Miami Metrorail Rolls Out High-Tech Interactive Transit Kiosk

Miami-Dade’s Government Center lobby and second-floor transit station have rolled out the first of what’s planned to be many new high-tech interactive kiosks. The large (nearly 10’ tall!) kiosks offer a range of services, including the ability to charge cell phones, create personalized bus routes, and even take selfies that can be emailed to the user.

Each kiosk features a jumbo, dual-touchscreen monitor configuration. Visitors can choose a destination from the transit station location and calculate the most efficient route using county transportation to get there, including both buses and trains.

But what about that selfie option mentioned previously, you ask? A camera integrated into the kiosk has been configured to take a photo of the user from above, which is then superimposed on a palm tree (natch!) background by the operating system, and sent to them via email. According to Miami-Dade, email addresses are not captured and saved at this time and any such changes in the future to this policy, may they be made, will be clearly communicated.

 

NYC Subways Debuts Real-Time Transportation Information Kiosks

New York City subways are going digital with the deployment of interactive kiosks that provide travelers with real-time train and bus information, including not just arrival times, but also wayfinding maps, travel alerts and local area information. When kiosks are not actively in use, they are able to display digital content, including paid content from advertisers.

The New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NYC MTA) has launched the program, named “Time-and-Place,” in 42 stations across the city, and includes a countdown clock to provide live updates to passengers regarding transportation arrival times.

 

QSRs Find Interactive Kiosk Deployments Improve Customer Experience

A study by research firm Market Force Information states that 55% of today’s Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) consumers have used a tablet at the table or a smartphone app over the past 90 days to place an order. This is an enormous change from the previous time this poll was completed — in fact, it’s a 39% increase over 2015.  Consumers still appreciate the ability to order at the counter from an employee — just under half still prefer this option — but this number also marks a big change from two years ago, when 70% reported they would rather order the old-fashioned way.

With more QSRs adopting this technology in different formats, from mobile apps to delivery services to interactive kiosks, customers are clearly becoming more comfortable with self-service technology with this continued exposure. As consumer acceptance grows, it is likely the food service industry will continue the accelerated deployment of these types of technology into the market over the next several years.

 

Want to learn more about interactive kiosk solutions in QSR or transit environments? REDYREF has you covered. Request a quote today or call (800) 628-3603 for more information, and our experienced team will be there every step of the way to ensure your company’s unique kiosk needs and business goals are met.

When we think of interactive, self-service kiosks, what first comes to mind tends to be those that involve food service and retail. This is for good reason; these types of digital kiosks are the ones in the news because they are consumer-oriented and have been at the center of controversy (see also: McDonald’s vs. the $15 minimum wage) or are on the very cutting edge of technology (especially in flagship stores like Burberry, Nike and Tommy Hilfiger).

While these consumer-facing kiosks may be sexier, there are plenty of self-service kiosks that don’t get the attention they deserve, including human resources kiosks. Sure, they are more functional than fun, but human resources kiosks work behind the scenes to help companies make their employees’ lives easier from the very start. How?

Hiring and Job Application

Companies like Wal-Mart and Target have known for years that interactive human resources kiosks are a great solution to encourage job-seekers to apply for jobs.  These kiosks handle all of the intake information a paper form would, only it can now be conveniently saved to a central database.  That means that if there is no current position available in the store at which an individual applies, they can let the potential employee know of other jobs available in the area, as well as hold on to that information for future hiring purposes. This frees up store managers and HR specialists to handle other important tasks, rather than dealing with the initial intake of paper applications.

New-Hire Orientation

Is there a single person who has ever looked forward to this day?  It’s often unnecessarily long, boring and far from self-paced; possibly the least enjoyable way to start the exciting journey of a new job. And let’s face it — often, it has nothing to do with the new job itself. Interactive human resources kiosks allow employees to work through new-hire forms independently without killing trees made from piles of paper. Instead of being handed massive packets of company information, they can read through all of it on the kiosk, and choose to have a paperless version emailed to them for later reference.  Kiosks are also helpful when managing resources for orientations, especially for larger companies.  If there are 50 people starting one week, but only 5 the next, it may not make sense to allocate assign the same number of HR staff to cover it.  Self-service kiosks can take the place of those who would be more productive if left to handle other tasks.

