North-east entrepreneurs have teamed up for a new, post-lockdown software venture, Virtual Check In (VCI), based in Aberdeen.
They have adapted technology used in their own businesses to create a cloud-based, safe, secure and contactless check-in system.
As well as providing firms with a way they can manage visitors to their premises under social distancing rules, the smartphone-enabled technology lets in staff and allows businesses to monitor who is in the building.
It is the idea of VCI’s five founding business partners: Andrew Alleway and David Moncur, managing director and operations director respectively of Tidy Green Clean (TGC), an Aberdeen-headquartered environment-friendly cleaning franchise.
Also John Willis and Rich Williams, directors of city telecoms enterprise 2 Circles Communications North East, and Kenny Steele, MD of software firm Pinnacle Visualisation, based in John Street Aberdeen.
Mr Moncur works from Dundee, while Mr Williams is based south of the border.
VCI is the trading name for new business Captivate, based in Norsea Group House, Crawpeel Road, Altens.
Subscribers display a QR code and instructions at the entrance to their premises.
Employees, customers or other visitors just need a working camera app on a smartphone.
Mr Alleway said VCI clients had already signed up in advance of today’s official launch, with the business initially targeting about 1,000 firms in and around Aberdeen.
He added: “Our customers are looking for solutions that are clean, hygienic and environmentally friendly. This ticks all the boxes.
“Some of my (TGC) clients, including PBDevco, owner/operators of Soul Bar, Vovem Meat & Liquor and The Bieldside Inn and their four other local venues, and sports and country club Kippie Lodge are among the early adopters of this service.”
Mr Willis said: “Social distancing requirements of Covid-19 made us realise people want to sign-in to hospitality, leisure and business premises without the risk of physically handling or touching pens and paper, or swiping iPads, that other people will have recently also handled.
“Neither will reception and other employees wish to be exposed to any unnecessary risk.”