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Software

Types of Digital Kiosks and 5 Software for Your Business

Andy Wade
March 27, 2024

Table of content

Best Kiosk Software

Before exploring kiosk software solutions, it is crucial to understand the various varieties of kiosks, each tailored to particular objectives and business requirements. Firms need to comprehend the features and uses of different kiosk types to utilize these adaptable tools successfully.

Self-Service Kiosks

Self-service kiosks are interactive tablets or touchscreen computers that allow customers to access information or services without directly interacting with a person. These kiosks can help a business expand its operations rapidly and effectively while reducing costs. While employees focus on tasks that add value to consumers or benefit from face-to-face connection, visitors can self-serve.

Interactive self-service kiosks require hardware and software to create a customer experience. The hardware is a touchscreen computer or, increasingly, a tablet enclosed to prevent theft, tampering, or damage. iPads are the most common kiosk tablets owing to their ease of use, low cost, and constant quality. However, Android and Windows tablets like the Microsoft Surface line are also used.

Information Kiosks

An information kiosk is a kiosk that displays information or gives it through an interactive menu system. An example of an information kiosk is found at libraries, offering a dynamic inventory catalog. Another example is the kiosks in malls and shops, which showcase popular things available for purchase.

An information system comprises hardware, software, and telecommunication networks designed to gather, generate, and disseminate valuable data within an organizational environment. These kiosks serve as an intermediary by collecting data on pertinent information and presenting it in a more easily understandable manner for the consumer. This data is collected for analysis to provide consumers and individuals with products and services tailored to their needs, simplifying routine chores.

Internet Kiosks

Internet kiosks are interactive terminals that allow users to access the Internet in public locations, including libraries, hotels, airports, and cafes. They provide easy access to the extensive information and opportunities available online, meeting users' recreational and functional demands. Users can access the internet without personal devices, which is beneficial for travelers, tourists, and anyone without immediate access to cell phones or computers. For example, internet kiosks in airports allow customers to check flight itineraries, print boarding passes, and access travel information while waiting for their flights.

Wayfinding Kiosks

Digital wayfinding kiosks serve as the interface for a contemporary wayfinding system. Cloud-based self-service navigation technologies display floor layouts and digital maps on an interactive touchscreen for users to navigate or seek items in real-time. Wayfinding kiosks are an advanced solution to the limitations of conventional, stationary maps shown on walls. They can be designed as specialized custom kiosk hardware. Wayfinding kiosks are particularly beneficial for extensive facilities and offices that regularly change layouts, room functions, and seating configurations. They are beneficial in firms with hybrid work and many distant employees.

digital-wayfinding-kiosk

Advertisement Standing Displays

Advertisement Standing Displays are interactive marketing devices designed to distribute specific promotional material in public areas. The displays usually have high-definition screens, commonly installed on freestanding pedestals or walls, strategically positioned in high-traffic locations, including shopping malls, airports, train stations, and retail stores. Advertisement Standing Displays provide dynamic and interactive material that can be updated remotely in real-time, allowing advertisers to deliver relevant messages customized for specific locations, hours, and demographics, unlike traditional static signs.

Free and open-source kiosk software

Free and open-source kiosk software creates interactive systems without proprietary licenses or fees. These platforms provide content management, remote monitoring and management, customized user interfaces, and security to guarantee self-service kiosks run well in various situations. Their open-source nature allows for modification and adaptation to specific demands, stimulating creativity and collaboration in the kiosk developer community and providing cost-effective interactive kiosk systems for businesses and organizations.

Look DS

Look DS has a wide range of capabilities for kiosk applications designed for versatility, usability, and innovation.

Customizable Interface

Look DS offers customization possibilities for layout, color schemes, interactive components, and multimedia material, enabling organizations to develop and personalize kiosk interfaces to meet branding, user experience, and industry standards.

Remote management

From a central dashboard, administrators can update information, monitor kiosk performance, and fix issues without on-site involvement, reducing downtime.

Multi-Platform Support

This software supports many hardware and operating systems, ensuring kiosk interoperability. Businesses can use the platform's versatility to implement customized solutions via touchscreen displays, tablets, and interactive kiosks.

