Categories

Search
Close this search box.

Kiosk Downtime Disaster? Strategies for Maximum Uptime and Customer Satisfaction in Kiosks and Digital Displays

Kiosk Downtime Disaster? Strategies for Maximum Uptime and Customer Satisfaction in Kiosks and Digital Displays

In the world of digital retail transformation, touchscreen kiosks, and digital signage have become game-changers, offering self-service convenience, reduced wait times, and the potential to boost sales. However, a malfunctioning kiosk or digital display can quickly turn a positive customer experience into a frustrating one. Recent studies show that 61% of customers who encounter a kiosk outage express dissatisfaction with the brand, and 37% are less likely to return to that store. 

This potential for downtime disaster highlights the critical importance of maximizing uptime for your in-store technology. Here are some key strategies to keep your touchscreen kiosks, digital signage, and other digital solutions running smoothly and your customers happy:

  1. Prioritize Preventive Maintenance for In-Store Technology:

Don’t wait for a breakdown! Schedule regular preventive maintenance for your kiosks, digital signage (including LED display screens), and other digital components. This includes cleaning hardware, updating software, and checking for potential issues. Proactive maintenance can identify and address minor problems before they escalate into major downtime events, impacting your omnichannel retail strategy.

  1. Invest in Remote Monitoring & Management for Digital Signage and Kiosks:

Advanced digital signage companies and kiosk providers like Reality Interactive offer remote monitoring and management capabilities. These tools allow you to track the health of your in-store technology in real-time, identify potential issues early on, and even troubleshoot problems remotely. This proactive approach can save valuable time and minimize downtime for your digital displays and self-ordering kiosks.

  1. Implement Robust Backup Systems for Digital Signage Content and Kiosk Data:

Technology isn’t perfect, and even the best-maintained system can encounter glitches. Having reliable data backups ensures minimal disruption in case of a software crash or hardware failure. Regularly back up your kiosk data, digital signage content, and applications to minimize downtime during recovery.

  1. Train Staff for Basic Troubleshooting of Kiosks and Digital Signage:

Equipping your staff with basic troubleshooting skills for kiosks and digital signage can be invaluable. Empower them to identify common issues like software freezes or printer jams, and train them on simple solutions. This can resolve minor issues quickly, preventing unnecessary downtime and frustration for customers.

  1. Choose the Right Kiosk Provider and Digital Signage Company:

Selecting the right partners is crucial for maximizing uptime and a successful digital retail transformation. Look for companies with a proven track record of in-store technology expertise, including kiosk design, implementation, and 24/7 support. Providers like Reality Interactive offer comprehensive support services, so your staff can focus on taking care of customers, not technology.

  1. Communicate Clearly When Issues Arise with In-Store Technology:

Even with the best precautions, downtime can occur. Be prepared to communicate clearly with customers in case of a kiosk malfunction or digital signage issue. Display informative messages on the screen explaining the problem and estimated resolution time. Consider offering alternative service options, such as directing them to a staff member for assistance.

  1. Gather Customer Feedback on Kiosks and Digital Signage:

Don’t underestimate the power of customer feedback! Encourage customers to share their kiosk and digital signage experiences, positive or negative. This feedback can help identify recurring issues and areas for improvement. By addressing customer concerns, you can continuously refine your digital retail strategy.

By implementing these strategies, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of downtime for their in-store technology and ensure a smooth, positive customer experience. Remember, well-maintained kiosks, digital signage displays, and other digital solutions are valuable assets for your store of the future. They can streamline operations, boost sales, improve customer engagement, and keep your customers happy!

 

Got a big idea? Let's talk - We're excited to make it a reality.

AI in Action: 5 Retail Brands Elevating Brick-and-Mortar Experiences

AI in Action: 5 Retail Brands Elevating Brick-and-Mortar Experiences

April 24, 2024

Today, brick-and-mortar retailers face the challenge of staying relevant and competitive to consumers. Many forward-thinking brands are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform the traditional…

Today, brick-and-mortar retailers face the challenge of staying relevant and competitive to consumers. Many forward-thinking brands are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform the traditional in-store shopping experience. From enhancing customer service to optimizing inventory management, AI is revolutionizing brick-and-mortar retail in exciting ways. Here are five retail brands at the forefront of this AI-driven revolution: Walmart: As one of the world's largest retailers, Walmart has been an early adopter of AI technologies to enhance its brick-and-mortar operations. One notable application of AI at Walmart is its use of autonomous robots for inventory management. These robots roam store aisles, scanning…

Metaverse or Metahype?

Metaverse or Meta-hype? The Reality Future Lab Project X(R) team weighs in.

April 6, 2023

It seems everyone these days is imagining exploring a realm where shopping meets science fiction - the "metaverse". A world where commerce is not limited…

It seems everyone these days is imagining exploring a realm where shopping meets science fiction - the "metaverse". A world where commerce is not limited to the physical but expands into a futuristic digital universe and back again. The reality is experiences like these are nothing new. Digital explorers and pioneers have been embarking on journeys that explore the possibilities of this concept, which bends the minds of mere mortals, for decades.   We recently discussed this topic with the brilliant minds of the Future Lab XR team within Reality Interactive, who are pushing the boundaries of technology through their Project…

“Consumers seek frictionless experiences in a world of disruptions”.

