Philips Professional Display Solutions’ Android-powered queue management signage and camera solution, PeopleCount, is working to help food and drink establishments reopen safely across Europe, with the technology most recently deployed at Finland’s restaurant/bar Apteekkari.
PeopleCount was launched in April as an immediate response to the sudden changes and challenges being faced by businesses as a result of the coronavirus Pandemic.
Following the news that a leading retailer in the Netherlands had installed PeopleCount, Philips PDS has now confirmed that restaurant/bar Apteekkari, in Kuopio, Finland, has become the first in the food and drink industry to reopen using the PeopleCount solution.
Apteekkari was seeking a dedicated solution to help easily and accurately monitor capacity on its rooftop terrace in order to ensure social distancing is maintained at all times and to provide a clear way of communicating with customers – both during and post COVID-19.
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In partnership with Avek Esitysratkaisut Oy, a local AV integration firm, two 32” Google-certified, Android-powered and wi-fi connected D-Line displays (32BDL4051D/00), together with a Bosch FLEXIDOME IP Micro 3000i IH intelligent camera and the Philips Professional Display Solutions PeopleCount app were installed.
Designed for 24/7 use, full remote management control (using Philips PDS’s exclusive CMND platform), and capable of delivering complex content to capture any audience’s attention, the D-Line displays were strategically positioned in portrait mode at the entrance of ‘Apteekkari Sky’ rooftop terrace and inside the rooftop’s indoor bar area.
Connected to strategically placed Bosch cameras, the number of people entering and exiting the terrace is calculated and displayed in real-time, with a traffic light system displayed to indicate when it’s safe for people to enter as and when capacity is reached and reduced.
The displays are also used to communicate marketing messages and promotions to customers, whether waiting or not – ensuring investments are maximised and future-proofed.
Jari Pöykiö, sales manager at Avek, commented: “Finnish regulations for restaurants are very tough during normal times. But these are not normal times. Keeping people safe and socially distanced to help reduce the potential spread of a new and invisible enemy (COVID-19) is a major consideration for many industries and present some major challenges. That’s where technology can play a vital role and that’s why we again turned to Philips Professional Display Solutions.
“Before PeopleCount there was no other viable choice, which is a testament to Philips Professional Display Solutions’ foresight and ability to respond to market conditions. After testing PeopleCount, we had no hesitation in recommending it to our client.”
Arto Hujanen, restaurants manager, added: “The safety of our customers and staff is our number one priority and, with PeopleCount, we now have a solution that brings a new level of safety, as well as trust, as we continue to move forward in a post COVID world.
“We’re delighted with the response from our staff and the reaction from our customers has been extremely positive. The solution has already proved to be a very worthwhile investment, minimising any potential disruptions to their experience, and allowing people to stay informed while enjoying themselves.”
Mikael da Fonseca, sales director at Philips PDS, added: “We’re delighted to have been able to support Osuuskauppa PeeÄs in the safe reopening of its Apteekkari restaurant.
“At Philips Professional Display Solutions, we pride ourselves in and feel a great responsibility for bringing new products and solutions to market to meet the needs of our customers. In this extreme instance, we were able to foresee and respond immediately to the conditions caused by COVID-19, and respond to their very sudden changing needs to create a solution that, in January this year, did not appear on any roadmap.”
