Gunnebo’s Introduces Real-Time Customer Occupancy Level At Retail Stores To Minimize COVID-19 Infection

The new family of social distancing tools supports the smooth return to a safe shopping environment by providing automated occupancy control, ensuring the number of customers in a physical space never exceeds a maximum limit.

With Gunnebo’s OccuLinq software, retail managers enjoy real-time data on customer numbers at their fingertips. When a maximum occupancy level is reached, gates lock temporarily until another customer has left the store, after which a new customer is free to enter. Automated customer flow maximizes social distancing and thereby minimizes infection risk.

Live occupancy data sharing

The OccuLinq platform provides live occupancy data direct to a cellphone phone app, tablet or PC screen. The app works in combination with:

• OccuSense stereo cameras that count people without storing personal data, making them fully GDPR compliant.
• OccuSign digital display to inform waiting customers of occupancy availability, while reassuring shoppers that the store takes their safety seriously.
• Access control speed gates that regulate the flow of customers.
• Exit control to prevent shoplifters leaving the store without paying.

OccuLinq offers automatic adherence to social distancing occupancy guidelines and regulations. There is no need for staff at store entrances, while friction-free and transparent occupancy control minimizes possibilities for confrontation between customers and staff.

OccuLinq platform for the retail market

“We foresee increased demand for occupancy control solutions as the retail sector adapts to the new normal created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Launched in mid-May, our H-Sense range has already been a genuine success, supporting customers by ensuring efficient infection control on their premises. OccuLinq now offers efficient and user-friendly occupancy control processes linked to the right of access, ensuring that social distancing measures are properly and safely enforced,” says Robert Hermans, SVP Entrance Control, and Gunnebo.

While OccuLinq is initially launched toward the retail market, Gunnebo believes that OccuLinq will also provide important benefits to other market segments such as museums, theatres, office buildings etc., during the re-opening phase and beyond.