“Consumers seek frictionless experiences in a world of disruptions”

February 27, 2023

PwC recently published the findings of their latest Global Consumer Insights Pulse Survey, which was conducted in December 2022 among 9,180 consumers across 25 territories. …

PwC recently published the findings of their latest Global Consumer Insights Pulse Survey, which was conducted in December 2022 among 9,180 consumers across 25 territories.  The overarching message? While consumers are still concerned about inflation, they’re keen to return to their pre-pandemic lifestyle, and they have rising expectations on how and where they should be able to shop.  Below we summarize some key findings from the survey:  How behavior will change over the next 6 month:  96% of consumers intend to adopt some type of cost saving behavior over the next 6 months:  43% of consumers said they plan to…

3 challenges facing retailers today

3 Challenges Facing Retailers Today, and the Strategies Helping to Overcome Them

January 26, 2023

Retailers have always faced continuous challenges of increasing sales, maintaining brand loyalty, and delivering an exceptional customer experience. Today specific challenges outside of their control…

Retailers have always faced continuous challenges of increasing sales, maintaining brand loyalty, and delivering an exceptional customer experience. Today specific challenges outside of their control have forced retailers to get more creative and explore new options to win at the retail game.  Here, we explore just three of those challenges, and some of the strategies that retailers are utilizing to face them.  Staffing shortages = more self service technology in-store.  Whether it’s hiring or retention, the volume has been turned up on the staffing challenges retailers face, especially for temporary seasonal holiday workers. Warehouse jobs are posing competition to retailers…

5 perspectives to inspire you for 2023

5 perspectives to inspire you for 2023!

December 29, 2022

With 2023 around the corner, we take a moment to get inspired by leaders who are daring to innovate, creating great experiences, and leading the…

With 2023 around the corner, we take a moment to get inspired by leaders who are daring to innovate, creating great experiences, and leading the way.  On Planning Backwards: “By thinking five to 10 years out and then “playing the movie backward,” you free yourself from the constraints of what is possible now. You can envision year 10 and then figure out what has to happen in year nine, year eight, and so on for the vision to become reality.” Stéphane Bancel, CEO, Moderna On earning your customer’s trust: “Our brands—Nike, Converse, Jordan Brand and Hurley—are loved by customers all…

The Future of Retail in 2023

The Future of Retail – What to Watch for in 2023

November 30, 2022

With the end of year fast approaching, we take a look at what industry experts are projecting for retail trends next year.  Let’s get Phygital:…

With the end of year fast approaching, we take a look at what industry experts are projecting for retail trends next year.  Let’s get Phygital: Get used to hearing this catch phrase - coined to capture the idea of seamlessly integrating a physical and digital customer journey. If you are familiar with Reality, you have heard us mention the much more appropriate Customer Driven Retail. With customer loyalty up for grabs (a third of customers reporting to be willing to leave a brand after just one bad experience), retailers are working on meeting customers where they are, and giving them…

3 ways technology will play a part in helping engage consumers this holiday season

3 ways technology will play a part in helping engage consumers this holiday season

October 28, 2022

If the research is right, retailers should anticipate this holiday season to start earlier and be bigger than the last. In fact, Deloitte’s annual holiday…

If the research is right, retailers should anticipate this holiday season to start earlier and be bigger than the last. In fact, Deloitte’s annual holiday retail forecast predicts holiday sales will increase by 4-6% this year - with 70% of consumers starting shopping before Thanksgiving.  As a critical time for retailers, many brands are exploring new models and technologies to both reach new customers, and harness a whole new level of engagement with existing ones. From Virtual Parties and introducing digital assets into their retail mix, to metaverse type AR Experiences and events, we explore what brands are considering this…

Have you merged your ecommerce, brand, and retail marketing teams yet?

Brick and Mortar is Dead

August 30, 2022

Ok, now that I have provided a much-needed jolt to get your attention I will clarify what I mean with this dangerously bold, trope of…

Ok, now that I have provided a much-needed jolt to get your attention I will clarify what I mean with this dangerously bold, trope of a statement. Physical retail is far from dead. If approached effectively with powerful digital solutions, physical retail can be massively impactful for brands who rethink the way they do things, and how they engage with customers. But the term ‘Brick and Mortar’ is more outdated than an 8-track. Bricks and mortar are used to build walls, but customers want their purchase journey to be one seamless experience, whether that be physical, digital or both. We…

Kiosk Downtime Disaster? Strategies for Maximum Uptime and Customer Satisfaction in Kiosks and Digital Displays

In the world of digital retail transformation, touchscreen kiosks, and digital signage have become game-changers, offering self-service convenience, reduced wait times, and the potential to boost sales. However, a malfunctioning kiosk or digital display can quickly turn a positive customer experience into a frustrating one. Recent studies show that 61% of customers who encounter a kiosk outage express dissatisfaction with the brand, and 37% are less likely to return to that store.  This potential for downtime disaster highlights the critical importance of maximizing uptime for your in-store technology. Here are some key strategies to keep your touchscreen kiosks, digital signage, and other digital solutions running smoothly and your customers happy: Prioritize Preventive Maintenance for In-Store Technology: Don’t wait for a

Kickstart your journey to the digital age.

Download our Digital Transformation Whitepaper