School Spirit Engagement Kiosk

In recent years, Advanced Kiosks has emphasized the development of its proprietary Zamok™ Kiosk Management Software. The company has released seven turnkey products based on Zamok™ and the kiosk hardware they manufacture. The School Spirit Interactive Kiosk is the latest, and it offers a robust set of features which are designed to promote engagement and involvement in school programs.

The School Spirit product addresses a need at schools which has been growing at an alarming pace, as illustrated by some peer-reviewed research articles.

“Schools are a complex environment that we throw kids into and hope they will succeed,” says Tyler Lipp, marketing coordinator with Advanced Kiosks.

“Over the last few years, facilities and educators have seen a growing number of mental health issues among students, and in talking to customers, we realized that the schools must recognize what students are facing and find ways to support them.”

The data support this as well.

AI Research
Research has shown that getting students involved in school activities can have positive effects on mental health. Here are some examples:

• A study published in the Journal of School Psychology found that students who participate in extracurricular activities report lower levels of depression and anxiety compared to those who do not participate.

• The study suggests that extracurricular activities may provide students with a sense of belonging and connection to their school, which can have positive effects on mental health.

 

 

• Another study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that participation in sports and other extracurricular activities was associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among adolescents. The study suggests that involvement in activities can promote positive mental health outcomes by providing opportunities for social support and engagement.

• A review of multiple studies on the relationship between extracurricular activities and mental health, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, found that participation in activities was associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. The review suggests that participation in activities can promote social and emotional development, which can lead to improved mental health outcomes.

Overall, while there is no guarantee that involvement in school activities will lead to good mental health, research suggests that it can have positive effects on mental health outcomes. Encouraging students to get involved in school activities, including athletics and academic or social clubs, may be a valuable strategy for promoting mental health and well-being.

One of the most valuable components of the School Spirit system is its ability to remind the school community of all that is happening at their school. Throughout the course of a week, the kiosk may promote an academic club, sporting event, tryouts, plays, or any other messaging desired by administrators. Better yet, the software requires no manual updates. It automatically pulls information from current media, calendars, and webpages, all of which are configured during the initial onboarding process.

By placing a School Spirit kiosk in high traffic areas, it greatly increases the likelihood of announcements and important information being seen by community members who might be out of the loop. Additionally, the kiosk can provide mental health screening questionnaires and direct students to services they may require. Individuals who feel uneasy about completing a mental health check-up on the kiosk within view of passersby may use dedicated QR codes that allow them to quickly scan and bring the content with them on their mobile devices. This provides easy access to mental health resources while avoiding the stigma typically associated with those types of interactions.

Reach out today to consult a kiosk expert on how adding School Spirit Interactive Kiosks could improve engagement and well-being within your school community.

If working for an electronic self-service company has taught me anything, it’s the immense importance of college printing kiosks to students on campuses of every size.

While advances in technology have made just about everything in life much easier, to me it’s always seemed like printers were the exception to the rule.

• Are all the right drivers installed?
• Also, what exactly is a “driver”?
• Why isn’t the wireless set-up working?
• What do you mean you’re out of ink? I just bought a new cartridge!
• Why is my printer screeching and printing in hieroglyphics?

For those reasons and more, younger-me never kept a printer in his dorm room. While this decision meant avoiding a lot of hassle, it also meant needing to get to the library or a computer lab to print out my assignments. And because younger-me really enjoyed sleeping in and putting things off to the very last minute, the need to track down a free computer always seemed to happen when there were zero free desktops.

Whether it was commuters working on homework between their classes, students printing out sources for an upcoming assignment, or simply people who were playing video games and hoping I wouldn’t notice, libraries and computer labs were consistently a nightmare for students like me who only needed five minutes to plug our flash drives in and feverishly mash Ctrl+P.

Even though this was just a few short years ago, it continues to amaze me that the idea of a standalone automated printing station never even crossed my mind. But now that I’m in a position to sing the praises of college printing kiosks like our Documentation Kiosk, it’s literally all I want to do.

For evidence of the value that these Documentation Kiosks can bring to a printing needs on a campus, look no further than the University of North Dakota. After a university-wide study in 2010, the university’s IT department noted that the bottlenecks and overcrowding in computer labs represented a barrier for their student population. To address this, the university selected Advanced Kiosks to develop 10 Documentation Kiosks that were to be deployed in strategic locales throughout the campus.

With the new Documentation Kiosks, students would be able to swipe a student ID card and pay for printing using a bank of specific printing funds that each of them were given at the beginning of the year. The results were that these college printing kiosks took the campus by storm! In addition to the benefit this gives to students who need to print out assignments in a hurry, the fleet of Documentation Kiosks drastically reduced the waste of ink and paper that came from the previous system where students could print whatever they wanted for free.

