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Choosing the right kiosksManaging my kiosks

Choosing the right kiosks

Kiosks for business use cases

Kiosks are just about everywhere these days. And if you’re wondering why these are the latest “it” devices, wonder no more!

Kiosks are purpose driven devices. Like the King’s Guard, they’re not here for smiles and giggles, only business purposes. Standing ready at the entrance of a store, airport, or restaurant near you to provide a dignified service. These highly effective devices help businesses provide the services busy customers crave. They can check in for a flight, quickly pay for groceries, or order a coffee — all without speaking to another human being or waiting in line. A dream!

On the flip side, kiosks can be expensive, which may not be worth it for more straightforward use cases. They’re more of a one-trick pony than a jack of all trades, but they’re masters at that one trade. It’s a potentially high investment for something that can only be used for a single purpose, but it’s also the most efficient way to do the job when you need it for that purpose.

Tablets

Pros
Incredibly versatile
Infinitely portable
Very cost-effective
Cons
May need extra peripherals to do everything needed
Smaller devices are easier to misplace or are often theft risks

Kiosks

Pros
Highly effective for single-use applications where a tablet won’t cut it
Purpose-driven
Cons
Difficult to repurpose
Expensive

Smartphones

Pros
Wide variety of hardware choices
Small, portable form factor
Rugged options
Cons
Easily lost, stolen, or damaged (for non-rugged)
May require more peripherals for full functionality

Advantages

  • It’s smaller:
    mPOS can be a smartphone, a tablet, or a standalone unit based on a smartphone form factor. Any of these are more compact than a big, bulky POS system.
  • Portability:
    ‍    Going to trade shows where you plan on selling goods? Take your mPOS. Want to set up shop on the sidewalk because it’s a nice day? Your mPOS has your back. Decide to close up your restaurant and buy a food truck instead? You won’t need to change your POS system.
  • It’s easy to use:
    ‍    You can use your smartphone, right? Then you can use an mPOS. In many cases, it’s just an app that runs on the device (though dedicated mPOS devices also exist!), so it’s intuitive. Plus, you won’t have to manage it yourself since the mPOS service provider will almost certainly have robust support options.
  • It’s secure:
    ‍    mPOS is more secure than a traditional POS system because it’s completely cloud-based. That means none of the data — credit card or customer information, for example — is stored locally. For a deeper look at mPOS security, check out this whitepaper.
  • It’s automated:
    ‍    No need to manually generate revenue reports, manage bank accounts, or the like. It’s all seamless and simple with an mPOS system.
  • Customers love it (and so will you):
    ‍    At this point, customers are very used to mPOS systems and many likely prefer it overall. With many mPOS systems, the customer’s email address and phone number are attached to their credit card, which makes digital receipts, returns, and customer history dead simple.

Disadvantages

  • Portable = breakable:
    Have you ever dropped an old-school POS and broken it? Probably not, because it’s largely stationary. An mPOS though? Drops happen. Better get a ruggedized case.
  • High cost to replace:
    ‍    What happens when you break that high-dollar mPOS tablet? You have to replace it. That can be costly depending on which model you’re using. While traditional POS systems are more expensive, they’re also far less likely to get damaged, making replacement cost more of a consideration for an mPOS system.
  • Support lifetime:
    There are plenty of old-school POS systems still in use today, but mPOS systems won’t have the same lifecycle. They’re not designed to stay in service indefinitely and have limited support lifetimes, so they’ll have to be replaced regularly for cybersecurity purposes.

Rugged devices are best for:

  • Durability:
    Rugged devices have the durability you wish hard shell tacos did.  While hard shell tacos can’t even be held without falling apart, rugged devices are purpose-built to withstand the harshest conditions, such as extreme temps, moisture, dust, and potential drops, in the toughest environments, like construction sites, manufacturing floors, and outdoor fieldwork.
  • Lower TCO in the long term:
    ‍    Rugged devices are often more expensive at first, but their durability can mean savings in the long run thanks to their reduced risk of damage and longer lifespans. It’s like a horror movie in reverse. The jump scare is up front, then it’s smooth sailing.
  • Extended battery life:
    ‍    If a device goes down and no one is around to see it, does it really go down? Yes, yes it does. That’s why rugged devices often come with a longer battery life so they can operate for extended periods in remote places where charging isn’t easily accessible. 

Consumer-grade devices in a rugged case are best for

  • Cost savings:
    ‍    There are cost savings to be reaped here, both in the short and long term. A rugged case is less expensive than a rugged device, making it cheaper up front, and the added protection makes the device more durable than an uncased device, reducing maintenance and replacement expenses.
  • Support lifetime:
    ‍    There are plenty of old-school POS systems still in use today, but mPOS systems won’t have the same lifecycle. They’re not designed to stay in service indefinitely and have limited support lifetimes, so they’ll have to be replaced regularly for cybersecurity purposes.

