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Have a kiosk and space, too!

While most modern kiosks are now more compact, smaller businesses may still not have the luxury of additional space to accommodate a basic freestanding kiosk unit. A countertop kiosk will oftentimes meet this need.

October 25, 2016 by Kisha Wilson — Marketing Manager, SlabbKiosks

There are many things to consider when introducing a kiosk or kiosks to a business, including how staff will be reassigned (depending on the intended function of the kiosk), which departments should be involved in the rollout, how the kiosks will be integrated into the day-to-day business, to name a few.

One of the basic considerations, and hopefully one that is not overlooked, is the intended location of the kiosk and how much space should be allocated. This should not only take into account ease of access for end users, but maintenance and service requirements should factor into the final decision as well.

Kiosk technology has advanced over the years, and this applies not only to the software and components used, but the kiosk body as well. A standard base for a freestanding kiosk can vary, based on the size of the kiosk, and should be considered for placement at its intended site location.

Even though most modern kiosks are now more compact, smaller businesses may still not have the luxury of additional space to accommodate a basic freestanding kiosk unit.

Consider countertops

Countertop kiosks present a great alternative for businesses that may face this issue. Also known as a desktop kiosk, it is built to sit on a counter or desk (as its name suggests), similar to a desktop/personal computer (PC). Despite being smaller in size than a traditional kiosk, it has the same functionality. Although often overlooked because of the popularity of the traditional, full-sized kiosk, the countertop kiosk has many benefits including:

• The countertop kiosk can still house all the components found in a traditional kiosk, even though it is smaller, allowing it to provide the same functionality in a more compact unit. This makes it a great option for offices or retail outlets where space is limited.
• It provides the same convenience as any other kiosk and can facilitate a seating option, due to its placement on a counter or desk. This is important for applications that require extensive input of data where a customer would feel more comfortable if seated while using the unit. Customers may actually be more inclined to use the kiosk, as a result, so this model would be suitable to attract potential users to fill out surveys or supply detailed information. It is also great for use as a human resource tool where employees can access HR functions such as employee benefits and job applications.
• The use of customized software and the option of a touchscreen provide an interactive element that makes them easy to use. Businesses can choose components based on their industry-specific needs. It also gives companies a convenient way to provide relevant company information while allowing users to input data, if needed.
• Most countertop/desktop kiosk models facilitate easy implementation and installation. It’s as simple as finding a suitable location, plugging the unit in, checking functionality if connected to external databases, and finally, using the unit for its intended purpose. Kiosk management is also very straightforward, and data can be accessed from any computer through an administrative portal.
• These kiosks have less material requirements due to their size, making the cost to manufacture them much lower than a freestanding model. They also weigh less, which positively impacts shipping costs. This proved to be a major factor for one of our clients, and they now utilize an executive countertop kiosk as a cost effective alternative for their operators.
• Despite its size, a countertop kiosk can still be made to ensure it is vandal-resistant and ADA-compliant. It can be used in a variety of environments while hosting a multitude of applications to provide an efficient and secure transaction experience for the customer.

Countertop kiosks can provide the same essential elements of a freestanding kiosk including:

• Convenience
• Customized components
• Customizable software

They can also facilitate additional services, including printing, a variety of payment methods and data capture.

Most importantly, space is no longer becomes an issue with a countertop/desktop kiosk.

About Kisha Wilson

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