergrity of fragile archival books and ledgers.
"Library patrons will love to use this scanner," said Mark Wise, president of Tameran. "And librarians will be thrilled with the ease of support and integration with library systems."
The kiosk is equipped with integrated image enhancement tools. Books, magazines, newspapers, ledgers, maps, artwork and historical documents are scanned with a low wattage LED light source that gently and quickly provides consistent color reproduction. Integrated image enhancement software with extensive automated workflow processing tools, including image cleaning, deskewing, cropping, splitting, indexing, can also improve image quality.
Friday, 16 January 2009
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- Bibliotheca Inc., a provider of open RFID solutions for libraries, has announced that it will provide the Meridian Library District in Meridian, Idaho, with a range of BiblioChip Hybrid RFID solutions that work with both the electromagnetic strips and RFID tags used by the library and the consortium of which it is a member. The Meridian library will use Bibliotheca products in its new Silver Stone branch to provide visually attractive self-service stations for use by patrons, to enhance productivity for library staff and to set the stage for the library's transition from EM to RFID.
"Even in a slowing economy, we remain committed to expanding library services to our community," said Patricia Younger, Meridian library director. "That's exactly why we are opening our new Silver Stone branch, a modern library environment with sleek, patron-friendly self-service stations that will bring more people from our community into the library."
The library purchased three Bibliotheca BiblioChip Hybrid self-check stations that make it easy for patrons to take advantage of the library's resources, while maximizing library staff members' efficiency in serving them. Compelling features of the BiblioChip Hybrid self-check stations include:
• Simultaneous support for both EM strips/barcodes and RFID tags
• Open, non-proprietary technology that interoperates with other RFID solutions
• Easy-to-use, intuitive user interface for both patrons and staff
• Functionality for check-out, check-in, fine payments, etc.
• Integration with the library's ILS software, SirsiDynix's Horizon, for optimal staff efficiency
• Sleek, European-inspired design with a 21st-century look and feel
Other BiblioChip RFID solutions include BiblioStaff Stations; BiblioGate Hybrid security gates with triple antennas for industry-leading 3D read rates of EM strips and RFID tags; 3 handheld BiblioWand Lite inventory wands for on-site inventory control and fast location of misplaced and reserved media; 15,000 book labels and 5,000 CD ring labels. Future expansion will include adding more BiblioChip book and CD ring labels as well as a 24x7 BiblioReturn kiosk and 3-bin automated sorter system.
"Bibliotheca is fortunate to work with library leaders all over the world," added Lamar Jackson, president and chief executive of Bibliotheca Inc. "Meridian library is showing other libraries in its neck of the woods how to make the most of RFID investments, and we're pleased to be their strategic partner in this exciting future."
Friday, 16 January 2009
The (Singapore) Straits Times: Earlier this week, Sony Ericsson unveiled its new PlayNow kiosk solution that lets mobile phone users download digital music and movies to their phones and pay for them with a stored-value card. But not everyone is singing the praises of the self-service solution. Irene Tham, a technology blogger, explains why she thinks the kiosk was "a let down."
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Thursday, 15 January 2009
(Torquay, England) Herald Express: The Brixham Library in Brixham, England, is in the process of installing self-service technology, but the new interactive kiosks won't cost anyone their job, according to the town council. Brixham town councillor Chris Bedford said he had spoken to the library manager after hearing about possible job losses. "She was absolutely clear that it was a good system and would not cost us any jobs here." The kiosks will allow people to issue and return books, DVDs and CDs without assistance from a librarian.
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Thursday, 15 January 2009
NEW YORK -- Microsoft Corp. has released its latest offering from its Windows Embedded Ready product line. Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 is the next generation of Windows Embedded Point of Service software for devices such as cash registers, self-service kiosks, digital signage, cash ATMs and fuel pumps. According to a news release, this new platform is a flexible operating system designed to seamlessly connect POS solutions with peripherals, servers and services.
Buddy Broeker, director of embedded computing solutions for Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD), signaled his enthusiasm for the new product.
"As AMD provides the embedded processor of choice for many point-of-sale and kiosk systems, we're looking forward to working with Microsoft Windows Embedded to support the launch of Windows Embedded POSReady 2009," said Broeker. "The key features of Windows Embedded POSReady 2009, combined with AMD's innovative, high-performance, low power x86 embedded platforms, help make it easy for customers to quickly create smart, connected, service-oriented systems that will provide customers with a connected retail experience."
Thursday, 15 January 2009
(Malaysia) Malay Mail: Anyone who has been in the self-service industry long enough knows that it is littered with the tombstones of kiosk deployments that didn't make it. What started out as a great idea was killed by implementations that were badly planned, poorly advertised, not given appropriate support or all of the above. Such was the case with tourism info kiosks deployed in Malaysia, according to one commentator. Find out why they quickly became disillusioned with the deployment.
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Wednesday, 14 January 2009
London -- KT Technology has signed a contract making it and its international network of partners the exclusive sellers of kiosks designed by Jerry Schweickart, according to a news release.
Schweickart has an acclaimed background designing kiosks and self-service devices, and his designs have been awarded the KioskCom Self Service Excellence Award five times. The J. Schweickart Signature Collection for KT will be showcased on the KT website (www.kioskterminals.eu in Europe and www.kioskterminals.us in North America), and will be available exclusively through the KT international network of partners.
Schweickart's keen aesthetic makes this collection of designs distinctive while complimenting the KT product range, according to the release. He incorporates high-end, user-centric design into kiosks and other self-service devices.
"We at KT are continuously striving to develop our product range," said Kenneth Larsen, managing director of KT Technology. "Jerry brings a refined design language which will strengthen KT for future expansion into new global market sectors."
KT Technology is a full-service kiosk terminal manufacturer with offices strategically placed in Maryland, London, Copenhagen, Istanbul and Hong Kong. KT produces a range of kiosks for indoor and outdoor use, and has been in operation since 2005.