I don’t know about you, but I have some major envy about not having access to college printing kiosks like these back when I was a student. And while 2018 is rife with options for college campuses looking to implement student printing solutions on their campuses, Advanced Kiosks brings an unmatched commitment to customer satisfaction, including:

• Software included with the purchase of every kiosk.
• Industry leading 3 Year Warranty.
• An expansive Basic Support package included with the purchase of every kiosk (optional Advanced Support.)
• And much more!

To find out what a college printing kiosk can do for your student population, contact one of our Project Consultants today at (603) 865-1000.

School's Back Soon!

Curriculum plans, dining hall food orders, new hires, updated school supplies, new technology like a school kiosk, event itinerary, and budget plans all need to be laid out and ready to go soon. The incoming freshman class will soon be anxiously bursting through the doors. The better your education resources are to help them along, the smoother the process will be for everyone. Using student kiosks is one way to more efficiently manage tasks that burden staff and frustrate students.

“If you’re going to tell them to pick themselves up by their boot straps, you’d better give them boots first.”

At the beginning of the new school year, some schools will give their students a thick information packet of papers and forms, and corral them into long lines for administrative processing. If only there was a better way to make some of these necessary tasks more efficient and less of a bottleneck. Well, how about letting them serve themselves?

Pictured above: Visitor Management System Customizable Interface

The schools that have discovered the advantages of student kiosks and self service on campus will be maximizing their resources while providing better service overall! Educational institutions of all levels, particularly colleges and universities are providing state-of-the-art school kiosks in their dining halls, dorms, and academic buildings. These self serve student kiosks provide students with registration tools, academic information, wayfinding tools, event calendars, printing and scanning access, mental health screenings, point of sale, campus security notifications and much more!

Pictured above: Document Kiosk at UND

Which school will you be?

An unfortunate problem schools suffer nationwide is lowered student retention efforts. As a result, more and more students are leaving school and pursuing other options. Students claim these are the top reasons they chose to leave school.

1. Too expensive- Going to college can be a huge financial risk. To some this may outweigh the benefit of earning a degree. Use digital displays and information kiosks to show students the various university, state, and national scholarships and grants available to them. Financial aid offices can be supplied with printing kiosks. That way, students can look up important financial information and print out useful documents right in the office.

2. Excessive stress - A new home, with recently earned independence, and increased academic standards are a recipe for stress. Add confusion and lack of access to information and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Give students an easy way to access information and find maps to get them where they need to be, on time.

3. Lack of advising - Right now, there is a massive problem in higher education with the lack of advising capability at universities. According to Inside Higher Ed, “Self-reported adviser ratios from colleges and universities nationwide show that, on average, there are about 300 students for every full-time adviser in a four-year public institution.” One person advising on the future of 300 students every semester is simply not enough to be able to help with class schedule, future plans, career trajectory, internships, study abroad programs, extracurricular, and mental well being. Installing kiosks in academic buildings and faculty offices with a homepage solution can organize students.  Afterwards, they are prepared for meetings with the adviser, which cuts down average meeting times. This gives the adviser more time and flexibility to focus effort on students with extenuating circumstances that cannot simply be solved by a couple taps on a kiosk.

Student Kiosk Solutions

Pictured above: Enviro Kiosk Models for Indoor or Outdoor use

A self service school kiosk is essentially a computer kiosk placed in a steel enclosure with software that allows for remote access to control administrative functions such as browser lockdown, menu options, whitelisting web links, immediate reports or alerts for kiosk tampering and usage, and remotely view and support the kiosk. The primary solutions a school kiosk can provide include:

SCHEDULING SOLUTION

• Tutoring Appointments
• Academic Advising Appointments
• Share Campus & Club Events in Real Time

WAYFINDING & GENERAL INFO

• Campus Directories
• Building Information & Hours
• Contact Information
• Request Help

SURVEY SOLUTION

• Student Input/Feedback
• Gather Data for Decisions
• Screen for Mental Health

PRINTING SOLUTION

• Access homework, reading, and test results
• Print and scan quickly
• Send important e-mails

HR & ADMIN SOLUTION

• View Academic & Administrative Info
• Request/Complete/Submit Documents
• Reduce Administrative Costs

The ways we’ve listed are only a few of the many ways a self-service school kiosk increases efficiency and student retention. It provides assistance to students when and where they need it the most. Interactive school kiosks are powerful tools and are the latest technology of choice helping colleges and universities boost their student retention rates. Don’t be the school with paperwork landslide and unnecessary long wait times. Be the hero that elevates your facility and give us a call today! (603)865-1000

For organizations across industries, effective communication is not just important—it’s essential for success. That’s where Zamok Calling with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) comes in, transforming the way businesses connect with clients, partners, and employees.

