June 10, 2011
Radiant rolls out self-service systems at UK travel center restaurants
Radiant Systems Inc. announced a successful implementation of its self-service technology solution with Welcome Break, a motorway service area operator in the United Kingdom. With the rollout, Welcome Break’s KFC sites and several Burger King units now feature the technology.
Radiant rolls out self-service systems at UK travel center restaurants | kioskmarketplace.com
“A number of our stand-alone sites have seen great results from Radiant technology, which is why we decided to integrate the company’s solution with our current front-of-house and back-of-house restaurant installations,” said David Willock, director of information technology at Welcome Break. “We are always focused on customer satisfaction and speed of service, and Radiant has the tools to help us exceed our customers’ expectations.”
Welcome Break deployed Radiant Customer Self-Service software with integrated card payment capacities, which runs on P1520 point-of-sale (POS) self-service terminals and sends orders directly to the installed kitchen display systems.
Radiant Customer Self-Service Kiosks decrease long queues at the point of service and enable Welcome Break to serve more customers during peak hours, thereby increasing throughput with improved speed of service.
Self-service technology has been attributed to sales increases through graphical displays, which advertise promotional and seasonal items. In addition, operators are able to deploy order-taking employees to other tasks such as food preparation and customer service.
“The success other Radiant travel center customers have seen through self-service technology demonstrated to Welcome Break the improvements in customer service, sales and speed of service it can expect with Radiant technology,” said Paul Grayling, vice president of Europe, Middle East and Africa at Radiant Systems.
Radiant Systems is headquartered in Atlanta.
Radiant rolls out self-service systems at UK travel center restaurants | kioskmarketplace.com
June 06, 2011
Kiosk ULTIMedia USA Completes Ticketing Kiosk Solution in Europe
/newswire/ - New York, NY, United States, 06/04/2011 - ULTIMedia U,S. installed new ticketing kiosks at Versailles (the Park).
Following the successful deployment of its ticketing kiosks at the worldwide known castle of Versailles in 2010, ULTIMedia USA just installed new ticketing kiosks for the Park of the famous castle. But beyond this new order, this is a confirmation of the durability and reliability of its ticketing solutions.
With proven technology, ULTIMedia USA now offers ticketing kiosk solutions among the best on the market. A functional requirement to the ergonomics of the HMI (Human Machine Interface), a marker designates the model of ATM SQUALE kiosk or ORK kiosk to be an excellent compromise.
The exemplary operation of the equipment was ULTIMedia USA role in the choices related to the high demand of services of VERSAILLES CASTLE. This company also installs kiosks in the most prestigious sites for over 16 years. The kiosk model SQUALE 09 installed in the famous museum LE LOUVRE for nearly two years, his office is successful and will lead to a possible extension in the words of command.
ULTIMedia USA is a company located in New York City, whose business is the design and manufacture of interactive terminals, software and dedicated service. Established since 1994 and pioneered the market for kiosk, ULTIMedia has developed a unique knowledge base in indoor and outdoor kiosks and is recognized for its outstanding ability to manage innovative and huge kiosks projects.
ULTIMedia, which has already won many projects as the City of Science and Industry, The Rodin Museum, the Forum des Images, The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles, the Centre Georges Pompidou, famous barges cruises company ...
August 20, 2010
UK News - Protouch is shortlisted for Retail Systems 2010 Awards
UK: Protouch, Xn Leisure and Aberdeen Sports Village leisure centre joint entry is shortlisted for its innovative ‘Virtual Receptionist’ kiosk solution that has provided Aberdeen Sports Village with an automated booking, ticketing and payment system.
We’ve been shortlisted in the Retail Systems 2010 Awards for the category ‘Best Use Of Technology In The Hospitality And Leisure Sector.’
The Protouch, Xn Leisure and Aberdeen Sports Village leisure centre joint entry is shortlisted for its innovative ‘Virtual Receptionist’ kiosk solution that has provided Aberdeen Sports Village with an automated booking, ticketing and payment system.
The ‘Virtual Receptionist’ has propelled Aberdeen Sports Village to the forefront of the technological, self service arena within the Leisure industry with 80 per cent of Aberdeen Sports Village members now using it as opposed to the reception desk.
Protouch Xn Leisure Kiosk
Not only has it leveraged Aberdeen Sports Village resources by turning receptionist staff into Customer Service Ambassadors, it has allowed staff to offer more quality time with their customers as well as greatly enhancing customer experience by increasing the speed of transactions and efficiency. Customers can now check in for activities, collect tickets and make future booking enquiries quickly and efficiently, eliminating the need to queue.
The Xen X4 wall mounted kiosk offers a 19″ touch screen, RFID smart Card Reader, receipt and ticket printer and branding while running a booking and on screen payment application that provides fast track entry and a secure monitoring system using membership cards linked to turnstiles, barriers or doors.
We look forward to the awards ceremony due to take place at the prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel London on 28 October 2010 where the winners will be announced.
About Xn Leisure
The leader in Leisure Management Solutions for over 28 years, Xn Leisure serves over 5,000 users and is the technology partner of choice for the Leisure Industry. Offering a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise Xn Leisure is engaged in a programme of continuous strategic investment in people, systems and processes.
June 10, 2010
Working Solutions Showcase Interactive Content at KIOSK EUROPE EXPO 2010
Held at the Messe Essen in Germany, the show is a business-to-business event that connects exhibitors with key decision-makers from major corporations throughout Europe. It also provides a venue for exhibitors to meet with local and Europe-wide partners and resellers. Having recently established a sales office in Germany, Working Solutions will be welcoming enquiries from all potential new partners and resellers.
There will be live demonstrations of interactive content developed for, and running on, large screen kiosks. Visitors will be able to see real world examples of live projects, for example, a shopping mall wayfinding solution and an airport Bluetooth marketing system.
In addition to the content driven applications, there will also be the chance to see KioskMonitor Watchdog. Now in its tenth year and running on over 10,000 kiosks worldwide, this is much more than just a remote access tool. Designed specifically for kiosks, it provides secure lock-down, remote access and advanced management solutions for kiosks.
For more information call on +44 (0) 116 231 8921 or email [email protected], or go to http://www.acquiredigital.com for information about Acquire and http://www.working-solutions.co.uk for information about Working Solutions (Creative IT) Ltd.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Working Solutions (Creative IT) Ltd
Based in Leicester, England, Working Solutions (Creative IT) Ltd has been providing award winning solutions to the digital signage and kiosk market segments for more than 12 years. So much more than just another media player, the Acquire™ range includes software products and player devices that combine power and functionality with the ability to control and manipulate content to create unique digital signage and interactive kiosk projects. Acquire™ software is already powering more than 15,000 players worldwide and has the flexibility to support multi-nationals corporations and small ‘start-ups’ alike.