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
ContactlessNews: More than 100 million electronic passports have been issued since governments initiated production of the new travel credentials two years ago. The challenge for some countries will installing the equipment to read e-passports without adversely affecting wait times. Even the United States, the initiator of the move to e-passports after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, hasn't deployed many inspection systems.
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Wednesday, 14 January 2009
TRUMBULL, Conn. -- KioskCom Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show have annouonced the keynote and session rosters for this year's co-located events taking place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. New to the conferences, which take place from May 6-7, 2009, will be the SPEED Program, a strategic workshop addressing digital signage project planning, deployment, success and supplier capabilities, according to a news release.
See slideshow of KioskCom last year in New York.
"In addition to significantly cutting costs and improving business efficiencies, ensuring customer satisfaction is now more crucial than ever to a company's success," said Lawrence Dvorchik, general manager of the event. "Customer facing and engaging technologies like self-service kiosks and digital signage are increasingly being implemented all over the world and our shows are helping to bring buyers and suppliers together to make that happen."
Opening the 2009 shows on Wednesday, May 6, will be Robert Fort, chief information officer and vice president of information technology for Virgin Entertainment Group. Fort's presentation, Efficiencies Through Customer-Facing and Customer Engaging Technologies, will shed light on how Virgin uses CFTs to improve both employee productivity and customer satisfaction, which has translated into controlled costs and rising sales of core merchandise.
Joshua Weiss, managing director of Web and Self Services for Delta Air Lines, will present Thursday morning's keynote with a presentation entitled, Full-Service Self-Service. The presentation will showcase how self-service at Delta Air Lines has evolved into a far-reaching, multi-channel, multi-lingual strategy that aims to put the customer in control of their travel experience. Weiss also will discuss how Delta has advanced the adoption of self-service technology through new product development, application redesigns and facility changes.
Thursday’s closing keynote will be Why Ricoh Went Eco: Going Green with Environmentally Friendly Digital Billboards, presented by Ron Potesky, senior vice president of corporate communications, products / solutions & channel marketing for Ricoh Americas Corporation. Potesky's presentation discusses Ricoh's strategy, technology and implementation challenges, impact on the brand, cost and environmental savings, along with future challenges in "Going Green" with digital billboards.
New to the 2009 line-up will be SPEED – Structures for Planning, Explanation, Excitement and Deployment. Presented by Lyle Bunn of BUNN Co., SPEED offers practical, accelerated training for potential and new end users, suppliers, advertisers and investors to improve business and project planning, launch and deployment, as well as the application and use of Digital Signage and Digital Out-of-Home media. Taking place on Tuesday, May 5, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., program participants will receive complete SPEED training through a 4-hour session for only $99. Registration is available at www.thedigitalsignageshow.com.
The program consists of six modules, each addressing subjects that enable a digital signage opportunity or deployment to be initialized and continually advanced. The modules offer an industry overview and network description, an in-depth look at initiatives past and present, how to sell and advance your opportunity, various business models that supplement your chosen initiatives and a look at different resources that can assist you along the way.
"We provide executives and decision-makers with the most thorough 'start-to-finish' business resources available," said Dvorchik. "The SPEED program offers an impressive, information-rich course that will give our audiences a solid foundation of knowledge and practice to fill the information gaps between making the decision to employ digital signage and selecting and maintaining the tool for maximum utility."
A complete list of sessions and speakers can be found at: www.kioskcom.com or www.thedigitalsignageshow.com.
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
CNET Asia: Consumers in Asia who use Sony Ericsson mobile phones can now download digital movies to their handsets via the Sony Ericsson's new PlayNow kiosks. The kiosks are deployed in select retail stores. Users can choose from a digital catalog containing full-length movies, TV series, games and DRM-free music. The service is part of a content licensing partnership with Sony Pictures Enetertainment.
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Wednesday, 14 January 2009
(Detroit) WWJ Newsradio 950: Traffic violators in Ann Arbor, Mich. can now pay parking and traffic tickets at kiosks located at a county office there. "Our customers have made self-service stations a huge hit, and I hope that in time we can create partnerships with courts throughout the state," said secretary of state Terri Lynn Land. "I encourage area residents to take advantage of this convenient option. The pilot program is made possible through a partnership among the Secretary of State's Office, the 15th District Court and the State Court Administrative Office with the support of the Michigan Department of Information Technology.
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Tuesday, 13 January 2009
While the focus of many tradeshows is the expo floor itself, some of the most interesting and worthwhile events at Digital Signage Expo 2009 will take place before the floor even opens.
Before the doors open, this show - the largest DSE to date - will host four educational sessions focused on interactive technology, self-service and digital signage devices. The sessions are set for Tuesday, Feb. 24.
What you need to know before you go
Digital Signage Expo 2009
Feb. 24-26, 2009
Las Vegas Convention Center
For more info visit: www.digitalsignageexpo.net
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"We wanted to offer more pre-show tracks this year and really give attendees a choice of where to go on Tuesday before the show," said Chris Gibbs, executive vice president of Exponation, host of DSE. "The education component of our event is definitely stepping up to the next level, and I think it's our duty to do so."
For interactive tech enthusiasts, that choice may be hard to make. Three of the four tracks are day-long events that include breakfast, lunch and a day's worth of expert advice.
One of those sessions is Content Day, where attendees will hear from representatives of companies such as 2Hemispheres, Samsung, AT&T and Scala about what works and what doesn't when it comes to creating on-screen graphics and video.
Also running all day Tuesday will be a mobile and gesture-based digital signage summit, formally titled "Revolutionizing Interactive Marketing in Public Places: The Mobile and Gestural Imperative." Experts from Avenue A/Razorfish, YDreams, GestureTek and others will look at successful case studies involving some big brands, and discuss ideas for new ways to engage customers.
"Interactive technology dramatically changes the context of digital signage from a passive, more one-dimensional medium to a multidimensional medium that more fully engages users, significantly expands the audience," said Michael Mascioni, program director for the Mobile and Gestural Digital Signage Day.
Beyond interactive technology
Other topics for the day include building brand power, social networking and designing content for interactive screens.
