...
Select Page

Self-Service Kiosks A to Z

  1. Home
  2. Self Service Kiosks A To Z

What is a self service kiosk?

A self-service kiosk empowers users to complete tasks or transactions on their own. It consists of a touchscreen kiosk and the software to enable a customer to perform a self-service function, for example, pay a bill or check in for an appointment.

Found in industries ranging from law enforcement and courthouses to government offices and airports, these kiosks streamline operations, reduce wait times, and improve the customer experience.

To see the hardware options we offer, visit our Kiosk Models Page. If you’re looking for software for kiosk management, see our Zamok kiosk Management Software.

For an overview of all our turnkey self-service kiosk solutions check out our Products section.

A pair of Self Service Document Kiosks in the lobby of a courthouse building with print and scan functionality.

Does my organization need self-service functionality?

If you have identified a pain point or commonly experienced issue within your organization, maybe a self-service kiosk is right for your business. Here are some reasons why others have invested in our technology:

  • Improved customer experiences and service
  • Improved ticketing and payment processing solutions
  • Environmentally-friendly solutions like digital form fill
  • Increased opportunity for productivity among employees
  • Customers with the ability to conduct business outside of regular business hours

What types of kiosk models are available?

There are many shapes and sizes of kiosk models. View these images to see an example of the variations.

What are self service kiosks used for?

Wayfinding & Directories

Self service kiosks can be the perfect solution for wayfinding and building directory functions in medical offices, college campuses, cemeteries, or any other venue where visitors may need assistance finding where they need to go. Add a printer to enable users to bring their custom map on the go.

Bill Payment

These self-service kiosks offer those without available or secure access to information technology to pay bills ranging from utility services to taxes to traffic tickets and more. Barcode scanners and credit card readers can expedite the payment process or even help auto-fill forms.

Donations

Any organization that relies on visitor donations such as houses of worship, museums, tourist attractions, and more can benefit from a safe and secure donation kiosk. Offering the ability to accept donations via payment card can help boost badly needed revenue.

Informational Kiosks

Replace dingy paper catalogs or tabletop comment cards with a sleek, freestanding informational kiosk. Customers can look up product information, view the store’s inventory, or order items for home delivery.

Self-Check In

Minimize the burden on staff with a check-in or queuing kiosk. Patients arriving for a medical appointment, retail customers seeking specialized assistance, or arrivals at an auto repair shop simply check in at the kiosk to be served by the next available staff member.

Human Resources

Business is increasingly conducted around the clock, but the company’s HR office may not be open or available to employees working the midnight shift on the factory floor. An HR kiosk can allow employees to check payroll information, request vacation time and sign up for benefits even when the HR office is closed.

Digital Form Completion

Enabling customers to fill out and send forms digitally provides great value and convenience. The end user can avoid the laborious process of printing, completing, scanning and sending through the automated digital form fill and delivery process.

Custom Functionality

To honor individuals for outstanding achievement or heroism, there’s the Tribute Station. We even offer self-service kiosks for self-storage facilities. If it can be accomplished on a self-service kiosk, Advanced Kiosks can make it happen.

What are the Benefits of Self Service Kiosks?

What are the benefits to the deployer?

Self-service kiosks improve the customer experience by allowing users to handle basic tasks on their own, freeing up staff to deliver more personalized service. In addition, kiosks allow deployers to provide services to their customers without the need for a brick-and-mortar location. A utility company or mobile phone provider, for example, can place a kiosk in a grocery store, shopping mall, or other location to allow their customers to perform transactions without having to travel to the service provider’s office.

For more complicated transactions such as interacting with a housing authority or applying for a building permit at the local courthouse, a kiosk solution such as the A.S.K. 3.0 allows users to sit at a desk and receive assistance from a remote agent via videoconference. Such assisted self-service interactions have been demonstrated to improve the accuracy of the information collected while dramatically lowering transaction costs.

What are the benefits to the user?

With a self-service kiosk, users can conduct transactions at their own pace without feeling rushed. Depending on the kiosk location, users may have 24-hour access to the services they need. In addition, it may no longer be necessary to travel long distances to meet with a government agency or service provider.

Can a self-service kiosk integrate with my existing software?

Yes! In most cases, self-service kiosk software easily integrates with the software you use to manage inventory, control customer information, handle billing, and more. In a retail store, customers can use a self-service kiosk to see if the desired product is in stock or place an order for home delivery. In a medical facility, patients can use a self-service kiosk to check in to an appointment, enter health and insurance information, pay their bill, and handle a variety of other tasks. In a courthouse, self-service kiosk users can apply for permits, acknowledge probation appointments and pay fees. There are opportunities for self-service kiosks in organizations of all types.

Are self-service kiosks difficult to manage?