Working Solutions (Creative IT) Ltd is based in Leicester, England.
For all press enquiries please contact Paul Mayer, Sales & Marketing Manager, Working Solutions (Creative IT) Ltd. email: [email protected] or tel: +44 (0) 20 8133 9960
For Media and Sales Enquiries in Central Europe please contact
Michael Hoppe
Vice President - Business Development
Wolfratshauser Str. 85b
82049 Pullach
Fon +49 (0) 172 815 8096
email: [email protected]
June 29, 2009
Europe to Eye Mag-Stripe Ban
European Payments Council hints that they may ban less secure mag stripes and require chip cards entirely. That is going make things difficult for American tourists (once we start traveling again...)
European banks may consider banning the use of magnetic stripe credit and debit cards, according to Gerard Hartsink, the chairman of the European Payments Council.
Hartsink, who is also a senior executive vice president at ABN Amro in Holland, said that European financial companies will have largely completed the transition to the EMV Integrated Circuit Card Specification by 2011, and the council, which is driving the transition to the Single Euro Payments Area, could then advise its members to stop accepting magnetic stripe cards, which are considered less secure than those that use EMV.
"My feeling is, although it has not yet been decided, the [council] will take a decision in 2011, maybe 2010, to only use chip cards," he said in comments during a presentation this week at the Contactless Cards and Payments conference in London.
The council has no enforcement power, but if banks in Europe went along with such a decision, it could leave U.S. cardholders in the lurch when they traveled to Europe and tried to use cards for purchases or ATM withdrawals.
"If [Americans] visit Europe, it's not such a problem; their institution could issue an EMV card," Hartsink said.
Payments council members will probably debate the issue in 2010 or 2011, he said.
Hartsink is not the only person suggesting a ban on magnetic stripe cards, according to Dave Birch, a director at the U.K. research company Consult Hyperion. In a recent blog post, he cited comments from a financial regulator in Singapore pressing for a "concerted, global effort to phase out magnetic stripe technology entirely."
May 29, 2009
Ikea installs Kiosks in Belgium
Home furnishing retailer IKEA has installed in-store kiosks in six Belgian stores for customers to join the IKEA family loyalty scheme. [picture]
- source article
- Thanks to Kirk & Arcatech Systems for pointing out to us
Initially 18 kiosks were installed with a further 10 being rolled out. The kiosks are being trialled in other European Ikea stores but there are no plans to roll out in the UK.
The Xen x5 kiosks, created by Quant Marketing and Protouch allow customers to sign up for the loyalty scheme without staff assistance.
The 19" touch screen also displays personalized information to notify customers about upcoming promotions, sales and events
"We are very happy with the IKEA family registration kiosks that are installed in all Belgian IKEA stores," says Tim Schroons of IKEA Belgium. "They allow us to have a much more efficient way of recruiting new IKEA family members without the presence of a co-worker being required. This versatile solution allows us to recruit new members and have existing members print out a temporary card or update their customer profile in a user friendly way."
May 05, 2009
Wincor Nixdorf at the “Kiosk Expo” in Essen
Kiosk Exp in Essen, Germany begins today and runs for 3 days. They have 140 exhibitors and Wincor issued news release . And of course tomorrow in Vegas is the start of KioskCom at Mandelay. It's the big show here in States. Two day show.
The FINANCIAL -- At “Kiosk Expo,” the international trade show for kiosk solutions that takes place in Essen, Germany, from May 5 to 7, Wincor Nixdorf presents new and proven solutions for customer service, marketing communications at POS and optimized sales and cash processes.
Interactive kiosk systems are a key component of Wincor Nixdorf’s multi-channel marketing concept. At the show in Essen, the IT solutions company shows a range of kiosk applications, based on a scalable platform, for various market segments and branch operations. The solutions include standard, especially cost-effective terminals and flexibly configurable premium-class terminals for both wall and stand-alone implementations. The corresponding software application adds real value to the kiosk terminal solutions. In Essen, visitors can view Wincor Nixdorf’s innovative “face-to-face” marketing video solution for “live” customer consulting.
"Professional digital signage applications for the banking, retail and service industries are another highlight that Wincor Nixdorf presents together with its cooperation partner Online Software AG from Weinheim, Germany. Digital signage supports market communications by creating emotions, inspirations and sales appeal at POS terminals. Among the key digital signage solutions on display in Essen are PRESTIGEenterprise, the market-leading software for price and marketing communication, as well as a range of high-performance monitors, including both mini- and large-format displays. With a central server for controlling all marketing and information displays, a mobile control console and an interactive promotional solution, Wincor Nixdorf presents a cross-section of the many possibilities that modern digital communications provide," Wincor Nixdorf reports.
Automated checkout solutions improve customer service and increase productivity in retail stores. In Essen, Wincor Nixdorf shows a wide range of possibilities for automated checkout systems. With self-service POS terminals, payment terminals for separating data capture and cash processes, solutions for mobile self-scanning and personal shopping, the IT solutions company offers modular components for customer-tailored POS automation.
Innovative payment systems, terminals for order processing such as the NAMOS quick-service self-service kiosk for restaurants, self-service applications for lottery sales-points, wall-mounted kiosk terminals based on BEETLE / Fusion are among the many highlights that visitors can view at Wincor Nixdorf’s booth (hall 1/1A, booth 3D50).
Exhibitor List at Kiosk Expo
12GoDigital
3M Touch Systems
42media Group
4U
Adder Technology Limited
Advantech Europe
Adversign Media
All-Dynamics Software
AMX
APS
Avocent Deutschland
Aquis IT Solutions
ARO
Atos Worldline
Bell Microproducts
Black Box Deutschland
business-on.de
Cayin Technology
CCV
Citizen Systems Europe
COMM-TEC Vertriebsgesellschaft
Custom Engineering
Danotech
Dekora-Design WWD
Desko
Deutsche Telekom
Digital Signage Services
Distronik
DS Keyboard
DT Research
Dyna Systems
EAFS
Elektrosil
Elivision
EMTrust GmbH
Epson Europe
Eurocoin
E.W.L. GmbH
Fawoo
Focus Centered Media
Fraunhofer HHI
friendlyway
GbR
GDS
GeBE
Glaswerke Haller
Goodview Group C&D digital
Great Sun Technology
Handlink
Hantarex
Hemisphere West Europe
Hertz Systemtechnik
Höft & Wessel
Hy-Line Computer Components
Hypercom
Hyundai IT
IBM
Impulse.TV
InduKey
Innova IT Solutions
Interactive Media Solutions
Invert
invidis consulting
IRTOUCH SYSTEMS
Itworx-Pro
Jansen Display
Japan Cash Machine
KAL
Kanzan
KMY Tech
Kontron
Leunig
licht-con
m2c Electronic Technology
Macnetix
marketing displays
Maxto Technology
mdtMedientechnik
memedia Interaktive Medien & TV-Systeme Bogeschdorfer-Schmidtler
Media Consult 24
Money Controls
MTE
NarComm
NEC
Netscreens
Nexcom
Nexio Co Ltd (Korea)
Nidec Sankyo Europe
Nippon Primex Inc.