"I think interactivity and experiential technology is really going to be where a lot of these companies see the effects of what these signs can do to enhance the experience for the customer and the consumer," Gibbs said. "It is really going to create a lot of 'a-ha' moments for a lot of people. Hopefully they'll say 'Yes, this is exactly what we need in our museum or in our hotel.'"
For the first time ever, DSE will host the Digital Signage Certified Expert program, put on by the Digital Signage Experts Group and Brawn Consulting. Attendees to the day-long program will be educated on topics such as digital signage hardware, networking, ROI, content and selling digital signage. Those who pass a test at the end of the day will earn the certification.
"Most of the thought leaders in this space gather at DSE every year and we want to take advantage of that and get them to share their experiences and knowledge so the industry can continue to grow," Gibbs said.
There are also two areas on the floor where presentations will be held throughout the Expo. One is in the new Content Pavilion, surrounded by companies that create or repurpose content specific to digital signage. There will be a small stage where companies in the pavilion can showcase their content in brief 20-minute presentations.
"Last year we heard a lot of people ask for content creation companies. This year we decided that we really needed a place to showcase that," Gibbs said.
The other on-floor demo area will be located in the Out-of-home Network Show, a part of the floor carved out for networks looking to attract advertisers and brand marketers. Networks such as CBS Outernet, Care Media and PRN will be showcasing their networks, including their audience demographics, locations and recent projects in a specialized presentation area.
Cautiously optimistic
While tradeshow attendance across all markets has taken a hit due to the economy (it was rumored that this year's CES had a third of the attendance from last year), Gibbs says he isn't worried about DSE.
"Digital signage is not just focused on retail, or hotels, or restaurants. We have a very wide range of verticals that attendees could come from," he said.
As for the industry itself, it is predicted to slow a bit due to the economy, but grow nonetheless in 2009.
"This industry is going to have its challenges like any other one," Gibbs said. "But what is unique about digital signage is that its newness and high-tech feel is very intriguing to a lot of people. But with the economy the way it is now, we’re cautiously optimistic."
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Business First of Louisville: Flextronics International Ltd., a electronics manufacturer and provider of self-service solutions, will lay off 150 employees in Louisville, Ky., according to a filing with the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training. The layoffs will take place at a repair and maintenance facility formerly owned by Solectron Corp. Flextronics officials could not be reached for comment. Flextronics acquired Solectron Corp., a competitor, in June 2007 for about $3.6 billion in cash and stock. At the time that deal was expected to make Flextronics the world's second-largest electronics manufacturing and self-service powerhouse, trailing only Taiwan-based Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. in terms of annual sales, according to Forbes.
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Tuesday, 13 January 2009
CHICAGO -- The InterContinental Chicago, a two-tower hotel located in the heart of Chicago, has deployed self-service kiosks where guests can check the status of flights for both O'Hare and Midway airports.
According to a news release, that information is provided by Flyte Systems, a company that offers cost-effective, subscription-based feeds of real-time flight information, not FAA-regulated scheduled departure times, which often fail to list delays caused by air traffic control, aircraft maintenance, crew availability and weather.
John Barbier, director of information technology for The Intercontinental Chicago, says reaction to the kiosks has been positive.
"The other day a staff member overheard a guest say he didn't care about waiting in line because the service itself was such an extraordinary and valuable convenience," he said.
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
(Raleigh, N.C.) WRAL, Channel 5: A kiosk was the end of the line for one convicted sex offender when he tried to volunteer at a Raleigh high school. Registered sex offender Marcus Jermaine was stopped dead in his tracks by the self-service check-in device, which automatically ran his personal information against a national sex-offender registry. When the device idetified Jermaine as a registered sex offender, school officials asked him to leave. He was later arrested for unlawfully attempting to gain access to a school.
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Tuesday, 13 January 2009
NEW YORK -- Magstar Inc., a mid-size enterprise retail solution developer, announced its new Magstar Total Mobile POS solution, a lightweight POS handheld that will allow retailers to notably improve customer service levels while adeptly handling lane-busting, basic POS transactions and customer returns. Magstar Total Mobile POS will give retailers and their customers the freedom to operate throughout the store and in outside store areas via a secure wireless network.
Magstar Total Mobile POS is a portable touchscreen tool capable of real-time lookup of items, pricing and CRM information. At the same time, it is able to fully integrate all sales activity back to the feature-rich Magstar Total POS solution, which then automatically feeds the data to the Total Retail enterprise solution.
After scanning items in a shopping basket using Total Mobile POS, sales associates can provide shoppers with a quick receipt that, when presented to a cashier, recalls all items for quick checkout. When incorporating the mag-stripe/PIN attachment to the mobile device, customers using credit or debit cards can be processed immediately without the need to enter a checkout lane.
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Learn more about the exhibitors at this year's NRF show at Retail Customer Experience: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
NEW YORK -- A retail kiosk unveiled by Intel Corp. could lower a store's total cost of ownership while improving customer satisfaction at the same time.
Revealed at the NRF 98th Annual Convention & Expo in New York, Intel's proof-of-concept exhibits the latest in digital signage and point-of-sale technology in a kiosk form factor, and demonstrates how technology can enhance the retail shopping experience.
Accommodating consumer preferences for self-service fueled by e-commerce trends, the kiosk demonstration includes features that match the perks of Internet shopping, such as suggestive selling and real-time inventory access, as well as showing promotions, product details and customer reviews. These features, in turn, facilitate sales associate up-selling and cross-selling opportunities, which will increase a retailer's bottom line and customer loyalty.
The POS demo is based on the 45nm Intel Core 2 Duo mobile processor that is inside hundreds of millions of today's laptops and PCs. Compared with legacy POS platforms, the processor in the demo can enable more than a 70 percent reduction in required power use while still providing as much as double the amount of raw processing performance as previous generations of processors. As such, energy savings from this POS system are passed on to retailers by way of lower energy bills.