Think interactive human resources kiosks are right for your company?

Come back next week when we’ll continue to discuss their advantages for internal use. If you’ve already decided self-service kiosks are the solution you’ve been looking for, contact RedyRef today at (800) 628-3603 or request a quote online and we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure that your self-service kiosk program meets every one of your business’ unique needs and goals.

Interest in Digital License Plates is Gearing Up

Will digital license plates become the new standard with the dawn of the driverless car era? Compliance Innovations, a South Carolina start-up, thinks so, at least as it pertains to vehicle fleets, like the kind that will someday be owned by Uber and Lyft. The license plate is actually a screen, which can show plate information when the car is driving, but when parked, can be used to show advertisements or other relevant messaging that has been customized based on the vehicle’s location. It has already been approved for use in California and Florida, with Texas on the way, and at least six more states are reviewing this technology for potential future use.

Please Do Not Lick Your Fingers Before Using KFC’s New Self-Service Kiosks

Kentucky Fried Chicken is on the verge of launching a 5000 store roll-out of interactive kiosks with facial recognition across China. The kiosks feature artificial intelligence software that will allow them to predict what a customer may want to order. The deployment is coming on the heels of its successful test of the technology in Beijing. However, KFC will likely have to reckon with the fact that many customers may not want the facial impressions generated by the software stored in a database. Concerns about privacy are only becoming stronger with advances in technology, so it remains to be seen how users will react to this idea over time.

Shares of Panera Bread Company Hit Record High, Assisted by New Leaps in Self-Service Technologies

Shares of Panera Bread just hit a record high, and company executives firmly believe that success lies in the deployment of new customer-centric interactive technologies. Panera has invested heavily over the last two years in both in-store digital kiosks and in their smartphone app that helps customers place, pay for and pick up their orders easily and seamlessly. These changes also appear to be offsetting some of Panera’s labor costs, which would be especially impactful in areas with higher minimum wages, such as New York, Washington and California.

 

Think interactive kiosks and are right for your company? We’re happy to help you find out. Contact RedyRef today at (800) 628-3603 today or request a quote online and we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure that your self-service kiosk program meets every one of your business’ unique needs and goals.

Meet today’s customers where they are with digital outdoor self-service kiosks by REDYREF:

The demand for outdoor digital kiosks is growing rapidly, and we know this because we hear it directly from our customers. Every day, questions about outdoor kiosks come pouring in—from general inquiries about implementation to more complex concerns about kiosk security. When we see consistent interest in a topic, we know it’s time to share insights that can help as many people as possible. That’s why we’ve created this “Outdoor Kiosks 101” guide to address the basics. Let’s dive in!

Why Are Outdoor Kiosks More Expensive?

One of the first questions we’re asked is about cost. Outdoor kiosks often (though not always) come with a higher price tag than indoor kiosks. Why? It’s all about durability and security.

Think about it: an indoor kiosk in a controlled environment like a shopping mall or office building is shielded from the elements and often protected by on-site security. Many of these locations even shut down overnight, offering additional safeguards. In contrast, outdoor kiosks are exposed 24/7 to a wide range of environmental and security challenges, including:

•Weather Extremes: Wind, rain, snow, and even hurricanes.

•Temperature Fluctuations: From scorching heat to freezing cold.

•Security Risks: Vandalism, theft attempts, and other unauthorized interactions.

To withstand these challenges, outdoor kiosks are built with heavy-duty materials like ruggedized steel, weatherproof enclosures, tamper-resistant hardware, and high-grade seals to prevent water and dust intrusion. These features ensure the kiosks remain operational and secure, even in harsh conditions—but they also increase manufacturing costs.

Do You Really Need an Outdoor Kiosk?

Not every application requires the extra durability of an outdoor kiosk. That’s why one of our first priorities at REDYREF is helping customers determine whether an outdoor kiosk is truly the best solution for their needs—or if an indoor kiosk might work just as well.

