Woolworths trials real-time app for customers who hate queuing

Australian tech company DIVVY is deploying its Internet of Things (IoT) I/O Controller to help, building managers automate car parking and property functions using smart building technology. DIVVY says its technology offers buildings managers the ability to control the on/off functions of low-voltage assets such as parking gates, door latches, turnstiles, or water pumps.

Woolworths is applying booking technology originally built for smart parking to sense the length of queues forming outside supermarkets due to COVID-19 restrictions. The retailer is trialling the technology known as Q Tracker, which both provides an approximate wait time outside stores and lets customers book a 15-minute slot to arrive in to do their shopping.

Woolworths has introduced a new tool that uses real-time data to show the length of the queue to enter its stores due to COVID-19 restrictions. The booking technology known as Q Tracker is by Divvy, the maker of a booking app through which drivers can pay to use secure parking spaces.

Few industries have been as impacted by the COVID-19 disruptions as the grocery industry, and new technologies are featuring heavily as the sector strives to adapt. The subsequent lockdowns forced Australian supermarkets to respond by initially reverting to online channels and home delivery, and then — as the restrictions eased — they had to cope […]

Supermarket shoppers are now able to track foot traffic in their local Woolworths store to help them avoid peak times, making social distancing easier. The new feature also allows customers to book a time slot to shop at some locations, so shoppers can avoid long queues.