"Intel-based technologies will ensure retailers are well-positioned to move through the current economy into a successful and profitable future, while giving their customers more information faster and easier than ever before," said Joe Jensen, general manager, Intel Embedded Computing Division. "We hope the combination of improving a customer's retail experience, while also arming sales associates with more accurate information and reducing operations costs, such as electricity bills and maintenance, is a compelling proposition for the world's retailers to take advantage of what Intel technology innovation has to offer."
The proof-of-concept platform features Intel vPro technology with Intel Active Management Technology and offers lower maintenance costs, improved power management and security options such as system diagnosis. Intel vPro technology allows administrators to manage systems remotely, making it possible to turn off all systems overnight to increase energy savings and reduce the need for technicians to go on-site for system maintenance, resulting in decreased carbon emissions and lower operational expenses for retailers.
The modular design of the proof-of-concept system promotes easy upgrades to next-generation CPU platforms so retailers can remain in sync with the latest technology advancements. The POS demo is customizable with a removable PC board and individual modules that can be added on, taken off, interchanged or replaced to meet evolving business needs.
Monday, 12 January 2009
NEW YORK -- Micro Industries has unveiled the Touch&Go Messenger 65P, an interactive computer LCD the size of a baby giraffe.
According to a news release, the touchscreen computer, which is optimized for display and kiosk applications, is 64.6 inches high, by 37.6 inches wide, by 7.4 inches deep and can display a life-sized, full high-definition image of a baby giraffe. It is currently on exhibit at the National Retail Federation's BIG Show 2009 in New York City.
"Retailers will become addicted to this vertical display," said Michael Curran, chief executive officer of Micro Industries, a provider of interactive products. "A Messenger 65P couples Sharp's largest commercial LCD with the Intel Core 2 Duo processor. It's outstanding for use in any large, open retail environment - such as a mall, airport concourse or department store - and is perfect for both display and kiosk applications."
Manufactured in Micro's Westerville, Ohio, plant, the Messenger 65P is equipped with Intel vPro technology, which provides remote management capabilities, reduces downtime and lowers the overall total cost of ownership, according to the news release.
The Messenger 65P comes equipped with a 1080p, ultra-bright LCD with a viewing angle of 176 degrees, a 160GB hard drive, DVD/CD-RW and Microsoft Windows XP. It's also available as an IR touchscreen and with internal stereo speakers and TV tuner options. A protective glass panel makes the LCD practical and easy to clean.
Monday, 12 January 2009
The (Queensland, Australia) Courier-Mail HeadSt@rt: Passengers flying with Jetstar, an Australian airline, could soon be checking in their own luggage, and at least one airline industry union is not happy about it. The move comes as a cost-cutting measure initiated by the airline, and would mean passengers who checked themselves in at a computer kiosk would get a luggage tag in addition to their boarding pass. But Ingrid Stitt, secretary for Victorian branch of Australian Services Union said the technology would result in job cuts.
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Monday, 12 January 2009
VERNON HILLS, Ill. -- Zebra Technologies Corp., a provider of specialty printing and automatic identification solutions, has announced the Zebra Kiosk Print Station at the 2009 National Retail Federation (NRF) Big Show. This compact enclosure creates an all-in-one kiosk solution by housing a Zebra TTP 2000 series kiosk printer, a roll of media and a compact touchscreen kiosk computer such as the IBM AnyPlace or the Motorola MK Series. Because the unit is a complete enclosure, it can be integrated out-of-the-box without the long lead-time and high cost associated with a custom solution. The Zebra Kiosk Print Station will be available globally in March.
"The increased customer use of self-service applications has driven retailers to develop cost-effective solutions that improve store efficiencies while increasing customer satisfaction," said Denise Hampton, Zebra retail practice leader. "Until now, all kiosk enclosures had to be custom built causing long deployment times. This has led to lost sales opportunities and decreased customer confidence. The Zebra Kiosk Print Station allows even the smallest retailers to quickly realize the benefits of self-service solutions."
The Zebra Kiosk Print Station can be easily mounted on a wall or pole, freeing up valuable floor and counter space. The Zebra TTP 2000 receipt kiosk printer, Zebra's most compact and reliable embedded printer, is kept secure in a lockable enclosure along with the associated media. Retailers can choose from a variety of media options depending on their needs, including four different receipt label widths. The IBM AnyPlace or Motorola MK Series are both compact, interactive self-service devices that can be securely fastened to the Zebra Kiosk Print Station.
Monday, 12 January 2009
Gearlog.com: It was only a matter of time before the porn industry discovered the advantages of DVD dispensing and digital download kiosks. At AdultExpo2009, the amalgamation was given form with so-called "FlashNGo" kiosks that can dispense adult DVDs or download adult films to a USB thumbdrive. Brian Heater, blogger for Gearlog.com, has the scoop.
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Friday, 09 January 2009
Mediaweek: Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. is taking the plunge into a deeper level of self-service. The retailer is rolling out Modiv Media's scan-and-bag system in an additional 50 stores. The system involves the use of hand-held personal shopping assistants which can be used by shoppers to scan grocery items as they are taken from store shelves.
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Friday, 09 January 2009
geeksugar.com: If attendees of next week's National Retail Federation Show in New York City have trouble with their hair or makeup, there's a good chance they'll find the solution on the show floor. IBM will introduce their first ever "Virtual Mirror" kiosk at the company's booth. The kiosk can take a digital image of a shopper and scan in various makeup and hair coloring products they may be interested in purchasing. The result is an image of the shopper's face as it would appear wearing the various products.
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Friday, 09 January 2009
The (Clarksville, Tenn.) Leaf Chronicle: The Blanchfield Army Community Hospital's Blue Clinic in Fort Campbell, Ky., has a redesigned location that offers self-service check-in. Incoming patients swipe a military ID card at the check-in kiosk, which prevents bottlenecks at the sign-in counter.
"We were concerned about having only one check in desk," said Lt. Col. Kenneth Russell, chief of BACH's clinical services division. Despite his initial concerns, Russell says the kiosk has worked better than expected.
