News

New York , N.Y. – NRF 2012­ – January 11, 2012 – Tensator, (Booth #3317) the world leader in queue management solutions, today announced that NRF has selected the Tensator Virtual Assistant to be the official greeter at ‘Retail’s BIG Show,’ being held January 15-17, 2012 at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan, New York.

The Tensator Virtual Assistant is a next-generation digital signage solution that uses the very latest in projected imaging and audio-visual technology to create the illusion of a real person. As the official greeter at NRF 2012, the Tensator Virtual Assistant will provide directional guidance, event and party information as well as ‘need to know’ show information to over 22,000 show attendees with custom tailored messages for each day of the show.

“Retailers travel from all around the world to learn about the latest developments in retail technology at Retail’s BIG Show,” said Susan Newman, Senior Vice President, Conferences, National Retail Federation. “The Tensator Virtual Assistant is exemplary of the kind of innovation our attendees expect to see. The projected imaging grabs your attention and the surround sound speaker system ensures you hear the messages above the show noise. Welcoming, always on and never tired, the Virtual Assistant communicates consistent, precise and essential show info to a multitude of people at the same time continuously.”

Located in the registration area of NRF 2012, the Tensator Virtual Assistant provides over a dozen scripted messages tailored specifically to each day’s events.

“With so much activity going on at ‘Retail’s BIG Show’ , the Tensator Virtual Assistant provides the industry’s most advanced solution to delivering mass information in the most compelling, attention-getting manner,” said Bill Vetter, General Manager, Tensator . “Fully customized, we worked closely together with NRF to deliver a Show Greeter that ensures attendees are both informed while being impressed with her technology.”

Retailers will be able to experience firsthand Tensator’s Virtual Assistant and the company’s other leading queue management solutions at registration as well as in Tensator’s Booth #3317. To schedule a meeting at the show and see why companies like Harrods, New Look, Duane Reade, JCPenney, Kohl’s and UNIQLO have selected Lawrence/Tensator to be their queue management company of choice, click here.

To arrange a media or analyst briefing at NRF 2012 please contact ilona@penvine.com

Bay Shore, N.Y. – January 9, 2012 – Lawrence, a Tensator Group Company and the US headquarters for its parent company, today announced it will officially rebrand as Tensator, in a move that strengthens the company’s global identity.

With major retailers, international airport terminals, banks and hospitality providers including; Duane Reade, Harrods, JCPenney, Kohl’s, Macy’s, New Look, Target, UNIQLO, London Heathrow, London Luton, Edinburgh, Dubai, Fraport Airports, Southwest Airlines, Barclays Bank, Post Office, and The Empire State Building as valued customers, Tensator has become a trusted name in queue management and customer journey solutions around the world.

“2011 has been a strong year for us in terms of innovation and growth,” said Bill Vetter, General Manager, Tensator. “We’ve launched ground-breaking solutions including our innovative next-generation digital signage solution, the Tensator Virtual Assistant, and the SLQ-3000 split-screen electronic call forward system. By rebranding as Tensator, we are able to leverage the strength of the company’s technological innovations and impeccable reputation on a global platform.”

“This is a very exciting time for us,” said Alan McPherson, Tensator Group CEO. “Lawrence has been part of the Tensator group since 2006, and prior to this was Tensator’s US distribution partner for over 30 years. The name change finally completes our integration of this important part of our company and points to the direction of our future growth and product development plans in North America. Our customers can expect the same commitment to quality products and outstanding customer service for which Lawrence is renowned. The continued enhancements and roll out of Tensator’s innovative solution products will further enhance our overall product offering to the North American market.”

Tensator employs over 180 employees and has six offices spanning Milton Keynes, UK; Bay Shore New York, USA; Frankfurt, Germany; Wroclaw, Poland; Paris, France, & Dubai, UAE. Direct or via its extensive distribution base, Tensator supplies its products, from ropes and posts to point of sales display units, to over 170 countries around the world.

Along with the rebranding effort, which will take effect January 16, the company has changed its website to www.tensator.com and will be issuing a new range of literature and product catalogues.

Tensator and The Riverside Company have completed the acquisition of Portuguese-based customer journey management specialist, Newvision. Newvision offers a range of products including dispersed queue management systems, self-service and multimedia information kiosks, and digital displays.

Newvision develops integrated products through five product lines that provide virtual queue management, people counting, self-service, multimedia kiosks and corporate television. Since 2008, Newvision has achieved 20% growth per annum in revenues and has more than 3,000 installed solutions serving more than 400 customers; mainly in Europe, but also in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Customer sectors include postal, retail and public administration, healthcare, telecoms, banking and utilities, among others.