Consumer-grade devices are best for 

  • Lower initial costs:
    Consumer-grade devices tend to be a more budget-friendly choice. This is great for those with smaller spending power, but be aware the cost of damage or replacement could be greater in the long run.
  • Ease of use:
    ‍    No bulky or heavy cases here, just slim and lightweight devices. The user experience can be more mobile and carefree— unless, of course, you drop it.
  • Future-proofing:
    ‍    Consumer-grade devices are the favorite child in the device world. They bask in constant attention, enjoying frequent updates that keep them at the cutting edge of functionality and ahead of their rugged counterparts. 

Kiosk vs tablet, which is right for your business?

Tablets can be a tempting alternative to kiosks for some use cases. Like a donut, they’re cost-effective, mobile, and familiar. This makes them ideal for simpler use cases, smaller spaces, and tighter budgets. Good examples of this are tablets at doctor’s offices or hotels where users can check in or out on their own, and tablets at museums or libraries that allow users to conveniently access information, resources, and catalogs. If this resembles your use case, head to our tablet page.

Some use cases, however, require a truly dedicated kiosk solution. Dedicated kiosks are ideal for self-service functions in high-traffic areas or for use cases requiring more durability and enhanced customer engagement. This could be an airport kiosk for travelers to check in and print their boarding passes, a box office kiosk for simplified ticket purchases and pickups, or self-checkout kiosks where customers can scan and pay for items. These use cases are in high-traffic areas and require additional functionality like printing or scanning. If this feels aligned with your use case, keep scrolling!

Advantages

  • It’s smaller:
    mPOS can be a smartphone, a tablet, or a standalone unit based on a smartphone form factor. Any of these are more compact than a big, bulky POS system.
  • Portability:
    ‍    Going to trade shows where you plan on selling goods? Take your mPOS. Want to set up shop on the sidewalk because it’s a nice day? Your mPOS has your back. Decide to close up your restaurant and buy a food truck instead? You won’t need to change your POS system.
  • It’s easy to use:
    ‍    You can use your smartphone, right? Then you can use an mPOS. In many cases, it’s just an app that runs on the device (though dedicated mPOS devices also exist!), so it’s intuitive. Plus, you won’t have to manage it yourself since the mPOS service provider will almost certainly have robust support options.
  • It’s secure:
    ‍    mPOS is more secure than a traditional POS system because it’s completely cloud-based. That means none of the data — credit card or customer information, for example — is stored locally. For a deeper look at mPOS security, check out this whitepaper.
  • It’s automated:
    ‍    No need to manually generate revenue reports, manage bank accounts, or the like. It’s all seamless and simple with an mPOS system.
  • Customers love it (and so will you):
    ‍    At this point, customers are very used to mPOS systems and many likely prefer it overall. With many mPOS systems, the customer’s email address and phone number are attached to their credit card, which makes digital receipts, returns, and customer history dead simple.

Disadvantages

  • Portable = breakable:
    Have you ever dropped an old-school POS and broken it? Probably not, because it’s largely stationary. An mPOS though? Drops happen. Better get a ruggedized case.
  • High cost to replace:
    ‍    What happens when you break that high-dollar mPOS tablet? You have to replace it. That can be costly depending on which model you’re using. While traditional POS systems are more expensive, they’re also far less likely to get damaged, making replacement cost more of a consideration for an mPOS system.
  • Support lifetime:
    There are plenty of old-school POS systems still in use today, but mPOS systems won’t have the same lifecycle. They’re not designed to stay in service indefinitely and have limited support lifetimes, so they’ll have to be replaced regularly for cybersecurity purposes.

Rugged devices are best for:

  • Durability:
    Rugged devices have the durability you wish hard shell tacos did.  While hard shell tacos can’t even be held without falling apart, rugged devices are purpose-built to withstand the harshest conditions, such as extreme temps, moisture, dust, and potential drops, in the toughest environments, like construction sites, manufacturing floors, and outdoor fieldwork.
  • Lower TCO in the long term:
    ‍    Rugged devices are often more expensive at first, but their durability can mean savings in the long run thanks to their reduced risk of damage and longer lifespans. It’s like a horror movie in reverse. The jump scare is up front, then it’s smooth sailing.
  • Extended battery life:
    ‍    If a device goes down and no one is around to see it, does it really go down? Yes, yes it does. That’s why rugged devices often come with a longer battery life so they can operate for extended periods in remote places where charging isn’t easily accessible. 

