The government has announced that they are advising all operators to keep a temporary record of customers and visitors. But what does that mean for you and how can we help you?

A net positive

Firstly, we think this advice by UK Gov is actually a positive for operators, as it provides both the opportunity to deliver a surge of valuable customer data while also reassuring customers that you are doing everything you can do to protect them and to stamp out Covid-19. It may be that this is just another 'flash in the pan' and furthermore, your existing table booking, WiFi and Pay at Table data may well suffice as enough details of guests to enable Track & Trace teams to do their job. More guidance is expected in the coming days.

However, for some scenarios, such as walk-ins, or where there isn't already a solution in place, we'd like to help you with some additional technology that you can quickly deploy across your estate.

Introducing Trck.to

Airship is launching Trck.to, which provides an on-site data registration system to help both drive customer data, and fulfil the requirement NHS Track & Trace.

So how does it work?

1. Customer scans the QR code advertised at the location.
2. Customer completes the form, entering first name, last name, mobile and optionally email (First, Last, Mobile are mandatory)
3. We show the customer a confirmation screen that includes a unique code and details of the venue checked in at.
4. We then send an SMS to the customer with the confirmation code and importantly a URL that can lead them out to an app download (if you are doing pay at table) or a sign-up for for further data collection (like DOB).
5. If the customer revisits within 21 days they can just scan the QR code and it will welcome them back. If outside of 21 days, they will need to register again (if they didn't opt-in).
6. A customer can also add a guest. So, if they are with someone who's not tech savvy, they can still be registered.

Reporting within Airship will then enable you to quickly run off a Trace report on request from the authorities. This report will include ALL data registered for that period including WiFi, Booking, Pay at Table etc, basically anything that has a Proof of Presence associated (where we are integrated with your partners).

Of course we'll provide you with QR codes and venue location IDs to quickly deploy posters or stickers across your estate.

The data from customers that register will be stored on your Airship account in groups on each location. An automatic process will run 21 days following the created date to remove the personal details of customers that do not opt-in.

If you would like further information, please drop an email to our CEO dan.brookman@airship.co.uk

What does the guidance say?

The opening up of the economy following the COVID-19 outbreak is being supported by NHS Test and Trace. You should assist this service by keeping a temporary record of your customers and visitors for 21 days, in a way that is manageable for your business, and assist NHS Test and Trace with requests for that data if needed. This could help contain clusters or outbreaks. Many businesses that take bookings already have systems for recording their customers and visitors – including restaurants, hotels, and hair salons. If you do not already do this, you should do so to help fight the virus. We will work with industry and relevant bodies to design this system in line with data protection legislation, and set out details shortly.  

We note that the advice stipulates that data can only be held for 21 days, which is actually at odds with GDPR and many operators existing Privacy Policies. We expect further guidance on this will be required. Of course, the problem is now the public perception of what's expected, following the press headlines.

We are awaiting further announcements from UK Gov in the coming days and will of course adapt the solution accordingly to what that says.

What else is the industry doing?

Our partner Wireless Social have teamed up with Purple AI to also provide a FREE solution for Track and Trace and if you are with Wireless Social OR if you are looking to switch out your WiFi provider, Wireless Social can likely have you live in time. Check out further information on their website.