Revolution in Retail: The Wi-Fi Button Innovation
For seven years, VisualCom has been relentlessly searching for the best way to improve the process of calling the next customer for fresh-produce department staff. This innovation journey led to the creation of the Wi-Fi button.
From touchscreens to Bluetooth buttons
The search began with touchscreens, but staff wearing gloves quickly dirtied the surfaces and caused glitches. An approach using Bluetooth buttons clipped to employees’ aprons was then tested, but ran into recurring connection issues and buttons that often got lost in the wash.
An interim solution: waterproof switches
Faced with these challenges, VisualCom opted for waterproof switches wired to a relay to call the next customer. More reliable, this solution nonetheless required staff to walk to a fixed switch, often located three meters from their workstation.
The Wi-Fi button innovation
VisualCom placed the switches as close as possible to the scales: once weighing is done, the staff member simply presses the switch to call the next customer, without moving. A built-in controller board sends a request to the Qmatic Orchestra API, powered over USB at 4.6V through the free ports on the new ADS scales deployed in New Caledonia.
Flexibility, reliability and durability
The Wi-Fi button combines several advantages: switches placed as close as possible to the scales to cut down on movement, stable communication via Wi-Fi and USB power, a programmable controller board that adapts to the specific needs of fresh-produce departments, and a waterproof design built to withstand tough working conditions.
A customer service project in retail?
Queue management, customer calling or digital signage: contact VisualCom to discuss it.