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Friday, 09 January 2009
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- ATM Marketplace has announced the selection of panelists for the ATM Future Trends 2009 session at February's ATMIA Annual Conference and Expo in Nashville, Tenn. The session will take place Thursday, Feb. 12, following an ATM Future Trends 2009 keynote address by association president Tom Harper.
Moderated by Tracy Kitten, senior editor of ATM Marketplace, the panel will discuss the results of the industry-wide survey conducted by ATM Marketplace. During the presentation and discussion, Kitten and the panelists will review the accuracy of 2004's Future Trends publication, as well as the trends industry experts expect to be front and center in the next five to 10 years.
Panelists at the ATM Future Trends 2009 presentation will include Debbie Bianucci, chief executive, BAI; Steve Hensley, EVP Global Sales, KAL; and Patrick Wright, president and chief executive, Wincor Nixdorf Inc., USA. The panelists will share their predictions for the industry's future and reflect on the ATM Future Trends survey results and the predictions of their peers.
For more information about the ATM Future Trends Report 2009, visit ATMmarketplace.com.
For more information about the AMTIA Annual Conference and Expo, visit ATMIAconferences.com.
Friday, 09 January 2009
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Source Technologies has announced the launched of the ServPoint family of self-service kiosks. The ServPoint family offers a wide range of touchscreen, interactive self-service kiosks designed for a host of applications within retail, healthcare, education and other verticals. These kiosk solutions come in a variety of sizes ranging from 7.5 inches to 19 inches and offer an assortment of peripheral options, a range of processor speeds and a modular design platform. The ServPoint family combines flexibility in configuration with integrated options that can be easily added or removed as application requirements evolve or change.
"Source Technologies is a respected player in the self-service bill payment industry," said Sarah Burkhart, director of product marketing for Source Technologies. "We are now taking that expertise and applying it to solutions for the many self-service interactive applications that exist within retail, healthcare, entertainment, education and many other industries. By automating point of interaction applications, users can achieve consistently high levels of customer service without placing a burden on their staffing budgets or employees' time. The ServPoint models offer a cost-effective and well-designed interactive solution from an industry leader in self-service solutions."
Because the devices utilize the Windows Embedded for Point of Service (WEPOS) operating system and its vast peripheral drive library, ServPoint products can also support an array of external device options including printers, biometric devices, RFID readers and others. Additionally, WEPOS is based on Windows XP, so it offers users a familiar development and operation environment, enabling implementers to quickly pilot off-the-shelf applications or create custom applications with minimal IT resources.
Thursday, 08 January 2009
SEATTLE, Wash. -- MOD Systems, a provider of digital media delivery systems for retailers, has announced in a news release that it has signed agreements with Warner Brothers and Paramount Digital Entertainment to digitally distribute motion pictures via downloads to SD cards in retail stores.
The agreements enable MOD Systems to offer brick-and-mortar retailers a vast digital inventory of standard definition titles, including new releases, and make titles available to consumers in conjunction with availability from leading online providers.
"MOD Systems offers a new avenue for consumers looking to access Paramount Pictures movies on-the-go, with a solution that is quick, convenient and compatible across a wide range of devices," said Alex Carloss, executive vice president of digital distribution for Paramount Digital Entertainment.
Currently, MOD Systems' maintains a digital entertainment catalog of 4,000 titles from major studios and independents such as Anchor Bay Entertainment, First Look Studios and Image Entertainment. The catalog also includes nearly 4 million music tracks.
In Sept. 2008, Toshiba Corp. and NCR Corp. purchased minority shares in MOD Systems. NCR and MOD Systems are partnering to provide digital downloads on NCR kiosks.
Thursday, 08 January 2009
U.S. News & World Report: The Consumer Electronics Show is taking place this week in Las Vegas and David LaGesse of U.S. News & World Report has identified what he believes to be the five new technologies that will help define 2009. Among them is digital download technology. He cites efforts made by Mod Systems, Toshiba and NCR to get a foothold in this arena. "The use of Secure Digital memory cards is just one approach to kiosks, which other companies will use to instantly burn movie DVDs," LaGesse wrote. "But it's the use of memory chips that's most intriguing, with their portability and cheap and easy playback."
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Thursday, 08 January 2009
MALVERN, Pa. -- USA Technologies, a provider of cashless transaction processing, networked services and energy management for unattended devices, has announced an exclusive deal with AIR-serv Group LLC, a provider of tire inflation and car vacuum kiosks.
Under the agreement, USA Technologies would provide ePort card readers for all of AIR-serv's kiosks, which are located in gas stations across the U.S.
The announcement came in a letter from USA Technologies to its shareholders.
"Now motorists who pull into gas stations or convenience stores would be able to use their debit or credit card to operate the kiosks that will inflate their tires or vacuum the interior of their cars," the letter read. "AIR-serv has an install base of 90,000 kiosks."
Thursday, 08 January 2009
Largo (Florida) Leader: City officials in Largo, Fla., are seeking a grant to finance a new citizens center at the city's public library, and they want interactive self-service kiosks to be a part of it. The citizens center would likely serve as an alternative to City Hall, where citizens could access the kiosks to obtain information on grant applications, small business development, workforce development, environmental issues, public safety and disaster preparedness, health and wellness and civic and community involvement.
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Wednesday, 07 January 2009
This week, Hanesbrand Inc., the nationally recognized provider of clothing, has plans to open the Disney Design-A-Tee retail outlet at Disney World's Downtown Disney in Orlando, where customers will be able to design their own t-shirts on interactive touchscreen kiosks, according to a report filed by the Orlando Business Journal.
SelfService.org recently spoke with Matt Hall, vice president of external communications for Hanesbrand Inc. Hall said there will be eight t-shirt making stations at four kiosks deployed throughout the 1,100 square-foot store. Users will have the opportunity to select from various t-shirt sizes and styles and will be able to choose from a catalog of over 100 artwork images featuring a variety of Disney characters, which can be included on the shirt.
Once the user has designed the t-shirt via the touchscreen, the design will be processed and electronically communicated to the store's t-shirt printing machine. The artwork will then be printed on the shirt, which can be ready in as little as 15 minutes, though Hall said the wait may be longer if a large number of customers are using the kiosks at once.