Analytics and Reporting

Look DS offers comprehensive analytics and reporting using data-driven insights. User interactions, engagement data, and kiosk performance can guide business decisions and ROI analysis.

Porteus Kiosk

Kiosk software Porteus is light, accessible, and open source. Linux-based, its baseline version only supports a web browser. Additionally, tight protocols prevent users from installing applications or changing settings. This kiosk software is mainly used in schools and libraries and has the following benefits.

Configuration

The Porteus Kiosk Software has a Kiosk Wizard that installs with one click. The wizard also lets users make select UI modifications to the software without further action.

Rolling updates

Porteus Software updates automatically. As a 'Setup and forget' concept, the kiosk refreshes without human participation.

Lightweight

Porteus Kiosk software has modest specs. The initial download consumes 100 MB of storage and minimum RAM.

Default Lockdown

Only kiosk owners (administration team) or Porteus teams can access and update the system. Because of this strict security setup, Porteus can access public WiFi networks without worrying about external or internal attacks.

Workspace ONE

Workspace ONE is a digital workspace. It can distribute and manage any app on any device without compromising control and security with its application management, access control, and unified endpoint management. The solution manages all devices and applications from one interface, removing the need for specific expertise and tools. Below are the features of Workspace ONE.

Users self-serve

Workspace ONE's one-touch, single sign-on (SSO) capability lets users securely access mobile, web, cloud, and Windows apps without IT intervention. It helps your IT team manage backend workflows and focus on strategic projects by reducing support ticket volume.

Endpoint management unification

This software can manage any device and platform, from corporate-owned gear that needs lifecycle management to employee-owned devices that must follow your BYOD policy. Thus, most employees can choose their preferred device types for maximum access, comfort, and productivity without compromising security or management.

Network access control

Workspace ONE's powerful policy engine protects sensitive data with identity and device management. The platform can restrict access based on authentication, network, location, and device compliance. It can even let users alter endpoint device settings to satisfy compliance standards and access software.  

Automated app management

Workspace ONE UEM and Horizon virtualization allow IT teams to instantly upgrade and distribute applications from a single platform. The automated procedure streamlines app deployment and management and eliminates human errors for maximum security and compliance.

PisiLinux Kiosk

PisiLinux Kiosk is a kiosk-specific Linux distribution. Pisi Linux, based on the discontinued Pardus Linux, is its basis. This software provides a secure, stable, and adaptable kiosk platform for varied contexts. Its features include:

Customizable Browser Settings

PisiLinux Kiosk administrators can adjust browser settings to match specific needs. Homepage URLs, default search engines, browser extensions, and security settings are configured. Administrators can customize kiosk browsing to suit its purpose.

Session Restore

PisiLinux Kiosk's session recovery feature lets users resume surfing during system restarts or power outages. This feature saves open tabs, form data, and browser history across sessions, improving efficiency.

Automatic Updates

The kiosk system automatically updates the operating system and software components with security patches, bug fixes, and feature additions. This keeps the kiosk secure and stable over time.

Support for Multiple Languages

PisiLinux Kiosk supports several languages, allowing administrators to adapt the user interface and content presentation for diverse user populations. This feature makes the kiosk system accessible and inclusive by letting users use their favorite language.

Sitekiosk

SiteKiosk is a cloud-based, all-in-one digital signage software for public access kiosks, interactive displays, PCs, tablets, and laptops (Windows/Android). Your SiteKiosk Cloud account lets you remotely administer tamper-proof, public-facing computers and screens.

Offline functionality

Its offline functionality is a highlight connectivity, enabling ongoing functioning and access to essential functions. It is perfect for situations with unstable internet.

Content Scheduling

The software lets organizations automate content updates and adjust kiosk displays on regular schedules. This function keeps content current and relevant, improving user engagement and experience.

Multilingual Support

SiteKiosk helps enterprises reach a worldwide audience and accommodate users of different languages. This feature makes kiosks more accessible and inclusive.

Customization

SiteKiosk lets businesses customize the experience to their branding guidelines, user preferences, and unique needs by designing the user interface, configuring interactive components, and branding elements.

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