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Signing in to the 21st century

Innovation

THE frustration felt by two entrepreneurs at working in digitally based jobs in the 21st century but still having to sign in on pieces of paper when pitching to companies led them to design a simple touch screen visitor management system that is attracting attention across the world.

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The concept of Go Reception had been floating around in Steve Barrett’s head for some time. Besides being increasingly frustrated by paper passes, he also then had to ask if anyone had the guest WiFi log-in. Simply getting into a meeting and getting set up had too many hurdles.

It all came together when he and partner Chhai Thach – who met at the South Australia co-working space Majoran – were leaving a meeting after pitching their new loyalty program to a potential client.

Visitors can sign in on the screen or simply scan an electronic document sent to their smart phone ahead of time, much like an airline boarding pass.    

“As we were handing our visitor passes back I turned to Chhai and said ‘why don’t we just completely digitise this process of signing in and signing out’?” says Barrett. “He was like ‘that’s an interesting idea’. We went back to the office and started talking and within 24 hours we had decided to build a touch screen visitor management system, utilising the technology we had built for our loyalty platform because it was about scanning codes and logging data.”

The Go Reception software runs on a standard iPad (with an Android version being developed for Asian markets) but can be customised in terms of both looks and functionality to suit individual needs.

Visitors sign in on the screen or simply scan an electronic document sent to their smart phone ahead of time, much like an airline boarding pass. They are immediately presented with any information they need to know as part of their visit, and any commitments they need to make or sign, and their visitor’s pass can then be sent to their phone, or printed.

While this is happening their hosts are informed by email or SMS that they have arrived (with a photo if necessary to avoid awkward first introductions). Couriers and employees can also be included, making accurate information available at any time about who’s on site and whom they are meeting. There is also the potential to incorporate other business logistics such as room, car or equipment bookings into the one system.

For larger businesses up to three iPads can be linked for the same subscription. To get started, clients simply download a free App, go to the website to registrar and pick a plan, then pay the monthly or annual fee.

The system has attracted more than a hundred Australian and international subscribers, including the likes of McDonalds and communications company iiNet.

This is a Creative Commons story from The Lead South Australia, a news service providing stories about innovation in South Australia. Please feel free to use the story in any form of media. The story sources are linked in with the copy and all contacts are willing to talk further about the story. Copied to Clipboard

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