Hall said the Design-A-Tee store is currently the only deployment to be given the green light, but if the kiosks are successful, his company might roll out more.
"We think it's a pretty big idea, so we think there will probably be an opportunity to expand within the Disney network," Hall said, adding that Hanes has a marketing partnership with the entertainment giant.
He said his company took its time developing the kiosks, as there were significant challenges to overcome.
"It's taken us two years to get the technology to work - to be able to print on multiple colored shirts," Hall said. "It's not only white shirts. You can print on dark shirts. And we're using water-based ink, so it's environmentally friendly."
A grand opening for the store will be held on Friday, Jan. 9, 2009, according to a news release from Walt Disney World Resort. The event will be accompanied by balloon decor, confetti cannons, a giant t-shirt cake and a special visit from Mickey Mouse.
Wednesday, 07 January 2009
Government Technology: Just because a company deploys self-service doesn't mean it can just assume customers know how to use it. A successful deployment hinges on patient employees who are willing to guide the uninitiated through the user interface. Columnist Andy Opsahl opines on an unfortunate experience he had with a deployer that simply dumped him in front of a kiosk without providing any assistance.
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Wednesday, 07 January 2009
TradingMarkets.com: Brookwood Systems, a provider of in-store interactive self-service solutions, has donated a map kiosk to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation in Palo Alto, Calif. The kiosk acts as an interactive personnel directory and a wayfinding station, and will be installed at PAMF's Mountain View Center. Visitors can use a touchscreen LCD to find the location of a medical provider or department and be given the best way to reach their destination.
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Wednesday, 07 January 2009
ABERDEEN, N.C. -- Meridian Kiosks is set to unveil its new swipe & GO! line of self-checkout kiosks at the National Retail Federation's "Big Show" in New York later this month. The kiosks, a joint solution between Meridian and NEXTEP Systems will be displayed in the Hewlett Packard booth.
According to a news release, the kiosk line is designed to fit in any environment have a rapid ROI. The focus of the brand was to make self-checkout simple, quick and reliable.
"Lines in stores are never a good thing," said David Annas, vice president of operations at Meridian. "I have witnessed many lost sales due to customers that don't want to wait to pay for items and just leave or turn away at the door."
Wednesday, 07 January 2009
LONDON -- Scala, a provider of end-to-end solutions for the digital signage and management markets, has announced the appointment of Damon Crowhurst to the role of director of business development and services for Europe, the Middle East and Asia (EMEA).
According to a news release, Crowhurst's career includes working at recognized companies such as AMX, where he held the position of market development director for the Inspired Signage product. He also served as the U.K. sales director for Interceptor Inc. Additionally, Crowhurst was an original member of the Interactive Advertising team responsible for the development of the Interactive Advertising proposition for the NTL Cable TV product offering (now Virgin Media.) His responsibilities included the technical specification of the proposition and its introduction and delivery to the wider advertising market.
"We welcome Damon Crowhurst to our team," said Oscar Elizage, vice president of Scala for EMEA. "Damon has a comprehensive background in digital signage software technology and services, with significant experience in market development, project structuring, management and delivery."
Tuesday, 06 January 2009
The New York Times: As the culture morphs, so morphs the techniques the military must use to win new recruits. That's the logic behind a new U.S. Army recruitment center at the Franklin Mills mall in Philadelphia. Rows of arcade games have replaced rows of desks, including flight simulators and military shoot-'em-ups. Prospective recruits are invited to play the games for free. In addition to the fast-paced arcade, there are also information kiosks loaded with descriptions of 179 jobs in the Army, including details on salaries and benefits.
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Tuesday, 06 January 2009
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Source Technologies has announced the inauguration of a corporate rebranding, according to a news release. That rebranding includes a new corporate logo, a new tagline and a brand new coporate color scheme.
For more than 20 years, Source Technologies has been a provider of secure printing, payment and self-service solutions.
"The nature of the company is changing," said William Bouverie, president and chief executive of Source Technologies. "We are transitioning from a successful value-added distributor to an organization that designs, develops and manufactures its own world-class solutions. We want to recognize this transformation with branding elements that reflect where we are going as a company."
The new green and grey logo was developed to reflect a more modern edge. The addition of a globe to the logo is intended to symbolize the relationships Source Technologies has with its international customers and business partners. The new tagline, "Innovate. Inspire. Achieve.," was created to represent the key aspects of Source Technologies' approach to business opportunities, according to the release.
Source Technologies, a vendor member of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association, has already begun converting to the new brand with the re-launch of their corporate Web site and a host of rebranding initiatives.
Tuesday, 06 January 2009
DALLAS -- 7-Eleven Inc., one of the nation's largest c-store retailers, has signed an agreement to deploy redbox DVD kiosks to approximately half of its U.S. stores nationwide by the end of 2009.
According to a news release, the agreement would make 7-Eleven Inc. one of redbox's largest retail partners and will increase current redbox locations by more than 15 percent in 2009. The DVD kiosks will be primarily located on the exterior of the stores.
"This is another example of 7-Eleven's move to be more relevant to consumers seeking affordable entertainment," said Kevin Elliott, senior vice president of merchandising for 7-Eleven. "Redbox is yet another convenience 7-Eleven can offer customers and one that will not only save them time, but money."
Tuesday, 06 January 2009
Learn more about the exhibitors at this year's NRF show at Retail Customer Experience: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Regular attendees to the NRF "Big Show" are used to seeing things done on a grand scale – this is a show that lives up to its name, year in, year out. And this year, the show is demonstrating how self-service technology is improving the retail customer experience in a big way.
One focus this year will be the way in which interactive kiosks can help save the brick-and-mortar music store. An area on the show floor, known as the "Sonic Bar," will demonstrate how new trends, ranging from digital signage and interactive kiosks to loyalty programs and ideas for social retailing, can give online shoppers new incentive to drop their laptops and head for the mall.