For instance, if your kiosk will be placed in a semi-protected location, such as under an awning or in a sheltered entryway, an indoor kiosk with minor modifications may suffice. However, if it’s going to be fully exposed to the elements or high-traffic public areas, an outdoor kiosk is likely the smarter choice to ensure longevity and functionality.

Making the Right Investment

At REDYREF, we’re committed to providing solutions that maximize ROI for our clients. While outdoor kiosks are an excellent investment in many cases, they’re not always necessary. Our goal is to match you with the kiosk solution that aligns with your needs—not the most expensive option.

If you do require an outdoor kiosk, you can count on us to guide you through every step of the process, from design to deployment. Whether it’s ensuring the kiosk meets ADA compliance standards, selecting the right hardware for your application, or creating custom kiosk software for a seamless user experience, our team is here to help.

Ready to Explore Outdoor Kiosks?

If you’re already leaning toward an outdoor kiosk solution, stay tuned—next week, we’ll explore the 5 Ws of Outdoor Kiosks: Who, What, Where, When, and Why. This will give you a deeper understanding of how to plan for a successful deployment.

Still undecided? No problem. We’re here to answer your questions and help you evaluate your options. Contact REDYREF today at (800) 628-3603 or request a quote for outdoor kiosk manufacturing. Let’s work together to find the kiosk solution that’s right for you!

It is impossible to deny the growing popularity of interactive kiosks and the digital technologies that are playing a part in this trend, including digital signage. In fact, Zion Market Research recently published a report stating that the global self-service technology market accounted for $15.70 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $37.75 billion by 2021, growing at a CAGR of around 15.8% between 2016 and 2021. That’s truly exceptional growth. Today, we wanted to catch up RedyRef’s readers on some of the news we’ve come across as it relates to developments concerning the use of interactive kiosks and digital signage across several industries.

First up, the rapidly-growing use of self-service kiosks by state DMVs for driver’s license or car registration renewal. While the kiosks themselves are certainly more convenient than waiting in long DMV lines, better yet, they are being placed in areas such as grocery stores and malls, which means users can now combine errands in a much more convenient way.  Some of the states that are rolling out this technology, or already have it in place, include Georgia, North Dakota, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and California. Although there is always a learning curve when introducing a new self-service technology, most people believe that Gen X and especially Millennial users will take to this trend fast, allowing it to spread quickly over the coming years.

Next, it was recently announced that Saudi Arabian Bank has begun installing interactive kiosks with biometric technology integrations for their customers.  The use of biometrics, such as the retina and fingerprint scanners offered by RedyRef, gives users an additional level of safety and security, one that is much greater than a simple pin number or password.  Some of these technologies are already being integrated into cellular phones for an additional layer of security, so it makes sense that the use of biometrics is starting to grow for interactive kiosks, too.

Finally, Carnival Corporation (operator of multiple cruise lines, including Princess, Carnival and Holland America) is in the process of testing a form of RFID technology they hope will simplify and personalize their passengers’ experiences on their ships. The key lies in a small chip, encased in a medallion, that can be unobtrusively worn or stored in a wallet or handbag.  The chip will allow guests to unlock room doors automatically, or give them automatic entrance into different shows or entertainment venues onboard.  It can even store information about restaurant reservations, including food and drink preferences. The chip also lets Carnival more seamlessly communicate with passengers by sending personalized messages and recommendations to digital signage both in public areas and in their rooms, based on stored preferences.  What these chips will not do, however, is store sensitive information, such as room number or credit card numbers.  It remains to be seen whether customers will take to this technology or not, but it will be interesting to find out more once the results are in.

Think interactive kiosks and are right for your company? We’re happy to help you find out. Contact RedyRef today at (800) 628-3603 today or request a quote online and we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure that your self-service kiosk program meets every one of your business’ unique needs and goals.

