Many people commute into busy metropolitan areas every day by car. These people know the drill — they’ve likely been driving to the same parking garage or lot in the same area of the city for a long time. Even if the commute is new at the moment, it will soon be repeated without a second thought, likely even by the week’s end. Some people even have their own reserved, prepaid numbered space or at least a pre-contracted guarantee they’ll have a place to park each day.
But it’s another thing entirely to have to deal with parking for those who visit the city infrequently, or perhaps, have never been to the area at all. There’s the stress of traffic and then the additional stress of making sure a space can be found that’s close enough to where they ultimately need to be — especially if time is of the essence. Parking garages and lots are often full, and just as frequently, garage layouts are labyrinthine in a way that is still fairly inexplicable to most people trying to navigate them. Is the traffic one way? Two way? Does this signage seriously say one must first go up to go down? And the traffic flow…wait...it crosses through the MIDDLE of the garage?? There’s a reason 20% of motor vehicle accidents happen in parking lots and garages, and it stems from a combination of stress, disorientation and distraction.
Enter digital signage. There has been a trend toward smart parking over the last couple of years, especially in large urban areas and in places where parking is a major source of revenue, such as airports, and digital signage is playing a major role as part of larger, more intelligent parking systems. These systems do a number of things, ranging from basic (digitally displaying a real-time count of the number of free parking spots available in the lot or garage) to advanced (personalized welcome messages and directions to open spaces for any individual registered for the program). This functionality goes a long way toward reducing driver stress.
Unsurprisingly, Big Data is also playing a part in smart parking systems, especially as it pertains to airport parking or lots connected to mass transit. For instance, analyzing a data set that includes flight or train schedules, total parking capacity and historical information on lot usage might allow management companies to create dynamic pricing based on day of the week and/or time of day, and update information fluidly via digital signage in real-time. Other data collected could also help enrich and personalize the end user experience. For instance, some individuals may communicate a preference for parking in a certain lot or even area of a specific lot. Over time, the parking system could “learn” this preference and use digital displays to direct the user toward empty spaces in their preferred area if they were to be available. Smart parking systems can also be integrated with customized apps, allowing users to reserve and pay for parking spots ahead of time, earn loyalty rewards or even monitor their vehicles from afar.
While the decision to implement digital signage as part of a smart parking initiative is not a small investment, careful planning and a thorough grasp of your business’ desired outcomes will go a long way toward helping you to make the right choices to meet those objectives. We invite you to submit a request for proposal online or call (800) 628-3603 today and REDYREF will be there every step of the way to ensure your company’s unique digital signage needs and goals are met.
Interactive kiosks are finding homes across a range of applications, from retail and food service to office buildings and high-rise apartments. But not-for-profit organizations — in particular, advocacy groups that have been specifically formed to support a particular cause — are beginning to utilize touchscreen kiosks successfully as well.
One of the most popular uses for interactive kiosks is fundraising. This is logical, given that these organizations often rely on the proceeds of a series of key events over the course of the year in order to ensure they are able to fund their annual operating budget. Fundraising kiosks assist in several ways. One is by offering an opportunity to potentially raise the average donation amount via fixed donation amounts. Instead of giving patrons the option to fill in the donation amount manually, using radio buttons or checkboxes to limit choices to pre-filled donation amounts based on previously-collected data and donation history can help increase the size of individual donations.
Another way to utilize touchscreen kiosks in non-profit event settings is to use them at the event’s check in. While certain events do not lend themselves to this type of use, there are plenty that do. Take a wine tasting fundraiser to benefit a local food pantry, for example. Depending on the size, there could be hundreds — if not more — in attendance. Allowing patrons to scan their tickets automatically at a kiosk is likely to be much more convenient and efficient than manning a line with a volunteer, who is juggling questions and tickets and a hand-held scanner, along with impatient event attendees. At the same time, it’s an excellent way to talk directly to patrons by asking them if they wish to donate an additional amount at the time they enter the event.
Touchscreen kiosks are also extremely helpful during the course of fundraising events. Many benefits include silent auctions or other interactive activities. Instead of requiring potential donors to use paper and pencil to bid, instead, many charities are using intelligently placed tablet kiosks to keep events running smoothly, tablets secure and to cut down on the need for individual volunteer assistance. Interactive tablet kiosks can also help attendees to explore the offerings up for bid, as well as find more information about the charity itself, the venue or the event overall.
