Look around, and you’ll find kiosks everywhere. This innovative technology liberates staff from repetitive order and cashiering duties, enabling customers to take control of ordering and ticketing.
As more businesses explore the gains of using kiosks, understanding what putting up a kiosk entails is quite important.
This article goes through everything a business should consider when installing a kiosk so it’s reliable and serves customers how you want it to.
Understanding Kiosk Installation
Kiosk installation refers to the planning and deployment of kiosk terminals. Equipped with touchscreen interfaces, kiosk systems empower customers with self-service capabilities and find wide applications across all kinds of businesses.
The three main components of kiosk installation are kiosk hardware, kiosk software, and network connectivity. For seamless operation, all three systems must be properly interconnected.
High-quality kiosk installation ensures the machine functions as it should, looks professional, and avoids common breakdowns that can frustrate customers or interrupt service. Furthermore, quality installation ensures you face very few maintenance issues.
Common Challenges When Installing a Kiosk
Kiosk installation has its own set of challenges, including:
Constrained spaces: Kiosks require enough space for mounting and drawing power to serve customer traffic.
Internet and power needs: Not every location provides easy access to power outlets and internet connections.
Legal issues: You must obtain certain permits to install kiosks.
Technical problems: A kiosk system relies on software and hardware interaction. Installation or compatibility issues can cause these systems to fail to function properly.
Being able to recognize these problems makes the process of installing a kiosk easier and less infuriating.
Things to Consider Before Installation
Site Check and Preparation
Pay a visit to all locations where you intend to install kiosks. By doing so, your team of contractors can pinpoint the ideal sites for placement based on accessibility, traffic, and access to provisions your kiosk will rely on, such as internet and electricity.
Preparation Questions
- Is the area accessible and safe for customers?
Your kiosk should be installed at a site that customers can reach easily.
- Are there sufficient electrical outlets and internet connections?
Stable power and connection to the internet are key for self-service kiosks. Work with a licensed electrician to explore power supply options for your kiosk units.
- Is it sheltered from environmental elements?
For example, for an outdoor kiosk, protection from rain, sunlight, or extreme temperatures can extend equipment life. If these factors are well prepared, the kiosk will work reliably, offering customers an even experience.
Permits and Approvals
You must be aware of any permits and regulations necessary to install kiosks in your area.
Various local authorities and governments impose strict controls over the installation of kiosks and similar machinery, so take it upon yourself to research and comply with any restrictions based on your industry.
Additionally, there are privacy regulations regarding the info customers share that you must be careful not to violate. Failure to investigate these requirements often leads to fines or even seizure of the kiosk.
Purchasing Equipment and Managing Delivery
This stage involves the planning and procurement of your kiosk hardware.
Your choice of equipment should be based on the kiosk’s intended use and the mounting space available, meaning your kiosk should also be the right size for the space and designed for your business needs, whether it is ordering, information, or transactions.
Choosing established vendors will also make a difference in your installation job. A-rated kiosk contractors provide best-in-class hardware and continuing technical support. By working with one, you will get the best value for your money and minimize business downtime.
Installation Steps
This section will help you understand how to set up a kiosk terminal and ensure it works well.
Secure Set Up and Mounting
To begin, mount the kiosk at a height and angle that is comfortable for users. Your mounting system has to be strong enough to hold the kiosk firmly, particularly in high-traffic areas.
If you fail to mount the kiosk safely, it might tip over easily, causing potential injuries or damage. In addition, if the kiosk is outdoors or exposed to heavy traffic, safeguard your machinery with tamper-proof mounts and enclosures.
Connecting to Power and Internet
After the kiosks are set up, they need a reliable power source and internet connection for optimal performance.
Kiosks may be powered by solar power and other renewable energy sources. A more common option is underground cabling. If you opt for a cabling plan, ensure your contractor does a clean job of packaging and hiding the cables to prevent tripping over wires and other accidents.
For network connectivity, if your kiosk sits near a building, connecting to the internet can be as simple as plugging an Ethernet cable into the kiosk hardware.
However, the further away it is located, the less feasible this method becomes. So, a lot of businesses opt for Wi-Fi instead. This alternative is the most simple and cost-effective option if there is a Wi-Fi network nearby. Other network options are mobile and hybrid, which involve a combination of the aforementioned methods.
Testing the Kiosk System
To ensure kiosk systems are safe, secure, and easy to use, they must undergo testing. This phase detects any bugs or issues with its functionality and safety. User experience tests also help to evaluate how well users can interact with your computer system.
To begin, simulate user interactions such as browsing the web, placing orders, or making payments. This action helps you identify the difficulties a user might face when using your kiosk interface. Also, perform compatibility to be sure your hardware works perfectly with your choice software.
Post Installation
Follow these procedures after mounting your kiosk terminals to make sure they operate smoothly:
Quality Checks
When the installation is complete, conduct a final quality check on everything. Start by reviewing user journeys and UI designs to confirm the setup works well.
Afterward, visually inspect the job to ensure the kiosk appears neat and professional– that no wires are loose and that no installation defects are present.
Finally, you can also test your new system by simulating customers who have not seen the kiosk earlier. This process will indicate any usability issues in the kiosk.
Plans for Unexpected Issues
No kiosk system is invulnerable to technical or operational issues, so you always want to have a plan if a problem arises. Such measures cut down the kiosk’s operating downtime and, to an extent, customer dissatisfaction during those periods.
That being said, have support contacts ready. Whether it’s a contractor or in-house tech support, know whom to call if something goes wrong. And as we explore in the next section, also implement a maintenance schedule where you conduct regular checks on all your hardware and software components.
Maintenance and Upgrades
Kiosk systems need routine maintenance to operate at optimal efficiency. On one hand, these terminals accumulate dust and debris over time, especially machines in high-traffic areas.
Hence, periodic cleaning is necessary to address this trouble. On the other hand, frequently updating your kiosk software will keep the kiosk bug-free and protected against vulnerabilities.
Working with Kiosk Installation Experts
Picking experienced contractors who know how to set up a kiosk will be the difference between an easy installation and a nightmare situation. Consider the following when finding kiosk installation vendors:
Pick Experienced Contractors
Long-time contractors have their way with kiosks. Only work with vendors who have installed kiosks in the past and who share a portfolio of projects similar to yours.
Use Customer Reviews
Search review sites like Trustpilot and others for contractor reviews. Also, Google searches on the company to discover what other people are saying about potential vendors.
Project Management
Even with the most professional contractors, you must track the project timeline and events to ensure everything remains within the scheduled timeline. How?
Start by mapping out each step of the installation process. Afterward, delegate responsibilities by stating who is responsible for different aspects of the project.
Additionally, make regular calls to contractors for status updates and sort out minor delays immediately.
Communication with All Concerned
Good communication ensures everyone is informed, keeping misunderstandings away and allowing for changes if needed. Maintain good communication with your vendor by:
- Documenting all decisions taken along with changes to your original plan.
- Scheduling weekly or daily check-ins to discuss what issues arose and what changed.
- Establish a single contact point for any party to raise questions.
Conclusion
Kiosk installation is a brilliant way to improve customer service and formalize the operations of a business entity, but a lot of planning is mandatory.
Knowing the value of quality installation, site checking, and permit management, coupled with contractors having experience in their respective fields, a business can establish a kiosk that works and keeps customers happy.
For more help acquiring a kiosk for your business, contact us at BestKiosk. Here, we offer custom kiosk solutions tailored to your needs. Message us now and get a free quote.