Consumer-grade devices in a rugged case are best for

  • Cost savings:
    ‍    There are cost savings to be reaped here, both in the short and long term. A rugged case is less expensive than a rugged device, making it cheaper up front, and the added protection makes the device more durable than an uncased device, reducing maintenance and replacement expenses.
  • Support lifetime:
    ‍    There are plenty of old-school POS systems still in use today, but mPOS systems won’t have the same lifecycle. They’re not designed to stay in service indefinitely and have limited support lifetimes, so they’ll have to be replaced regularly for cybersecurity purposes.

Consumer-grade devices are best for 

  • Lower initial costs:
    Consumer-grade devices tend to be a more budget-friendly choice. This is great for those with smaller spending power, but be aware the cost of damage or replacement could be greater in the long run.
  • Ease of use:
    ‍    No bulky or heavy cases here, just slim and lightweight devices. The user experience can be more mobile and carefree— unless, of course, you drop it.
  • Future-proofing:
    ‍    Consumer-grade devices are the favorite child in the device world. They bask in constant attention, enjoying frequent updates that keep them at the cutting edge of functionality and ahead of their rugged counterparts. 

Tablets

Usage and portability
Tablets offer the ideal balance between functionality and portability. Their larger screens make it easier to view and use content and apps while still allowing staff to be agile.
Ideal applications
Due to their larger screens, tablets are often preferred for applications that require precise input via a stylus or touch, such as design, healthcare, or fieldwork.
Communication
Users can effectively use tablets for emails, messaging, and video conferencing. Voice calls may be less convenient due to their larger size.
Cost
Tablets offer a cost-effective alternative to smartphones. Quality tablets are often significantly more affordable than flagship smartphones with similar features. This makes tablets a smart way to cut expenses, particularly if you don't need cellular connectivity.
‍

Smartphones

Usage and portability
Smartphones are the most portable devices out there, making them great for on-the-go communication and quick access to information. Their small screens and limited functionality could make them less suitable for certain business tasks.
Ideal applications
Smartphones are better for applications that require mobility, augmented/virtual reality, or mobile payments.
Communication
Smartphones are perfect for efficient communication methods such as voice calls, text messages, emails, and video calls.
Cost
‍Small in size, potentially big in price. Smartphones can get pretty expensive thanks to their compact design and premium features like advanced cameras and facial recognition. These factors drive up production costs and result in higher price tags compared to tablets in many cases.

Smartphones

Usage and portability
Smartphones are the most portable devices out there, making them great for on-the-go communication and quick access to information. Their small screens and limited functionality could make them less suitable for certain business tasks.
Ideal applications
Smartphones are better for applications that require mobility, augmented/virtual reality, or mobile payments.
Communication
Smartphones are perfect for efficient communication methods such as voice calls, text messages, emails, and video calls.
Cost
Small in size, big in price. Smartphones can get pretty expensive thanks to their compact design and premium features like advanced cameras and facial recognition. These factors drive up production costs and result in higher price tags compared to tablets.

Tablets

Usage and portability
Tablets offer the ideal balance between functionality and portability. Their larger screens make it easier to view and use content and apps while still allowing staff be agile.
Ideal applications
Due to their larger screens, tablets are often preferred for applications that require precise input via a stylus or touch, such as design, healthcare, or fieldwork.
Communication
Users can effectively use tablets for emails, messaging, and video conferencing. Voice calls may be less convenient due to their larger size.
Cost
Tablets offer a cost-effective alternative to smartphones. Quality tablets are often significantly more affordable than flagship smartphones with similar features. This makes tablets a smart way to cut expenses, particularly if you don’t need cellular connectivity.

Shopping considerations for company-owned kiosks

Ready to find your perfect kiosk? Here’s a list of key considerations so you don’t have to shop until you drop. You can in fact shop, stay upright, and go home happy.

Use case

The first step to buying what you want is knowing what you need. Clearly define your use case and how users will interact with the kiosk. Then, make sure your kiosk has the right features (touchscreen, scanner, printer, etc.) to bring that experience to life.

Placement

Kiosks are homebodies as they literally can’t move. Make sure they’ll be happy in their new space. Consider the space size, inputs available, and whether they’ll be indoor or outdoor to ensure they’re a match

Connectivity

Consider your installation environment and use case when picking a connectivity method. You’d never use a hard-wired connection for temporary kiosks at an outdoor festival or choose cellular in a spotty coverage zone. And remember, you’re not limited to just one method — dual connectivity (like Wi-Fi + Cellular) is a great option to ensure uninterrupted functionality in case of network failure.

Security

Where there’s sensitive customer data or financial transactions, there are bad actors. Make sure your kiosk has the proper security features like data encryption and user authentication to keep them at bay. And if you’re accepting payments, ensure your kiosk properly complies with PCI DSS.

Scalability

Seamless scaling starts with early planning. If you’re looking to expand or upgrade in the future, choose flexible hardware that can grow with you. Ensuring your investment will remain relevant and functional for the long term will save you money and time down the road. Your future self thanks you

Budget

Think holistically here. Obviously, you’ll need to factor in price per unit, but don’t forget those sneaky costs for installation, maintenance, and ongoing operations.