Noya Bilgisayar Sistemleri
OKI Systems
Panphonics Oy
PMC
Pohl Electronic
Polirol
Polygon
P.O.S. kompakt
Power products
Prorising
Provisio
Reker&Schlingmann Papierrollenfabrik
Rockkiosk
Roku
Rosendahl Concept Kiosk
Rotolificio Bergamasco
Sasco Holz
Sasse Elektronik
Scala
Schmidt-Systemtechnik
Screen New Technologies
Seen Media
Seiko Instruments
Sharp Electronics Europe
Shenzhen KEYU Co
Sinocan Int'l Technologies
SalesTV GmbH
Sommer & Co
Star Micronics Europe
STiNOVA
Syscomtec Distribution
System elektronik
Szzt
Totem
Tridelity Display Solutions
Trinity Solutions
TripleDoubleU
ULTIMedia
Unicol Deutschland
Verifone
VICOM Deutschland
Videro
Vitrinen Trautmann
Werkstation
wh Münzprüfer
Wincor Nixdorf
WNP Verlag
XEOS Media
October 24, 2008
European Association for Self-Service, EAFS, founded
Europeans under leadership of Jens Schindler of Kiosk Europe magazine form non-profit association for self-service.
Brussels, 22 October 2008
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
European Association for Self-Service, EAFS, founded
While the 27th of June 1967, the day the first ATM was installed at a Barclays branch in
north London, may forever more remain the most important date in self-service, the 22nd
October 2008 will also be a day to remember – the day that EAFS, the European
Association for Self-Service, was founded in Brussels by many of the biggest names in the
industry.
The founding of the association marks a major milestone in the campaign to bring the
European self-service solutions companies together, a campaign initiated by KIOSK
EUROPE magazine way back in Winter 2006. Steps along the way have included a public
meeting at the KIOSK EUROPE EXPO 2007 event, as well as follow-up articles leading up
to the 2008 event, where growing support for the association and further formal procedures
were announced.
The closer collaboration of suppliers in the self-service sector is a sensible step forward for
all involved, and a logical consequence of the increasing success of self-service solutions
in all areas of society over recent years. The self-service success story began with the
installation of cash dispenser machines over 40 years ago, a convenient service solution
which was widely, and almost immediately, embraced by the general public to the point
where there are now over 1.5 million global installations in use today. Based on their
success in the banking sector, self-service solutions have now been widely adopted in the
travel sector (e.g. airport check-in solutions), retail sector (e.g. self-checkout and photo
kiosks), as well as in the telecoms, hospitality, health and governmental sectors, to name
but a few. As a result, 100s of millions of consumers are now interacting with self-service
devices every day across Europe.
Ensuring a smooth, convenient and value-added customer experience for users of selfservice
solutions is at the heart of the interests of the European self-service industry. The
European Association For Self-Service, EAFS, will aim to support this end and ensure that
the relevant authorities are aware of its contribution to the living standards of the citizens of
Europe. The founding members of the association include Citizen, Hengstler, hf media &
events, Hoeft & Wessel, Ingenico, Innova (Kiosk Innova), Nakagawa, Provisio, Seiko
Instruments, Star Micronics and Wincor Nixdorf.
hf media & events, The Quorum, Barnwell Rd, Cambridge, UK Tel: +44 1223 410901, Fax +44 1223 241600
hf media & events is a subsidiary of HF Network Ltd. Registered in England and Wales 5763005. Director: Jens Schindler
The statutes of the non-profit association were signed off by the founding members in a
ceremony on 22nd October 2008 in Brussels. The objectives of the association are:
• To bring together participants within the industry in order to promote self-service
solutions throughout Europe and beyond
• To support the members in their efforts to promote self-service
• To serve as a neutral counterpart for authorities, regulators and other bodies.
• To collect data and information on the industry and to become a contact for media
and other bodies.
• To undertake research/studies and foster innovation and new technologies
The General Assembly elected the following persons to the Board:
• Mr Jens Schindler as president.
• Mr Christian Goebel as vice-president.
• Mr Alain Huc as treasurer.
• Mr Guillaume Lepecq as director and ex officio Secretary of the Association.
• Mr Alpaslan Tomus
• Ms Christina Pfleiderer
• Ms Annette Tarlton
• Mr. Thomas Wolf
All founding members called for all other companies, organisations and individuals with a
professional interest in self-service to join the association so that they too can benefit from
its endeavours.
August 14, 2007
Kiosk Manufacturers Decline in Europe
Nice perspective by blogger on europe site for kioskterminals. Talks about impact of kiosk companies in Europe. We were also surprised to learn the First Impressions finally closed its doors. A longterm design firm based in Denmark, First Impression was Ole Meyer and started back in 1997?
hhttp://kioskterminals.blogspot.com/2007/06/demise-of-big-boy-players.html
2007 is fast approaching to be a year in which already in the first half of the year we have seen 2 big sized kiosk manufacturers go out of business and into liquidation. The demise of both Slabb and Ceroview both registered in North America, and having attained considerable reputation in the field of kiosk manufacturing, there is a definitive response from customers and deployments that success on a global scale is not always the fast track key to being a solid reputable supplier or partner.
I am confident that there are several other companies which have had to close there doors as well this year, and without a general body to monitor such events its both difficult and quite literally impossible to measure the failure stories throughout the kiosk market place, if you take one example that I am aware of my own country of origin “Denmark” has produced several firms in past history which felt they had a unique business approach but still did not manage to make the cut, most recently Denmark oldest and one of the principle founders in Denmark of kiosk manufacturing was First Impression. There uniquely styled kiosk frame who many expressed its shape as beauty and personification of an information terminal finally closed its doors this year 2007, but its roots date way back from the early nineties. Several others include such well less known names as Ceboline, Dreamvisions but to name a few more for the statistical record.
