Kiosk

Kiosk orders of goods (e.g. drinks, food) as you know from McDonalds (since 2015) are technically unproblematic. However, there are different approaches based on the local conditions.

The interior of a kiosk can (but does not have to) include an appointment connection (including NFC) for a cashless payment process. This is independent of the cash option (and issuing of cash / notes such as coins). Voucher top-up options with a predefined customer card (reusable for every customer) can also be integrated without a terminal. It is important here that the voucher must be redeemed first and only in the second step is it transferred to the customer card as a credit (QR code or barcode).

The extent to which a connection to customer relationship management (customer administration of customer data and account) is to be enabled depends on the technical conditions on site. To make it a little more complicated, assuming the decision +/- terminal, payment method and customer card have been made: Should the kiosk be integrated into a wall? Will the kiosk be set up free-standing near the checkout area?

With both options, screens for the order status (e.g. above the cash register and goods issue, or directly above the kiosk itself with, for example, free-standing devices) can be integrated. However, good cooling is necessary for “outdoor” devices in order to ensure the longevity of the devices. Depending on the provider, the devices are for example. Insured for spare parts for up to three years. However, a failure leads to little customer satisfaction and if you do not take out an immediate service, waiting times must be taken into account.

An in-house spare parts warehouse is not an option because the rapid technological development can literally thwart the bill. “Better” processing systems are a risk that should be budgeted for in order to keep operations running smoothly and on time.

So far, the possible connection to a merchandise management system and an interface to existing cash register solutions have not been addressed. Depending on customer requirements and needs, both options must be technically planned and can be integrated step-by-step or immediately.

Good planning is therefore most important.