2013 is virtually here – the final countdown

Over the past few weeks, we have been looking ahead to 2013 and counting down those solutions that the team at Tensator thinks we will be seeing greater adoption of in the New Year.

Just to recap, last week we announced the increased usage of Multi-Service Machines as our number two prediction, and today, we move on to first place.

1. Virtual Assistant

Over the next 12 months, we envisage high uptake of Virtual Assistants globally across many sectors including travel, healthcare and especially within the retail sector, creating promotions that stand out from the crowd, improving brand awareness and delivering revenue from additional sales.

With over 40 installs worldwide, the Tensator Virtual Assistant continues to gain market acceptance. The Tensator Virtual Assistant is a next generation digital signage solution, designed to enhance and strengthen brands while heightening the customer experience. Using cutting-edge technology to create the illusion of a real person and providing customers, passengers or visitors with essential information, promotional messages or simply a warm welcome – this technology is set to soar.

Already adopted by some of the world’s largest airports, well known high street stores, busy hospitals and major leisure and sporting events, the Tensator Virtual Assistant is on hand to deliver vital security details, provide promotional information, offer guidance and convey marketing messages. The Tensator Virtual Assistant offers entertainment, information and an eye-catching message.

Recognised as a ‘2012 Cool Vendor in Retail’ by Gartner for our Tensator Virtual Assistant, we have continued to enhance the product, adding a series of new features such as:
Interactive touchscreens – providing users with the ability to search for information or select a specific service, whilst the Tensator Virtual Assistant delivers a targeted message in response or asks the consumer for further details. The first interactive Tensator Virtual Assistant has been installed in the departure area of Dubai Airport, Terminal 3, and we expect more to follow early in 2013.

Smartphone integration – delivering targeted messages quickly and easily to mobile devices via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and near field communication (NFC) for immediate access to special offers and promotions.

Directional speakers – a directional sound system delivers targeted audio messaging. Audio messages are delivered to the person standing immediately in front of the Virtual Assistant without disturbing people in the surrounding environment, further personalising the message.

Proximity on/off sensor – a proximity sensor recognises when the Virtual Assistant has an audience and can be set to only play messages when a person is adjacent to it, capturing attention and increasing the personalisation effect.

Remote media management and systems diagnostics – messaging can be managed and scheduled remotely using LAN or WAN connections. A full range of messages can be scheduled to play at various times and locations. System diagnostics can be run remotely.

In America, children’s brand name sportswear store Rookie USA recently combined celebrity star power with innovative technology by using Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks as the store’s virtual assistant. This technique drew a large crowd and boosted sales – and we predict that more Tensator Virtual Assistants will be taking the form of well-known faces in 2013.

Here are just some of the other benefits that the Tensator Virtual Assistant offers and the reasons why we ranked it as the number one prediction in our countdown:

Cost effective: The Tensator Virtual Assistant can operate 24/7 if required. It is literally the one member of the team that does not require a break or holidays.

Revenue generator: The Tensator Virtual Assistant is a unique tool to communicate sales messages. It encourages people to stop and listen, creating a captive audience for promotions, thus helping to increase sales. Revenue can also be encouraged via brand advertising.

Brand enhancement: The Tensator Virtual Assistant is designed to deliver a consistent brand message to the consumer. Its customisable nature means that it can be adapted to reflect any brand and deliver any message. It literally brings brands to life.

If you require any further details on the hot technology solutions that have made it into our 2013 predictions countdown, then the team at your closest Tensator office will be happy to help.

We hope that our predictions have given you an insight into which queue management solutions will be transforming the customer journey in 2013 and we look forward to sharing the benefits with you in the months to come.