Slabb in instance is a truly ironic story, of a firm who started out with well meaning intentions and good solid sales abilities, with several successful ventures Slabb grew enormously quickly and in terms of media coverage Slabb had considerable efforts to be placed in the forefront of both customers and competitors who envied and spoke quite considerable therefore there was always going to be a large crowd of crows squalling when the death quite literally overnight turned up and knocked quietly at the corporate doors of the management of Slabb. But what is surprising is the quite open scuttle of ex. employees of Slabb which have in small regions of the globe formed new corporations to carry on the lifeblood of the products and started to produce the existing range of Slabb models. It has been with quite considerable interest how I have seen several new ventures start, Asia seem to be the place were most have dived into having these models manufactured with having seen likeable reproductions of the favourites x5 and x6 series models cropping up on several Asian manufactures. I must also admit to secretly wonder what the former CEO Cy Birg is reacting to his former cohorts and there apparent lack of support to a firm who had created a marked impression in the industry, un-doubtly we have not heard the last chapter of the on going Slabb saga. There is still the impending court cases of unhappy customers who have claims against the firm, possible several suppliers and marketing associations who feel that Slabb have abused there trust from its commitment to purchases. One example of this was Kioskcom Europe which premier sponsor for the event being namely Slabb, even when I attended on the first day the rumour around the exhibition hall in 2006 was not a new model or application but that of Slabb who had pulled out of sponsorship and I clearly remember the story line of several varying versions of Slabb being in harsh economic problems, low behold some 4 months later the facts came to light.
The business of selling, operating and proving yourself in the kiosk industry is tough, there is not an ounce of doubt I think any company cannot say. Although as many experts will say it still being in its infancy, many firms simply take either to large advancements before they can walk and underestimate that kiosk business is one of steady growth, and there also of course several that simply don’t do there homework nor listen to the veterans on what and how is achievable when relating to success or failure within an industry which has become not only cut throat but also extremely competitive to say the least.
February 15, 2007
Kiosks and Digital Signage -- Middle East
AKS or Aptec Kiosk Services displays new kiosk and digital signage solutions at the recent KioskCom tradeshow in Dubai.
Aptec featured some of its revolutionary kiosk designs along with the MxN Media Platform an industry leading and revolutionary Digital signage solutions.
'We continue to support Aptec Kiosk Services as one of our prime resellers of our digital signage software solutions and our integrated Digital Media solutions in the region,' says Aref Chamli, Business Development Manager, MxN.
MxN Middle East has worked with AKS to integrate Digital Signage into their Kiosk solutions. The two companies will be featuring a self service kiosk with an integrated Digital Signage solution above the kiosk. MxN and Aptec continue to build on their growing relationship first established during Gitex.
MxN and AKS also highlighted an integrated Kiosk solution with Digital signage solution. 'There are many underutilized opportunities for the integration of Digital Signage and Information kiosks. More and more customers are requesting overhead LCD screens to be integrated into their service kiosks to promote their products or to generate extra revenue. After extensive research, we found that MXN and their products helped us to deliver a superior product to our customers,' says Hazem Adel, from AKS.
November 11, 2006
Interesting Outdoor Goverment Kiosk
 Public Access Kiosks in Aberdeen by an organisation called 'Public Dataweb'. These units are outdoor and have an umbrella above them. Statistics on usage by the people are also pretty interesting as Entertainment and Sports dominates the usage with things like Email barely being used. The units also provide wireless WiFi download to mobiles.
|
The Umbrella Kiosk 2006
First introduced in April 2006 in the city centre streets of Aberdeen Scotland.
The 'i' Kiosks have dual operational viewing screens.
They generate a Wireless / WiFi service
Provide all the Public DataWeb multiple content service's.
Plus Video Email and VOIP/SKYPE Freephone telephony
A Verbot / Avatar assists and can also read out messages.
One major factor in collecting usage statistics over many years shows that when we introduced the Umbrella kiosk design usage shot up! With far less kiosks the usage on our new street kiosks rapidly exceeded the other designs. We believe this is due entirely to the open access design.
Public DataWeb usage statistics are collated and analyzed regularly.
The chart shows a typical month from a small random selection of kiosks.
The hit rates are very reasonable and are typical of the usage on the service over the past 3 years. The previous 18 months were much more erratic. This shows that access has settled down and a pattern of use has emerged, with reasonable access to council services and other citizen government facing options keeping pace with obvious top selections like entertainment, news and sport.
The statistics break down: usage by context/categories.
Importantly the usage hits are further automatically analyzed by our unique statistics profiler that generates the variable of hits that are associated with finding the exact need of the user.
Percentage of navigation against finding requirements:-
It is important to know the need itself is being satisfied e.g. for example, typically for job vacancies a person searches first by location or job category then a list of available vacancies, the links selected before reaching the target and actually finding jobs are in a percentage amount of the total links. People want the jobs not the links and probably other systems count these links as hits, they are not. The statistics show users are consistently reaching over 70% of their target need; thus the system is engaging them and providing rapid demonstrable access to their requirements.
Time in use: average time spent each session is 4.5 minutes.
Average time taken traversing links to exact need i.e. a job category is 5 seconds.
Notes; Percentage profiling also proves that genuine users are in the main as over 70% reach their choice whereas children or browsers will be mainly collected within the links rather than the results.
Weather plays a role in usage winter months and holiday periods reduce access.
In the evening the top shelter structure becomes illuminated.
The design maximises the visibility and the functionality.
It has increased usage dramatically.
Sheffield Stats
Aberdeen
August 24, 2006
KIOSK Europe Up and Running
Pete Snyder’s Mission to Europe Ends with New Facility, New G.M. for KIOSK
KioskCom Source Article Detail
Pete Snyder is back in the United States, and KIOSK Information Systems is still operating in Europe.
“The plan was always to come back here once the office was established there and once I had trained a gent to take my place,” Snyder said from Colorado.
The story is bit more complicated than that.
Last summer, Snyder moved to Scotland intent on establishing a manufacturing and sales presence for KIOSK in Europe and the Middle East. At the time, he said he expected it would take up to 18 months to set up an organization and find a successor.
Now, after just nine months, Snyder says that mission has been accomplished, though there were plenty of bumps in the road getting there. And though he says he made some great friends, traveled extensively and saw amazing sites, he’s glad to be back home in KIOSK’s Colorado headquarters. As Director of International Sales, he’ll continue to oversee the company’s overseas operations.
“In the U.S., we are a much larger economic system,” he said, adding that he can sell 25 times as many kiosks here than in Europe. “They’re a lot more open to applications here than over there. In the UK, they like to wait in lines. In the U.S., they don’t. That leads to more opportunities for kiosks than in the UK.”
That’s not to say KIOSK is abandoning its European focus. On the contrary, Snyder said he was able to train his successor (Jim Dalziel) and set up a new manufacturing plant in Falkirk, Scotland this summer.
