How much should you spend on a kiosk? Just as important is the question, how much can you save on one?

The answer is found in choosing a vendor who can help manage your kiosk program from concept to installation.

When considering a kiosk program, you face the decision of how the kiosk hardware and components will need to come together to best support the application and purpose for the project. A number of companies acquiring kiosks choose a prepackaged (complete) kiosk solution. But others choose to follow the path of what appears to be cost savings. Specifically, they build their own kiosk systems.

When customers choose to build their own kiosk, they must first buy a standard enclosure from a major enclosure manufacturer.

When selecting the enclosure, they must choose something that will easily allow the introduction of all necessary devices, such as cut-outs, keyboard provisions and printer tray, and ensure that ergonomics are properly addressed.

The following list highlights some of the steps a typical customer would take to purchase and build a kiosk:

Step 1  Design enclosure
• Design-in monitor, keyboard, computer and all components
• Select/configure all accessories
• Check clearances, hole patterns, cut-outs, shelf locations

Step 2  Source add-ons
• Power outlets
• Keyboard
• Touchscreen
• Printer
• Card reader
• Bill validator
• Others (scanners, etc.)

Step 3  Generate detail drawings
• Specify cut-outs, bolt holes, clearances
• Create a spare parts list

Step 4  Plan integration
• Assembly, wiring and cabling
• Loading software

Step 5  Order components
• Work with many different vendors
• Consider freight charges
• Check deliveries

Step 6  Oversee integration
• Ensure ease of maintenance
• Ensure hardware compatibility
• Test functionality
• Troubleshoot software compatibility

Step 7  Check warranties on various components
• What happens if a component fails?

Step 8  Coordinate deliveries and final configuration
• Be ready for reworks, delays and interference problems

Step 9  Deliver on time, within budget

As you can see, building your own kiosk system can be a major undertaking. That’s why it’s highly advisable to consider working with a reputable kiosk manufacturer/integrator, regardless of whether your kiosk project calls for a basic system or an advanced kiosk with customized features.

From AIA to Zytronic, KIOSK magazine surveyed more than 50 component and full-system kiosk integrators, suppliers and manufacturers. We researched the hardware costs of many kiosk systems and devices to help you better understand how much a kiosk — and relevant components — could cost. Keep in mind that issues like customization, quantity and additional features could increase or decrease the overall costs. All median prices are based on suggested retail price.

There are inherent advantages in working with an integrator. Although building your own kiosk system may appear to have cost savings, in the long run, it may cost more to fix mistakes that were not obvious early in the project.

Editor’s note: All prices listed are a median base of all vendors surveyed, based on a single quantity purchase. Certain vendor prices vary widely based on quantity. In addition, in many cases, product models exist that were not considered in this survey; only the most popular products were tallied. Kiosk software was not included in any pricing.

*This item originally appeared in KIOSK magazine.