The Zamok Software Suite is powerful kiosk management software that puts Advanced Kiosks products head and shoulders above other kiosk providers. Zamok provides kiosk security, management tools, hardware support, functionality, and seamless ease of integration with third-party software, tools, and content.

Since 2014, our Zamok VoIP Calling technology has facilitated a whopping 61,231 calls, which amounts to 9,500,000 seconds, 158,000 minutes, 2,500 hours, or 110 continuous days of conversation. This milestone represents more than just numbers; it signifies ten years of building better, faster, and more secure communication for businesses of all sizes. These numbers aren't just metrics—they reflect real-world value in creating efficient and reliable connections.

What is VoIP?

VoIP technology allows voice communication over the internet rather than relying on traditional phone lines. VoIP transmits voice data digitally using a Wi-Fi connection, enabling seamless, high-quality audio without the need for physical infrastructure such as telephone cables.

VoIP technology makes it easy to include a telephone handset with nearly any kiosk solution. As long as there’s a stable Wi-Fi connection, users can make calls from virtually anywhere, enhancing flexibility and reducing costs.

Additionally, VoIP technology allows for assisted self-service, enhancing the user experience. Those who may hesitate to use a fully self-service kiosk can access immediate help via voice communication, reducing frustration and increasing the adoption of self-service options in places such as airports, hospitals, and retail outlets.

And by offering a voice-based interface to a kiosk, VoIP can enhance accessibility for individuals who may struggle with visual navigation, creating a more inclusive kiosk experience.

Key Benefits of Zamok VoIP

Cost Savings: VoIP leverages your existing internet connection, eliminating the need for costly phone lines and equipment. This reduces operational expenses, allowing you to allocate resources more effectively.

Ease of Use: Our modern VoIP kiosks are designed for user-friendliness. With intuitive interfaces, employees and customers can quickly adapt without extensive training.

Privacy and Flexibility: One standout feature of our VoIP kiosks is the seamless switch between loudspeakers and headsets mid-call, ensuring privacy during sensitive conversations.

Real-Time Communication: VoIP kiosks provide instant access to customer service or emergency services. Strategically placed in public areas like parks, shopping centers, and transit hubs, these kiosks offer immediate help when every second counts.

Personalized Service: VoIP allows for personalized conversations, where customer service representatives can greet users by name and provide tailored assistance, especially if integrated with CRM systems or user databases.

What are some examples where Zamok VoIP Calling might be used?

Zamok VoIP Calling is a valuable feature included in the Kiosk Office Suite product, allowing for quick and easy communication between kiosk users and staff. Some use case examples include:

Help Desks: Immediate support for employees and visitors, connecting them directly with staff or FAQs for faster resolutions.

Lobby Kiosks: In corporate and hospitality settings, lobby kiosks with VoIP can serve as virtual concierges, connecting visitors with the person they are there to see.

Public Transportation Hubs: VoIP kiosks at airports, train stations, and bus terminals can connect travelers with live agents for updates on schedules, routes, and ticketing services, keeping them informed and connected.

Emergency Assistance: In environments such as parking garages or ATMs, kiosks with VoIP capabilities can offer an immediate connection to emergency services or security, enhancing user safety.

Imagine a direct hotline from your interactive kiosk to the services you offer — no need for users to remember phone numbers or dig out personal devices. Whether you’re enhancing customer interactions, supporting remote teams, or improving service in public spaces, VoIP is the future of customer service.

As we celebrate a decade of convenient communication, discover how our VoIP solutions can meet your unique needs and elevate operational efficiency.

Attaching a camera to any publicly accessible digital device is guaranteed to raise privacy concerns. Can the device recognize who I am? Does it store my image in a secret government database? Are the feds at some point going to come knocking at my door because a self-service device recognized me and alerted the authorities?

Those are all questions users of Advanced Kiosks’ self-service solutions may have in the wake of the company’s introduction of its FaceLock feature to its Zamok kiosk management software. FaceLock uses facial detection technology to provide secure access to kiosk interactions.

In the realm of modern technology, facial detection and facial recognition are terms that are often used interchangeably. However, they refer to distinct processes with unique functions and applications. Understanding the difference between these two technologies is essential, particularly as they become increasingly prevalent in the public sphere.

Facial Detection: Identifying the presence of a face

Facial detection is the first step in any facial recognition system. It involves identifying the presence of a face in an image or video. The goal is not to recognize who the person is, but simply to determine that a face is present.

Facial detection algorithms work by analyzing images to find patterns that are characteristic of human faces. These patterns include features such as the eyes, nose, mouth, and the overall shape of the face.

When a user approaches one of Advanced Kiosks’ self-service solutions, they’ll see a prompt on the screen asking if they want to enable the FaceLock feature. If they approve, FaceLock is enabled and recognizes that someone is at the kiosk. If they step away from the device, the software will run a countdown and delete session data. If the user steps back into view before the timer expires, they can continue their interaction uninterrupted.

