Business Insight 3 restructures and creates business intelligence division to help retailers
James Thorpe
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Business Insight 3 (Bi3) has put in place a restructured management team and created a new division, headed up by Head of Business Intelligence, Richard Eaves, as it seeks to bring its specialist expertise from the security arena into the retail sector at a critically important time for many businesses.
Bi3 has a number of tried and tested solutions for retailers and venues looking to uphold the government’s recommended distancing advice during the current coronavirus pandemic. Social distancing advice is for people to remain two metres (6ft) apart at all times – and the Preston-based company has the technical solutions and expertise to help.
The firm is already well-known for its security technology and software solutions. However, until now it has underplayed its business intelligence offer for retailers, venues and attractions – which has been provided as an add-on rather than a separate part of the business in its own right.
Bi3’s business intelligence arm will offer a number of solutions that will be useful for retailers during the Coronavirus pandemic, including:
- Occupancy monitoring and people counting – precise people counting and occupancy monitoring equipment which can visually output information and alert when a maximum occupancy has been achieved.
- Intrusion detection – where there is an increase in the amount of vacant commercial buildings and areas of vulnerability, which can lead to a larger risk of crime. Bi3 works with the world leading video analytics provider in order to increase security for businesses and communities.
- Crowd density – video analytic solutions to monitor, detect and alert when people are crowding in external or internal areas and gathering together at potentially unsafe distances
- Loitering – Bi3’s technology portfolio can monitor the length of time that someone is loitering in a specific area, with customisable time thresholds
- Tailgating – tailgate detection which can detect, alert and even prevent unauthorised access, using a police-approved Secured by Design (SBD) solution. This enhances security and limits threats to staff and vulnerability to theft.
The technology and systems can be rented on a monthly basis, making this an affordable option for many retailers and other businesses.
Commenting on the creation of the new business intelligence division, Managing Director, Glen Higson says: “Creating this separate division is something we’d been thinking about for a while and given the current situation facing retailers and other places such as leisure attractions and arts venues it seemed like the ideal time to provide this dedicated focus and support. Our aim is to be part of the solution for companies who want to do what they can to ensure people and property are kept safe during the pandemic. We’re already really well known for our security technology – I hope the same will soon be said for our business intelligence division.”
Commenting on his new role, Head of Business Intelligence, Richard Eaves says: “During these unprecedented times, it’s more important than ever that we use the best tools at our disposal to help keep ourselves and others well. By repurposing our offer in this way, we feel we are making the best use of our business intelligence technology – while also bringing our security expertise into the retail environment.”
Other new management roles in the restructure go to: Joe Bolton who has been appointed Head of Software and IT at the new division; while Chris Eccles has been appointed Head of Sales and Adam Kohut, Technical Team Leader for the overall Bi3 operation.