“Having access to Newvision’s excellent dispersed queuing technology is critical to our continued success in becoming the definitive global leader in the management of the customer journey,” said Tensator CEO, Alan McPherson. “Now, with Newvision and Tensator under the same Riverside umbrella, we can provide an even more diverse range of revenue and margin enhancement, labour savings and customer experience solutions.”

Tensator has pioneered custom space management solutions that accelerate queues, reduce wait times, generate marketing value and improve sales. Its product line includes in-queue impulse purchase merchandising systems, signage and advertising accessories, and electronic queuing – an electronic call forwarding system that provides queue management statistical reporting and digital media. While Tensator has deep experience in linear queuing systems, including the ubiquitous Tensabarrier®, which is sold in over 150 countries around the world, the acquisition of Newvision provides an excellent platform for entering the faster growing non-linear or dispersed queuing market with a proven suite of products.

“The combined offering of Tensator and Newvision will have a major positive impact on both businesses,” said Riverside Partner, Karsten Langer. “There is an excellent fit between both strategies, which opens the door to significant synergies and cross‐selling opportunities. Newvision’s renowned technologies in dispersed queuing, combined with a strong management team that will remain in place, are a great complement to Tensator’s world-famous brand and global presence.”

The transaction should greatly benefit both companies, said Miguel Ferreira, Newvision Chairman of the Board. “Combining the complementary geographic footprint of both companies makes a potent suite of products available to a very wide variety of customers across the world. It’s a great platform for mutual growth.” he said.

The markets in which Newvision and Tensator operate – queue management and interaction management, have an estimated annual value of $2.3 billion globally (2010).

Condor has become the first airline in the world to benefit from the latest high-tech audio-visual technology, the Virtual Assistant. The life-like announcer was pioneered and installed by queue management specialist Tensator and will now greet the airline’s passengers at its Frankfurt Airport hub, helping to simplify the airline’s check-in process.

The news comes as Fraport AG, the owner and manager of Frankfurt Airport (FRA), also has installed its own Virtual Assistant, making it Germany’s first airport to use the advanced digital signage solutions.

As one of the 10 top airports in the world, FRA welcomes more than 53 million passengers through its two terminals annually. The Virtual Assistant is being trialled at Frankfurt Airport to determine whether it can help ease the flow through the airport’s security checks by advising passengers on the preparations they need to make before going through the screening process.

Bärbel Töpfer, Fraport’s Vice President of Airport Security Management says: “We’re delighted to be the first German airport to test such an innovative passenger control system like the Virtual Assistant. The trial will enable us to decide whether to opt for a roll out of the Virtual Assistant throughout the airport.”

Fraport is testing the Virtual Assistant under real operating conditions. With some four million passengers travelling through FRA each month and as more than 185,000 on peak days of the year, it’s crucial that security checks are efficient. The Fraport and Condor bilingual assistants attract the attention of passengers and provide important information to passengers in either German or English.

Condor passengers are now greeted in the check-in area by the airline’s female virtual employee, who provides them with useful information on how to use Condor’s self-service check-in kiosks.

Condor is thrilled to be the first airline using the Virtual Assistants, as Christian Schmitt, Vice President Ground Operations explains: “We’re always looking for ways to make our customers’ journeys as easy and relaxing as possible and the Virtual Assistant enables us to provide them with valuable information that can speed up the check-in process.”

Tensator is a leading name in queue management solutions and has already installed a number of its famous Tensabarriers at the Frankfurt Airport.

Tensator’s Virtual Assistants can be seen at a number of international airports, including Dubai International, Birmingham and London Luton. For more information on Tensator, visit www.tensator.com.

Dubai, UAE – December 14, 2011 – Dubai Airports has brought on board four bilingual ‘virtual assistants’ at Dubai International to communicate important travel information to the 50 million plus passengers that pass through the airport each year.

The state-of-the-art digital signage solutions use the very latest in rear-projected audio visual technology to create the illusion of a real person, conveying helpful security and brand messages. It makes Dubai International the first airport in the region to use the technology.

The virtual assistants, which have been created by leading queue management specialist Tensator, cheerfully greet and engage with the airport’s passengers in order to provide them with information on the preparations they need to make prior to entering the security screening and immigration areas. The use of this innovative technology is set to improve operational efficiencies and enhance the customer experience at Dubai International by reducing wait times in key areas near security screening points.

Commenting on the introduction of new technology at DXB, Sujata Suri, Vice President, Service Development for Dubai Airports, said: “As a customer-centric company, we realise that it is essential, amid all the ongoing growth and expansion, that we make the journey through our airport as quick and pleasant as possible. Just like Dubai International, the virtual assistants work 24/7 and will play an important role in helping us to achieve that goal.”

The use of the four virtual assistants, which have been installed for a three-month trial period, will help to ease the passenger journey by delivering guidance before and as they pass through departures and transfers areas.