The main purpose of FaceLock is to help ensure a user’s transaction information isn’t accessible to others if they forget to log out once their business is concluded. No image is stored, and users can conduct transactions as normal even if they decline to enable FaceLock.

Facial Recognition: Identifying and verifying individuals

Facial recognition, on the other hand, is a completely different process. Depending on the application, facial recognition systems can analyze a face to identify demographic information such as gender, race, and approximate age. Advertising platforms can use that information to deliver content targeted to that demographic. In some cases, facial recognition can be used for things ranging from providing users with secure access to computers, verifying identities for building entry, or identifying suspects at checkpoints.

Unlike facial detection, the use of facial recognition is fraught with privacy and ethical concerns. In one controversial application, for example, the company that owns Radio City Music Hall in New York used facial recognition to identify lawyers working for a firm involved in litigation against the company and deny them access to Rockettes shows at the venue as well as concerts and sporting events at Madison Square Garden.

Again, facial detection applications such as FaceLock only identify the presence of a face, don’t store images, and don’t link it to an identity. Its sole purpose is to ensure that business conducted at an Advanced Kiosks solution remains safe and secure.

Want to learn more about how FaceLock works? Reach out to our Sales team to start your self-service journey today.

In an era where convenience and security are paramount, technology continues to evolve to meet these needs. When it comes to self-service kiosks, one of the standout innovations in this field is the FaceLock™ feature, part of a recent update of Advanced Kiosks' Zamok® kiosk management software suite. This feature represents a significant leap forward in how organizations manage access and security, offering a seamless blend of user-friendliness and stringent security measures.

Zamok is a comprehensive kiosk management software solution that enhances the functionality of interactive kiosks, providing tools for remote management, usage tracking, and a host of other features that make kiosks more efficient and easier to use.

FaceLock uses facial detection to continuously monitor the user's presence in front of the kiosk camera throughout their session.

When users initiate a workflow at a FaceLock-enabled kiosk, they will see a prompt asking if they want to use FaceLock to secure their session.

If the user agrees, FaceLock will actively monitor their face using the kiosk's camera. To indicate that FaceLock is active, a subtle message will be displayed at the bottom of the workflow, reassuring the user that their session is being secured by FaceLock.

Once FaceLock is activated, it remains active throughout the entire session. The only way to deactivate FaceLock is by pressing the Zamok browser logout button, which will end the session and restore the kiosk to its default state. This ensures that a user's session remains secure and private until they explicitly choose to log out.

One of the key features of FaceLock is its ability to detect when the user moves out of the camera's view. Using cameras with a wide-angle lens, FaceLock can instantly detect if the user has stepped away from the kiosk or is no longer visible. If this occurs, a warning message will appear on the screen and a sound will alert the user to return to the camera's range.

If the user doesn’t return to the camera's view within a specified time frame, the session will end. If they do return to the camera's view the warning message disappears, and the user can continue their session.

The potential applications of Zamok with FaceLock are vast. In healthcare, for example, it can secure access to medical records at patient check-in kiosks. In corporate environments, it can manage access to sensitive project information at collaborative kiosk stations. In public settings like airports or train stations, FaceLock can enhance the security of self-service ticketing kiosks.

Simplified implementation

To activate FaceLock, administrators can easily attach it to specific buttons or workflows within the Zamok template editor. By toggling a switch in the template editor configuration pane, FaceLock can be enabled for the desired workflow, providing a seamless integration with the kiosk's existing functionality.

By accessing the "FaceLock" settings card in the Zamok dashboard, administrators have the flexibility to customize the duration of the countdown timer before the session is terminated as well as adjust the sensitivity of the facial detection sensor. This allows organizations to tailor the FaceLock behavior to their specific security requirements and user preferences.

While implementing FaceLock on your kiosk, It is important to consider the kiosk's hardware and environment. Adequate lighting is essential for accurate facial detection, and the kiosk should be positioned in a way that captures the user's face clearly.

FaceLock is a powerful new security feature in Zamok kiosks that protects user sessions. By continuously monitoring the user's presence, FaceLock ensures that sessions remain secure and private.

CPARS RATING: Exceptional

Preface: All US Government contracts are reviewed by the Contracting Officer (CO) who represent the United States Government. CPARS is a Government-wide system used by federal agencies to report the performance of contractor work.

The past year has been an exciting one for Advanced Kiosks, with the company completing several projects for government entities. Advanced Kiosks’ performance has resulted in an Exceptional rating on its recent Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) evaluation. The CPARS rating is used in part to document contractor performance on federal contracts.