Last summer, KIOSK set up an agreement with Mack Industries Corporate USA in Scotland to manufacture kiosks. That plan was going forward fine until Mack announced in April plans to close operations there. Snyder immediately began working with Dalziel, who was the general manager of the Mack plant, to prepare him to take over Snyder’s duties. Turns out, he had four months to get the job done.
When Mack closed the plant, it let Dalziel go, and KIOSK immediately hired him to run the new plant owned by a Scottish firm, Kiosk Manufacturing Systems Ltd. Several former Mack employees experienced in the kiosk manufacturing operation were recruited for the new facility.
Once Dalziel was in place and the new plant was operating, Snyder packed his bags. He said his Scottish experience was a good one in which he learned a lot about differences in business across the ocean.
“The countries aren’t as large and the opportunities are smaller,” he said. “A big deal there is 100-250 kiosks. Here it takes 500-1,000 to be a big deal.”
He added that European countries typically want to work with a local company on kiosk deployments, adding to the importance of partnerships with local providers. He said KIOSK established contractual relationships in the growing Middle East market with two companies, APTEC of Dubai and Kiosk Technical Systems in Kuwait. In fact, the KIOSK web site lists companies in Saudi Arabia, Germany, Hungary, Ukraine and Russia, Turkey and South/Central America which are resellers/partners with KIOSK.
While the deals may be small in comparison with U.S. deployments, Snyder mentioned an ongoing project with Hewlett-Packard for a United Kingdom government agency as one of several contracts in place there.
May 23, 2006
Dubai is a good place to pilot kiosk and vending technology
DUBAI — The Middle East might be in the early stage of deploying kiosks and vending machines, but the potential for transforming business in the region is enormous, according to speakers and delegates at the first Middle East Vending and Kiosk Expo held in Dubai this week.
Khaleej Times Online - Dubai is a good place to pilot kiosk and vending technology
Dubai is a good place to pilot kiosk and vending technology
BY LUCIA DORE (Senior Correspondent)
23 May 2006
DUBAI — The Middle East might be in the early stage of deploying kiosks and vending machines, but the potential for transforming business in the region is enormous, according to speakers and delegates at the first Middle East Vending and Kiosk Expo held in Dubai this week. The installation of kiosks and vending machines can improve customer service and generate more revenue.
The worldwide market for this technology is now worth $30 billion, and this is expected to grow by 69 per cent between this year and 2007. For kiosks alone, the number of installations in North America is projected to rise from about 600,000 this year to nearly 1 million in 2008.
This compares with only 150,000 projected installations in Europe this year, and a projected 220,000 in 2008. Projected installations for the rest of the world, which includes the Middle East, are also below that for Asia-Pacific. For 2006, projected installations are only about 20,000, maybe doubling by 2008.
Statistics also show that the average number of users per day per kiosk in North America is 108, in Europe 59 and Asia-Pacific,177. This means the growth potential in the region is tremendous and is starting from an almost zero base.
There are challenges to achieving this however. Among the most important is how to encourage customers to use this technology and to overcome any concerns they might have about security.
This is of particular importance if customers are using a transactional kiosk for example, perhaps to download music. Although take up of new technology can be slow, as was the case in Europe, overtime these concerns seem to dissipate as they become accustomed to the technology. For this reason, CEO of Dubai-based Selftech, Babak Aziminejadi, believes the only way to increase take up is to install the technology so that customers can become familiar with it. In a relatively small market like Dubai, where it may take some time to meet return on investment (ROI) objectives, he suggested that vendors should consider using Dubai as a pilot market.
"I would encourage Arab companies to move here to develop the market and then move to a larger market such as Saudi Arabia," he said. In Dubai he suggested that companies should aim to cover ROI, rather then to maximise it. He also emphasised the importance of defining the goal - what type of ROI is required? For example, if it is for a self-service kiosk the ROI is likely to be measured in terms of increased sales, he suggested.
Aziminejadi has other concerns. "I believe that the region needs to know more about this revenue generation and the maximisation of ROI," he said. "People buy hardware and then look for results after this. They should start with ROI planning." He also said: "Kiosks can produce a powerful ROI for all types of organisations," adding that the gap between aligning customer needs with the technology needs to be worked on. "Kiosk functions should mirror customer expectations," he said which is one of 11 steps he laid down for maximising revenue generation and ROI. Another is to choose the location carefully. "The best kiosk in a bad place does the customer and company no good."
Managing director of Kiosk Information Systems Europe, Peter Synder, also agreed that in all instances the success of this technology must be measured in terms of ROI. "All issues come down to this," he said, "how quickly is the payback and how good the customer satisfaction."
May 10, 2006
Interview with KIOSK Pete Snyder
Pete Snyder is now nine months into his mission to make KIOSK the leading kiosk manufacturer overseas. Part of that mission is to help his company prosper in the Middle East, where he envisions a near-term "kiosk explosion.". Here are his answers to questions on the coming kiosk explosion there.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
By Rick Redding
Some Optimism from the Middle East
Pete Snyder is Creating a Market Where Few Firms are Willing to Tread
Pete Snyder is now nine months into his mission to make KIOSK the leading kiosk manufacturer overseas. Part of that mission is to help his company prosper in the Middle East, where he envisions a near-term "kiosk explosion.". Here are his answers to questions on the coming kiosk explosion there.
KioskCom: The Middle East is not the first place that comes to mind when thinking of “hot” kiosk markets. What is it about the market that makes it worth pursuing for KIOSK?
Pete Snyder: I have been told that doing business in the Arab market is 80 percent knowing you, 15 percent quality and 5 percent price. This may or may not be true, but I’ve been spending a lot of time in the Middle East these days and that axiom seems to run along those lines but maybe not in those proportions.
What makes it worth all the effort are the Arab partners I have in the region. I have three, maybe four partners who are drop dead serious about the kiosk market. They’re aggressively going after the business. They're not only selling kiosks, but installing and providing on-site servicing for them as well. In the Middle East we are in the beginning stages of the kiosk explosion.
Basic understanding of kiosks, kiosk issues, and kiosk uses are at the earlier stages in many countries. That's not necessarily true in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar where there are quite a few kiosks installed and more coming. In many ways, the Arab Market is much like the US market in that they hate waiting lines and are beginning to use kiosks as a means to address that issue.
The Arab Market has always been one to embrace kiosk technology and has always been eager to learn and apply the latest approaches being used world wide. I am constantly being asked by my Middle Eastern friends about solutions being used around the world and how they can be adapted to the GCC. In that sense, almost any kiosk-based solution being used in the world today has applicability to the GCC markets as long as the solution provider recognizes and is sensitive to, the cultural differences between applications developed for Western society and the Middle East.
