Bump Bars VS Touchscreens

 

Overview

Bump bars have a long history of use in quick service concepts and are still the KDS user input method of choice with many operators.

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Bump bars have gone through various technological improvements in recent years with USB and wireless connectivity being among the advances.

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Touchscreens have historically been more expensive than bump bars but are now becoming much more affordable, thinner and lighter.

 

Bump Bar Pros

 

   1. Due to their small overall size bump bars are                                                                                                                                         usually attached directly to the edges of shelves                                                                                                                                   so they do not block access to the spaces                                                                                                                                             above and below shelves.

 

   2. Due to their small overall size bump bars                                                                                                                                               can be located closer to users which can                                                                                                                                               be an advantage to some users.

 

   3. The combination of a monitor, controller and                                                                                                                                         a bump bar usually costs a bit less than the                                                                                                                                           combination of a touchscreen monitor and a                                                                                                                                         controller or an all in one terminal.

 

Bump Bar Cons

 

   1. Navigating the cursor across a screen with a bump bar                                                                                                                         requires additional keystrokes which consumes valuable user time.

 

   2. Having the pointing functions performed on a bump bar that is remotely mounted from the screen creates a less intuitive user

       interface as users must look towards a screen that is at a totally different orientation that the face of the bump bar. 

 

   3. The membrane keyboards used on bump bars do not provide tactile feedback so users often find that they are either                        pressing too hard or not hard enough or not in the exact center of the keys to register effective keystrokes.

 

   4. The plastic overlay which covers the face of the keyboard wears over time and requires replacement.

 

   5. The cable on hardwired bump bars accumulates debris residue and is difficult to clean.

 

   6. The cable on hardwired bump bars is usually attached to the surfaces of tables and shelving where it is very vulnerable to               damage and coming loose and hanging.

 

   7. The batteries inside of wireless bump bars require regular replacement.

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Touchscreen Pros

 

   1. Navigating the cursor across a touchscreen is faster than using a bump bar which saves valuable user time.

 

   2. Having the pointing functions integrated directly into the screen makes for a more intuitive and easier to use interface.

 

   3. Touchscreens are more durable than bump bars.

 

   4. If carefully located touchscreens will bring the display closer to users and won’t block access to the spaces above and below         shelves.

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Touchscreen Cons

 

   1. If touchscreens are not carefully located they can block access to the spaces above and below shelves.

 

   2. The combination of a touchscreen and display controller usually costs a bit more than the combination of a monitor, controller         and a bump bar.