The main project was Advanced Kiosks’ partnership with the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Trust Funds Administration (BTFA).  The system, consisting of Advanced Kiosks’ Aegis Booth, allows members of Native American Tribes to securely talk by video conferencing to a Bureau of Trust Funds Administration (BTFA) representative and access federal benefits.

Recognition of excellence

Advanced Kiosks’ performance on the Fort Peck project has resulted in an Exceptional rating on its recent Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) evaluation. The CPARS rating is used in part to document contractor performance on federal awards. According to the CPARS website that information includes “the contractor’s record of conforming to requirements and to standards of good workmanship; forecasting and controlling costs; adherence to schedules, including the administrative aspects of performance; reasonable and cooperative behavior and commitment to customer satisfaction; reporting into databases; integrity and business ethics; and business-like concern for the interest of the customer.”

Government agencies use a company’s CPARS rating when considering future contract awards. Here are a few comments about Advanced Kiosks that were included in the evaluation:

Quality: The contractor exceeded the contract requirements in terms of Quality. The Contractor consistently provided deliverables that are detailed, polished, and professional that included all the contract requirements. This is shown in the form of the kiosk booth, with the contractor using high quality materials for the booth-enclosure, integrating a high-quality design and technology throughout the booth. The quality of the kiosk application is also exceptional, with a clear, clean, and easy to use interface for a higher-level User Experience.

Schedule: The Contractor performed at a Very Good rating in terms of the Schedule. The Contractor met all deadline timeframes. The Contractor accomplished this by maintaining consistent communication with the Gov't.

Cost Control: The Contractor performed at the Very Good rating for Cost Control. The Contractor performed all requirements at the agreed upon costs and any modifications/upgrades that were identified and requested by the Govt were provided a quotation timely and modifications/upgrades were integrated timely and within agreed upon costs.

Management: The Contractor performed at the Exceptional rating for Management. The Contractor maintained consistent communication with the Govt. The Contractor provided regular updates and collaborated with the Govt on any issues.

Small Business Subcontracting: The Contractor performed at the Exceptional rating or Small Business. The Contractor provided a high quality and functioning kiosk to the Govt while at the same time being flexible with the Govt needs and objectives. This allowed for the Govt to receive dedicated 1-on-1 time and attention to the kiosk project that resulted in a high-quality product with the flexibility and attention of a small business.

“Our Exceptional rating reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire team,” said Advanced Kiosks CEO Howard Horn. “We are deeply committed to delivering the highest level of quality, adhering to schedules, maintaining cost control, and managing projects with excellence. This achievement would not have been possible without the trust and collaboration of our valued clients and partners; specifically the BTFA and our friends at New Hampshire APEX Accelerator”  Horn said. “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to each one of you for your continued support and partnership.”

Advanced Kiosks is also an approved vendor to the ‘General Services Administration (GSA) Advantage!’ program. The GSA is an organization that provides products, services, and facilities to federal, state, and local Government agencies so that they may serve the public. Any GSA Advantage member gets a significant discount off Advanced Kiosks products to ensure that government organizations get the absolute lowest price for their project.

For additional information or to discuss your own self-service project, contact us today!

A renowned natural attraction in southern Arizona has integrated a sustainable and tech-savvy approach to enhance the visitor experience.

Replacing old diesel shuttles, the Pima, AZ Regional Partnering Center introduced the emission-free Sabino Canyon Crawler in 2019. To further streamline the visitor experience, Advanced Kiosks was hand-picked to deploy four modern ticketing kiosks, designed to withstand Arizona’s extreme climate.

These kiosks have since processed tickets for over 330,000 visitors, generating $3.8 million in sales.

Despite challenges, the initiative has been successful, capturing interest from other organizations aiming to replicate the model.

Click here to read the full case study.

Advanced Kiosks is proud to be at the forefront of many of those changes. And to share what’s taking place at the company and the new offerings we’ve introduced, we’ve launched a quarterly newsletter.

Here’s a sample of what’s been happening at our New Hampshire headquarters and beyond:

New software

Advanced Kiosks recently released Zamok Kiosk Office Suite 3.0, a groundbreaking update to its popular self-service office management system. This update is in conjunction with a major update of Zamok 3.0, Advanced Kiosks’ proprietary kiosk management software.

Key features of Zamok Kiosk Office Suite 3.0 that have been updated and added include new translation capabilities, new and improved secure file upload, human detection technology and much more.

Expanded deployments

Validating the value of those new features is a project that’s taking place in Prince William County, Va. In an effort led by Circuit Court Clerk Jacqueline Smith and funded by Virginia Technology grants, the Circuit Court of Prince William County has rolled out 11 of Advanced Kiosks’ Zamok Kiosk Office Suite 3.0 kiosks to increase public access to services.