Abdel Aziz Rahal, General Manager at Tensator FZE explained: “We worked very closely with Dubai Airports team to assess their particular requirements and develop a solution that matched them perfectly. We firmly believe that this solution will become a valuable asset to Dubai International, delivering consistent and clear messages and providing passengers with a wealth of information that will help to speed up their journey time.”

Virtual assistants are one of a number of initiatives underway the world’s fourth busiest airport for international passenger traffic. In September Dubai Airports launched a comprehensive service measurement project – the world’s largest to be undertaken by an airport operator, that will deliver intelligent, real-time information to drive better service delivery for passengers.

Consumers have revealed just what they think about when they are queuing to buy goods in the nation’s shops – and for many, it’s about updating their social media accounts such as Facebook or Twitter.

Leading queue management specialist Tensator commissioned a survey into the queuing habits of people across the UK, and the results make for interesting reading for retailers.

One of the key findings was that more than 65 per cent of respondents said that they accessed social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter as they waited to be served, and many often commented on the environment they were in.

And almost 98 per cent of people reported that they had left a queue because they had been frustrated at the length of time it had taken to be served.

Kevin Hickson, general manager at Tensator, commented: “We know that queuing environments are often under-used areas in outlets and that retailers can turn an empty space into revenue-generating area.

“But, we commissioned the survey to help find out what consumers are thinking about so that the investment retailers and operators make, whether in merchandising or staff training, is spent wisely.”

Respondents gave their thoughts about what they think about in queues, what frustrated them about queues and how long they were prepared to wait to be served in environments such as bars, banks and supermarkets.

Just under half of the respondents said that they would only be prepared to wait for up to five minutes to pay for their weekly shopping, while many were prepared to wait 15 minutes to be served in a bank.

In the question that asked what frustrated people most about queues, 52 per cent said slowness, and 22 per cent said that queue jumpers annoyed them.

Just over 43 per cent said that when they were queuing, they were thinking about their plans for the rest of the day, but many noted that they often thought about how better venues could improve the queuing experience.

When asked about impulse buys, the favourite items included sweets, confectionery and magazines.

For every survey response that has been received, Tensator is making a donation to its local charity, Willen Hospice, a registered charity that provides specialist care for people whose illness no longer responds to curative treatment (also known as specialist palliative care).

For more information about Tensator, visit www.tensator.com, or follow @Tensator on Twitter.

Passengers at Edinburgh Airport will now have more assistance as they travel through security in the form of two new multi-lingual virtual members of staff. The Airport’s latest recruits are part of a new generation of digital communications systems from market leading queue management specialists Tensator, known as Virtual Assistants.

Designed specifically for Edinburgh Airport, the Virtual Assistants communicate important safety and security messages to waiting passengers in English, Polish, Spanish and Italian. Using visual props and effective audio messages, these state-of-the-art audio visual technology solutions have been installed in Edinburgh Airport’s Security Search Area to help improve communications and subsequently speed up passenger flow through the security check areas.

Each Virtual Assistant was custom-built and will now provide passengers with important security messages via cutting-edge imaging and audio-visual technology that creates the illusion of there being a real person standing in the terminal. This completely customisable digital solution can deliver a variety of messages consistently, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in any presentation format, and with no barriers to language.

Ajay Joshi, Tensator's Media Product Development Manager, commented: “We have worked closely with Edinburgh Airport to ensure that the functionality of our system meets its requirements exactly, from script writing to choosing a Scottish Actress to best represent the Airport.

“This installation really demonstrates the flexibility of our Virtual Assistants, as messages and even languages can be altered with ease in order to deliver the right information to the specific passenger audience that is passing through the terminal at any particular point in time.

“From our experience in this field, we are confident that this installation will provide the client with the same great benefits and improved operational efficiencies that we have seen enjoyed elsewhere.”

Jim O’Sullivan, Managing Director, Edinburgh Airport added: “Passenger experience is central to everything we do here at Edinburgh Airport and we’re excited by these new additions to the team.

We know that the more prepared passengers are, the quicker their time at security. The virtual assistants are an innovative and creative approach in assisting our passengers to be ready.”

For more information about Tensator’s Virtual Assistants, or to make an enquiry, please go to www.tensator.com/showroom/virtual-assistant.aspx or call Tensator on +44 (0) 1908 684600.

Crowd control specialist Tensator FZE will be exhibiting its market-leading range of innovative retail queue management solutions at the InRetail Show 2011 in Dubai in October.

Visitors to the stand (5C210) will see how Tensator has helped retailers across the globe improve customer journeys by speeding customer flow, reducing waiting times and improving their operational efficiencies.

Tensator’s stand will feature a range of IQM™ (In-Queue Merchandising) solutions, as well as InQ-tv® systems which allow retailers to run media messages to waiting customers via a TV screen within the queue system; providing in queue entertainment.

