First cash machine dispenser by Barclays in 1967

We can trace kiosk systems back to the first bank Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in the early 1960s. Jerry Larson, who helped develop these early original TABS machines, said that ATM machines started their reign in New York’s First National City Bank (now known as Citibank) as a machine in bank branch lobbies. The machines allowed bank customers to pay utility bills and get receipts without having to consult with a bank assistant. In 1967 the first cash dispenser ATMs were deployed at Barclay’s Bank in London. From mid to late 1970s and early 80s ATMs started to be deposited across all cities and towns.

The retail kiosk took shape in the late 1990s when the Internet started to take off. Personal computer technology became standardised and kiosks were adopted into retail stores as an off-line advertisement and information point, manually updated by hand.

Since the emergence of the Internet worldwide, kiosks are integrated into stores connected to the Internet, with rich content management systems that can publish content from a central management console. This then connects to the back end database to retrieve information that is of value and interest to the customer.

Protouch Kiosks

Today kiosks are used across a plethora of industry sectors. Retailers are realising the benefits of servicing customers through automated machines. Stores are able to provide customers with the information they need and a self service order and payment system giving customers more options to how they wish to shop. They are also used as a cost effective tool for retail stores that can’t afford to employ dedicated staff who can sell their products and services well. For example, if you sell specialist equipment you will need to make sure that your staff members are fully equipped and understand the product you are selling and how it works. Implementing a kiosk system removes this lack of understanding as the kiosks can provide customers with all of the information they need without having to ask questions to a store assistant.

Kiosks are also a great way to train your employees. Staff can learn more about how the products and services work to enable them to sell better.

The future of kiosks could move in any direction; however many believe that retail kiosks will become more general-purpose. Many retailers may require suppliers to run their applications on existing store-owner and store managed kiosk systems. Providing that user interfaces will become more of a priority than ever, kiosk manufacturers will have to develop kiosks that are of a good quality design, easy to use and appealing to the customer.

For ways in which you can adopt self service kiosks into your business visit Protouch today, the leading distributor and manufacturer of touch screen equipment in Europe.