Three Challenges Kiosks Will Face in 2026 – And How to Solve Them

In The Hidden Engine of Self-Service: Why Payment and Network Resilience Matter, TNS outlined three key challenges experienced by self service businesses, including integration complexity, security risks and connectivity issues. In this blog, we’ll further unpack these three challenges and provide some insights into how self-service businesses can address these challenges and what they need to consider to accelerate their self-service business.

The Challenges

Challenge 1: Integration Complexity – The Hidden Obstacle to Growth

Legacy hardware, often designed for cash-only transactions was never built to handle today’s payment ecosystem. Adding EMV chip functionality, NFC tap-to-pay, and mobile wallet acceptance sounds simple, but in reality, it requires a delicate balance of hardware compatibility, software updates, and network connectivity.

The complexity multiplies when you consider the diversity of self-service environments: car washes, kiosks, micro markets, and amusement machines all have unique hardware configurations and operating systems. Without a unified approach, operators end up juggling multiple vendors, proprietary protocols, and patchwork solutions that increase costs and operational risk.

Challenge 2: Security Risks – Protecting Transactions in Unattended Environments

Security is non-negotiable in self-service. These machines operate without staff oversight, making them prime targets for fraud, tampering, and data breaches. Operators must comply with strict standards like PCI DSS Level 1, implement point-to-point encryption, and use tokenization to protect sensitive cardholder data.

The stakes are high: a single security lapse can damage customer trust and lead to costly fines. Beyond compliance, operators need real-time monitoring and alerts to detect suspicious activity and prevent attacks before they happen. Without robust security measures, unattended retail becomes a liability rather than an asset.

Challenge 3: Connectivity Issues – Uptime is Everything

Connectivity is the lifeline of modern self-service. Machines need to process payments instantly and stay online for remote management. But many operators still rely on outdated 3G networks, which are being phased out globally. Without upgrading to 4G/LTE or Broadband with failover, operators risk downtime and downtime means lost revenue and customer dissatisfaction.

Reliable connectivity ensures that payment transactions are processed quickly and securely, even in high-traffic environments or remote locations. It also enables operators to push software updates and maintain compliance without costly on-site visits. In short, connectivity isn’t just a technical requirement – it’s a competitive advantage.

Think Bigger: Proven Ways to Speed Up Your Self-Service Transformation

Apart from integration, connectivity and security capabilities, there are other features that can help self-service businesses keep up with today’s demands.

1. Streamlined Multi-Location Management

Managing multiple locations shouldn’t mean managing multiple systems. TNS Complete Commerce provides a unified platform that delivers real-time visibility across your entire operation through a single, intuitive interface. From payment processing to network connectivity, we handle the technology so you can focus on growing your business.

2. Enhanced Support and Proactive Monitoring

Businesses should be able to go on with their day and sleep peacefully at night without having to worry about their operations. TNS provides customers with 24x7x365 local support through our Global Support Service Centers. Our comprehensive reporting and analytics tools help you optimize performance across locations, while our fully managed services eliminate the complexity of dealing with multiple vendors and support contracts.

3. Innovation That Drives Growth

Today’s consumers expect modern payment options, and their expectations continue to evolve with the rise of new technology. TNS Complete Commerce supports everything from traditional card payments to mobile wallets and contactless transactions, ensuring you never miss an opportunity to serve your customers. With TNS’ robust APIs and flexible integration options, you’re also perfectly positioned to embrace future innovations, from mobile apps to loyalty.

Transform Your Operations Today

Overcoming these challenges doesn’t have to be complicated. With TNS Complete Commerce, operators can simplify integration through standardized MDB bundles, flexible APIs, and broad hardware compatibility – eliminating the pain of fragmented systems. Our PCI-certified solutions and advanced security offerings, including P2PE and fraud detection, ensure every transaction meets the highest industry standards. And with carrier-agnostic managed connectivity, smart SIM technology, and 24/7 global monitoring, your payment systems stay secure, resilient, and always on. By consolidating payment processing, connectivity, and compliance into one platform, TNS future-proof your self-service business, helping reduce costs and keeping it running smoothly.

Ready to create a more efficient, profitable, and future-ready self-service business? Contact our team.