Tensator FZE will also be showcasing its eQ™ SLQ3000 media call forward system, which operates on a first-come, first-served single line queue configuration and incorporates digital media alongside a call show; helping to speed up the flow of customers.

Abdel Aziz Rahal, general manager of Tensator FZE commented: “After previously exhibiting at the 2007 and 2008 InRetail Shows, we truly understand the important business opportunities that this particular exhibition offers to Tensator. We are very excited to be taking part again in the 2011 InRetail exhibition, and we will be showcasing many new products and discussing new projects with retailers from the region.

“We have a number of great solutions to demonstrate on the stand, in particular our versatile in-queue merchandising systems that can increase impulse sales by up to 400%, while managing queuing customers.”

From its dedicated base in Dubai, Tensator FZE has been the trusted partner of choice for many retailers across the region, including Baby Shop, Intersport and New Look.

Tensator’s products are now being utilised in a number of Intersport outlets, including at its retail stores in Dubai Festival City, in Dubai’s Time Square Center, and the 360 Mall in Kuwait.

Jordan Salvador, a senior visual merchandiser at Intersport, commented: “Intersport chose Tensator because its In-Queue Merchandising range offered flexibility and was perfect for the task of displaying small impulse items, such as sports nutrition products, sport accessories and technical sports socks, to name a few.”

The InRetail Show Dubai will take place alongside the INDEX Exhibition from 22 October to 25 October at the Dubai World Trade Center.

For more information, or to make an enquiry or book an appointment at the show, please call Tensator FZE +971 4 2997228, visit www.tensator.ae or follow @Tensator on Twitter.

The customer journey is being further enhanced at selected Post Office branches across the UK with the introduction of queue management systems from leading manufacturer and supplier, Tensator.

As part of branch layout trials, Tensator has installed a variety of queuing solutions throughout the UK’s Post Office branch network, including Farringdon, Airdrie, Portadown, Kirkcaldy, Weston Favell, Northampton and Manchester Piccadilly. The products installed vary in each location depending on footfall, square footage and individual branch requirements. Popular choices include retractable webbing Tensabarrier posts, fixed beam Tensaguide systems with signage, In-Queue Merchandising solutions, electronic queuing SLQ1000 and SLQ2000 call forward systems and stamp retention units.

Hayley Thomson, business development manager at Tensator, comments: “The Post Office is the country’s largest retail branch network so we’ve developed a clear product offering to help boost impulse sales in the queue, as well as enable the streamlining of retail areas and the creation of open plan counters to enhance the customer journey.”

To request a product flyer and fax back form, please call +44 (0) 1908 684600, or to view Tensator’s full product portfolio, please visit www.tensator.com. Alternatively, follow Tensator on Twitter @Tensator for regular updates and industry insights.

Visitors to Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s customer service centre are benefitting from improved service levels, thanks to the deployment of Tensator’s eQ™ Dispersed Queue Ticketing system.

Tensator’s web-based solution has already enabled the council to improve operational efficiencies by matching its resources to meet visitor demand. Positioned at 10 desks within the customer service centre, the system directs over 100 visitors per day to the correct council agent most suited to their needs in a timely manner. Departments that are not situated in the main customer centre area, or on the same floor, can remotely manage the call forward strategy.

Tensator’s solution replaces the council’s existing system which failed to perform on a Thin Client network, since its installation in January. After a competitive tender process in June, which saw Tensator, leading queue management solutions specialist, beat competition to win the contract, installation work began immediately and was successfully completed within a two-and-a-half-week timeframe.

Jane Beck, Head of Wellbeing Services at Great Yarmouth Borough Council says: “After initial talks with Tensator it quickly became apparent that they understood our exact business needs, so were subsequently the natural choice for us. Not only were we really impressed that the team met the tight installation turnaround, but also that in the short space of time that the system has been operating we’ve already seen a reduction in waiting times, improved employee satisfaction and reduced frustration and anxiety from waiting visitors.”

If required the software also has the ability to manage appointment scheduling, by allowing customers to book appointments onsite or in advance over the internet, receiving identification codes by email or SMS. With real-time reporting capabilities, managers can supervise multiple sites, view customer waiting times and generate analysis to help organise resources and identify areas of improvement.

Commenting on the installation, Hayley Thomson, Tensator’s Business Development Manager adds: “With a large influx of visitors each day, Great Yarmouth Borough Council needs a quality queue management system to support its operations, while optimising efficiencies and making customers feel that they are being served as soon as they enter the centre. I’m delighted that the council has started to see the benefits of our system, something I’m confident can be built upon in the future.”

For more information about the full range of products available in the eQ™ Dispersed Queue Ticketing suite, please visit http://www.tensator.comor call +44 (0)1908 684 600. Alternatively, follow Tensator on Twitter @Tensator for regular updates and industry insights.

