Keep on top of kiosk trends in 2014.

Self-service kiosks keep your business fresh and customizes the customer's experience. Cutting edge kiosks instill confidence that your store is innovative. Customers appreciate the 24/7 convenience, especially younger generations who expect nothing less than the latest technology at their fingertips.

So what’s trending in 2014 for self-service kiosks?

• Developers are using existing operating systems for smartphones, rather than custom-designing software for specific types of kiosks. It’s faster, cheaper and already incorporates desirable features such as mapping, payments, intuitive hand gestures, and of course communication. It also enables linking mobile devices with in-store kiosks.
• Widespread use of tablets by consumers is creating some concern that tablets could replace kiosks, but industry-watchers suggest the opposite is more likely – increasing integration of tablets into self service kiosks to make them even more appealing and accessible.
• Look for new remote management options that enable configuration and ongoing management of self-service kiosks as well as immediate response to problems. Expect an increasing prevalence of kiosks for self-ordering and self-checkout, across a variety of industries. You'll also see an emphasis on sustainability, since self-service kiosks offer a smaller carbon footprint compared to other resources.

How can retail stores implement these technology trends?

• Interactive touchscreens in retail dressing rooms that enable patrons to select additional items to try on without having to leave the room.
• Greater use of both audio and video response for point-of-sale kiosks.
• Broader use of kiosks for making payments of all types.
• Patient check-in at healthcare facilities that includes including on-the-spot co-pay collection.
• “Pop-up” satellite bank branches that are entirely digital and can handle a wide variety of banking transactions.
• Interactive tellers – self-service kiosks that have come full circle, linking customers with an actual person so they can ask questions and make deposits without any delay in crediting their account. Some kiosks may even have a traditional phone attached to allow more private conversations.

The interactive kiosk marketplace is projected to expand globally almost 15% by 2016, thanks to broader adoption of self-service kiosks by retailers as well as food and beverage operations, financial institutions and the hospitality industry. Are you taking full advantage of the opportunities to grow your business?