Selfserviceworld.com has recently been publishing some blog posts by guest expert Michael Ionescu and the latest post caught the attention of the team here at Protouch.

The article stated a basic checklist for businesses that deploy touch screen kiosks outdoors on recommendations for protection. The blog reviewed some of the most important precautions with regards to weathering and shielding sensitive equipment.

As a specialist provider of kiosk solutions and touch screen technology, Protouch UK has installed many units in an outside environment and this is why we understand that outdoor kiosks require a different approach to indoor kiosks and therefore need to be designed specifically for outdoor deployment.

Only recently we were selected by Parkeon, who supply ticketing machines to the rail networks, to help issue tickets more quickly and efficiently to the millions of customers who pass through UK train stations every year.

Fundamentally, it needs to be suitable for operation in any urban setting and be fully weather proof, highly robust, readable and sturdy.

Mr Ionescu has three key points to alfresco deployment; warranty, electrical protection and kiosk canopies.

- Protection is important to cover yourself in case it rusts or reacts badly to the environmental conditions. Protouch can guarantee against manufacturer defects and we offer warranty policies.

- Protect the electrical cords. A space at the bottom of a kiosk for the wires to enter ensures that there is virtually no exposure of the wires to the public, or alternatively one can case the wires with steel mesh. Protecting the electrics is reportedly vital in cities in which rats can chew through the wires.

- The checklist argues that no matter how fortified an outdoor kiosk is one should build some sort of canopy or overhead protection. This is not only for the technology but also to improve customer experience, because consumers will not want to stand in the rain or snow using it.

Protouch believe that for true outdoor kiosk success, the key points are;

  • Display screen
  • Material
  • Applications