No! Our Zamok Self-Service Kiosk Software suite provides remote management tools and enhanced security. Deployers can be automatically notified if an issue arises and perform troubleshooting from the corporate headquarters.  Software updates and interface customization can be easily handled without having to visit the kiosk itself.

Are self-service kiosks expensive?

In many cases, an investment in a self-service solution can be recouped in months.  Several studies have demonstrated how kiosks can reduce transaction costs and increase sales. They don’t replace workers; they allow those workers to deliver more personalized service. The resulting increase in sales can actually create the need for additional staff.

Do self-service kiosks improve the guest experience?

Absolutely! A self-service kiosk allows users to conduct transactions at their own pace without the need to interact with staff. They help speed up service, reducing both perceived and actual wait time. Self-service kiosks can recognize who we are, delivering personalized service based on our likes and previous transaction history. Kiosks never forget to suggestive sell, ensuring users are connected with the products they need and desire.

What are the Key Features of Self Service Kiosks?

  • Touchscreen Interface
    Enables users to navigate menus, enter information, and make selections with ease.

  • Smart Software
    Specialized kiosk software drives user interactions, processes transactions, and connects to back-end systems.

  • Integrated Payments
    Many kiosks accept credit/debit cards, mobile payments (NFC), or cash to complete transactions securely.

  • Customization Options
    Customers can tailor orders, select services, or modify preferences in real time.

  • Live Information
    Some kiosks provide real-time updates such as wait times, product availability, or service status.

  • Industry Versatility
    Deployed across law enforcement, courthouses, government, banking, healthcare, education, and transportation sectors.

Where Self-Service Kiosks Are Used

Self-service kiosks serve a critical role across a wide variety of industries. Below is a categorized list of common environments where kiosks improve access, efficiency, and user experience:

Government Offices

Citizens can renew licenses, pay taxes or fines, submit applications, and print important documents. Kiosks are widely used in departments such as the DMV, permitting offices, and municipal service centers.

Courthouses

Kiosks streamline check-ins for court hearings, allow for fine payments, appointment scheduling, and document retrieval — helping to reduce administrative lines and improve service delivery.

Smart Police Stations

Community members can file non-emergency reports, pay tickets, schedule appointments, or access public safety information securely and independently.

Housing Authorities

Tenants use kiosks to pay rent, check application status, request maintenance, or print necessary housing documents, supporting convenient self-service in shared residential spaces.

Cemeteries & Memorial Parks

Visitors can locate gravesites, print section maps, view service details, or request assistance discreetly — offering respectful, around-the-clock support.

Retail Stores & Shopping Centers

Kiosks are used for self-checkout, product lookups, price checks, loyalty program signups, or placing custom orders, enhancing the in-store experience.

Airports, Train Stations & Transit Centers

Travelers use kiosks for check-in, ticket printing, ID scanning, wayfinding, parking payments, and transit card management, all without standing in line.

Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities

Patients can check in, update personal information, sign digital forms, and make payments. This helps reduce wait times and ensure greater privacy.

Schools, Colleges & Universities

Students and staff use kiosks to check in for classes or events, register, access schedules, print ID badges, or receive alerts and directions on campus.

Banks & Financial Institutions

Customers can perform basic transactions, manage account settings, request cards, or open new accounts — extending services beyond the teller line.

Corporate Offices & Business Centers

Visitor management kiosks handle check-in, badge printing, meeting room access, and internal communications — often integrated with security systems.

Hotels & Hospitality

Guests use kiosks to check in or out, obtain room keys, make concierge requests, or view local attraction guides.

Manufacturing & Warehousing

Employees can clock in, complete safety checklists, log maintenance tasks, or access training and procedural documentation directly on the floor.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Kiosks provide ticketing, exhibit information, donation portals, and digital maps. They also support multilingual and ADA-accessible content delivery.

Entertainment Venues & Attractions

Used for ticket sales, event check-in, seating selection, and visitor navigation at stadiums, arenas, theaters, amusement parks, and similar venues.

What is a Kiosk? – Video Overview

This 3-minute video explains the core concept of self-service kiosks and how they are used across various industries. Key points include:

  • Definition: A kiosk is a touchscreen terminal that enables users to access services or perform transactions without staff involvement.
  • How it Works: Users interact through intuitive software and secure interfaces to complete tasks quickly and independently.
  • Common Uses:
    • Retail: Self-checkout and product lookup

    • Restaurants: Ordering and payment

    • Airports: Ticketing and check-in
    • Government: Renewing licenses or paying fees
  • Benefits:
    • Speeds up service and reduces lines
    • Increases operational efficiency
    • Enhances customer satisfaction and control
    • Reduces labor costs for businesses

FROM OUR BLOG

Accessibility Toolbar

Speak with a Specialist