5 Features Every Outdoor Electronic Kiosk Cover Should Have
Electronic kiosks that are located outdoors are often designed to withstand daily customer interaction, but they may not be designed to be exposed on a regular basis. Whether installed in places like parking facilities, shopping centers, outdoor retail spaces, entertainment venues, or hospitality locations, electronic kiosks often risk facing weather, vandalism, and general wear if they are not protected correctly.
A properly designed electronic kiosk cover does more than just keep the dust away from vital components. It also shields the equipment investment, helps to maintain appearance, and extends the useful life of the kiosk.
Not all covers provide the same level of protection, however. When choosing an electronic kiosk cover, keep these five features in mind.
Electronic Kiosk Cover Feature #1: Lockability
One of the most important features to have on an electronic kiosk cover is the ability to lock it.
Outdoor kiosks are often vulnerable during the overnight hours or during periods of inactivity, and a lockable kiosk security cover helps to prevent unauthorized use while deterring vandalism and tampering at the same time. Because the components of kiosks can be so costly to replace, it’s important to protect things like touchscreens, card readers, scanners, printers, or even internal electronics. While covers won’t stop theft or tampering entirely, a lockable cover creates an additional layer of security that can discourage unwanted access when the equipment is unattended.
A lockable cover can also be a great guest communication tool. When the kiosk is down, undergoing maintenance, or is not being used for any other purpose, a custom kiosk cover with a lock is an easy way to tell guests, “This kiosk is unavailable”. This also eliminates the need to tie up a staff member directing customers away from the kiosk or having to create a sign that guests may ignore anyway.
Electronic Kiosk Cover Feature #2: Appropriate Materials
Another consideration to keep in mind is material selection. The wrong material is not just going to break down easily—it can also shorten the lifespan of the cover and eventually fail to protect the kiosk.
There are many environmental factors to keep in mind, especially with an outdoor electronic kiosk cover, such as the amount of:
Rain
Snow
Sun exposure
Temperature changes
Wind
However, there are ways to combat these elements, like with marine-grade fabrics that are designed to withstand anything the weather can throw at them. Fabrics such as solution-dyed polyester can hold up against harsh sun exposure as well without flaking or shredding in the heat, and when you combine that with industrial-grade stitching, you have a recipe for a successful outdoor cover.
After all, a cover is only as strong as the materials and craftsmanship behind it, and when you purchase one made with high-quality materials that’s produced domestically, you’ll see a much higher ROI and longer product life than with lesser materials.
Electronic Kiosk Cover Feature #3: Custom Fit
Universal covers may seem like a win at first. After all, they can protect against some elements, and they tend to be less of an investment than their custom counterparts. However, there are some real issues with universal covers. Excess material may catch the wind or look unprofessional, leading to a poor fit that can create openings and leave the kiosk vulnerable. Universal covers may also be difficult to install, with zippers in odd places or a too-tight fit, leading to workers avoiding putting them on or just getting rid of them altogether.
A custom kiosk cover doesn’t have these issues. When a cover is manufactured to specifically fit the kiosk it is covering, it can accommodate for things like screen placement, payment terminals, and card readers.
In addition, unique kiosk shapes don’t typically work well with universal covers, but a custom-fit cover can be made to fit just about any shape or dimension. A custom-fit cover provides true protection, and installation is typically much easier, which eliminates the need for extra, time-consuming labor.
Electronic Kiosk Cover Feature #4: UV, Water, Mold, and Mildew Resistance
As we mentioned before, the materials that you utilize for your cover matter. If an electronic kiosk is being left in the elements with no protection other than its own shell, it’s vital that you choose materials for your custom cover that can withstand UV rays and will hold up against all the cascading effects that water can bring. Mold and mildew are insidious—if moisture is allowed to get inside of components and is not dried out properly, you may be looking at a broken-down electronic kiosk.
Rather than leaving your kiosk open to the risk of getting water damaged or degrading from UV rays, choose a custom cover that is made of materials that protect against the elements
Electronic Kiosk Cover Feature #5: Branding Options
The last feature to look for in a custom cover for electronic kiosks is the option to add branding or logos. A cover doesn’t just have to be a protection mechanism or a way to prevent tampering—it can also be a stylish and unique way to passively advertise your brand.
With the addition of a logo, a simple cover is transformed into a brand asset, and whenever someone walks by, you’re reinforcing that brand in their mind. And logos typically do not cost much to add to a custom cover, ranging anywhere from $25-$50 for smaller logos and up to $100 for very large ones. Pricing can vary for very large projects, however, so contact us for more information.
The Best Features for an Electronic Kiosk Cover
Electronic kiosks are an expensive investment, and not protecting them properly when they are outdoors is the surest way to shorten their lives and ensure shorter replacement cycles. But with a custom cover that locks, utilizes quality materials, features a custom fit, can withstand the elements, and features branding, your kiosk will not only last longer, but it’ll look better for longer as well.
FAQs
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Yes, a kiosk cover can be added to an existing kiosk, but for the best protection, it’s a good idea to order a custom cover alongside your electronic kiosk. This ensures that that kiosk is never unprotected.
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Yes, covers can be made for indoor kiosks as well. Indoor kiosk covers typically utilize different fabric than an outdoor one would, as they don’t need to be protected from the elements.
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Universal cover is not made to fit a specific kiosk’s dimensions—instead, it is manufactured to fit a wide variety of objects. A custom cover is actually made to fit the specs of what it will cover, offering a better fit that can protect against the elements.
Order Your Custom Electronic Kiosk Covers Today
Equip Inc. manufactures custom electronic kiosk covers in the USA, tailored to your specifications. Our weather-resistant, lockable designs are trusted by organizations nationwide: from stadiums and transportation hubs to hospitals and retail chains.
📧 Email: info@equipinc.com 📞 Call: 719-599-0300
Request a quote today and keep your assets covered, protected, and ready for anything.