There still are obstacles to overcome. I see three major areas where progress is needed in the Middle Eastern Kiosk market: First, there is a lack of kiosk production capability and related experience in that area. This means that kiosks must be shipped into the region.
Second, there are relatively few companies experienced in kiosk sales, kiosk installation, post installation maintenance and remote monitoring. My three or four partners may be among the best at this.
Third, there are virtually no software companies developing kiosk software in the region and relatively few that can localize software developed by European/US companies that may have application in the GCC. Every one of these shortfalls is the result of the GCC being new to the kiosk marketplace. There is certainly a wealth of technical expertise in the region that can address most of these issues quite well. As more experience is gained in the use of kiosks and more companies embrace the sale of kiosk solutions, these shortfalls will begin to disappear.
KC: What applications are getting the most attention there?
PS: So what applications are the most popular around the world today and which are applicable to the Middle East? Digital Photography, Music and mobile phone downloads, Entertainment games, Government solutions, Financial Services (bill payment kiosks) and Retail (line-busting).
Digital Photography units are the self service, immediate photo processing kiosks that have proven to be so popular worldwide. They provide the highest quality pictures within eight seconds. Definitely immediate gratification! The Music download kiosks coupled with mobile content downloads (ring tones, games, wallpapers, screen savers, etc.) have a significant potential, especially among those who want these products immediately and have them their way. Entertainment game kiosks are focused on the youth and are both highly used and profitable. This, however, is one area where one must be very aware of cultural and religious prohibitions. These type kiosks, however, allow users to play all sorts of games against the computer or others on adjacent kiosks.
Government kiosks continue to be required for such things as payment of fines and taxes and ID card issuance or renewal. Retail kiosks can run the gamut from providing product information for products not in the store, on-line ordering of products or food, pay-for-use internet, transportation venue ticketing (e.g., airports) and line-busting. Line-busting kiosks are particularly popular. An example of line-busting is the one in coffee shops where a person walks into the store, inserts his credit card into the card reader on the kiosk. The kiosk says: “Welcome to our store. Last time you bought a Latte and Cream donut. Do you want the same today?” If you click on yes, you’ve just bypassed the ordering line and you are immediately in the waiting line for your coffee and donut. The same is true if you customize your order at the kiosk.
Lastly, financial kiosks are becoming more popular, especially bill payment solutions. We find that mobile phone stores want to use these type kiosks for customers to do their mobile top-up payments and to download ring tones, wallpapers, games, etc. This enables the one or two clerks in the store to do what is more profitable: sign up new customers!
KC: How is doing business in the market different from other places – what special obstacles must be overcome?
PS: More than any other business venue, to be successful one needs qualified Arab partners. I’m lucky to have three: APTEC of Dubai, Selftech of Dubai and KTS of Kuwait. All three are dedicating time and money to the pursuit of an enlightened kiosk marketing and support strategy. (For more information on partners in Middle East visit kiskiosk.co.uk.
Another different aspect on doing business here is that one needs to spend time and resources in working with, training and listening to partners and customers. Lastly, to be successful, you need to be aware of the cultural differences and prohibitions regarding kiosks. The best way to get this information is being able to ask candid and probing questions of the culture with your partners. It also takes a bit of study into the culture and religion of the area since ISLAM pervades so much of life and business here. I taken some time to do this and the answers I have found are both fascinating and very informative on the culture. I’ve made some very good friends here.
KC: What companies or types of companies are servicing the market presently, and how are they doing?
PS: The Arab Market appears to be having more concerns these days about kiosk quality. I’ve been told that in past years they’ve tried using the some of the very low cost kiosk suppliers (from China, Korea, Taiwan) and have found frequency of repair and the lack of customer support from those suppliers to be a real problem. I’ve have seen for myself that some of those supplier’s products have not been that well-designed in the first place and appear to experience higher failure rates. There are an abnormally large number of kiosks with black screens in the malls and shopping centers over here.
From everything I’ve heard from customers and contacts in the region, I get the impression these low cost kiosk suppliers appear to be less interested in customer support to fix problems when they occur but more often ask “when are you buying a replacement”? It may well be their approach to business in general that is impacting this train of thought.
Personally, I think that the Chinese (Mainland and Taiwan) and the Koreans kiosk manufacturers have some more to learn about Western and Middle Eastern concerns about poor customer support. The Japanese, however, truly get it as their customer support is among the best anywhere. As a result of the foregoing I see more and more Middle Eastern kiosk project managers turning to more experienced kiosk suppliers with years of experience and a solid financial structure; companies who will be around for years to come and supporting the products they sell into the region.
In some of the countries, we see IBM and NCR and their kiosk products are quality. They tend, however, to focus their efforts in environments that already have their legacy or point of sale systems. We do not see them venturing into areas where neither of those situations exist.
KC: Do the Arab people embrace technology, and do they see the benefits of kiosks. Are there cultural obstacles to working in the market?
PS: The Arab Market has always been one to embrace kiosk technology and has always been eager to learn and apply the latest approaches being used world wide. I am constantly being asked by my Middle Eastern friends about solutions being used around the world and how they can be adapted to the GCC. In that sense, almost any kiosk-based solution being used in the world today has applicability to the GCC markets as long as the solution provider recognizes and is sensitive to, the cultural differences between applications developed for Western society and the Middle East.
KC: Have you found any special barriers in working with government entities there, given the instability in the region?
PS: I have not worked directly with the government entities over here but I have worked with intermediaries in the Arab community who are working with the governments. Governments around the world are the same: lots of boiler plate in their RFPs, red tape in closing a deal and extreme caution.
KC: Do you envision some major rollouts of kiosks in the next year in the Middle East? If so, in what industries?
PS: No, not in the sense of the USA or Europe. Kiosk rollouts here are not that large and I think it will be a couple more years before the region is ready to really adopt kiosks with all their potential in the various vertical markets and application areas. Until then, we will have projects in the 1 to 100 range. And I’m OK with that because it gives me a chance to show a kiosk product that is extremely well designed and reliable. It gives me a chance to show that my products can gain a foothold and in the process train some very good partners in better ways to market and support products that we sell through them.
April 26, 2006
Middle East Vending & Kiosks Expo set to bring together top industry majors
Top industry majors from the vending and kiosks sectors will make their presence felt at the two-day Middle East vending and kiosks exhibitions scheduled to be held in Dubai later next month.
The Middle East Vending Expo 2006 and the Middle East Kiosks Expo, to be held at the Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre on May 20 and 21, 2006, will be a one-stop business-sourcing centre showcasing the most advanced vending and kiosks products and technology. The event, held under the patronage of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), will be organised by Global Links Exhibition & Conference Organizers LLC - one of the leading arrangers of exhibitions and conferences in the Middle East.