The use of touchscreen kiosks in not-for-profit environments is growing rapidly, regardless of how it’s implemented. While certainly an investment, it can result in larger donations that enable organizations to more for their communities. Redyref understands what makes interactive kiosks work and our capabilities include not just creating the physical kiosk, but custom software to suit any need as well. We invite you to submit a request for proposal online or call (800) 628-3603 today and we will be there every step of the way to help design, fabricate and install the best possible kiosk solution for your unique needs and goals.
Although REDYREF has made its name as a provider of end-to-end kiosk and digital signage solutions, what can sometimes get lost is the full extent to which we provide these various services. For instance, the majority of kiosk companies are VARs — value-added resellers — and while they serve a purpose, for the most part, they do not engineer or fabricate kiosks themselves. Instead, they rely on a network of providers to fulfill these needs, along with any other necessary processes, from finishing to post-installation kiosk servicing. On the other hand, REDYREF both engineers and fabricates kiosk enclosures, customizes software and handles the logistics of delivery and installation as required by our clients.
Interestingly, one of the most complicated facets of kiosk and building directory design actually has very little to do with the structure of the physical enclosure, and everything to do with how it will ultimately be used, including the overall end user’s experience. While some of this is addressed in the engineering — issues such as ADA compliance, or the average user’s ability to access all of the important functionality of the kiosk or directory — it’s the customization of software that makes the kiosk fundamentally effective. A turn-key kiosk manufacturer, like REDYREF, can ensure that all of its customers' needs are met, including software, 100% in-house.
REDYREF works with our clients in-house to customize software to their exact specifications and needs, allowing for the most holistic perspective possible over the course of the kiosk design and manufacturing process. And because we understand that our clients value the ability to customize, but must do so through a lens of cost-efficiency, we are on the precipice of launching our new, cutting-edge software platform, created specifically for use in digital building directories. Based on the same principles as our enGage Kiosk software platform — fully customizable and flexible — our digital building directory software will offer an affordable opportunity to integrate custom building directory elements into a pre-configured but still highly sophisticated and user-friendly interface. In this way, we will make it possible for our clients to get the directory features they want, while staying within their stated project budget.
Still believe all kiosk companies are the same? Hopefully, we’ve convinced you otherwise. And if you’re ready to invest in digital building directories for your business, the experts at RedyRef are here to ensure that your directory deployment is a success. We invite you to submit a request for proposal online or call (800) 628-3603 today to find out how we can help you give your customers a best-in-class directory user experience.
Last week, we featured part two in a discussion about interactive kiosk UX, because although self-service is experiencing tremendous growth across multiple industries, there are still plenty of kiosk programs that ultimately fail. As many of those failures are related to poor user experience, we wanted to share some key factors that are universal to designing a best-in-class experience for end users. Today, we present the last part of our series on creating a user experience that translates into successful deployment in the field.
And with that, our series on creating world-class interactive kiosk UX has drawn to the close. Hopefully these three blogs have convinced you that RedyRef has what it takes to make your company’s self-service kiosk program a success. As an end-to-end manufacturer of vertically integrated kiosk solutions, we invite you to submit a request for proposal online or call (800) 628-3603 today to find out how we can help you give your customers the best possible user experience, too.
Last week, we began a discussion around interactive kiosk usability, because although they are experiencing massive growth across multiple industries, there are still plenty of kiosk programs that ultimately fail. And those failures are generally related to poor UX. As we said previously, there are some key factors that are universal to designing a best-in-class experience for end-users. This week, we continue to expand upon our list of considerations for creating self-service kiosk usability that translates into successful deployment in the field.
Check back next week for our final kiosk UX blog installment. In the meantime, if your business is ready to enter the brave new world of interactive kiosks now, RedyRef, an end-to-end manufacturer of vertically integrated kiosk solutions, works with companies of all sizes to ensure the success of their self-service kiosk programs. Submit a request for proposal online or call (800) 628-3603 today for more information.
There is no denying that interactive kiosks are not just here to stay, but experiencing massive growth across a number of different industries, from healthcare to food service environments. On the other hand, many kiosk projects, as well-intended as they may be, often suffer from a great deal of criticism, ultimately resulting in a very expensive program failure.
So if some interactive kiosk deployments are massively successful and others a total loss -- what makes the great ones, well...great? The answer is usability (UX). Usability that is built not just into the physical kiosk to make it universally accessible, but usability as it relates to the software that powers the kiosks and is what experts call “user experience.”
What are the key factors in creating best-in-class interactive kiosk UX with which real, live humans actually want to engage? While it will to some extent depend on how and where the kiosk will be used, there are some commonalities that apply to just about any situation.