Arriva, one of Europe’s largest bus operators, has enhanced its safety measures, with the introduction of free standing high-visibility barriers and retractable wall-mounted units from world-leading queue management specialist, Tensator.

Tensator has helped improve visual safety protection by installing high-visibility retractable webbing barriers around vehicle inspection pits throughout Arriva’s UK-wide bus depot network.

The safety barriers have been installed in accordance with the Health & Safety Executive’s criteria in motor vehicle repairs and associated industries booklet, and carry messaging with accompanying visuals to alert people, which also helps to overcome any potential language difficulties.

Each solution has been tailored to fulfil the needs of individual depots by experts from Tensator, who managed the project from initial consultation through to installation.

Tensator’s retractable belt technology is extremely flexible and with the use of connector clips, the retractable webbing posts can remain connected to pit bridges as the pit bridge moves, ensuring that the inspection pit is cordoned off at all times.

Ian Tarran, engineering director at Arriva UK Bus, says: “The safety of our employees is paramount and we strive to continually improve health and safety measures in our workshops. Using Tensator’s retractable technology helps us to clearly highlight hazardous areas to prevent potential accidents.”

Chris Wilson, Tensator’s business development manager for the health and safety sector, comments: “With hundreds of employees’ safety to consider, Arriva is taking a proactive step to help prevent future accidents. Our expertise and sophisticated technology will help Arriva fulfil their commitment to their staff.”

For more information about Tensator and its products and services, please visit www.tensator.com or call +44 (0)1908 684 600. Alternatively, follow Tensator on Twitter @Tensator for regular updates and industry insights.

Leading queue management solutions provider, Tensator, has donated access control products to the international charity Mercy Ships which offers free medical care and humanitarian aid to some of the world’s poorest people.

Tensator, world leader of queue management solutions, produces a large range of crowd control, access control solutions, in-queue merchandising, electronic call forward, media display and display and signage products to companies around the globe.

Mercy Ships operates the world’s largest charity hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, currently docked in Sierra Leone. The ship, a former Danish rail ferry, is staffed by an international crew of dedicated volunteers from over 40 nations ranging from seamen, engineers, surgeons, doctors and nurses who give up their time to help save the lives of others.

Louise Francis, Marketing Manager for Tensator, said, “I am delighted to announce our donation to Mercy Ships. Tensator has offered a number of wall mounted barriers for use on the Africa Mercy to prevent having to close fire doors multiple times each day whilst the floors are being cleaned, creating a high visibility barrier on each entrance.

“Corporate social responsibility is an extremely important principle for Tensator. We are therefore pleased to provide some practical support for this charity which, through the good work of the hundreds of selfless volunteers, provides thousands of free surgeries and medical care each year to some of the poorest countries in Africa.”

Judy Polkinhorn, Executive Director of Mercy Ships UK, said, “We are pleased and thankful to receive this generous donation from Tensator. Donations such as this have a real impact upon the work carried out by our team of volunteers and is vital to ensuring Mercy Ships can continue to help and provide care to those less fortunate.”

Over the last 30 years, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 70 countries providing services valued at £530million and impacting about 2.9million people.

Mercy Ships, the international charity has treated more than 520,000 patients in village medical and dental clinics, performed more than 56,000 surgeries and completed over 1,000 community development projects focusing on water and sanitation, education, infrastructure development and agriculture.

For more information on Mercy Ships please visit www.mercyships.org.uk or call 01438 727800.

Leading queue management and digital signage solutions provider, Tensator, has deployed three of its next-generation Virtual Assistants at Bristol Airport. The installation comes as part of a series of initiatives aimed at simplifying the security process and improving the passenger journey through the airport.

Custom-designed for Bristol Airport, Tensator’s Virtual Assistants use state-of-the-art audio visual-technology to communicate vital safety and security messages and instructions to passengers while they pass through the Security Search Area and Immigration Hall. Committed to its ‘Amazing Journeys Start Here’ ethos, Bristol Airport has invested in the digital solution to further enhance its customer service by improving passenger flow and reducing waiting and queuing times in these areas.

Philip Holder from Bristol Airport says: “We wanted to enhance the experience for customers whilst in Security and Immigration. For many passengers liquid restrictions or use of Immigration e-gates can be confusing. In using the Virtual Assistants, this state-of-the-art audio visual technology helps and gives guidance and reassurance to our customers at the most critical times.”

Tensator works with clients to develop a system brief to fulfil their exact requirements; from initial consultancy and recommendations, through to deployment and specialist support. This includes creating a concept design, composing scripts to include key messaging, commissioning actors, film production and system installation.

Kevin Hickson, Tensator’s general manager adds: “With approximately six million passengers each year and as the transport hub for the South West of England, it is essential that the passenger journey within Bristol Airport’s Security and Immigration is managed as efficiently as possible. Using our customisable digital solution that can deliver any message consistently 24/7, 365 days a year, the airport will benefit from increased operational efficiencies through improved passenger communication.”