The kiosks are located in several locations throughout the county (no longer just the courthouse) to accommodate the busy lifestyles of residents who are unable to visit the courthouse during restrictive office hours. Here’s our case study on this project.

New hardware

For those who need self-service solutions in places where deploying a traditional kiosk might be difficult or impossible, Advanced Kiosks has introduced a new No-Power Kiosk, a tablet kiosk that does not require 110 power. Instead, it draws electricity via an ethernet cable that serves as an all-in-one power source and internet connection. The No-Power Kiosk is offered in both a wall-mounted or counter-based version, making it ideal for uses where space is tight and access to an electrical source is limited.

Because the No-Power Kiosk doesn’t require a power outlet, it opens the door to new possibilities for customer engagement or information dissemination. It can be easily moved around and placed in unconventional or remote locations such as temporary events, trade shows, conferences, or pop-up installations.

Value-added services

And to help ensure each self-service project is a success, Advanced Kiosks provides an onboarding service, an essential offering that gets customers up and running quickly and helps deliver maximum results. The onboarding service includes everything needed to get your solution deployed. An onboarding specialist continually monitors the production timeline and schedules regular check-ins to keep your project running smoothly.

These are just a few of the exciting things happening here at Advanced Kiosks, so be sure and check out the newsletter page to see what else is happening. If you’d like to learn more about what we do and read a few or our success stories, visit our Resources page.

Keep an eye out for the next edition of the newsletter, slated to come out in December. If you’re interested in exploring self-service solutions for your operation, contact one of our experts.

Advanced Kiosks installed the first Aegis Booth as part of its contract with the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and suffice it to say it was an adventure for all.

Advanced Kiosks won a contract with the DOI for a kiosk system that will allow members of Native American Tribes to securely talk by video conferencing to Bureau of Trust Funds Administration (BTFA) representatives and access federal
benefits. Getting qualified personnel to remote locations to work with Native American Tribes is very difficult in these rural areas. The BTFA contacted Advanced Kiosk for a highly customized assisted self-service system to simulate an in-person meeting.

The first Aegis Booth kiosk is located at the Fort Peck Indian Reservation near Poplar, Mont. The reservation is home to both the Assiniboine and Sioux tribes. The nearest airports to Fort Peck are ones in Williston, N.D., 140 miles away, or Bozeman, Mont., about 400 miles away. Because the contract included installation, members of the Advanced Kiosk team traveled to Fort Peck in late July.

Advanced Kiosks Production Manager, Keith, installs Aegis Booth prototype at it's new home in Ft. Peck Indian Reservation, MT

Considering recent disruptions in air travel, Advanced Kiosks president Howard Horn left for Bozeman on Thursday, three days ahead of the planned setup date.

“The Fort Peck Reservation is not an easy place to get to even under ideal conditions,” Horn said. “Our main goal was to make sure we get there on time if there were any travel issues, and we did have issues,” he said. “There were plane delays and cancellations, rental car problems and hotels with no rooms. So, we flew into Bozeman where we knew we could get a rental car and brought our equipment and camping gear.”

When the team got to Montana, the question was: what were they going to do for three days? They decided to spend some time at Glacier National Park along the U.S.-Canada border. The park covers more than 1 million acres and includes parts of two mountain ranges.

Breathtaking views at Glacier National Park

Advanced Kiosks President Howard Horn in Montana, July 2022

As the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and unemployment remains low, businesses of all types are struggling to deliver more services with fewer staff.

Unemployment levels in mid-July 2022 stood at 3.6% for a fourth straight month, matching a near-50-year low that was reached before the pandemic began sweeping across the country in early 2020. At the same time, many of those who were put out of work due to pandemic-related shutdowns didn’t return to their jobs once the economy began to reopen. According to the National Federation of Independent Business, half of all small businesses have open positions they are unable to fill. The situation is similar for large organizations.

And as part of an effort to cope with staffing shortages, more and more companies are utilizing an electronic kiosk to deliver essential services to both customers and employees.

Streamlining services

They come in various shapes and sizes, but at their core, electronic kiosks are digital devices that allow users to perform tasks independently without the assistance of staff.

The most common form of those devices, of course, is the ATM. Thanks to ATMs, many of us haven’t been inside a bank branch in years. The digital devices allow us to withdraw cash from and make deposits to our accounts without teller assistance, with branch visits reserved for more complicated interactions such as opening new accounts or signing loan documents. In many cases, even those tasks can be performed at an ATM.

It's much the same with other businesses. Increasingly, companies are allowing their clients to perform tasks on their own time and at their own pace via a digital electronic kiosk.

Examples of how kiosks are being used in businesses include:

The remote office: Many businesses operate 24 hours a day, but employee services such as HR offices may only operate during weekdays. By using a self-service kiosk such as the Zamok Kiosk Office Suite from Advanced Kiosks, employees can receive round-the-clock access to HR services, allowing them to request vacation time or schedule changes; fill out forms and submit applications; remotely scan documents and send them to any email; print forms, documents, or receipts on demand and much more.

