Circle Solutions: Kiosk Application Modernization
Historical project. The first kiosk ran on SQL Server 2000. The rebuild used SQL Server Express (published as 2005 Express on .com.au).
Photo-identification kiosk rebuilt for touchscreen input, ID scanners and cameras, on SQL Server Express.
About Circle Solutions
Circle Solutions provides computerised identification systems to clubs, hire companies, banks, hotels, ticketing, real estate and retail.
Clubs and Licensed venues
Hire companies (video, equipment, car etc)
Banks and Credit Unions
Hotels and Motels
Ticketing outlets
Real Estate and Auctions
Retail and POS
Background
The first version of Circle Solutions Kiosk had grown old and obsolete. The UI was not attractive and did not support touchscreen input.
The licensing costs of SQL Server 2000 needed for its operation alone were enough to dissuade potential customers from acquiring the solution.
CoSource was commissioned to build a new version of Kiosk based on the free SQL Server 2005 Express edition with support for different ID scanning devices and cameras, touchscreen input and a redesigned UI.
The Challenge
Clubs & RSLs in Australia needed to scan visitors and members into their clubs, but the current solution was costly and didn't integrate with scanning devices
Technical Issues
Business Issues
The Solution
A custom built application was developed in WPF and C# designed and built for extensibility allowing it to interact with different hardware interfaces
Fast ID Scanning
Capture information & images from scanning a variety of photo-id cards including driver's licenses and proof of age cards accurately, all within 3 seconds
OCR Integration
Optical Character Recognition via the scanner device for accurate data extraction
Face Image Acquisition
Face image acquisition through a constant photo camera feed
Docket Printing
Integrated printing capabilities for visitor badges and receipts
Touchscreen Optimized
Customizable UI, optimized for touchscreens with intuitive navigation
Adaptable Workflows
Adaptable to different scanning and workflow requirements across industries
High Availability
High availability via database replication ensuring 24/7 operation
Advanced Administration
Administrative application with advanced search capability and specialised reports
Benefits
The modernized kiosk system delivered significant improvements across cost, usability, and operations
Reduced Total Cost of Ownership
Taking advantage of zero licensing costs with SQL Server Express
Improved User Experience
Attractive, versatile and functional user interface with much improved usability
Streamlined Administration
Simplified administrative interface for better operational efficiency
Technology Stack
Modern Microsoft technologies for reliable, cost-effective kiosk operations
WPF & C#
Modern desktop application framework
SQL Server Express
Free database solution
OCR Integration
ID scanning and recognition
Touchscreen UI
Optimized user interface
Outcome
The modernized kiosk system reduced cost in monthly licensing expenses as well as streamlined the sign up of new members and visitors. Reduced monthly licensing cost (SQL Server Express instead of licensed SQL Server 2000) and a simpler sign-up flow for members and visitors.
In Summary
Customer:
Circle Solutions
Industry:
Hospitality
Business Problem:
Clubs & RSLs needed to scan visitors and members, but the current solution was costly and didn't integrate with scanning devices
Solution:
CoSource improved the UI and built interfaces for different ID scanning devices
Outcome:
Reduced licensing cost and a simpler member and visitor sign-up.