With Virtual Assistants already in place at London Luton Airport and Birmingham Airport, global interest is growing and Tensator is currently in negotiations with other major airport authorities and airline operators.

For more information about the Virtual ­­­­­­­Assistant, or to make an enquiry, please go to www.tensator.com/showroom/virtual-assistant.aspx or call Tensator on +44 (0) 1908 684600.

Next Gen Customizable Digital Signage Tensator Virtual Assistant Solution Wows Customers.

Manhattan, N.Y. – July 6, 2011 – Duane Reade, New York City’s largest drug store chain in partnership with Lawrence, a Tensator Group Company – and world leader in queue management solutions, today unveiled at the company’s grand opening of its Wall Street megastore, the industry’s first Virtual Assistant. A next-generation digital signage solution, the Tensator Virtual Assistant provides Duane Reade and its customers with an exciting information, brand and promotional messaging medium using the very latest in holographic imaging and audio-visual technology to create the illusion of a real person.

The completely customized Virtual Assistant greets New Yorkers to the newest Duane Reade store, immediately engaging customers and providing guidance on everything store related -- instructions on seeing the “Doctor on Premise,” getting a virtual makeover, hours of operation, checkout information and even makes suggestions and recommendations on leading brand foods, drinks, cosmetics, hair and pharmaceutical choices available to customers.

“Our Virtual Greeter is an essential part of the “wow factor” we have built into our newest store and serves as ambassador of the new Duane Reade customer experience,” said Paul Tiberio, Senior Vice President of Merchandising & Chief Marketing Officer for Duane Reade. “The virtual aspect captures shoppers’ attention from the moment they enter the store – engaging their visual and auditory senses. And because the Virtual Assistant is so compelling, shoppers are receptive to the wealth of information she provides, enabling them to get the big picture of everything the store has to offer in a very personal and exciting way. We are delighted to work with Lawrence and proud to be the first drug store chain to welcome, inform, educate and guide its shoppers with our Virtual Greeter.”

“Duane Reade immediately recognized the incredible benefits the Tensator Virtual Assistant provides to their newest location,” said Bill Vetter, General Manager, Lawrence, a Tensator Group Company. “With the multitude of offerings in this premiere store and 24/7 operations, Tensator’s Virtual Assistant provides the industry’s most advanced solution to deliver a consistent store and brand message with customizable content in real time helping Duane Reade communicate with their customers, empowering them to make the most of this incredible New York shopping experience.”

Lawrence is also enhancing the customer journey and increasing revenues within the Duane Reade store by installing an In-Queue Merchandising system (IQM). This system transforms unused space in the queue into a valuable retail area, enabling Duane Reade to boost impulse sales among queuing customers by up to 400 per cent.

Already in place in the UK at London Luton and Birmingham Airports, Tensator Virtual Assistants are generating interest across the world, and across every vertical sector. Some of the next-stage developments for the Tensator Virtual Assistant include interactivity, location awareness and virtual helpdesks.

Specially-designed Hand Gel Stations from Tensator have been installed at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust to supplement infection control measures already in place.

The versatile stations guide visitors and staff towards a hand gel unit and feature eye-catching green webbing.

Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, which has approximately 850 in-patient beds and treats in the region of 400,000 patients per year, has been using the system in its Intensive Care Unit.

The unit’s clinical director Dr Tony Thomas said: “Infection control is of paramount importance and we work hard to continuously remind patients and visitors to regularly wash their hands. The feedback is that the nurses and other staff are using the Hand Gel Stations to complement the infection control measures they are already vigorously applying.”

Hayley Thomson, from Tensator, commented: “The Hand Gel Stations have been designed specifically with the aim of assisting hospitals in their fight to keep wards clean from infections. We’re delighted that the hospital is using the system and have found it to be of great use.”

The Hand Gel Stations fit on to any existing Tensabarrier systems and the acrylic insert fits into Tensator's sign frame, enabling users to quickly and easily transform existing systems into germ-prevention units.

Next-generation digital signage that uses the latest in holographic imaging has been officially launched by leading queue management solutions provider Tensator.

Utilising state-of-the-art audio visual-technology, the customisable Virtual Assistant creates the illusion of a real person by rear-projecting a video image onto a shaped acrylic screen.

The unique advertising and instructional platform can convey any information, brand or promotional messaging, is operational 24/7, 365 days a year and its identity and language can be changed to suit any requirement.

Already in place in the UK, at London Luton Airport and Birmingham Airport, the Tensator Virtual Assistants are generating interest across the world, with orders already placed by other airports and from companies in a range of sectors.

