Shorter Queues, Faster Transactions: Why Pre-Staging is the Future of Self-Service

Self-Service Check-in Kiosk
Published: 20/02/2025

The Shift Towards Faster, Smarter Self-Service

Long lines, slow transactions, and confusing user journeys—these are the common pain points businesses face when offering self-service solutions. Whether at ATMs, kiosks, or retail checkouts, customers expect speed and convenience. Pre-staging changes the game by allowing users to initiate transactions before they even reach a self-service terminal. With Azimut EDK, businesses can seamlessly integrate pre-staging into their self-service infrastructure, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction while reducing machine downtime.


What is Pre-Staging?

Pre-staging enables customers to set up transactions remotely—through a mobile app, web portal, or another digital channel—before finalising them at a self-service machine. By eliminating the need for on-the-spot data entry, pre-staging drastically reduces time spent at kiosks or ATMs, ensuring a smoother experience.

How Pre-Staging Works with Azimut EDK

1. Transaction Setup – Customers input transaction details (such as withdrawal amounts, bill payments, or deposits) on a mobile app or online portal.

2. Authentication & Verification – The system pre-validates the transaction, linking it to a unique identifier (QR code, OTP, or mobile token).

3. Execution at the Terminal – Customers simply authenticate at the kiosk or ATM and complete the transaction instantly.

4. Real-Time Processing – Transactions are approved and processed securely, minimising errors and wait times.


Key Benefits for Businesses & Customers

Seamless Omnichannel Experience

With Azimut EDK, pre-staging isn’t limited to a single channel. Businesses can integrate mobile banking apps, web platforms, and physical kiosks into a seamless self-service ecosystem. This means customers can begin a transaction on one platform and complete it at a kiosk without disruptions, ensuring a consistent and user-friendly experience.

Faster Transactions & Shorter Queues

One of the biggest advantages of pre-staging is its ability to streamline transaction processing. Because customers have already completed the KYC, self-service interactions are reduced to a few simple steps.

Increased Machine Efficiency

Self-service machines are a major investment, and maximising their utilisation is crucial. Pre-staging allows businesses to process more transactions per machine, reducing idle time and increasing throughput.

Strengthened Security & Fraud Prevention

By allowing customers to enter sensitive details in a private, secure setting (such as their personal device), pre-staging minimises the risk of fraud, card skimming, and data theft. Additionally, pre-validated transactions reduce the likelihood of input errors, ensuring smoother processing.


Use Cases: Where Pre-Staging Makes an Impact

Banking & ATMs

Pre-staging enhances ATM efficiency by allowing customers to set up withdrawals, deposits, and bill payments in advance. Instead of navigating multiple on-screen menus, users simply authenticate at the ATM and complete their transaction instantly.

Retail & Ticketing

Retailers and ticketing services benefit from pre-staged transactions by enabling customers to pre-pay for products, services, or event tickets. This speeds up checkout lines and reduces congestion at self-service kiosks, leading to faster and more efficient operations.

Telecom Services

Telecom companies can leverage pre-staging for SIM dispensing, mobile top-ups, and bill payments. Customers can initiate these transactions through a mobile app or online portal and complete them at self-service kiosks with minimal interaction.

Gaming & Entertainment Venues

In gaming and entertainment venues, pre-staging allows customers to pre-load cash onto gaming cards or accounts. This speeds up top-ups and ensures uninterrupted access to games and entertainment, improving the overall customer experience.


How Azimut EDK Powers Pre-Staging for Self-Service

  • Hardware-Agnostic Integration – Works across various kiosk types and payment terminals.
  • Seamless API Connectivity – Links self-service machines to mobile apps and back-end systems.
  • Real-Time Processing & Authentication – Ensures secure, instant transaction approvals.
  • Customisable Workflows – Businesses can tailor pre-staging solutions to specific industry needs.

Conclusion

As customers continue to demand faster and more efficient services, pre-staging is becoming a critical component of modern self-service strategies. Businesses that adopt pre-staging can significantly enhance customer experience, improve operational efficiency, and gain a competitive edge in their industry.

Ready to transform your self-service experience? Get in touch to learn how Azimut EDK can power pre-staged transactions for your business.