Check back next week for more ways to create the best possible user experience via interactive kiosk deployments. In the meantime, if your business is ready to enter the brave new world of touchscreen kiosks now, RedyRef, an end-to-end manufacturer of vertically integrated kiosk solutions, works with companies of all sizes to ensure the success of their self-service kiosk programs. Submit a request for proposal online or call (800) 628-3603 today for more information.
Global Interactive Kiosks Market Research Released
Markets and Markets released a report this week detailing information about the global interactive kiosks market. According to the paper, the market is expected to reach $73.35 billion by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2015 through 2020. This is a massive increase, given that the 2014 total was at only 60% of that number or $44.17B. M&M’s projection is based on the trend of decreasing kiosks costs and the public’s overall demand for greater customization and interactivity when purchasing goods and services, as well as shorter wait times standing in line.
Other interesting bullet points include:
American Girl Announces Store of the Future, Features Interactive Kiosks
American Girl will shutter its Fifth Avenue flagship store in New York City in fall of 2017 and reopen in Rockefeller Center with a “store of the future” concept. A pioneer in interactive retail, with this move, AG clearly intends to stay on top. The new store will feature “customization and personalization” in the form of interactive experiences for including the ability to customize clothes, accessories and for the first time, a salon that is for both the girls and their AG dolls.
Interactive media will also play an important role at the store, with plans for stop-motion workshops, cooking and yoga classes, and the addition of interactive kiosks to help users navigate the massive space, as well as book appointments for the various experiences on offer, from tea times to workshops.
Kansas City Commuters Play Kiosk Solitaire
Kansas City recently rolled out interactive kiosks along their streetcar line. Unfortunately, they became a little too interactive not long after deployment. Commuters found they were able to play solitaire on the kiosk -- something it was definitely not designed to do. It turns out the users had gained access to a standard Ubuntu desktop by figuring out they could "swipe" the streetcar information away with the palm of their hand. The director of communications for the city has since said there was "never any security risk" and the system wasn't hacked, and that a system update was at the root of the problem.
Is your business ready to enter the brave new world of interactive kiosks? RedyRef, an end-to-end manufacturer of vertically integrated kiosk solutions, works with companies of all sizes navigate the complexities of interactive kiosk deployment. Submit a request for proposal online or call (800) 628-3603 today for more information.
The EMV liability switch has caused concerns for foodservice professionals and operators on several different levels. Last week, we talked about how chip readers (and the inherent delays they can cause) affect overall customer satisfaction. This week, decided to focus more on some of the operational issues that have surfaced over the last six months.
Interactive kiosks are not new to the foodservice industry, but right now, they appear to be having their moment in the sun, so to speak. With restaurants like McDonald’s, Applebee’s, Taco Bell and Panera all rolling out some version of a self-service kiosk over the last couple of years, all eyes are on them as the industry wonders if they’ll be a big hit, complete miss or fall somewhere in between.
One very positive aspect of utilizing self-service kiosks in food service environments is the lower cost of implementing the new chip-based (non-PIN) EMV systems in these types of environments. Because -- for better or for worse, depending on who you ask -- U.S.-based companies are not required to integrate PIN-entry devices (PEDs) into their EMV chip readers, it makes it much less expensive to deploy them.
In truth, putting chip and pin-based EMV readers into fast food and quick service restaurants is a little like gilding the lily for the most part, anyway. These aren’t high-dollar transactions. The average order at most quick service restaurants like Burger King or Arby’s is only around $5 -- not exactly the most-attractive target for those hoping to commit credit card fraud. These lower-dollar transactions add up to a smaller necessary investment when it comes to the type of EMV reader required.
We spoke with Rob Chilcoat, president of North American operations for Unattended Card Payments, Inc. (UCP), and an expert in EMV technology, to learn more. “If the client doesn’t have an expectation of accepting PIN debit, SNAP, or EBT,” he said, “then you can use a much less costly device such as the OTI Trio which doesn’t have all the security bells and whistles that come along with an unattended PED.” Based on current pricing, this can amount to a savings of as much as $1000 per reader, compared to the other more high-profile brands.
“Really, using a PED is more relevant in high-tech vending situations, selling iPads, for example, where you want to take that extra step to verify a customer’s identity using a CVM (cardholder verification method),” he added. “An unattended kiosk where a thief can use a stolen credit card to purchase high-value goods that can be fenced for cash are most at risk, because no CVM means anyone can use a stolen credit card there.”
While the EMV liability switch has certainly caused its fair share of headaches to QSR outlets, at least the additional pain of high-priced chip-and-pin readers has been kept at bay. For now, anyway.