"Retailers are competing with various multiple channels, and this limits their chance to upsell and connect with their customers in person," said Susan Newman, vice president of conferences for NRF. "We designed the Sonic Bar as a music store because this is the best example of a challenged retail environment. We will use the Sonic Bar to show retailers how to get their customer's attention, get them involved through gaming and social retailing, and keep them as loyal customers for years to come."
Richard Russo, president and creative director with Hybridia Design, which is designing the store, said the music store concept is the perfect vehicle for demonstrating the value an enhanced and exciting customer experience can bring to the retailer.
"The music store model was chosen because it represented something that has become obsolete based on how music shoppers shop today," he said. "With the onset of purchasing downloads via the Web, yesterday's music stores had very little reason to exist. We took this challenge as a way to show retailers how innovation, and understanding their prospects' interests, can morph into the next exciting opportunity."
Russo said the Sonic Bar will in some ways be the opposite of a traditional music store, which is usually designed around racks of product. The Sonic Bar space will be more open, he said, allowing traffic to move more fluidly. That traffic will be guided through the space via LED lighting technology that leads shoppers to intended destinations. "We are shedding the old means of fixture blockades to force traffic where the retailer wants them to move," he said. "Sonic Bar's space will live, because it will engage the attendees into several immersive, reactive and interactive scenarios. Experiential situations will occur wherever one moves."
One of those experiential situations comes at the Genre Kiosk Stations. Once an attendee touches the screen and selects a musical genre, music starts to play — and other sensory stimuli click into place, too. For instance, if the user selects jazz, scents of leather, bourbon and cigar smoke start to fill the air. Screens begin to show images of products, events or services that should be of interest to a jazz-head — jazz-influenced clothes, a cigar store, or concert tickets for upcoming events.
"The attendee will be able to see the exciting potential of how a retailer's store can transcend far beyond sitting at home and downloading music," Russo said.
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What to know before you go
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NRF Retail's Big Show
January 11-14, 2009
Jacob K. Javits Center
New York City
Click for more info
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Live entertainment is also part of the experience, as is social networking. Screens throughout the store will broadcast live events from remote stores. A social networking platform will allow shoppers to create on-screen avatars of themselves, then play games in the store to earn that avatar purchasing points. It's all aimed at giving shoppers something they can't get at their home computer – an interactive, social phenomenon that makes them want to stay in the store.
"The Sonic Bar will disorient the shopper's expectations, and deliver something much more compelling," Russo said.
The Sonic Bar will be just one stop as attendees travel through the Customer Experience Pavilion, a sprawling 12,000 square foot playground of technologies, applications and solutions (download a map of the Pavilion).
Inside the Customer Experience Pavilion
There's a lot more to the Pavilion than the Sonic Bar. Check out these noteworthy technologies and solutions from the floor of the Customer Experience Pavilion. (Download an annotated map of the pavilion.)
5Stat focuses on enhancing the customer experience through the integration of RFID, interactive displays and wireless technology. Their solutions not only capture the user experience but also provide the retailer with insight and business intelligence.
Alert Technologies offers fitting room technology that gives customers an easy way to connect with store associates. Shoppers that use the Alert fitting room system buy three times as much as those who merely browse, and more than twice as much as customers who use the fitting room unattended.
Countwise delivers critical tools that enable retailers to measure customer traffic; that data can be used to improve conversion rates, integrate traffic and POS data, improve ad campaigns and optimize the staff-to-customer ratio.
Ernex's real-time loyalty and stored-value gift card solutions help retailers interact dynamically with consumers and build long-term relationships. The company's Promotional Tool Kit can be layered on top of a gift and stored-value card program to create real-time marketing campaigns based on shopper behavior.
Gempsy manufactures self-service electronic terminals used for price verification, product information and advertising. And the company's I-POP software makes it easy for retailers to create content for the point of purchase.
IBM's technology at the show will allow retailers to interact with savvy consumers in new ways and places. Cell phones, mobile point-of-sale devices and ultra-compact kiosks will unleash the brand in new and exciting ways through the "self-directed shopping experience."
Intava will present its innovations in dynamic touchscreen merchandising. The company's screens create "virtual shelf space," which enables customers to examine and assess a very large menu of products and features, and simplifies buying.
Mindshare's Enterprise Feedback Management tools help retailers improve operations and minimize customer attrition through personal customer involvement. The company's proprietary survey technology captures feedback in real time — and immediately turns it into actionable intelligence.
STRATACACHE will demonstrate its enterprise software solutions for digital signage, video-on-demand, IP/TV and content distribution. Attendees will be able to test the company's turnkey ActiVia for Media 3.0 solution, which includes full content scheduling, distribution, device/display management and reporting.
Wireless Ronin will give attendees insight into its RoninCase software suite, which allows retailers to control their dynamic messaging from one central location while keeping messages fresh and relevant.
Monday, 05 January 2009
(Makita City, Philippines) Business Mirror: IBM is predicting that five developments in the next five years will dramatically change consumer lifestyles. Among them: the proliferation of handheld so-called "personal shopping assistants." These self-service devices would enable shoppers to scan and bag items as they're shopping, eliminating most of the check-out process. IBM believes that most consumers will own a personal shopping assistant by the end of the five-year period.
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Monday, 05 January 2009
EXTON, Pa. -- Scala, a provider of end-to-end solutions for the digital signage and advertising management markets, and a member of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association, has rennovated its Web site (www.scala.com) with a brand new layout and additional resources.
According to a news release, Scala's new Web site has been given a ground up re-architecture, providing the marketing team with the ability to change content quickly and easily.
"Since the digital signage industry is evolving so rapidly, Scala needed the ability to edit content on the fly so we can better educate the visitors to our Web site about the latest industry information," said Andrea Waldin, vice president of marketing.
The highlight of the new Web site is the Solutions Gallery, where customer profiles are provided to visitors looking for examples of digital signage in a specific vertical market or application. The Solutions Gallery currently features digital signage customer stories in banking and financial, corporate communications, digital menu boards, education, entertainment, government, healthcare, hospitality, outdoor, retail and transportation. This market-centric approach ensures that visitors to the Scala Web site can easily find relevant information, allowing them to make informed decisions about their digital signage projects.