The traditional pen-and-paper sign-in sheet at the front desk looks and feels outdated in most environments. In today's digital-first world, it's not just about looking modern (though that's a plus!). It's about efficiency, security, and creating a positive experience for everyone who walks through your doors. As experienced professionals in the kiosk and digital signage industry, we've seen firsthand how transitioning to a digital visitor management system (VMS) can transform a lobby from a bottleneck to a streamlined welcome center.

Why Ditch the Paper Trail? The Benefits of Digital Visitor Management

Think about your typical workday. How often do you prefer self-service options? Whether it's checking out at the grocery store or researching a product online, we all value efficiency and control over our time. This preference extends to visitor check-ins as well.

Here's why a digital VMS makes sense:

Enhanced Security:

This is a big one. Knowing who is in your building at all times is paramount. Digital systems can capture accurate visitor information, verify identities, print photo badges, and even conduct background checks if needed. This is a significant upgrade from illegible handwriting and potentially fake names on a paper log. Plus integrating with access control systems, a VMS can further enhance security protocols.

Improved Efficiency:

No more waiting for a receptionist to become available. Visitors can quickly self-register using a touchscreen check-in kiosk, freeing up your staff to focus on other tasks. The system can automatically notify employees of their guest's arrival via email or SMS, further streamlining the process.

Professional First Impression:

Your lobby is the first physical touchpoint for visitors. A sleek, modern digital kiosk with a user-friendly interface makes a strong statement about your company's commitment to innovation and efficiency.

Data and Analytics:

Digital systems provide valuable data on visitor traffic patterns, peak hours, and visit durations. This information can be used to optimize staffing levels, improve security protocols, and make data-driven decisions about your facility.

Compliance and Legal Protection:

Many industries have regulations regarding visitor logging and data privacy (like GDPR). A robust visitor management system can help ensure compliance and provide an audit trail in case of any incidents.

Integration with Other Systems:

Modern VMS solutions often integrate with other building management systems, such as access control, calendar applications, and emergency notification systems. This creates a cohesive and efficient ecosystem for managing your facility.

Health and Safety:

Especially relevant in recent times, VMSes can facilitate contactless check-in, health screenings, and capacity management to ensure a safe environment for everyone. This could include features like pre-registration health questionnaires or integration with temperature scanning devices.

What to Look for in a Visitor Management System: Key Features

Not all visitor management solutions are created equal. Here are some essential features to consider:

• User-Friendly Interface: The system should be intuitive and easy to use for visitors of all technical abilities. A touchscreen kiosk with clear instructions and multiple language options is ideal.
• Customization: The system should be adaptable to your specific needs. This includes customizable workflows, branding options, and the ability to tailor the registration process to different visitor types (guests, contractors, deliveries, etc.).
• ID Verification and Badge Printing: The ability to scan IDs, capture photos, and print customized badges (with barcodes or QR codes) is crucial for security and identification purposes. Some systems even offer temporary badges that expire after a certain time.
• Employee Notifications: Automated notifications via email, SMS, or integration with communication platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams ensure that employees are promptly alerted to their visitors' arrival.
• Reporting and Analytics: The system should provide detailed reports on visitor activity, allowing you to track trends, identify bottlenecks, and make data-informed decisions.
• Security and Data Privacy: Ensure the system complies with relevant data privacy regulations and offers robust security features to protect sensitive information. Look for features like data encryption and secure cloud storage.
• Integration Capabilities: The ability to integrate with your existing access control, calendar, and other building management systems is a significant advantage.
• Scalability: Choose a system that can grow with your needs. As your organization expands or your visitor volume increases, you'll want a VMS that can adapt without requiring a complete overhaul.

Making the Transition: It's Easier Than You Think

Switching to a digital VMS might seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Partnering with an experienced provider can make the process smooth and seamless. They offer comprehensive support, from initial consultation and system design to installation, training, and ongoing technical assistance.

The Bottom Line: Investing in a Modern Visitor Management System is Investing in Your Future

By embracing digital visitor management, you're not just upgrading your lobby; you're enhancing security, improving efficiency, and creating a more positive experience for everyone who interacts with your organization. It's a smart investment that pays dividends in the long run.