Among the leading industry players who have confirmed their participation at the Expos are Alhamrani Universal Company, Hemisphere West Europe Ltd, Pyramid Technologies Inc, Aptec Distribution, Kiosk Information Systems, Zupera Technology, Al Sayegh Brothers, Validation Technologies, Custom Engineering, Eastern Networks, All Star Vending, Aram & Hagop, Kiosk Technology Systems, GM Vending, Energy International, Phoenix Mecano, GPTDuvade and Walvyn Group.
The International event will feature conferences and seminars addressed by some of the world's leading industry experts. Those confirmed include Peter Snyder, Kiosks Information Systems (KIS), United Kingdom who will give his insights on Rules & Regulations of the Kiosks Industry Özcan Özbilge, Exim A.S., Turkey who will be updating the trade public on Next Generation Self-Service: Trends & Technologies, Catherine Piana Director-General of European Vending Association, Chief Executive Officer of World Vending Association will address the delegates on the Challenges, opportunities and trends in Worldwide Vending. The conferences and seminars are open to the visitors of the expo free of charge.
The Vending Expo will represent a definite opportunity for the vendors to display and educate the trade on the technological updates in self-service equipment and products such as beverage vending, bottled water vending, chocolates vending, shoe-shine vending, first aid vending, gifts vending, pay phones, postage stamp vending, newspaper and magazine vending.
Voicing comments on the active participation from a majority of industry leaders, Catherine Piana Director-General of European Vending Association, Chief Executive Officer of World Vending Association. said: 'The participation list reads like a virtual who's who in the business, which is actually a clear indicator of the both the interest of the exhibitors and the potential that the Middle East and particularly Dubai has to offer.'
Supporting Catherine's viewpoints, Mr. Ejaz Hashmi, Senior Manager, Marketing & Sales Support at Alhamrani Universal Company, said: 'We are expecting that the expo will be a grand success and highly profile delegates will attend. We are happy to be part of this expo in 2006. I hope we will have a good contacts and opportunities which will provide us with a good business leads.' Alhamrani Universal, a member of Alhamrani Group of Companies (www.alhamrani.net), has been a supplier of creative strategies and solutions for the financial services and retail sectors for over 25 years across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait.
Similarly, Louise Janeway, Sales Director, Hemisphere West Europe Limited, said: "Hemisphere West Europe Ltd (HWE) is delighted to be exhibiting at the Middle East Vending and Kiosk Expo for the first time. As global suppliers of currency handling equipment, we are pleased to be involved in this important and dynamic market. We aim to offer our knowledge and experience of note readers, coin acceptors, hoppers, printers and interface boards to the market and look forward to meeting new friends and associates." Based in the UK and the US, Hemisphere West Europe specializes in currency handling validation products for applications ranging from Internet Kiosks, Amusements, Vending, Payment /Ticketing ND Gaming/Lottery.
Pyramid Technologies Inc., a US manufacturer of bill acceptors (bank note validators), is also being represented at the Expo. Commenting on its participation, Jim Zayak, Sales-Emerging Markets, Pyramid Inc., said: 'We look forward to exhibiting at the Middle East Vending Expo in Dubai. Through the intelligent designs of David Mays, our founder, and his engineering staff of over 30 years experience, Pyramid's design team has come up with a reliable, customer friendly product that will provide year after year of trouble-free operation.' The company manufactures the Apex and Trilogy currency acceptors servicing industries for vending, amusement, kiosks, gaming, changers and car wash equipment.
Speaking about the role of the vending machines and kiosks, Mr. Girish Dabrai, Global Links Managing Director, said: 'The expo, to be held for the first time in the region, is expected to provide an impetus to the Vending and Kiosks industries and has the support of all the leading companies in the sector. The extensive use of self service technologies accord both businesses and consumers inherent benefits like decreased customer wait-time, higher efficiency and increased revenues. The success of any business model is becoming increasingly dependent on such critical indicators.'
He added: 'The Middle East Kiosks Expo 2006, to be held alongside the Vending Expo, will showcase comprehensible solutions, techno-savvy advances and the latest procurement solutions that include hardware, software and other network applications required to upgrade machines and make them user-friendly and fully automated.'
The exhibition and conference is supported by the Worldwide Vending Association, European Vending Association (EVA) and National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA).
April 06, 2006
Middle East Kiosk Vending Tradeshow
The Middle East Kiosks Expo 2006, to be held alongside the Vending Expo, will showcase procurement solutions that include hardware, software and other network applications required to upgrade machines and make them user-friendly and fully automated. May 20 and 21st in Dubai.
Middle East Vending & Kiosks Expo in May
The need of the 21st Century is to maintain a competitive edge with technology, which is rapidly advancing with complex thoughts made into simple reality.
At the same time, user-friendly convenience and self-service is at the apex of constituency.
As we mature and develop with innovation, expertise, knowledge and services, The Middle East Vending and Kiosks Exhibitions, scheduled to be held at Madinat Jumeirah Conference Hall on May 20 and May 21, feature these comprehensible solutions, techno-savvy advances and showcases tomorrow's gadgets today.
The expos, to be held for the first time in the region, are expected to provide an impetus to the Vending and Kiosks industries and set to grasp the escalating US$30 billion global vending industry as well as the 69 per cent growth rate envisaged in the usage of kiosks by 2007.
The vending and kiosks exhibitions, to be held under the patronage of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), will be organised by Global Links Exhibition & Conference Organizers LLC - one of the leading arrangers of exhibitions and conferences in the Middle East.
They will involve leading companies including Aptec Distribution, Kiosk Information Systems, Zupera Technology, Al Sayegh Brothers, Validation Technologies, Custom Engineering, Eastern Networks, All Star Vending, Duvade, Walvyn Group and others.
In his comments on the expo, Mr. Abdul Rahman Al Mutaiwee, DCCI Director General, said:
'We believe that Dubai is an ideal place for an exhibition of this type and we have the pleasure to encourage and support the events.'
The Middle East Vending Expo 2006 will be a one-stop business-sourcing centre showcasing the most advanced vending products that offer best returns in terms of cost and time savings. The expo will cater to a vast array of manufacturers, suppliers and vendors of self-service equipment and products such as beverage vending, bottled water vending, chocolates vending, shoe-shine vending, first aid vending, gifts vending, pay phones, postage stamp vending, newspaper and magazine vending.
The exhibition and conference is supported by the Worldwide Vending Association, European Vending Association (EVA) and National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA).
Stuart Aizenberg, CEM Director - NAMA, a key support to the event, said: 'Dubai is a strategically and centrally located business centre that caters to the entire Middle East, Indian subcontinent, CIS and Africa. These regions offer great promise for those in search of new territories and business opportunities in the vending industry.'
