Risk management special: CST helps retailers help customers lifting heavy or high-shelf items
According to RoSPA, in 2002 over 35,000 accidents happened while people were shopping. A major health and safety issue for larger pet stores is that of customers who need help lifting heavy items or reaching higher shelves. If staff aren’t available to help then either the store loses the sale or, worse, customers put themselves and others at risk by trying to get the item. Retail communications specialist CST (Call-Systems Technology) has now launched the Indyme Help-Point messaging system, a low-cost, discreet and inconspicuous way to tell pet store staff when and where customers need help.
Indyme Help-Point has been developed in the USA, where it is currently in use in over a thousand stores.
Indyme Help-Point is a simple button that customers push to summon assistance. The message is relayed to the relevant member of staff’s pager, two-way radio or even a PDA or smartphone. It tells them exactly where they are needed, so they can get to the customer quickly – before they either walk away or put themselves at risk. Once pushed, the button’s light flashes to assure the customer that a member of staff is on the way.
The Help button is available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. For example, end-of-aisle ‘blade’ signs are highly visible and don’t obstruct the shopper’s view or take up valuable shelf space. The blade signs, which can be personalized to the shop’s decor and style, also give the opportunity to explain how the system works.
An important part of the Indyme system is its data logging facility. Building a report of all uses of the messaging system, it delivers potentially critical management information – for example, highlighting failures to respond quickly enough to customer requests for help.
The Indyme Help messaging system is a simple solution with little or no maintenance or running costs. Buttons are wireless, have a battery life of around 4 years, are easy and unobtrusive to install and can be sited just about anywhere. They are also easy to use – virtually no staff training is required. All buttons are ruggedly built to ensure a long life, even in busy environments, and blade signs can be mounted on hinges to avoid damage from accidental knocks.
For details freephone Call-Systems Technology on 0800 389 5642, email the company at indyme@call-systems.com or visit the CST website www.call-systems.com/indyme
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Call-Systems Technology (CST) distributes the Indyme range in the UK.
CST supplies an award-winning range of specialist communications and software products for the UK retail industry. The company has introduced many technology innovations which have enhanced service and improved efficiency, helping UK retailers to satisfy their customers and increase their profitability.
The CST portfolio ranges from simple pager systems to sophisticated packages for improved facilities management. CST’s award-winning Call range includes CustomerCall™, PageCall™, StoreCall™, ButlerCall™ and EasyCall™.
CST provides solutions in every sector of the retail market, including supermarkets, pet stores, travel agents, DIY stores, garages, pharmacies and food courts.