No one likes waiting hours in check-in lines or changing counters for every verification, which is, unfortunately, the way of manual checks, time-consuming and complex.
But with technological advancement, we now have check-in kiosks that make check-in easy, fast, and hassle-free.
This article compares manual check-in vs check-in kiosks to determine which is better and faster. So, without further ado, let’s get to the details!
Understanding Check-In Systems
A check-in process verifies one’s identity to allow entry into an event, location, service, etc. Airports have a check-in system to verify passenger identity.
Hospitals have a check-in system for track records and patient safety. These are some of the few examples to understand check-in systems.
What is Manual Check-In?
A manual check requires interaction between customers and staff members. The process includes:
- Arriving at a check-in counter.
- Provide necessary documentation to staff for verification.
- Staff verifies your identity; you might have to fill out a form or sign a specific document.
- After verification, you receive your pass ( boarding pass, hotel room key, etc.)
- Move to the next stage (for example, immigration counter)
What are Self-Check-In Kiosks?
Self-check-in kiosks allow customers to check in independently without any human interaction. They also allow you to skip long queues and check in quickly.
The process of self-check-in kiosks is quite simple; we will explain it with an airport check-in example:
- Proceed to an available kiosk and select your airline
- Verify your identity using a confirmation number or biometric
- Follow the screen to check seat number, luggage and print boarding pass
Benefits of Manual Check-In
Manual check-ins are ideal for people who find tech-based products hard to operate. Also, some places might not have self-check-in kiosks available, making manual check-ins mandatory.
Let’s take a detailed look at the benefits of manual check-ins.
Personalized Customer Interaction
Manual check-ins allow personalized customer interaction which makes customers feel valued. Additionally, a business that offers personalization to its customers often carries a high customer retention rate.
Calling your customers by their name, and listening to them carefully boosts customer satisfaction. Which results in your business success as customer service is a vital aspect of any successful business.
Ability to Handle Complex Situations
Sometimes a customer might face a complex situation that can only be solved by manual check-in staff. For instance, there might be an oversized luggage issue, which can only be resolved with staff interaction.
More complex situations, such as group travel or paper loss can require a manual check-in process. As self-check-in kiosks can not provide personalized solutions in such cases.
Benefits of Self-Check-In Kiosks
Self-check-in kiosks are quick and easy to navigate. Customers nowadays do not like human interaction, so providing them with self-check-in can positively impact your business.
Let us take a detailed look at the benefits of self-check-in kiosks.
Faster Check-In Process
As stated in the process of self-check-in kiosks, it is hardly a 3-step process. These few steps allow for quick check-in and save a lot of time. Even during peak rush hours, customers can check in quickly with the help of a self-check-in kiosk.
24/7 Availability
Unlike staff members of manual check-ins, self-check-in kiosks are available 24/7. Self-check-in kiosks do not require break time or specific shift hours which allow customers to check-in anytime.
Improved Privacy and Security
All the data in self-check-in kiosks is end-to-end encrypted, providing users privacy.
Also, every kiosk is connected to its business security system and has secure protocols that hackers can not breach. Self-check-in kiosks prevent cyber attacks and make customers feel safe.
Fewer Errors from Automation
Using self-check-in kiosks can reduce automation errors such as incorrect data entry. These kiosks can also save customer data for quicker access the next time the customer checks in.
Machines are free of human error and allow smooth automation.
Comparing Speed and Efficiency: Manual Check-In vs Check-In Kiosks
To better decide which check-in is faster and more efficient, let’s compare the time each check-in takes.
How Long Manual Check-Ins Take
Compared to self-check-in kiosks, manual check-ins take longer. They usually require you to wait in a queue before your turn. Manual check-in is done by human staff, which takes time, too.
In general, manual check-ins usually take 10-40 minutes. This time can increase depending on customer rush and staff unavailability.
How Quick Kiosk Check-Ins Are
Kiosk check-ins are designed for speed and convenience. They usually take 2-5 minutes to complete the entire check-in process. Customer familiarity with the kiosk system can even reduce this time, making it faster.
Self-check-in kiosks also come in handy in peak hours, providing easy and fast check-in options to customers.
Factors That Affect Check-In Speed
Factors such as event size, location, and peak hours can affect the timing of both check-in processes. Let’s examine how each factor affects manual check-in and self-check-in kiosks.
Size of the Event or Location
If the event size is big, the manual check-in process can take longer. Customers might have to wait in long queues and every individual check-in might take 30 minutes or more.
Manual check-ins at airports can be time-consuming. The flight check-in process involves, waiting in the queue line, verification, boarding pass distribution, and luggage management.
On the other hand, self-check-in kiosks manage large events efficiently by reducing queue time. The management can also distribute customers among self-check-in kiosks and manual check-in for time management and customer satisfaction.
Check-in kiosks at airports can also be handy, especially for passengers who fly regularly. Passengers can quickly verify their identity and get a boarding pass using self-check-in kiosks.
Level of Technology Used
If high-quality kiosks are used– with good software, hardware, and power sources– the check-in process can even become faster and more efficient, reducing any automation error.
We at BestKiosk offer customizable kiosks that are compatible with devices and easy to manage. So, automated check-in kiosks at your business network are efficient and are more accessible for customers.
Our custom check-in kiosks possess features such as:
- Faster check-in and check-out.
- Print passes and badges.
- Multiple identification methods (Fingerprint, ID number).
- User friendly.
Contact us today to get a custom-made self-check-in kiosk for your business!
Conclusion
Manual check-in and self-check-in kiosks serve their purposes and benefits. However, in terms of check-in time, error percentage, and technological advancements, self-check kiosks are better than manual check-in.
Suppose you want to improve customer service and increase customer retention, it is ideal for you to have self-check-in kiosks. They will make the check-in and check-out process faster and more efficient.