RedyRef, a provider of vertically integrated kiosk solutions, is helping food service companies of all sizes navigate the complexities of the liability shift. Looking for assistance? Submit a request for proposal online or call (800) 628-3603 today for more information.
The seemingly-forever-looming deadline of October for the switch to the new EMV chip readers has come and gone and it appears that everyone has survived what at times was made out to be an apocalyptic-grade sea change in the way payments are processed.
Now that EMV chip readers have been in place for 6 months, we decided it might be time to take a look at how these readers have affected one of the most common places of use, and that’s food service. This week, we’ll review how fast-food/counter service restaurants have been faring with this new technology and the challenges they’ve uncovered during the move to EMV.
One of the biggest advantages of fast food, quick service and counter-serve restaurants is exactly what they claim to be -- they are a way to get a meal, pronto. Let’s be honest -- most fast food may be pretty good, but it’s not going to compare to a fancy, sit-down steak house. It’s not Ruth’s Chris. Most people don’t have the time or money for that kind of indulgence regularly. So the fact that fast food can be a quick way to eat something satisfying under time constraints is a pretty big deal. One of the biggest obstacles anticipated with the 2015 EMV mandate was the added processing time transactions would likely take, which would affect both the time waiting in line, and the overall feel of the customer service. Turns out, the concern was, in fact, legitimate; while EMV does generally make transactions more secure, it also increases wait times, which in turn impacts perception of customer service as being slightly less positive than it was previously. Because it’s not a simple swipe-and-go process anymore, an additional 15-45 seconds added to a transaction can really add up when the line is 5+ people deep, it’s the lunch rush and everyone is trying to get back to work on time.
Although EMV is causing some delays currently, there is at least a little relief in sight. Visa issued a statement late this month saying that they are releasing a free software upgrade that shortens transaction times by at least a few seconds. While this may not be a complete solution by any means, it certainly can’t hurt. And it also means that major credit card providers hear the concerns of the companies using their technology, and are continuously working toward a more efficient solution.
RedyRef, a provider of vertically integrated kiosk solutions, is helping food service companies of all sizes navigate the complexities of the liability shift. Looking for assistance? Submit a request for proposal online or call (800) 628-3603 today for more information.
Interactive vending is not a new concept. Brands such as Apple, Proactive and Benefit have made their products available via automated dispensing for years in airports and malls, where space is at a premium and the cost per square foot to open a physical store is high. What’s most interesting about automated retail has more to do with how it’s changing and adapting within a consumer culture that demands quality, convenience and high levels of available customization from their purchase interactions.
Food vending machines have long been considered the home of, at best, food that will keep one from starving when nothing else is available. Pretzels, cheese crackers, candy bars, chips, various cold bottled and canned beverages; possibly stale coffee or 3-day-old ham sandwiches. Definitely not gourmet selections. No one really wants to eat out of a vending machine, right? But this is rapidly changing. Take Los Angeles’ Sprinkles Cupcakes bakeries -- they’ve opened 24-hour refrigerated cupcake vending machines that are attached to their stores, allowing them to create a ‘round the clock revenue stream. Or automated pizza-baking kiosks like Pizza ATM, which has been around for well over a decade in Europe and is now ready to expand its presence into the American market.
Brands like Lego -- which may not seem like an obvious choice for interactive retail vending -- are jumping on the bandwagon with high-tech machines that attract both children and their parents, if for different reasons: kids are pulled in by the Lego Movie playing on the integrated screen, while parents are happy that they can quickly purchase that birthday present they needed to pick up and get on with their day. Lego benefits from the ability to highlight certain products or product categories by price point or theme, easy data collection, and lower costs, both in terms of overhead (no cashier needed, less expensive per square foot to operate than a traditional store) and losses due to theft (the machines are far more secure than open shelving).
Even health and wellness companies are getting into the vending and dispensing kiosk act. Besides the cosmetic and cosmeceutical brands like those mentioned previously who have adopted interactive vending as a sales channel, REDYREF recently completed an automated dispensing solution for a biotech company. The consumer-facing product is aimed at health-conscious individuals who are concerned with avoiding germs while on the go, and it will be deployed in airports later this year.
As an industry leader in end-to-end leader in the design and production of interactive kiosks, REDYREF knows that the market for automated retail will continue to grow exponentially over the next decade. If your company is ready to make the leap into high-tech dispensing kiosks, our experts are available to assist businesses of all sizes in developing a program that fits their specific needs; just give us a call at (800) 628-3603 ext 525 or submit a request for proposal online and our team will be with you every step of the way.