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Touch screens are everywhere, and for good reason. This technology has made transactions, purchases, and inquiries faster and easier for everyone. But in these touchless times, is there still a place for touch screen technology in our everyday lives?

From avionics and heavy machinery to tablets and advanced automotive applications, touch screen technology has become an integral part of our everyday lives. They are found in fast-food restaurants and supermarkets, commercial centers and office buildings.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about using touch screens. In this article, we touch on the benefits of this technology—and what both consumers and businesses can do to make using touch screen devices safer for everyone.

What are the benefits of touch screen technology?

Ease of use
This is perhaps the greatest appeal of touch screens: using them comes intuitively to everyone. You don’t need to have a computer background to reach out and tap icons to get information, make a purchase, and other transactions. Because they are more visual than other devices, touch screens minimize errors. The fact that touch screen devices are so easy to operate is the reason it has become widely used in society today.

As a customer, you get what you need to know or do in a faster, easier way. For businesses, it accelerates employee training and improves the efficiency of your operations.

Assistive technology
Because touch screens do not require a mouse or keyboard, they can accommodate users who may have hand disorders such as arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Touch screens can also help those who have speech difficulties avail of products and services that they need and enjoy.

Self-service
From paying bills and buying movie tickets to purchasing a meal and withdrawing from an ATM, touch screens accelerate service in establishments around the world. They reduce queues and eliminate face-to-face contact. 

Are touch screens safe to use during this pandemic?
While touch screens can help with physical distancing, your hand still comes in contact with the screen. We all know that hand hygiene is crucial to curbing the spread of COVID-19. Does this mean we’re supposed to stop using touch screens?

“Touchscreens are now in many places in UK society, so it’s often hard to avoid needing to use them,” Michael Head, a senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton, told The Independent.

The same can be said for the rest of the world. Given how ubiquitous touch screens are in everyday life, that’s not feasible. What, then, should consumers do? The same thing that you do whenever you leave your home and touch any surface: avoid touching your face and wash your hands thoroughly as soon as you can.

Business establishments with touch screens should do their part. Following the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning methods and materials, they should clean and disinfect touch screens after each use, either by a customer or an employee.

In truth, regular cleaning of touch screens should be done whether there is a pandemic or not. Keeping touch screens free from bacteria and viruses will allow you and your customers to continue enjoying the ease and convenience that this technology brings to everyone. 

As one of the Top 20 EMS companies in the world, IMI has over 40 years of experience in providing electronics manufacturing and technology solutions. 

At IMI, we believe that humanity drives technology, and we direct our passion at solutions that enhance our way of living.  With more than 400,000 square meters of factory space in 22 factories across 10 countries, we are positioned to build your business on a global scale.

Our proven technical expertise, worldwide reach, and vast experience in high-growth and emerging markets make us the ideal global manufacturing solutions partner.

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