Northampton app developer helping leisure businesses to reopen after coronavirus lockdown

A Northampton-based app developer is helping several businesses in the county to reopen on Saturday (July 4) with a simple solution for tracking and tracing customers.

Sign In App, based on Roman Road between Duston and Nobottle, has gone from supplying receptionists to owners of pubs, restaurants and bars eager to reopen after the coronavirus lockdown.

The app, called Sign In Point, asks customers to scan a QR code and input their details which businesses can use to keep track of numbers as well as storing their information for 21 days in case of an outbreak.

Director Dan Harding said: “We have a proud track record of using technology to help organisations adapt to changes in the way with live and work.

“Since the outbreak of Covid-19, we have seen growing interest in how our contactless solution can help organisations keep track of visitors in a safe and secure way.

"Sign In Point is ideal for busy pubs, bars and restaurants, enabling them to securely store visitor details quickly and conveniently.”

Since launching in 2015, Sign In App has become a leading visitor management app used by more than 4,400 workplaces and academic bodies across the globe to record details of employees and guests.

It already offers clients a contactless management solution which allows visitors to an office or school to scan a secure QR code displayed on a reception iPad.

Sign In Point has taken the same principles but applied it to a wider range of businesses who now have to track and trace customers if they want to reopen in the post-Covid world.

Old Northamptonians RFC is preparing to welcome back members to its clubhouse on Billing Road on Saturday and will register visitors using Sign In Point.

Commercial manager Tom Gregory said: “In order to keep our staff and members safe, we have implemented a number of safety measures including managing the entry of our guests.

"Sign In App and Sign In Point allow us to easily allow our members to record their visit and give us access to all necessary information should it be required.

“Our members range in age from six to 96, so having a simple solution to manage entry is key - this solution is extremely user friendly.

"In the ‘new normal’ I highly recommended having such a simple but vital tool.”

Other Northamptonshire businesses who will be using Sign In Point include The Artizan pub in Artizan Road, Northampton, and The Griffin's Head pub in Mears Ashby.

Should any customers not have a smartphone or have issues with the QR code, managers can input their details manually on their own iPad.

Dan believes the biggest benefit of his app is the certainty that users are complying to all of the necessary legislation and rules around data and controlling the coronavirus pandemic.

"A real stress point is around compliance because if you get everyone to fill out a piece of paper or a list, that's not very hygienic for a start," he said.

"But if you're having to search that data after an outbreak or someone wants to use GDPR to be forgotten, it's going to be difficult.

"So are app allows pub and bar owners to easily and safely collect the information they need and search through it should they have to."