When it comes to delivering services to customers, the Zamok Kiosk Office Suite allows them to pay bills through third-party portals securely; place phone calls via an optional VOIP handset through a directory or slideshow of quick-dial buttons and remotely access other customer services.

And if the interaction is more complicated than what can be accomplished in a few minutes, the Zamok Kiosk Office Suite Desk allows users to sit comfortably and spread out their documents.

Wayfinding and building directories: Advanced Kiosks’ wayfinding kiosks can provide visitors with turn-by-turn directions to their destination; notify guests of activity schedules, upcoming events or other information; communicate information about local businesses or attractions and much more.   When placed in the lobby of an office building or medical complex, directory kiosks act as a virtual receptionist in your lobby, with a click-to-call phone directory using VOIP technology.

Government services: In December 2021, President Joe Biden signed an executive order with the goal of streamlining government services to eliminate some of the bureaucracy around tasks such as renewing passports, applying for permits and paying taxes. Digital kiosks are a key part of that effort.

Electronic kiosks are also increasingly being used in courthouse modernization. Tasks such as checking in with a parole office, paying traffic fines, applying for a marriage license and more can be accomplished at a kiosk.

Applications abound

Although these are some of the most common uses of kiosks in business, they aren’t the only ones. Businesses that service clients who speak a language other than English, for example, may benefit from deploying Advanced Kiosks’ Interpretation Kiosk. If the client still requires occasional help from a customer service agent, there’s the Assisted Self Service Kiosk, a secure solution that provides a way for people to hold a confidential online conversation and transfer documents safely and securely. For businesses that frequently cope with lines of customers, there’s a dynamic queuing kiosk designed for check-in, processing and visitor data gathering. The kiosk checks in visitors and sets them up in a queue, with queuing status available on-screen or displayed elsewhere for high visibility. Visitors can also be notified via text message when their turn has come.

All sorts of services can be delivered via an electronic kiosk. Businesses benefit from labor savings and increased efficiency, while customers save time and receive an outstanding experience.

To see how your business can benefit from delivering services via kiosk, reach out to the experts at Advanced Kiosks.

Advanced Kiosks is partnering with the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs on a kiosk project that will allow members of Native American Tribes to securely talk by video conferencing to a Bureau of Trust Funds Administration (BTFA) representative and access federal benefits.

The first prototype will be located at the Fort Peck Indian Reservation near Fort Peck, Mont. The reservation is home to both Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. There are an estimated 10,000 enrolled tribal members, of whom approximately 6,000 reside on or near the reservation. With a total land area of 2.1 million acres, it is the ninth-largest Indian reservation in the United States.

Aegis Booth for Secure Assisted Self Service

Aegis Booth Smart Glass Demonstration

The Aegis Desk & Booth

• Secure & Private Document Scan, Print & Transfer
  Digitize forms easily and send or file them away securely with the tap of a button
• Secure & Private Video Conferencing Capability
  Offer comprehensive support to those who need it
• Bill Payment
  Securely execute or receive assistance with financial transactions
• Information Access
  Provide users access to helpful resources
• Accessibility Features
  Including high contrast interface and Storm Navpad functionality

MORE DETAILS

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 30% of the residents of the Fort Peck reservation lack health coverage. The area has traditionally suffered from high unemployment and high poverty rates, indicating the kiosk project is desperately needed.

“Several studies have made it clear that Native Americans are disproportionately underserved and economically vulnerable,” said Advanced Kiosks president Howard Horn. “These kiosks will be one step along the journey to eliminating those inequities.”

Advanced Kiosks’ contract is for one year with the option for several more. As part of the contract, Advanced Kiosks is designing, building and delivering the booth and desk hardware as well as developing the software.

Grant deadline extended

Separately, the deadline for federally recognized Indian tribes to apply for a Treasury Department grant for digital connectivity projects has been extended to Aug. 15, 2022.  The department defines digital connectivity technology projects as those involving the purchase or installation of devices and equipment such as laptops, tablets, desktop personal computers, and public Wi-Fi equipment to facilitate broadband internet access for communities where affordability is a barrier to broadband adoption and use. Tribes can receive $167,000 from this grant.

Advanced Kiosks has created a website to assist Tribes in applying for the grant. Click here for more information.

On a regular basis, Advanced Kiosks helps implement self-service technology for customers of all kinds. When Houston vision care provider Devlyn Optical contacted us about their project, we tested their software on one of our kiosks at our Concord, N.H., facility to make sure that this would work out of the box.  As soon as we tried it we were all impressed and we are sure you will be too.

