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Kiosk Mode - Automated Point and Stamp Accrual

Learn how to enable and configure Kiosk Mode for hands-free check-ins. Complete guide to automatic stamp and point accrual, duplicate protection settings, supported card types, and self-service station setup.

Dan. A avatar
Written by Dan. A
Updated over 2 months ago

Overview

Kiosk Mode transforms the Scanner App into a hands-free station for automatic point and stamp accrual. When enabled, customers simply scan their cards and receive rewards instantly—no manual input required. This guide covers how to enable, configure, and use Kiosk Mode for streamlined customer check-ins.

What you can do:

  • Enable automatic accrual when cards are scanned

  • Set up duplicate accrual protection with customizable delays

  • Configure settings for different card types

  • Create self-service stations for high-traffic locations

  • Speed up customer check-ins at gyms, cafes, co-working spaces, and events

  • Reduce staff workload during busy periods

Before You Begin

Requirements:

  • Scanner App installed and configured (see installation guide)

  • Active login session (see login guide)

  • Administrator or manager permissions

  • Compatible card type (see supported cards below)

Info: Kiosk Mode works differently depending on your role. Administrators can enable and configure all settings, while managers can use Kiosk Mode but cannot change its settings.

Supported Card Types

Kiosk Mode applies automatic accrual to specific card types only:

✅ Cards That Support Kiosk Mode

Stamp cards:

  • Visit mechanics - Automatically adds a stamp when card is scanned

  • Stamp mechanics - Automatically adds a stamp when card is scanned

Note: If "automatic reward write-off" is enabled in template settings, the scanner will notify you when a reward is automatically redeemed upon earning the final stamp.

Reward cards:

  • Visit mechanics - Automatically adds points for each visit

  • Points mechanics - Automatically adds configured point amount

Other supported cards:

  • Multipass cards - Automatically records a visit

  • Membership cards - Automatically redeems a visit from the package

  • Coupon cards - Automatically redeems the coupon

❌ Cards That Do NOT Support Kiosk Mode

These card types require manual entry and cannot use automatic accrual:

  • Stamp cards - Expense mechanics or Products mechanics (require purchase amounts)

  • Reward cards - Expense mechanics or Products mechanics (require purchase amounts)

  • Cashback cards (require purchase amount entry)

  • Discount cards (require purchase amount entry)

  • Gift cards (require transaction amount entry)

Warning: These cards require variable purchase amounts or product selections that cannot be automated. These cards must be processed through the standard Scanner App workflow.


Enabling Kiosk Mode

For Administrators

Administrators have full control over Kiosk Mode configuration:

Step 1: Open the Scanner App and log in

Step 2: Navigate to Scanner App settings

  • Tap the settings icon (gear or menu)

  • Look for Kiosk Mode option

Step 3: Enable Kiosk Mode

  1. Toggle the Kiosk Mode switch to ON

  2. Enable Automatic Accrual option

  3. Review available card templates displayed on the settings page

Step 4: Configure duplicate accrual protection (recommended)

  • Set a delay time between accruals to the same card

  • This prevents accidental duplicate scanning

  • Recommended: 15-60 seconds depending on your business flow

Step 5: Save settings and exit

Result: The Scanner App is now in Kiosk Mode. Any supported card scanned will automatically receive points, stamps, or visits without additional input.

For Managers

Managers can activate Kiosk Mode but cannot change settings:

Step 1: Open the Scanner App and log in with manager credentials

Step 2: Navigate to Scanner App settings

Step 3: Enable Kiosk Mode

  • Toggle Kiosk Mode to ON

  • You can activate/deactivate but cannot modify delay times or other configurations

  • Settings are controlled by the administrator

Step 4: Begin using Kiosk Mode

Info: If you need to change Kiosk Mode settings (delay times, card templates), contact your administrator.

Using Kiosk Mode

Once enabled, Kiosk Mode operation is simple:

Customer Workflow

Step 1: Customer approaches the scanning station

Step 2: Customer holds their card QR code up to the device camera

  • No need to tap buttons or enter information

  • The scanner automatically detects and processes the card

Step 3: Confirmation appears on screen

  • Points, stamps, or visits are added automatically

  • Customer sees confirmation message

  • No additional action required

Step 4: Customer leaves the station

Next customer can scan immediately (after delay period)


Staff Monitoring

While Kiosk Mode is automated, staff should:

Monitor the station periodically:

  • Ensure the scanner is functioning properly

  • Help customers who are having trouble scanning

  • Watch for any error messages

Handle special cases:

