The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many industries in numerous ways, and the kiosk industry is no exception. The kiosk industry has had to adapt to the changing circumstances, and while there have been some challenges, there have also been opportunities for growth. In this article, we will explore the impact of COVID-19 on the kiosk industry, the challenges it has faced, and the opportunities that have arisen. We will also discuss the unique approach SiteKiosk offers for contactless interfaces powered by kiosk software.
What is a Kiosk?
A kiosk is a standalone device that allows users to access information or perform tasks. Kiosks are often used in public places such as airports, shopping malls, and hospitals. They can be equipped with various hardware components such as touchscreens, cameras, and card readers to enable a range of functionalities. Kiosks can be used for a variety of purposes such as self-check-in, wayfinding, ordering food, and purchasing tickets. SiteKiosk Online is kiosk software that will lock down public computers for use cases like these and many more.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Kiosk Industry
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the kiosk industry. With social distancing measures in place, people are hesitant to touch public surfaces, which has led to a decline in the use of touchscreens. This has created challenges for kiosk manufacturers and operators who need to ensure that their devices are safe for public use.
Solutions that have emerged are the use of voice-activated, gesture-based and the smart kiosk contactless interfaces. These interfaces allow users to interact with kiosks without physically touching them, reducing the risk of transmission. Another solution is the use of antimicrobial coatings on touchscreens and other surfaces to reduce the spread of germs. SiteKiosk Online has innovated in this area by creating the Smart Kiosk Control for touchless kiosk interfaces. Users can interact with the kiosk by using their smart device to scan a QR code and use that as a touch interface. This is also useful for kiosk environments where the device is secure behind safety glass.
Challenges Faced by the Kiosk Industry
The challenges faced by the kiosk industry due to the pandemic are many. Some of the major challenges are:
Decline in foot traffic: With people staying at home and avoiding public places, foot traffic has declined significantly. This has resulted in a decrease in the use of kiosks in public places.
Supply chain disruptions: With factories shutting down and international trade being disrupted, the supply chain for kiosk components has been affected. This has led to delays in production and increased costs for manufacturers.
Safety concerns: With the pandemic still raging, safety concerns have become a top priority for kiosk manufacturers and operators. Ensuring that kiosks are safe for public use has become a major challenge.
Opportunities for the Kiosk Industry
While the challenges faced by the kiosk industry are significant, there are also opportunities for growth. Here are some of the opportunities that have emerged:
Increased demand for contactless interfaces: The pandemic has accelerated the demand for contactless interfacesl. This has led to the development of new technologies such as voice-activated and gesture-based interfaces that can be used with kiosks like SiteKiosk Online’s Smart Kiosk Control.
Expansion of kiosk use cases: With people avoiding public places, kiosks can be used in new ways to provide services such as contactless ordering and payment for restaurants and retailers. Smart kiosk control solutions like SiteKiosk Online have emerged to help businesses manage and maintain their kiosks remotely.
Innovation in kiosk design: The pandemic has forced kiosk manufacturers to rethink their designs to make them safer and more hygienic. This has led to the development of new materials and coatings that can help reduce the spread of germs.
Contactless Interfaces Powered by Kiosk Software
With SiteKiosk Online, businesses can perform tasks such as updating content, checking device status, and performing diagnostics remotely. This reduces the need for on-site visits, which can be costly and time-consuming. SiteKiosk Online also provides real-time data on kiosk usage, which can help businesses make informed decisions about their kiosk deployments.
In addition, SiteKiosk Online’s smart kiosk control allows businesses to implement new technologies such as contactless interfaces quickly and easily. With the ability to offer innovative features, businesses can ensure that their kiosks are always up-to-date with the latest features and functionality.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the kiosk industry, but it has also created opportunities for growth. With the increased demand for contactless interfaces and the expansion of kiosk use cases, the kiosk industry is poised for continued growth in the coming years. Smart kiosk control solutions like SiteKiosk Online have emerged to help businesses manage their kiosks remotely, making it easier and more cost-effective to deploy and maintain kiosks. As the world continues to adapt to the new normal, the kiosk industry will continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of businesses and consumers alike.