The Future of Digital Kiosks

The Year of QSR Digital Kiosks

In 2016 we saw a huge increase in self-order digital kiosks at quick service restaurants (QSR) and fast casual restaurants across the globe. McDonald’s announced that it would roll out self-order digital kiosks in all of its 14,000 U.S. stores, Wendy’s introduced their own interactive kiosks across the U.S. and Panera Bread expanded its self-order digital kiosk initiative. 

 

For QSR and Fast Casual restaurants that promote their convenient service, self-order kiosks present a new opportunity to improve customer experience. “Restaurants are deploying self-service technology to automate the ordering and payment process, and to create a reliable experience for customers. Self-service kiosks save time by cutting lines while giving consumers control of their dining experience,” said Meridian CEO, Chris Gilder.

Digital Kiosk Trends in 2017

Look for digital kiosks to play a role in “Green Initiatives.” Kiosks have the ability to lower emissions, save paper and conserve energy. “I think print on demand capabilities has the potential to eliminate thousands of printed brochures at hotels, resorts, tourism bureaus, banks, educational establishments, anywhere you see trifold brochures,” said Gilder.

 

Mobile integration will also improve and expand. Currently, Mobile integration allows users to leverage QR-codes, i Beacons, push messages, Geo-location and other triggers to stream information. As audiences become more and more dependent on their mobile devices, digital kiosks will continue to integrate with their capabilities. “People want to interact with digital information, mobile integration provides that interaction,” said Gilder.

Innovation in Technology

Technology is providing more ways to improve the customer experience. Electric vehicles are becoming more affordable and the miles per charge is increasing substantially. These new advances are allowing more people to consider the eco-friendly cars as their sole mode of transportation. The rise in electric cars on the road will encourage production of electric vehicle charging stations as the success of electric cars will be dependent on the availability of EV charging stations.

 

Advances in technology will also increase the availability and reliability of kiosks as emergency warning systems. Security of outdoor kiosks continues to improve, allowing kiosks to provide emergency warning stations throughout towns and cities. “Security technology, durable mounting and environment protection are all improving, which helps create reliable outdoor solutions,” said Gilder. Advancements in emergency warning technology include gunshot detection, pollution and gas detection and communication capabilities with emergency responders.

Digital Kiosks are Limitless

Continued innovation and breakthroughs in technology will only further the capabilities of digital kiosks and their ability to improve user experiences.

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