Frequently Asked Questions

A smart kiosk for hotels is a self-service interactive terminal located in hotel lobbies or common areas. It allows guests to perform various tasks such as check-in and check-out, request services, access information about the hotel and local area, make reservations, and receive personalized recommendations, all in a convenient and efficient manner. These kiosks often utilize touchscreen interfaces and may incorporate advanced technologies like facial recognition and mobile integration to enhance the guest experience and streamline hotel operations.

A smart hotel is a technologically advanced accommodation facility that leverages various digital innovations and automation to enhance the guest experience, improve operational efficiency, and offer personalized services. These hotels typically feature a range of smart technologies, such as in-room automation (smart lighting, thermostats, and blinds), voice-activated assistants, keyless entry systems, mobile check-in and check-out, and intuitive guest interfaces for controlling room features.

Furthermore, smart hotels often use data analytics and artificial intelligence to gather insights into guest preferences and behaviours, enabling them to offer tailored services and recommendations. These establishments aim to create a seamless and convenient stay for guests while optimizing resource management, making the overall experience more efficient and enjoyable.

The return on investment (ROI) for a smart hybrid kiosk can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the specific application, location, and the business’s goals. Here are some key considerations that can influence the speed of ROI for a smart kiosk:

Purpose and Functionality: The ROI timeline depends on the kiosk’s primary purpose. For example, a self-checkout kiosk in a retail store may have a faster ROI compared to an informational kiosk in a museum.

Deployment Size: A larger deployment of kiosks can potentially lead to faster ROI, as economies of scale may reduce the per-unit cost and increase revenue opportunities.

Customer Adoption: The speed of ROI is closely tied to how quickly customers or users adopt and use the kiosk. Effective marketing, user training, and an intuitive user interface can accelerate adoption.

Revenue Generation: Kiosks that directly contribute to revenue generation, such as self-service payment or upselling opportunities, can lead to a quicker ROI compared to kiosks focused solely on cost savings or customer service.

Cost Savings: Kiosks that automate tasks previously performed by employees, like check-in or ticket purchasing, can lead to cost savings in labour and may result in a faster ROI.

Maintenance Costs: Consider ongoing maintenance and support costs, as they can impact the overall ROI. Robust and reliable kiosk hardware and software may require fewer maintenance expenses.

Location and Foot Traffic: The physical location of the kiosk matters. Kiosks in high-traffic areas with a steady stream of users may realize ROI faster.

Technology Integration: Integration with existing systems and data analytics capabilities can enhance the kiosk’s performance and contribute to a quicker ROI by providing valuable insights and improving user experiences.

Business Goals: Your specific business goals, such as improving customer experience, reducing operational costs, or increasing revenue, will determine how you measure ROI.

Vendfun is achieving ROI on smart kiosks within a year or less, while others may take longer, depending on the factors mentioned above. Conducting a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis and carefully planning your smart kiosk implementation can help you estimate and expedite the ROI timeline.

Yes, all Vendfun systems can be connected to any type of existing digital infrastructure, this includes an IoT infra often used by hotels with SMART capabilities.

The time it takes to integrate smart kiosks into your hotel can vary widely based on several factors, including the complexity of the kiosk system, the scale of deployment, the level of customization required, and the readiness of your existing infrastructure. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved and some factors that can influence the timeline:

Planning and Assessment: This initial phase involves defining your objectives, selecting the right kiosk solution provider, and conducting a thorough assessment of your hotel’s infrastructure to ensure it can support the new technology.

Customization and Development: The time needed for customization and development depends on the complexity of the kiosk software and hardware. This phase includes designing the user interface, integrating with your existing systems (e.g., property management, reservation, and payment systems), and potentially developing custom features or apps.

Hardware Procurement and Installation: Acquiring the kiosk hardware and ensuring it meets your specifications can take time. The installation process may also vary depending on the number of kiosks to be deployed and their physical locations within the hotel.

Testing and Quality Assurance: Rigorous testing and quality assurance are essential to identify and address any software or hardware issues. This phase ensures that the kiosks work smoothly and provide a positive user experience.

Training: Hotel staff, as well as guests, may need training on how to use the kiosks effectively. Staff should be familiar with troubleshooting common issues and assisting guests with kiosk-related tasks.

Pilot Deployment: Some hotels opt for a pilot deployment to test the kiosks with a smaller group of guests before a full-scale rollout. This allows for adjustments based on real-world usage.

Full-Scale Deployment: Once testing and any necessary adjustments are complete, you can proceed with the full-scale deployment of the smart kiosks throughout the hotel.

The total time for integration can range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the above factors. It’s essential to work closely with the Vendfun implementation team and other stakeholders to create a realistic project plan and timeline. The effective project management from Vendfun and our clear understanding of your goals can help streamline the integration process and ensure a successful rollout.