What is digital self-service?
A self-service terminal is an interactive terminal that performs an action and/or displays a piece of information.
Self-service terminals are used, among other things, to eliminate or streamline waiting time or costs and give customers control to get things done on their own terms.
Digital self-service and the self-service concept are not new.
Already in the early 1950s, the concept was widespread in the retail sector.But in fact, we have to go even further back to see the first self-service machines. They were developed in England as early as the 1880s.
A few decades later, the cash register was invented, and the first interactive self-service terminal was developed in 1977. It was used to allow students and teachers at a university to find media, books and other information without help.
As time went on, self-service terminals for commercial use came out into the streets, but only in small numbers. It has taken many years before we have really started to see self-service terminals as part of our everyday lives. But fortunately, it is becoming quite normal that we can now take care of ourselves more and more, thereby saving valuable time waiting.
From retail purchases to wayfinding in hospitals… Self-service terminals have evolved to engage users and distribute information everywhere.The fact is that it has become so commonplace that most of the routine tasks are done via self-service.Below are a few examples
SELF-SERVICE TERMINALS. WHY ARE THEY AN ADVANTAGE?
Self-service technologies are seen in almost every industry these days.We have many advantages from these self-service terminals, and have opened our eyes to how much of a competitive advantage they really bring to a company.
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- Healthcare self-service terminals allow patients to check in to their scheduled appointments in seconds.
- Self-check-in at airports, hotels, on reservations saves many employees, especially during the busiest hours.
- Fast food chains: order, pay and get your food.
- Self-service terminals at banks and other financial institutions help customers carry out transactions without the need for face-to-face interaction with staff.
- Self-service options in the retail industry offer fast checkout terminals to reduce wait times.Other core features include information about discounts and prices, viewing the map of the store, and more.
- Self-service terminals in cinemas allow people to buy tickets and print them or pick up tickets purchased online.
- Self-service terminals for employees, with printing and scanning, as well as check-in and out.
- Visitor terminals facilitate guests' check-in process in establishments.
- Wayfinding and directory terminals help control the availability of meeting rooms and locate employees in the office building.
Etc etc.