"2009 is shaping up to be a great year for Scala and we're excited to see our new look, our Web site and Release 4 of Scala5 coming together all at once," said Waldin. "We're certainly putting oru best foot forward in 2009."
Monday, 05 January 2009
The Seattle Times: It won't be long before moviegoers in Seattle will be able to walk up to the theater after hours and purchase movie tickets. The Paramount and The Moore theaters, both owned by the Seattle Theatre Group, are going to install 24-hour ticketing kiosks on the outside of their theaters, in addition to offering self-service ticket sales on their new Web site.
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Monday, 05 January 2009
The New York Times: At most weddings, there are 10,000 good picture opportunities but only one photographer - one professional photographer, that is. How many couples have been frustrated because that photographer wasn't at the right place at the right time to snap the perfect shot? A newly developed kiosk may change all of that. The wedding kiosk, developed by a 33-year-old graduate student at the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business, lets wedding guests insert their memory cards and upload digital images from their cameras, so the bride and groom can have access to everyone's photos.
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Monday, 05 January 2009
MENLO PARK, Calif. -- BevMo!, a high-end beverage retailer, and Wine Market Assistant LLC, a manufacturer of self-service kiosks that provide information on the wine industry, have announced the installation of self-service kiosk technology. The Wine Market Assistant kiosk creates a new channel through which BevMo! can market to customers at the point of decision, while also providing them with premium self-service.
The kiosk arms consumers with ratings and reviews of wine, beer and spirits offered by BevMo!. Consumers can also sign up for the ClubBev! savings card at the kiosk - a discount offering that builds customer loyalty. Through the self-service device, ClubBev! members can access their Rewards status and print out coupons for a 5 percent purchase discount.
"The self-service kiosk has become an important offering to the overall BevMo! shopping experience," said Mark Ryan, director of marketing for BevMo! "This concept gives our customers and employees the ability to quickly find product information and easily search our wide selection of wine, beer and spirits. By enabling customers to create ClubBev! accounts and access their rewards while shopping, the kiosk provides immediate savings that our customers appreciate."
Sunday, 04 January 2009
DAYTON, Ohio -- 72 percent of U.S. consumers who were interviewed for a survey commissioned by NCR Corp. say they are more likely to shop with a retailer that offers the flexibility to interact via online, mobile and kiosk channels than a retailer that doesn't.
According to the survey, unprecedented price wars and product promotions by retailers may be saving consumers money, but also costing them more in terms of personal time.
The research reveals that bargain conscious American consumers are spending more time evaluating less familiar brands, switching among stores to capitalize on deals and also scheduling their shopping trips to coincide with the arrival of paychecks.
As a result, retailers stand the best chance of winning consumers' business if they can make things faster and easier through more in-store help from staff, faster checkout and seamless integration of store offerings with Internet and mobile technologies.
"People assume that in an economic downturn, the consumer is only motivated by price, but this research shows that retailers also need to deliver on changing service expectations that consumers say they value as well," said Mike Webster, chief strategy and communications officer for NCR Corp. "Consumers in these uncertain times are clearly showing a preference for retailers that can meet their expectations through self-service options on the Web, mobile and in-store. These technologies are playing a growing role in helping retailers deliver competitive advantage."
Critically, the research reveals that shoppers believe a range of multi-channel and in-store self-service technologies play a vital role in meeting service needs and they will differentiate between retailers that offer these technologies and ones that do not.
- 72 percent said they are more likely to shop with a retailer that gives consumers the flexibility to interact easily via online, mobile and kiosk self-service channels versus a retailer that does not.
- Around half, 49 percent, believe kiosks that show them where to find products in stores would be convenient.
- 43 percent believe receiving discount offerings and product information on large screens in store would be convenient, while 39 percent want self-return solutions for processing returns quickly.
According to NCR, retailers using self-checkout systems experience decreased customer queue time of 40 percent and increased checkout speed of 20 percent.
NCR commissioned BuzzBack Market Research to conduct this survey among 500 U.S. respondents in Dec. 2008. The results form part of NCR's 2009 Self-Service consumer survey.
Friday, 02 January 2009
ExpressIndia.com: A new kiosk created by IBM is making it possible for residents in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh to view their land records. The first such touchscreen kiosk has been installed of the Lucknow district, with all of the districts expected to receive similar kiosks by mid-2009. Set up by the Board of Revenue, the software for the IBM kiosk has been custom designed in Hindi to suit the local requirements.
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Friday, 02 January 2009
U.S. News & World Report: New digital download kiosks - units that enable consumers to download music, movies and television shows onto digital memory cards - are expected to launched next week. The kiosks will start with single music tracks and then move to DVD-quality movies, but will eventually dump HD-quality films onto SD cards that can be plugged into set-top players or even TVs. Toshiba is a major backer of the kiosks. The company lost the movie format war, it's HD-DVD format falling to Sony's Blu-ray in the battle to replace DVDs. It appears Toshiba is doing what it can to undermine Blu-ray's success, though the company denies that the two formats are in competition.
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Friday, 02 January 2009
The (Singapore) Business Times: A recent U.S. consumer survey commissioned by IBM demonstrated a 50 percent growth in the use of self-service technology in the past year, with 70 percent of respondents indicating they expect businesses to offer more self-service options. If these figures are accurate, then success in the retail market hinges upon the stores' ability to deploy effective and relevant self-service options. The same is true of the Asian market. Nicholas Tan, general manager of IBM Singapore's general business unit, sounds off on the statistics.
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Friday, 02 January 2009
Mass High Tech (MHT): Eduardo Alvarez, founder of Vigix Inc., has teamed up with MIT's Media Lab and Ideo Inc. to create a vending kiosk that dispenses popular consumer electronics, including iPods, cell phones and related accessories. The plan is to deploy the vending kiosks in high-traffic locations like airports or malls. Unlike similar kiosks deployed by Zoom Systems, Vigix kiosks can be restocked by third-party courier services, such as UPS.
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