The Kiosks have been strategically positioned in high-use public areas such as leisure centres, colleges, country parks and the civic centre in order to achieve optimum use from residents of Medway. By integrating the kiosks into the everyday lives of the public it is thought that people will be more likely to become involved in e-services. Kiosks were chosen as the preferred method to reach a wide range of customers as they provide out-of-hours access to information in an approachable and user-centric application.
Adrian Hipkins, programme manager at Medway Council states; "Although cost is a very important factor for all local authorities, Medway's selection of Dicoll was primarily based on the standard of DDA (disability discrimination act) compliance, the levels of functionality and security provided, the robust quality of the Kiosk, together with Dicoll's high standard of service and willingness to work with Medway. Public access is a critical development for Medway, and is a key component of Medway's e-government strategy. Dicoll's flexible approach and ability to meet strict timescales has enabled Medway to deliver both e-government and Public Service Agreement targets."
Residents of Medway now have access to a range of on-line information and council services at their convenience.
In a bid to further assist local e-government plans Dicoll are also currently working closely with the National Smart Card Project with a view to supply their Smart Card enabled kiosk solutions. Residents will be able to top-up or transact through the terminals with ease whilst also accessing electronic public information.
Quelle: Publictechnology, 13.01.2005
