News

Advanced Kiosks assists Maine with statewide benefits initiative

August 12, 2013

Advanced Kiosks, a producer of self-service kiosks, recently implemented a project for the Maine Department of Health and Human Services Office for Family Independence to manufacture and install 58 turnkey, self-service computer kiosks in 16 regional offices throughout the state.

In addition to hardware, the company supplied project management and software configured to work seamlessly with the OFI system. Advanced Kiosks will provide ongoing maintenance of the system under a four-year contract.

The self-service kiosk deployment responds to OFI's need to revolutionize the way Maine residents apply for and receive need-based benefits such as food supplements, cash and medical assistance.

Portland Office for Family Independence employees receive training on the new computer kiosks.

The kiosks allow users to access and enter data on My Maine Connection, Maine's eligibility portal. Each kiosk features a full-size printer and document scanner for uploading paystubs, birth certificates and any other necessary verification.

Scanned documents are automatically added to a client's application package and sent to OFI via a secure connection. A VoIP phone mounted to the kiosk allows the user to obtain help and answers quickly, if needed.

EMFSP program manager Jeanne Garza developed the initial request for proposals after researching solutions that had been developed other states.

"Several states had automated parts of the application process, but there was no one tool that enabled clients to do it all — from completing applications to uploading supporting documentation to follow-up phone interviews," Garza said.

Advanced Kiosks was able to develop the all-in-one solution that Garza had in mind.

"We started with our document kiosk with scanner, added our standard VoIP handsets and privacy screen hardware options, and then installed Zamok, our new cloud-based, self-service management software," said Howard Horn, president and owner of Advanced Kiosks. 

What's more, the company beat the ambitious timeline in Garza's RFP. Advanced Kiosks had all 58 kiosks installed and operational in less than two months of winning the contract.

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