Ready to explore how a digital visitor management system can benefit your organization? Contact us today to learn more and request a quote.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general guidance and may not be applicable to every organization's unique situation. Consult with security and legal professionals for tailored recommendations. Remember to comply with all relevant accessibility regulations when implementing visitor management solutions.

Self-service digital kiosks are rapidly entering different market sectors, in particular food service and retail. However, there’s a less-often discussed type of interactive kiosk that is also gaining steam, and that’s the bill-payment or financial services kiosk.  It’s understandable that bill payment kiosks may not be getting the same amount of recognition that other kiosks often do; they certainly don’t offer the same opportunities for fun or innovative integrations that, say, a Wendy’s ordering kiosk or an automated Best Buy vending machine might.  What benefits bill pay kiosks do offer, though, is a solution to a need that is truly evergreen, one that is both desirable to consumers and profitable for those who choose to install them.

Financial Services Kiosks: Product Offerings

Before making a decision to install a self-service bill pay or financial services kiosk, the most important thing to do is to identify exactly what types of products you want to offer.  Are you a utility company and would like to give customers another option to make last-minute payments?  Are you a university that wants to allow students to make tuition payments on campus?  Or are you a retailer that wants to make it simpler for visitors to purchase, reload or check the balance of gift cards in-store?  Each of these scenarios requires different software, hardware and environmental considerations when designing, manufacturing and deploying the related interactive kiosk.

Utility Company Bill Payment Kiosks

The first potential project listed above, the utility company, is probably the simplest in some ways. It will likely only provide a few options for its use, such as basic bill payment or checking an account balance.  However, because this type of bill pay kiosk is going to deal in cash payments, much more so than other kiosks might, it also requires an incredible amount of security built into it in order to detect fraudulent currency (much like an ATM might), as well as the ability to dispense exact change if necessary.

Payment Kiosks for Universities

The second type of kiosk can be both stand-alone, or part of a more complex self-service system.  Universities have actually been amazingly progressive with their use of interactive kiosks on their campuses, using them to do everything from reload “campus cash” cards to pay parking fines and find directions around town.  It stands to reason, then, that these kiosks may require a broad number of different integrations, from receipt and ticket printers, to cash intake slots, to dual monitors that allow two different sets of information to be displayed at once.

Retail Financial Services Kiosks

Our final example is the retail financial service kiosk.  These, too, can, cover a broad range of opportunities for companies to interact with customers.  One of the primary uses is to allow visitors to purchase and reload gift cards, which means cash intake slots and a card dispensing system would both be necessary, as would a receipt printer.  However, retailers are now using the same kiosks to also allow customers to apply for store-branded credit cards, or even apply for jobs.  This means integrating a real keyboard — instead of just a keyboard on the touchscreen — may be optimal for encouraging the completion of either of these tasks. They are also combined with store information and directories, and even bridal or baby registries. Even Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency vendors are getting into the financial services kiosk game, with ATM-style machines popping up everywhere from gas stations to grocery stores.

It’s clear that there is strong consumer interest in self-service kiosks, and now is the time to parlay this enthusiasm into a healthier bottom line for your business. And while there are clearly challenges to designing and deploying a new bill payment or financial services kiosk program, the process does not need to be as difficult or complicated as it may first seem. The key to success is partnering with an experienced, vertically integrated manufacturer like RedyRef. Contact us today at (800) 628-3603 today or request a quote online and we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure that your kiosk meets every one of your business’ unique needs.

Over the last two weeks, we’ve covered several different aspects of the role of drive through digital menu boards in QSR and quick-service drive-through environments. With a special focus on how digital signage can enhance customer satisfaction while bolstering bottom lines by increasing opportunities for additional revenue. When a single investment holds the potential to enhance customer satisfaction and bolstering bottom lines by increasing opportunities for additional revenue, it’s easy to see why they are being deployed at almost jaw-dropping rates.  In fact, restaurants that implement digital boards at the drive thru generally experience a sales increase averaging between 5-8%. But how do we ensure that’s what happens — that the program is a success?  And what are the pain points that should be addressed before making the leap into such an important investment?