Ajay Joshi, Tensator’s media product development manager, commented: “Interest within the airport sector has been phenomenal and we have interest from across the globe.

“However, as the Tensator Virtual Assistant can deliver any type of message in any environment, whether that’s reinforcing a message, advertising a product or service, the potential is enormous across all sectors, from transport, retail and finance, to leisure and the public sector.”

Together with the Virtual Assistant solution itself, Tensator offers a total consultancy service that includes everything from creating ideas and designs to commissioning actors, writing scripts, filming and final installation.

As a consultant, and working with in tandem with the digital advertising specialist MediaZest, Tensator works with clients to develop a system brief to match exact requirements. This includes creating a concept design, composing scripts to include key messaging, commissioning actors, film production and system installation.

It is envisaged that the next-stage developments of the Tensator Virtual Assistants will include interactivity, wayfinding and virtual helpdesks.

World-leading queue management specialist Tensator FZE will again be exhibiting at the Airport Show 2011 in Dubai, showcasing its extensive range of digital media platforms, electronic queuing call forward systems, display signage products and passenger guidance system.

With over 30 years of expertise in the aviation industry Tensator FZE offers solutions that increase passenger journey times and improve satisfaction levels. The queue solutions specialist understands that directing passengers efficiently through airports using its range of innovative guidance systems optimizes security procedures and promotional opportunities.

Visitors to the stand (CA2) will see the eQ™ SLQ3000 Media system which has unique and innovative split screen capabilities, incorporating digital display with call-forward queuing technology, perfect for immigration halls, security areas and check-in desks.

Tensator FZE will also present its airport passenger guidance system which is a robust and safe solution that guides passengers when boarding and disembarking the plane, ensuring that dangerous under-wing areas are kept clear, putting safety first.

The Tensator Group is the number one supplier for many leading airports throughout the world and has recently worked with Sharjah Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport and Etihad Airways.

The Dubai Airport Show will take place from 31 May to 2 June and is now in its eleventh year. It is one of the world’s leading events dedicated completely to airport construction, operations, services and technology.

Leading queue management specialist, Tensator, will be exhibiting at this year’s Safety and Health Expo, throwing a spotlight on its extensive range of cost-effective health and safety solutions.

Tensator will demonstrate how its solutions can help prevent accidents and reduce employee and customer exposure to hazards with its world-famous Tensabarrier products and wall mounts.

Visiting health and safety professionals will discover that by clearly defining people traffic routes with barriers and wall units, preventing access to operational and maintenance areas and drawing attention to dangerous zones, a controlled environment can be successfully created with minimal financial investment.

Chris Wilson, business development manager for the health & safety sector, comments: “With our extensive portfolio of health & safety products, this event seems like the perfect platform for us to help senior professionals, responsible for health and safety in the workplace, to be proactive rather than reactive.

“With a wealth of experience in the health and safety sector and having worked with clients such as Stagecoach Bus UK, where we installed socket fixed high visibility barriers to cordon off the dangerous pit areas in their depots, we know our solutions can help prevent accidents before they happen, creating safe surroundings for both employees and customers,” concludes Chris.

The Safety and Health Expo will run from 17 – 19 May at the NEC in Birmingham. Tensator’s team of experts will be on stand K82 in Hall 1. To make an enquiry or book an appointment, please call +44 (0)1908 684 600.

To view Tensator’s full product portfolio, which includes digital media platforms, electronic call forward systems, display and signage, crowd and access control solutions and in-queue merchandising, please visit www.tensator.com.

Alternatively, follow Tensator on Twitter @Tensator for regular updates and industry insights.

Birmingham Airport has taken delivery of three virtual assistants from leading queue management solutions provider Tensator as part of its rebrand and investment programme to further enhance the passenger journey and increase efficiency.

The state-of-the-art holographic assistants have been recruited as part of the new airport terminal and will be used to advise and prepare passengers for security procedures.

Tensator, which has developed the virtual assistants in conjunction with digital advertising firm MediaZest, has already installed the technology into London Luton Airport and is currently in negotiations with major airline operators and airport authorities around the world.

Designed to be easily transported and installed, the holographic assistants can work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and, as images can be filmed according to requirements, there are no language barriers.

Leading queue management solutions provider Tensator has launched its most advanced electronic single line queuing system to date.

The new system called SLQ3000, is the latest addition to Tensator’s eQ™ single line queuing portfolio, which has the capability to combine digital media, advertising and live TV all within the same call forward platform.

SLQ3000 incorporates a split-screen central display unit (CDU), which enables media to be shown continuously without interruption, whilst still calling customers forward. Customers are informed and entertained while they wait, yet still directed efficiently and quickly on a first come first served basis within the single line queue system.

The system not only increases satisfaction for waiting customers but provides the opportunity for companies to create new revenues in the queue with saleable advertising space.

