Canadian technology company GroundLevel Insights this week launched CANATRACE, a free digital offering that allows businesses to capture pertinent customer data needed for contact tracing, all while alleviating the workload of staff and keeping patrons – and their contact information safe.
To-date, the company says it has partnered with more than “300 small businesses, helping these companies bring their customers back in a safe and streamlined manner. The digital tool simplifies data collection by allowing visitors to provide their contact information directly on their own smartphone using a QR code uniquely branded for the business they are visiting.
By digitizing data collection, small businesses are able to minimize touchpoints for guests, ensure the confidentiality and accuracy of the information given, and lessen the extra responsibilities their staff are taking on during these unprecedented times, it added.
“Supporting local businesses has never been more important and will be critical to moving Canada’s recovery forward,” said company founder and CEO Asif Khan.
“By bringing together government, business associations and companies that are providing services across the country, CANATRACE is helping small businesses keep Canadians safe, in hopes that more customers will feel safe and continue to support our local businesses.”
The company notes that since data collection has become required for businesses with in-person patrons, many companies have been using a physical pen and paper to record visitors’ information.
“While effective, this process places additional pressure on employee resources and increases touch-points for both staff and visitors. Also, there is an inherent privacy risk if customer data isn’t stored properly.”
With CANATRACE, digitizing this system makes it easier for small businesses to meet provincial policies while simultaneously reducing operational complexity, it said.
To introduce CANATRACE, companies need to register for a business branded QR code at CANATRACE.com. Each unique QR code is assigned to its own mobile site, meaning that every business will have its own landing page to collect visitor information.
The data-collection page is automatically pulled-up when the QR code is scanned in-store, where customers and employees can register their name and contact information. All data is collected and stored securely by CANATRACE for 30 days, after which, it is automatically deleted.
Businesses can also request data be sent to their local health authority, in the event that a positive COVID-19 case has been identified at their location.
“Over the past month we have supported hundreds of businesses in the restaurant, hospitality, fitness and retail industries who have struggled to adapt to ever-evolving COVID-19 policies,” said Khan. “These measures are all being mandated to protect Canadians, but they are also adding pressure to workers.”
For more information or to register your small business for free, visit www.CANATRACE.com.