Let’s start with something basic that is nearly always a primary concern of customers coming to RedyRef for help with outdoor menu boards, and that’s durability.  Because let’s be honest, for a long time, digital signage just wasn’t suited for outdoor applications. Sun glare from direct sunlight, frost, dirt, exhaust — you name it.  It was a problem.  However, many of today’s boards have been developed precisely for outdoor use.  Gone are the days when extreme heat and cold, rain, snow or even vandalism could easily take down an expensive piece of equipment.  Now it’s possible to place high-impact digital menu boards in almost any outdoor environment, thanks to massive advances in durability, and realistically expect that this investment will last for many years to come.

The second set of concerns we hear most from customers, after questions regarding durability, has to do with how complicated it is to customize and configure drive-thru digital menu boards for their unique situations. While there was a point in time where it could be rather painful to do much beyond the basics, the rate at which technology has transformed digital signage has been nothing less than spectacular.  This means that tailoring menu boards to our clients’ exact specifications is now easier than ever. Whether we are asked to develop complex pre-selling screens, integrate eye-catching video, or incorporate two-way cameras into a dynamic menu board, it’s truly become a matter of “if you can dream it, we can do it;” almost anything is possible.

While there are clearly challenges to planning and deploying an outdoor digital menu board program for drive-thrus, the process can be much simplified when you partner with an experienced, vertically-integrated manufacturer like RedyRef. Contact us today at (800) 628-3603 today or request a quote online and we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure that your program meets every one of your business’ unique needs, from indoor digital boards to outdoor, weatherproof dynamic displays.

Any player in the QSR space will tell you that, beyond keeping a close eye on margins, the most important factor is customer engagement and satisfaction.  One of the easiest and best ways to ensure that your customers have a terrible experience is service that is both frustrating and slow, especially at the drive thru window.  While there are certainly customers who just don’t feel like parking and dealing with standing in line, there is a larger percentage who choose drive-thru service because of its speed.  Whether they are on their way to work, trying to get kids fed after evening soccer practice, or trying to grab something quick for lunch before the nearly universally-despised 12:30 meeting, the number one reason for using a drive-thru is the ability to get food, and get on your way.

How do outdoor digital menu boards enhance the customer experience at the drive thru? The list of positives is incredible, really.  One example is the ability to curate selection.  A typical, static menu board can only be changed once in blue moon.  Very large QSRs can of course afford to update more often, but even they need to limit these types of changes because the bottom line is that it’s not cheap, and QSR margins are tight. Limiting unnecessary expenses is a huge part of long-term viability in this industry.  With digital menu boards, however, customers are able to visually bypass the clutter and focus in on what they need based on time of day.  Let’s be honest, at 7 a.m., most people aren’t looking for a double cheese burger and fries.  Most restaurants aren’t making them at that hour, anyway. Why show them to the customer, forcing them to spend precious time mentally sorting every, single item sold?

Digital menu boards allow the customization of the available assortment so that what’s shown when a customer pulls up to the ordering area is relevant to time of day, making the process faster for each customer and getting them through the line more quickly overall.  This in turn speeds up the entire experience from start to finish.  There is also research that shows that a smaller, more curated selection helps customers make decisions that leave them more satisfied with their choices over all. Too many options can be confusing and annoying when someone just wants to move through the line and get where they need to be.  Showing customers exactly what they want — coffee in the morning, burgers at noon, snacks at 3 pm, etc. — is key to optimizing sales, satisfaction and ensuring return visits in the future.

While there are clearly challenges to planning and deploying an outdoor digital menu board program for drive-thrus, the process does not need to be as difficult or complicated as it may first seem. The key to success is partnering with an experienced, vertically-integrated manufacturer like RedyRef. Come back next week when we’ll continue this discussion, or, contact us today at (800) 628-3603 today or request a quote online and we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure that your program meets every one of your business’ unique needs, from indoor digital boards to weatherproof dynamic displays.