Touchless technologies (such as wireless sensors) have been around for some time. Their use only increased during the pandemic, helping encourage safety and hygiene in public spaces. In fact, contactless payments made up more than 60% of all transactions in the first half of 2020 and its adoption is continuing to rise even after the pandemic has passed. After all, customers find it more convenient. Touchless technologies have also helped businesses in internal processes like recruitment and training, increasing overall efficiency.
Touchless technologies can help your business grow — you just need to know what your options are and how to use them. That said, here are the 4 must-have touchless technologies for every business.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) helps businesses simplify processes, freeing up employees’ time and providing better service to customers. For one, AI is used in the recruitment process. Businesses use it to match current employees’ profiles with potential hires to get the best possible fit, just as IHG Hotels & Resorts does.
AI can also be seen in action in fitness clubs. Tech company Perfect Gym has a gym software platform solution that lets fitness clubs send automated push notifications for upcoming classes. The AI can also collect and analyze gym members' data, allowing relevant tailored promotions to be sent depending on how and when they work out.
The food industry also benefits from AI by providing better service by automatically sending customers promotional offers. In the US, Burger King came up with “The Whopper Detour” in 2018. People who have their app are sent a notification every time they come within 600 feet of a McDonald’s—Burger King’s biggest competitor. This notification offers them a Whopper for only 1 cent (£0.01) if they get to a Burger King in the span of an hour, convincing them to visit a branch.
Various industries benefit from AI by allowing it to perform tasks like sorting through potential hires and satisfying customers by suggesting the most appropriate offers for them.
Access Control
Access control is a type of security technology that dictates who can enter a place at a specific time. This not only increases security but also reduces face-to-face contact as businesses can replace security personnel. It can also make receptionists’ lives easier through check-in integration.
Fitness business David Lloyd Leisure has this in the form of swing and turnstile gates in their clubs, as people go in and out of gyms all the time. This prevents unauthorised members from entering their facilities.
Another type of access control is facial recognition, which the staff of Future Cleaning Services uses to clock in and clock out, as well as enter the company premises. This ensures their employees’ safety and provides an easy way to record employee attendance.
One last example of this touchless technology is RFID wristbands, such as the ones used in Centre Parcs. This allows people to enter their lodge without the need of a key, access swimming lockers and make cashless payments across the resort. It lessens the staff’s need to perform administrative jobs, so they can focus on other tasks to keep customers satisfied, such as answering customer inquiries.
Overall, access control not only gives your business added safety and security but also frees up employees to focus on delivering great customer experiences.
Explore our access control options and find out how they can improve the people flow at your venue.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) is a useful way for companies to establish an efficient training process, ensure client satisfaction, and expand their reach. VR allows businesses to have immersive training experiences, effective prototyping, and brand promotion.
For instance, construction and design companies use VR to present drafts or plans to clients. Office design firm Woodhouse Workspace lets clients view potential office layouts via VR technology. As such, they can visualise ways to better use the space and make suggestions for improvement, increasing client satisfaction.
On the other hand, car manufacturer Renault lets customers virtually test drive their cars through VR headsets. This helps change people’s view of the brand from being an F1 manufacturer alone to a more diverse company that produces many types of vehicles. As a result of this innovative technology, they can reach a wider audience.
Sensing Appliances
Appliances that are automatic because of their sensors can contribute to promoting safety and hygiene in an establishment. Automatic sanitiser dispensers, as an example, are safety measures that businesses have adopted in recent years. This lessens the spread of bacteria and increases confidence in a space’s cleanliness.
In retail, SPAR stores have automatic sanitiser dispensers at their locations to ensure the safety of both staff and customers. This contributes to their feeling of security and well-being while shopping.
For various businesses, sensing appliances also help them cut down on costs like electricity and water. Sensor appliances such as automatic lights can reduce energy costs because they know when it is time to turn on and off. The Old Street Works office rental space has automatic lights that dim when it senses enough daylight in the room, helping them reduce energy costs. In the hospitality industry, sensor taps in bathrooms like those in Henrietta House reduce water waste and bacterial spread.
Touchless technologies should be adopted by businesses to improve the customer experience and satisfaction. In the end, these not only provide convenience and support for your business but also, allow you to build the perfect customer journey.
To find out how we can help you create better customer experiences by integrating touch-less technologies into your spaces, get in touch today.
Exclusively contributed to Hutchison Technologies by JBatton