The Middle East Kiosks Expo 2006, to be held alongside the Vending Expo, will showcase procurement solutions that include hardware, software and other network applications required to upgrade machines and make them user-friendly and fully automated. These solutions will enable kiosks to offer various interactive services from bill payment transactions to informative services, thus improving business efficiency and return on investment.
Speaking about the role of the vending machines and kiosks, Mr. Girish Dabrai, Global Links Managing Director, said: 'With the development of billions worth properties, shopping malls and other innovative infrastructure projects in the region, the call for ease and expediency is at its peak. The guaranteed success of the Dual Self-Service Expos and expected turnout of over 3,000 visitors from the Middle East, CIS and Indian subcontinent region is keeping with the burgeoning demand for such services, backed by the need for comfort and convenience.'
He added: 'Moving one step closer to being technologically competent to the rest of the world, the Middle East is now being exposed to what has long been customized in the foreign countries.'
Global Links is a leading player in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) market. It was established as a Limited Liability Company with the principal objective of efficiency and effectiveness in building bridges among nations through trade shows, exhibitions and conferences.
Exhibiting companies include KIOSK
December 18, 2005
Middle East Firm Launches Digital Self-Service Kiosk Business
The trend for Middle East IT distributors to diversify their business activities shows no signs of abating. Aptec Holdings, the parent company behind Aptec�s Middle East distribution business, has launched its latest new venture, Aptec Kiosk Services (AKS).
ITP.net {News: Aptec launches kiosk business unit}
The new company plans to introduce the �digital self-service� concept to the Middle East, Turkey and Africa region. AKS has joined forces with US-based Kiosk Information Systems, an established leader in the design and manufacturing of indoor and outdoor kiosks, to launch its new venture, which will be based in DIC.
�This is a move towards the automation of services in the region. Users can order food, goods, tickets for travel or events, pay bills, checkout, fill forms, find information efficiently and quickly. They don�t have to stand in ticketing queues anymore. One can literally have a post office anywhere in a space as small as phone booth. That�s all on top of internet browsing, information and digital media services,� said Hazem Adel, project manager at AKS.
AKS hopes to position itself as a leading kiosk provider in the region offering a build-to-order assembly service. In addition, AKS will offer customers a remote monitoring and support service through a network operating centre (NOC), which will oversee and monitor the deployed kiosks.
�My vision for AKS is to make sure that customers in the region have the state of the art technology in self-service. The customers are now computer literate and with enough awareness to deal with a self-serviced station that can deliver their needs in just few clicks. This will save them time that they sure need these days. With the increasing speed of DSL and with our new security solutions, we envisage that our kiosk solutions will open new opportunities for businesses, introduce substantial cost savings and open new horizons in distribution. Aptec Kiosks will be supported by Aptec�s expanding network of service centres, which offers a new level of service under the �Aptec Guarantee� banner,� added Dr. Ali Baghdadi, CEO at Aptec Holdings.
Peter Snyder, managing director of Kiosk Information Systems is upbeat about the potential for the new venture: �Our partnership with Aptec brings to the GCC markets the �best-of-breed� in the kiosk industry. The ability of Aptec to bring designed and manufactured kiosk systems products and custom kiosk design capabilities to the GCC venues plus their ability to bring kiosk support services to install, maintain and troubleshoot kiosk problems should they arise, is a much needed asset in the region and they will have our maximum support in this endeavour.�
Bahaa Salah, general manager and sales director at Aptec reckons that the opportunity for growth in kiosk sales in the region is immense, citing the fact that there are already some 80,000 kiosks in North America and 70,000 in Europe. In comparison, uptake in the Middle East has been limited to date.
Kiosk Information Systems� client list is certainly impressive, including McDonalds, Citibank, IBM, Disney, WalMart, Sony and Mercedes Benz. The company has produced thousands of kiosks running over 900 different applications.
November 03, 2005
Kiosk Information Systems - Europe
Kiosk Information Systems, Inc. expands with new office and manufacturing located in Scotland. Not often you see U.S. kiosk companies establishing European facilities to support and grow their client base.
Feature Article on Kioskcom.com
Thursday, November 3, 2005
By Rick Redding
Snyder Sets Sail
KIS Exec Makes Move to Elevate "Kiosk" Overseas
Pete Snyder�s been working on his Scottish accent.In August, the senior executive at Louisville, Colo.-based Kiosk Information Systems packed up his belongings, his wife and business ambition and moved them to Larbert, Scotland, determined to establish �Kiosk� as the dominant player in kiosk manufacturing outside the United States.
�I�ll spend the next two months building relationships,� Snyder said in a phone interview from Scotland, sounding like a man on a mission. �It�s a different sales model here. You have to get in front of people, you have to get face time. It�s not like the U.S., where you can make a few phone calls and get a deal done.�
But Snyder, 62, says that while his European vocation may seem an unusual career move, he�s got the enthusiasm and belief system to make Kiosk Information Systems� eastern expansion successful. And there�s a vast frontier in the kiosk world to explore. Just back from Kiev, Snyder says he�ll be traveling frequently to the Middle East as well.
�I�d like to do $2 million to $3 million (in sales) in six months,� he said. �If I only do $200,000, I'll be disappointed. The kiosk marketplace in Europe is small; there are not a lot of big companies.�
KIS, marketing itself in Europe as �Kiosk,� has established a working relationship with Mack Technologies, which operates a 52,000-square foot manufacturing plant. Snyder is responsible for establishing KIS manufacturing standards in the plant.
�There were a lot of factors, but at the end of the day, it made more sense to build here,� he said. The deal came together in August. KIS will use Mack�s manufacturing space and personnel to fill orders for customers in Europe and the Middle East.
KIS, the major kiosk manufacturer in the U.S., had established business outside the U.S. prior to the move to Scotland. But Snyder said customers there want their hardware to be produced in Europe. He thinks the company�s success in the U.S. will be duplicated around the world, and can contribute up to 7 percent of KIS' bottom-line revenue.
�By stepping into this, I think I became the major player the day I started,� he said.
Since KIS� European arm will operate as �Kiosk,� the company is building an extension of its Web site at http://europe.kiosk.com/. It also recently acquired the Web domain, http://www.kiosk.com/, in a deal with Louisville, Ky.-based NetWorld Alliance, according to KIS senior executive Craig Keefner.
The length of Snyder�s stay in Europe is open-ended. �I�ll be here until I have set up a viable organization. It should be a year, year and a half, but I�m not sure. It�s a nice challenge with a lot of excitement. I�m a true believer and excited to do it.�
And Snyder makes it clear it�s no sign that he�s slowing down.
�I�m not here to play around.