Industrial-Grade Kiosk Computers: The Brains Behind Today's Interactive Kiosk Experiences

The Challenge

• Effectively partner in developing and deploying more than 50,000 next-generation kiosk machine computers to drive kiosk applications in several lines of business
• Efficiently connect with proven provider of kiosk-based engineering and design expertise, able to manufacture at scale.
• Consolidate multiple SKUs resulting from deployment of various computer chassis designs customized for each line of business.
• Ensure a smart, modular design that protects computer longevity while reducing material lead time and higher than necessary inventory levels.
• Deliver unmatched peripheral access and performance, with significant USB resources designed into each kiosk computer.
• Increase focus on remote management for service, system updates and relocation of kiosks as needed.

The Solution

• Modular, flexible industrial design purpose-built for kiosk computing compliant to all applicable industry regulations and standards.
• Scale mass deployment with one modular kiosk computer SKU across the kiosk manufacturer organization and its lines of business.
• Common chassis supported by rear I/O module enabling application-specific performance.
• Extensive USB resources to accommodate varied peripherals necessary to kiosk computer features such as payment readers, fingerprint scanners, cameras, and more.
• Sustain existing architecture’s need for specific RJ45 serial ports.
• Accessible, washable dust filters and removable hard drives aligned with streamlined kiosk service strategies.
• Trusted Platform Module security protocols, meeting PCI DSS requirements and personal privacy standards for Europe and North America with data purge at close of each transaction.
• Smart physical security features inherent to application design, including system pause on access by technicians.
• Performance and longevity prioritized, integrating Intel 6th Generation CORE processors with extended embedded availability.

The Benefit

• Create a long-term foundation for mission-critical kiosk computing, with kiosk computers purpose-built for longevity, flexibility and reliability.
• Easily maintain operations with streamlined SKU that reduces material lead time, keeps inventory levels in check, and minimizes service logistics and costs.
• Tap into C&T's effective, hands-on supply chain management that sustains massive kiosk deployment worldwide.
• Remain positioned for leadership and growth with flexible, cost-effective kiosk computers that enable fast prototyping for new applications.

The Company

Today’s self-service, standalone kiosks are a far cry from vending machines of years gone by. These intelligent, fully-automatic retail ‘stores’ offer products and services without the checkout clerk. Their very nature provides on-the-go, yet at-your-own-pace, convenience for a range of consumers. Whether renting movies, cashing out spare change or recycling used mobile devices, kiosks have gained popularity for their ready access, ease of use and intuitive interfaces.

One automated retail company with three distinct lines of business presents services via more than 50,000 kiosks located in heavily trafficked environments such as grocery stores, convenience stores, fast food restaurants, mass retailers and pharmacies. The company's typical self-service vending kiosk combines an interactive touch screen and signage. Additional elements — like robotic disk array systems, intelligent cameras, credit card readers, ID verification software and web-linked electronic communications — provide the inner workings. But it is the brains behind the self-service kiosks’ immersive instructiveness (a.k.a., the industrial-grade kiosk computer) that brings it all together for this kiosk manufacturer.

The Challenge

With three distinct brands capitalizing on the self-service kiosk market, this company faced growing consumer demand for its popular services. For years, each line of business worked separately with C&T to gain the advantage in its respective market. C&T designed all the kiosk computers for their interactive kiosks using industrial grade materials with ultra-compact chassis form factors and a universal mounting mechanism. These specialty computers had been purpose built with many common kiosk-friendly features such as single-sided I/O and power controls, tool-less access for services, easy-swappable hard disk trays and washable dust filters. But because these projects were developed independently over time to meet brand-specific requirements, each of this company’s kiosk computers had its own unique chassis design which could not be shared across the other brands.

This resulted in multiple production SKUs – an approach that meant higher than acceptable inventory levels and often extended material lead time. It also impinged on timely service and increased regulatory compliance costs. And it did not provide the flexibility the kiosk manufacturer needed for speedy prototyping of new ventures – an ongoing objective to growing the overall business. To sustain and expand operations for the long term, it would be necessary to consolidate the kiosk computer design under a single common SKU. This would allow the organization to gain efficiencies across the enterprise by taking advantage of economies of scale.

Ultra-Compact, Cost-Effective, And Low-Power Consumption

Rich I/O Options For Workload Consolidation

The Solution

C&T's multipurpose design also recognizes that kiosk computers must accommodate the mechanical limitations of different kiosks. Common features such as dust filters — crucial in managing the dirt and particulates routinely found in kiosk settings — must not only be accessible but also flexible in their placement within the kiosk enclosure. C&T's design takes a proactive approach to ensuring access and serviceability, featuring an omnidirectional mounting system allowing easy reorienting of the filter as warranted. Mechanical conversion is minor and requires no changes to the Bill of Materials for the SKU’s chassis. A universal chassis mounting kit was also developed as part of the design itself, creating a readymade kit matched to the mechanical dimensions of each kiosk and its unique requirements for sliding rails and tool-less locking.

C&T's solution also considers both data security and functional security of the systems at work. For example, operational security is programmed into the kiosk computer. When an authorized technician opens the kiosk door, the kiosk computer stops; its door lock communicates with the PC’s comm port and pauses all programs until the door lock is re-engaged in its secure and closed position.

The Benefit