A Community in Need

Houston is one of the most diverse cities in America. The Houston metro area is home to more than 6.5 million people of a variety of ethnicities and income levels. Great disparities exist amongst its inhabitants, particularly when it comes to the availability of affordable health and vision care services for the city’s large Hispanic population. Residents often don’t get the care they need.

This is an issue of great importance to Jesse Devlyn, owner of Devlyn Optical. According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, there is evidence to show that between 25% and 40% of people with significant eye pathology will be affected by depression. In addition, a 2021 study appearing in the medical journal JAMA Ophthalmology indicates that correcting vision problems in school children leads to higher test scores and better academic performance.

Devlyn partnered with Advanced Kiosks for a custom kiosk project that may change the way people think about the way prescription eyeglass services and eye health checkups are delivered.

Their unique solution offers both eye health checkups and virtual eyewear style fittings in the same self-service kiosk system. While providing a one-stop-shop for eye care service was a motivating factor behind this project, Jesse Devlyn says the main driving force was a desire to make cheap and convenient healthcare more accessible for the underserved Hispanic population in the Houston area. Devlyn frequently sees a lack of these types of services for those who need them most and hopes this kiosk will inspire new ways to improve the lives of people in the Houston area and beyond.

Eye-Catching Eye Care

Devlyn Optical provided custom artwork for a branded vinyl wrap on their Merchant Max kiosk eye care station, creating a visually stunning kiosk. The large, portrait-style touchscreen and the LED light panel built into the top of the kiosk are bright and attractive, guaranteed to catch the eyes of passersby. The kiosk is placed in a high-traffic location in a popular Hispanic grocery store, catering specifically to that community.

The interactive software offers users the ability to try on different frame styles virtually, using a high-definition webcam and face-tracking software to show what the frames would look like on the user’s face. This technology spares the user from having to make an appointment with an eye doctor just to pick out a new style of eyeglass frames.

Even more impressive is the ability of the kiosk to conduct remote eye health screenings. Completed virtually on the kiosk machine via custom software, the system requires only a webcam installed above the monitor to function.

For the underserved populations in the greater Houston area, these eye health services offered by the Devlyn Optical kiosk help to bridge the health service gap between economic and societal classes. The kiosk is a prime example of how self-service technology can be used to benefit communities in need and should help to inspire more healthcare organizations to follow suit.

For more details on the technology behind the eye health software, reach out directly to Devlyn Optical at 1-800-778-2145. For information about self-service technology or interactive kiosks, visit our website or call 1-603-865-1000. 

Self-service kiosks are a great way to allow users to handle quick tasks on their own, such as paying bills, ordering food, checking in at a health care facility or looking up information in a product catalog or building directory. They’re short transactions that self-service kiosks accomplish in thousands of stores, restaurants, and other venues every day. Organizations of all types have been adopting kiosks to provide a better customer experience via self-service.  

But while such tasks are easily accomplished while the user is standing, kiosks are increasingly being used in situations where the interaction is more complicated and takes much more time. For tasks such as filling out job applications, notarizing documents, help with lengthy court, tax or insurance document submissions, video conferencing with a case manager, telehealth sessions, applying for an apartment or communicating with HR, it’s unreasonable to expect people to stand for the entire process. In addition, occasions arise where users will need to scan and submit a variety of paperwork, and they’ll likely need space to spread out and organize forms.

In those cases, a desk and a chair will be required.

Not standing room only

Standards are difficult to quantify, but retail consumers tend to believe that 5 to 10 minutes is the maximum amount of time that they are prepared to stand in a line. It’s a good bet that kiosk users have similar feelings. If a kiosk interaction requires the user to stand for more than 5 or 10 minutes, it’s common courtesy to deploy a solution that incorporates a chair for the user to sit.

Those who may need to be seated when conducting business via kiosk include:

• People filing court papers such as restraining orders, petition for an appointment, or motion
• Citizens working with government agencies to apply for benefits such as Social Security, health insurance, public housing, and more
• Applying for a building permit at the local city hall
• Disaster victims working with FEMA to secure aid
• Banking customers interacting with a remote loan officer or customer service personnel
• Employees filling out new hire paperwork with the company’s HR department 

The answer to these issues is the A.S.K. (Assisted Self-Service Kiosk) 3.0 solution from Advanced Kiosks.

A.S.K. 3.0 leverages the Aegis Desk, Zamok Kiosk Office Suite 2.0, and cutting-edge videoconferencing equipment including webcams, 4K monitors, and directional soundbars to recreate a person-to-person experience with technology. The transfer of data and documents is secure and easy.

This self-service station affords users comfort as well as the tools to get more done. The desk is tamper-proof, with all switches, wires, and ports under lock and key.

For more on how A.S.K. 3.0 can help your organization better serve your customers, reach out to the experts at Advanced Kiosks.