  • If a customer needs manual adjustments, exit Kiosk Mode temporarily

  • Process the transaction in standard Scanner App mode

  • Re-enable Kiosk Mode after completing special handling

Respond to notifications:

  • For stamp cards with automatic reward write-off, the scanner will notify you when a reward is redeemed

  • Provide the reward to the customer immediately

Duplicate Accrual Protection

The delay setting prevents the same card from being scanned multiple times in quick succession:

How It Works

Protection mechanism:

  • After a card is scanned, it enters a "cooldown period"

  • If the same card is scanned again during this period, accrual is blocked

  • A message appears indicating the card was recently scanned

  • After the delay expires, the card can be scanned again normally

Example scenarios:

Scenario 1: Accidental double-scan

  1. Customer scans at 2:00 PM (stamp added)

  2. Customer accidentally scans again at 2:00:10 PM

  3. System blocks the duplicate (10 seconds < 60-second delay)

  4. Customer's card is protected from duplicate accrual

Scenario 2: Legitimate return visit

  1. Customer scans at 2:00 PM (stamp added)

  2. Customer returns for a second class at 3:15 PM

  3. System allows the scan (75 minutes > 60-second delay)

  4. Second stamp is added normally

Choosing the Right Delay Time

15-30 seconds:

  • Best for high-traffic locations

  • Quick protection against immediate accidents

  • Allows rapid customer flow

60 seconds (recommended):

  • Balance between protection and convenience

  • Sufficient for most accidental re-scans

  • Works well for check-in stations

2-5 minutes:

  • Stronger protection for facilities where customers might scan multiple times

  • Use if you've experienced abuse or gaming of the system

  • May frustrate legitimate customers with back-to-back services

Factors to consider:

  • How quickly customers move through your space

  • Whether customers might legitimately return for multiple services in a short period

  • History of duplicate scanning issues

Kiosk Mode Settings Page

When you access Kiosk Mode settings, you'll see:

Settings Display

Toggle switches:

  • Kiosk Mode - Enable/disable the feature entirely

  • Automatic Accrual - Enable/disable automatic point/stamp addition

Delay configuration:

  • Duplicate protection delay - Time between allowed scans for the same card

  • Adjustable by administrators only

Card template display:

  • List of your account's card templates that support Kiosk Mode

  • Visual confirmation of which cards will work in this mode

  • Templates requiring manual input are not shown

Permission Levels

Administrator (main access):

  • Can enable/disable Kiosk Mode ✓

  • Can modify all settings ✓

  • Can adjust delay times ✓

  • Can configure card templates ✓

Manager:

  • Can enable/disable Kiosk Mode ✓

  • Cannot modify settings ✗

  • Cannot adjust delay times ✗

  • Cannot configure card templates ✗


Best Practices

For Setup

Tip: Test before going live by using a test card to verify automatic accrual works as expected. Scan multiple times to confirm delay protection functions correctly.

Start with longer delays: Begin with 60-90 second delays and adjust downward based on customer behavior and feedback.

Train staff first: Ensure team members understand how Kiosk Mode works, what cards are supported, and when to intervene.

Create clear signage: Place instructions at the scanning station: "Scan your card here for automatic check-in."

For Operations

Position strategically: Place the Kiosk Mode scanner where customers naturally enter or check in—lobby, entrance, reception desk.

Secure the device: Use a mount or stand to keep the scanning device stable and at an ergonomic height for customers.

Monitor during peak times: During busy periods, have staff nearby to assist customers and handle any issues quickly.

Have a backup plan: Keep a secondary device in standard mode for manual transactions when Kiosk Mode encounters issues.

For Customer Experience

Make it obvious: Use clear signage and visual cues so customers know where to scan and what to expect.

Provide feedback: Ensure the confirmation screen is visible and easy to understand—customers should know their scan was successful.

Handle automatic rewards gracefully: For stamp cards with automatic reward write-off, have rewards ready to hand out immediately when customers earn them.

Educate new customers: Have staff demonstrate the Kiosk Mode scanning process to first-time users.

For Security and Accuracy

Limit access to settings: Only grant administrator access to those who need to modify Kiosk Mode configuration.

Review accrual patterns: Periodically check transaction logs for unusual activity or potential gaming of the system.

Adjust delays if needed: If you notice duplicate scans or abuse, increase the protection delay time.

Document your settings: Keep a record of your Kiosk Mode configuration for training and troubleshooting purposes.

