News

Interface kiosks help customers search book database

November 4, 2003

WELLINGBOROUGH, England -- Interface, a European provider of interactive kiosk solutions, has developed a new search function for bookseller Waterstone's. The capability allows customers to find any book held in the retailer's database.

Five pilot units have been installed in Waterstone's Gower Street store in London.

Waterstone's had tried a similar concept in the past, but asked Interface to re-write the software for 2003 with additional functionality, according to a news release. The front-end "BookSearch" application sits on an IBM Netvista kiosk.

Interface's "BookSearch" application pulls information from a number of data sources. Details are provided on product, price and stock levels, as well as availability in neighboring stores.

The new initiative means customers no longer have to wait in line to ask staff simple questions on availability or content. Instead, they can use the kiosks at several locations in store, saving time and reducing congestion at the point of sale.

The release said usage figures are already exceeding expectations.