It is one of the first questions operators and teams ask: do self-service kiosks replace staff? In most businesses the honest answer is no – kiosks change what staff do rather than removing the need for them.
What kiosks take over
- Taking and keying orders
- Repeating menu options and modifiers
- Processing routine card payments
- Printing order tickets and receipts
Where staff are redeployed
- Food preparation – more hands in the kitchen at peaks.
- Hospitality – greeting, helping customers and clearing tables.
- Kiosk hosts – helping first-time users and older customers.
- Order accuracy and speed – runners and expo roles.
Benefits for the team
- Less pressure at the till during rushes.
- Fewer order errors and complaints.
- More time for customer service.
- Easier to cope with staff shortages.
How to introduce kiosks successfully
- Explain the “why” to staff early – kiosks handle the queue so they can focus on service.
- Start with one or two kiosks alongside staffed tills.
- Station a host near the kiosks for the first few weeks.
- Choose hardware that can flex – the HK568MSC can switch between staffed till and self-service.
- Track queue times, average order value and accuracy. See our kiosk ROI guide.
Choosing the right kiosk
Start small with a countertop HS150, scale up to the 23.8″ HS330U, or go big with the 27″ HS520T.
The HiStone kiosk range at a glance
| Model | Screen | OS | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS150 | 15.6″ countertop | Windows 11 | Cafés, QSR, takeaways |
| HS150K | 15.6″ countertop | Android 11 | Budget counter ordering, AI camera |
| HK568MSC | 15.6″ sealed, rotating | Windows 11 | Counter/self-service hybrid |
| HS330U | 23.8″ | Windows 11 | Ordering, payment, info points |
| HS330Q | 23.8″ | Android | Floor, desk or wall ordering |
| HS520T | 27″ floor-standing | Android 12 | High-footfall ordering |
| HS520U | 27″ self-checkout | Windows 11 | Supermarket and retail scan-and-pay |
See HiStone self-service kiosks in action
B-Spoke Systems supplies the complete HiStone self-service kiosk range from UK stock in Leicester, for kiosk software providers, EPOS resellers and operators. Book a demo at our Leicester showroom and bring your own software, configure a quote, or call 0116 260 3100 / email sales@b-spokesystems.com.