Tensator general manager Kevin Hickson said: “This is an advancement for companies that wish to increase brand presence and messaging within the queue. As it’s integral to the call forward system it eliminates the requirement for installing any additional and costly media platforms. The major benefit for companies and brand owners is that customers waiting in line, are of course, a captive audience.”

Tensator’s single line queue systems are proven to reduce actual and perceived waiting times, speeding customer flow by 25 per cent and reducing ‘walk-aways’ by up to 96 per cent.

The system can be customised to meet a company’s exact requirements and media can be managed centrally, uploaded quickly and cost-effectively using a web based application or USB drive or CD.

With an annual industry average walk-away rate of 1.6 per cent, UK retailers are missing out on billions of pounds. Queue management solutions specialist Tensator is now helping retailers turnaround significant revenue losses into profit with the launch of its specialist ROI calculator.

The ROI calculator, now viewable at www.tensator.com/return-on-investment.aspx helps retailers to understand and identify potential revenue leaks and enables them to maximise sale opportunities without having to attract a single new customer through the door!

Kevin Hickson, general manager at Tensator, says: “We understand that there is increasing pressure on retailers to grow their sales and profit margins, particularly in the current economic climate. We’ve created our ROI calculator so that retailers know how much they needlessly lose annually from walk-aways. We’re giving them the information they need to stop this and turn losses into profits.

Tensator’s interactive website also hosts a retail animated walkthrough which highlights specific areas in-store which can be improved upon to covert existing customer waiting time into shopping time, boost impulse sales, improve retail efficiencies and enhance customer satisfaction.

“The big opportunity for retailers lies in increasing sales from existing customers; from those shoppers who are already in-store and prepared to spend their money. Retailers need to realise that by implementing smarter customer queue management solutions the overall customer journey is enhanced and, sales can be increased significantly. In fact, doing so can boost impulse purchases by up to 400 per cent,” concludes Hickson.

Global queue management leader, Tensator, has launched a new Access Control range, designed to create secure entrance and exit systems.

The range includes the Tensator Automatic Gate which has been specifically designed with a number of enhanced features that sets it apart. With its 100mm diameter stainless steel slim body it can be installed into the most prestigious of locations without being obtrusive. Particularly effective at reception areas as a secondary deterrent to prevent unauthorised visitor from straying into restricted areas.

The Tensator Automatic Gate can interface with existing access control systems such as proximity or card readers, other means of activation include a range of automatic sensors, hardwired or remote button control. With the flexibility to operate in 90 or 180 degrees, left and right hand configurations with the flick of a switch.

Once triggered the gate arm immediately opens for a pre set time allowing access to authorised personnel. Customers can opt for a standard gate arm, or a full depth version for enhanced security.

In the event of an emergency, the Gate arm can be pushed in either direction to allow exit, and can be linked to fire alarm systems to automatically drive open in the event of fire or emergency.

With the environment in mind, the drive motor and electronics system is low voltage for energy efficiency.

Several safety features have been built in including a sleep mode to protect its motor; this is activated if the arm is prevented from closing in either direction more than four consecutive times. An optional body sensor that recognises movement and motionless objects within a defined area is available; which when activated will stop the gate arm from opening or closing.

“Clear entrance and exit points are essential for successfully managing the flow of people in many commercial environments, and ensuring that unauthorised personnel do not enter certain areas of a facility,” commented Tensator’s general manager Kevin Hickson. “The Access Control range is designed to help businesses achieve this, with the Automatic Gate boosting security and safety.”

A range of Mechanical Gates and a Fixed Rail System complete the Access Control range.

Visitor safety and waiting times have vastly improved at Dubai’s monumental Burj Khalifa Tower thanks to global crowd control specialist Tensator.

With more than 160 storeys, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, attracting hordes of tourists and locals wanting to experience breathtaking views of the city and the UAE’s Gulf shore each day.

After the opening of the 828m (2,716 feet) skyscraper in January 2010, Tensator submitted a proposal to the tower’s developer - the Emaar Group - promising to optimise floor space and increase queue flow.

As a result, 150 Advance Tensabarrier® posts with customised webbing have been installed in the most congested areas - the observation deck on floor number 124 and the ground floor entrance.

Information posts and post top signage have also been supplied in order to provide visitors with additional directional guidance. In addition, staff are now equipped with storage carts to help them move the large quantities of posts with ease on a daily basis.

Tensator FZE’s general manager Abdel Aziz Rahal commented: “As Burj Khalifa is expected to hold up to 35,000 people at any one time, our widely used Tensabarriers® have significantly helped to safely control crowds within the building, thus reducing waiting times and improving the overall visitor experience.”

Emaar Group’s requirements were also supported by Tensator’s adaption of the Tensabarrier® specifically for this large-scale project, which incorporated a special carpet bottom to prevent scratches to the stylish marble floor.