It is vital in any industry sector that everyone is free from danger and threats and kiosks can help by enhancing security. Touch screen monitors can protect valuable information with a secure system which is much safer than leaving paper documents lying around.

But as well as information, kiosks can also benefit people’s security and this is especially in the case of some deployed kiosks in Ecuador in South America.

The 50 installed touch screens across 22 provinces across Ecuador assist in keeping drunken bus drivers off the road by testing their blood-alcohol levels at the start and end of the shifts.

The Ecuadorian government reportedly wanted a way to ensure that bus drivers were sober whilst on the clock and that they were accountable. As a result, they decided breathalyser kiosks were the solution to help make the public safe.

Ricardo Anton, former executive director of the Ecuadorian Transit Authority, told Kioskmarketplace.com: “The problem became pedestrian accidents in which intoxicated bus drivers were actually striking, and in some cases, causing the death of pedestrians along their routes.”

SO HOW DOES IT WORK?

The technology was provided with a collaboration of a Colorado-based manufacturer of breathalysers and a kiosk design manufacturer. The equipment now accurately measures Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) through breath testing and is protected, automated and connected to central administration and databases.

It works by permitting drivers to log into the system by scanning an ID card and upon registering their personal accounts; the screen prompts the user through the test. The results are stored and sent to the central dispatch administrator. The level of alcohol allowed for professional drivers is 0.1 and if a driver does fail the alcohol test the shift is ended immediately. The kiosk also allows managers to generate reporting on driver’s history.

SECURITY & HEALTH

This isn’t the only health monitoring kiosk. There are examples of kiosks that help consumers pick out eyewear and improve employee’s health by checking health signs such as body mass index, hydration level, blood pressure and body fat.

So if you want to boost the security of information in your business, let Protouch help you.

PIC Credit: PFCU

Touch screen technology is evident across all sectors and industries and it can be transformed into many appearances from kiosks, monitors, digital signage and PCs.

It can also be converted into ATMs, otherwise known in full as an automated teller machine or more commonly referred to as a cash machine.

A latest survey has revealed that the majority of cardholders protect their PINs and cover the ATM pin pad when keying in the four-numbered digits.

A report by the European ATM Security Team (EAST) in Edinburgh, Scotland showed that 65% of consumers cover the PIN pad protecting their PIN when drawing cash out at a hole in the wall. The online poll found that 23% of cardholders sometimes cover the PIN pad and a worrying 12% of the public never cover the PIN pad, putting themselves at risk of financial fraud.

The poll, which took place between January and March 2011, was undertaken as part of a scheme to educate cardholders to always conceal their pin because it thwarts thieves from using counterfeit copies of cards.

Lachlan Gunn, coordinator of EAST, said: “It is encouraging to see that 65 percent of poll respondents always cover their PIN at an ATM. If you are one of those who never covers his or her PIN, or who does it occasionally, remember that doing this is a top cardholder security tip recommended by EAST and by many other organizations.”

EAST officials recommend that if you cover your PIN you are at least protected against visual compromise. Experts warn that if a magnetic stripe on a card is conceded or skimmed, the criminals need your PIN to maximise fraudulent usage of it.

Gunn added: “Covering one’s PIN at an ATM, or at any other terminal, should be second nature to everyone—after all very few people would hold their wallet or purse open to allow others to easily see how much money they are carrying, so why advertise your PIN?”

Make sure your Touch screen unit is as safe and secure as possible, with Protouch; Europe’s number one manufacturer and distributor of touch screen technology.

You may not know much about self service kiosks, but you probably use them more than you think.

From cash machines to Internet booths at airports we have all had a kiosk experience. and may have found they are move convenient and time efficient.

Many businessess have installed self srvice kiosk systems into their stores and offices, specifically customising them to suit the needs and requirements of their customers.

Using the right software and touch screen company for your business, you can find the best uses for a self service kiosk to suit your needs in whatever your industry you are in.

Self service kiosks are more than a computer in a box and can offer a wide range of services, such as an automated point of information to relieve the use of staff in-store, or a payment system to allow customers to take charge of their visit and purchases in store.

More importantly, kiosks are easy to use. Users simple use the touch screen to find information, services, or merchandise they are looking for.

Another bonus is that they work around the clock, so you don’t need staff on duty to fulfill simple tasks that a self service kiosk can fill.

Another great use of a self service kiosk is that information can easily be added, edited and deleted, as well as full maintenance and software upgrades were necessary.

We have compiled together a few examples of self service kiosks and their involvment within private and public sectors.

Cash Machines - Retailers can offer customers to get quick cash while they shop. Businesses can also put ATM’s into their offices, providing better convenience for their members of staff.

Digital Photos -

Installing a digital photo machine in your store allows customers to bring their memory cards and USB’s to your store and browse through the photographs they want to print at their leisure.

Directions - A perfect way to help customers know where to find certain departments or sections in your store is to install a self service kiosk with a layout of your store giving customers directions of where to go and how to get there.

Industrial Use - Factory or Warehouse workers can use extra durable kiosks in harsh environments to pull up planning, inventory information or get shipping data in real-time, cutting the amount of paper printed and generally lost in the workplace.

Advertising -

Self service kiosks can display a wide variety of interative advertising specific to your customers likes and interests. These types of self service kiosks are perfect for heavy footed traffic such as department stores or hotel receptions.

Security - Kiosks can also be used for video surveillance and high level methods to prove identity, such as fingerprint variation. These types of kiosks are ideal for airports and police stations.

WiFi Services - Charge your customers a small fee and allow them full access to the Internet so they can check their email. Hoteliers should use WiFI services in their main receptions and allow guests to access it for free, providing excellent customers service throughout.

Medical Facilities -

A great way for doctors or nurses to pull up data information of their patients or supply medical inventory. Doctors surgeries will benefit from using self service kiosks to check patients in.

Hospitality - Welcome your guests to a wide range of services and deals on offer currently in your store or hotel. Self service kiosks are great at trade shows to show what your company does and what services/products you have to offer.

Don’t waste a second longer in thinking about self service technology and its benefits to you. Visit www.protouch.co.uk for more information about their services and products.