Retailers using real-time occupancy monitoring to stay COVID-safe

A Melbourne software company has developed an innovative solution to help shoppers stay COVID-safe as retail reopens. WingArc Australia’s real-time occupancy monitoring uses data from the store’s security cameras to automatically count the number of shoppers in-store at any one time, with the results displayed on a tablet or screen at the store entrance, allowing retailers to manage the number of shoppers in store to stay compliant and provide a safe space for customers.

Global brand MUJI Retail (Australia) Pty Ltd has implemented real-time occupancy monitoring across its Australian outlets. The system is running at MUJI’s Sydney and Canberra stores since reopening, along with its Melbourne store and MUJI’s Emporium. Real-time occupancy is part of WingArc Australia’s Retail Analytics platform, which brings detailed data and analytics capability to physical retail. Using the feed from the store’s CCTV cameras, it can provide retailers with information about in-store activity, from shopper counts to interactive heat maps showing which areas of the store are more popular. It also integrates with point of sale data to provide detailed reports on the store’s performance, giving retailers the information they need to make informed strategic decisions. Steven Hulse, CEO of WingArc Australia, said solutions like real-time occupancy monitoring can help stores keep track of the number of people shopping at once, so they can comply with the current density limits.

Takeshi Fujimoto, Managing Director of MUJI Australia, added that the WingArc solution makes it easy to ensure that the company meets its obligations, while reassuring its customers of its commitment to their health and wellbeing. “We want to make shopping safe and convenient for our customers as we welcome them back to our stores, and using technology such as this enables our store team to focus completely on customer service,” Fujimoto said.

The WingArc Retail Analytics platform combines video analytics, machine learning, predictive capability and POS integration. It uses interactive dashboards and daily reports to help stores understand their customers, validate their marketing activities, optimise staff rosters and increase revenue.

Image credit: WingArc Australia