Need More Guidance? Esper Can Help.

Our hardware experts make finding the right hardware easy! Esper has guided thousands of customers to develop efficient, scalable device fleets that meet their needs. With our robust partner catalog and vast hardware support we can always find a solution.

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Managing My Kiosks

Management considerations for company kiosks
Once you’ve found the right kiosks, it’s time to manage them. An MDM (Mobile Device Management) solution is a great tool to monitor and protect your terminals. But there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all MDM solution. Some key factors to consider when looking for the right MDM:

Security

Not to be dramatic, but a kiosk that isn’t locked down is a massive vulnerability. Imagine if anyone could waltz up and bypass the primary interface of a self-checkout kiosk. No thanks! Spare yourself and ensure your MDM can turn your kiosk into a virtual fortress.

Customization

Your MDM should be like a good salad bar— a full buffet of quality ingredients for you to build your ideal creation. You want something that you can fully tailor to your needs. Look for capabilities like restricting device functionality, setting content filtering rules, or defining usage policies.

Control over apps

Your kiosk’s job: Sit there and bask in its own perfection. Your job: Control it and everything on it. Look for an MDM that lets you allow or block apps, remotely install or uninstall apps, and control app updates.

Scalability

Hoping to grow your business? Maybe you’re dreaming of putting a kiosk on the moon? Wherever you want to take things, your MDM should follow. Choose one that accelerates your ability scale, not hinder it.

Remote control

There are many ways you can choose to spend your day. Unless you want that choice to be flying across the country to fix a kiosk, get an MDM with real-time device monitoring, remote troubleshooting, and remote debugging at the command line level.

Provisioning

Kitting instructions are designed to make you feel exhausted. Get an MDM that automates the onboarding, provisioning, and deployment processes, and you’ll be strutting around your office in no time.

Advanced Device Management for Company-Owned Kiosks

Esper is your golden ticket to a better way of managing your devices. But unlike Wonka’s factory, there’s no candy or child sized blueberries here — just user-friendly features and time-saving automations. The simplified provisioning, seamless remote control, unbreakable device lockdown, and staged updates make it a real playground. Use it to manage ten devices or ten thousand (or more!), it works just as seamlessly. Its benefits are as everlasting as a gobstopper and will have you telling your boss, “I want it now!”
CONTROL
EFFECIENCY
SECURITY

Streamlined device grouping

Easily group kiosks to improve organization and manage your entire device fleet all in one place.

Update at will

Test updates on a single kiosk, then stage rollouts to groups based on custom rules.

Enhanced visibility

Get instant and up-to-date connectivity status, data information, and a whole lot more. All in one place.

Device kitting made simple

Your IT teams can deploy dozens of kiosks in minutes instead of hours. Maybe even go home early.

Avoid expensive onsite visits

View and control kiosks, troubleshoot issues, or generate a debugging report. From anywhere.

Streamlined software delivery

Ensure kiosks boot up with the most current OS version and settings. No matter what.

Eliminate device tampering

Lock kiosks down to a specific use or set of uses so users only access what you want.

Protect system integrity

Control when apps get added, updated, and removed — on the fly, at any time. As often as you need.

Accelerate incident response

Set custom alerts for automated monitoring. Receive actionable alerts and take real-time action.
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Elevated Device Management

Convenience store chain saves 60% in OpEx with a turnkey kiosk solution

Esper provided a turnkey device management solution from sourcing hardware to driving real-time analytics on device performance. Result? Parker’s launched the new loyalty program preloaded with Esper in just 10 weeks.

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Remote debugging reduces downtime for restaurant tech company

Our in-store kiosks are mission-critical. If they’re down, we’re losing money. With Esper they just work. When issues arise, our IT team gets an alert so we can remotely debug the kiosk to get it back online and serving customers

Engineering Leader
Engineering Leader
Restaurant Technology Company

Strategic hardware support saves national QSR chain from expensive rip-and-replace cycle

To support team members and customer experiences across our POS, tablets, and other devices, we needed a solution that worked for our next generation enterprise Android apps. Esper was a true partner. Working with them allowed us to move fast, save money, and now we can make strategic decisions about what hardware we want to use.

Mas Yoshida
Mas Yoshida
Director, Next Gen Restaurant Technology, Taco Bell
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The State of Device Management 2024
Staying a step ahead of the pack comes naturally to you. If you’re looking for the inside track to understanding how forward-thinking businesses are prepping for the next generation of mission-critical device use cases, this is it. The State of Device Management Report is the key to understanding the evolution of device management for the next generation of hardware. With these insights, you’ll be ready to take on what comes next — regardless of where you are right now.
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