Switching Between Modes

You can toggle between Kiosk Mode and standard Scanner App mode as needed:

Deactivating Kiosk Mode

Quick disable:

  1. Access Scanner App settings

  2. Toggle Kiosk Mode OFF

  3. Scanner returns to standard manual operation

  4. All settings are preserved for when you re-enable

When to disable:

  • Need to process cards that require manual input (cashback, discount, gift cards)

  • Handling special transactions or adjustments

  • Troubleshooting issues

  • End of the day when switching to full-service mode

Reactivating Kiosk Mode

Return to automation:

  1. Access Scanner App settings

  2. Toggle Kiosk Mode back ON

  3. All previous settings (delays, configurations) remain intact

  4. Automatic accrual resumes immediately


Troubleshooting

Kiosk Mode Won't Enable

Problem: Cannot turn on Kiosk Mode in settings

Solutions:

  • Verify you have administrator permissions

  • Managers can enable but not configure—check if you're trying to change settings

  • Ensure Scanner App is updated to latest version

  • Log out and log back in to refresh permissions

Cards Not Accruing Automatically

Problem: Customer scans but nothing happens

Solutions:

  • Verify the card type supports Kiosk Mode (check supported cards list)

  • Confirm Automatic Accrual toggle is enabled in settings

  • Check if card is within duplicate protection delay period

  • Ensure the card program is active in your admin panel

Duplicate Accruals Occurring

Problem: Same card receives multiple accruals too quickly

Solutions:

  • Increase the duplicate protection delay time in settings (requires administrator)

  • Check that delay settings were saved properly

  • Verify system clock on device is accurate

  • Contact support if issue persists despite longer delays

Cannot Modify Kiosk Mode Settings

Problem: Settings are grayed out or unchangeable

Solutions:

  • Check your role—managers cannot modify settings, only enable/disable

  • Contact your administrator to make setting changes

  • Verify you're logged in with correct credentials

Confirmation Not Showing

Problem: Customer scans but unclear if accrual happened

Solutions:

  • Check screen brightness and visibility

  • Verify confirmation messages are enabled in Scanner App settings

  • Test with a known card to see if accrual is happening silently

  • Adjust device position so screen is clearly visible to customers

Wrong Amount Accrued

Problem: Card receives incorrect points or stamps

Solutions:

  • Review card template settings in admin panel

  • For stamp cards with automatic reward write-off, verify reward settings

  • Confirm you're using the correct card template

  • Check if special rules or multipliers are active


Frequently Asked Questions

What card types work with Kiosk Mode?

Kiosk Mode supports stamp cards (visit/stamp mechanics), reward cards (visit/points mechanics), multipass cards, membership cards, and coupon cards. Cards requiring purchase amounts (cashback, discount, gift cards, expense-based stamps/rewards) cannot use Kiosk Mode.

Can managers change Kiosk Mode settings?

No, managers can only enable or disable Kiosk Mode. Only administrators can modify settings like delay times and configurations.

How does duplicate protection work?

After a card is scanned, it enters a cooldown period. If the same card is scanned again during this period, the system blocks the duplicate accrual. This prevents accidental double-scanning.

What's the recommended delay time?

60 seconds is recommended for most businesses. It balances protection against accidental re-scans with convenience for customers. Adjust based on your specific needs and customer flow.

Can I use Kiosk Mode for some transactions and manual mode for others?

Yes, you can toggle Kiosk Mode on and off as needed. When disabled, the Scanner App returns to standard manual operation for cards requiring purchase amounts.

What happens if a customer earns a reward during automatic scanning?

For stamp cards with automatic reward write-off enabled, the scanner will notify staff when a reward is automatically redeemed. Staff should provide the reward to the customer immediately.

Can I have multiple devices in Kiosk Mode?

Yes, you can enable Kiosk Mode on multiple Scanner App installations. Each device operates independently with its own duplicate protection tracking.

How do I know if my card template supports Kiosk Mode?

In the Kiosk Mode settings page, you'll see a list of card templates that support automatic accrual. Only compatible templates appear in this list.

What if a customer scans the wrong card by accident?

If caught immediately within the duplicate protection delay, you may be able to block a re-scan. Otherwise, contact your administrator to adjust the transaction in the customer profile dashboard.

Does Kiosk Mode work offline?

No, Kiosk Mode requires an active internet connection to process transactions and update customer cards in real-time.

Can I customize the confirmation message customers see?

Confirmation message customization is controlled in your Perkstar admin panel settings, not in the Scanner App. Contact your administrator for customization options.

What if the delay time is too short and duplicates are occurring?

Administrators can increase the duplicate protection delay time in Kiosk Mode settings. Longer delays provide stronger protection but may impact customer experience for legitimate return visits.

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