Camera systems have been widely used for security and production line monitoring for quite some time, but now surveillance is being used to minimize infections and safeguard the workplace. But best-in-class Covid-19 tracking systems I’ve researched aren’t just beneficial for combatting infection transmission, over-occupancy, fevers, and cleanliness in the hear and now. They are able to adapt to many future needs as well.

As the world opens from the COVID-19 pandemic, the WSJ reports IT leaders are being asked to look at technology to help combat virus spread, and our team has been researching the best solutions. 

Thermal Camera Problems & Solutions

You may have seen in various news publications how companies are using cameras to check body temperature for both employees and customers, but if you’re not careful your IT team may end up with a half-baked solution. 

My research has found Covid-19 tracking tech related to an individual’s body temperature can be dicey. Many solutions on the market are too slow and cumbersome to achieve realistic company safety goals. Surprisingly, most systems can only measure one or two people at a time. This would cause headaches for larger companies and employees, producing bottlenecks at entrances. Some new disruptors we’ve researched however are getting this right.

Some Covid-19 tracking tech can process up to 40 people at a time. These systems use a clever combination of thermal tech and AI to overlay temperature readings on top of what looks like a normal camera feed. Depending on your specific needs, there are great solutions we’d be happy to connect you to.

Occupancy and Social Distancing Monitoring

In addition to body temperature, some of our partner’s Covid-19 tracking systems use AI to monitor occupancy and social distancing.

Notifications provided by these vendors currently come in the form of a text or email but paired with our software partners, these systems can automatically initiate in-room actions like changing lights red, or playing an automated message reminding occupants to disperse. You could even initiate the latest track from your favorite yodeling album. That would do the trick. These systems can even monitor cleanliness and habits as well. 

Beyond simple temperature or occupancy monitoring, some Covid-19 tracking systems can track individual table cleanliness and if people are wearing masks. The most exciting aspect of Covid-19 tracking systems, is how they can be adapted for unlimited future uses.

Many of these systems become even more valuable when pandemic concerns dissipate, providing exponential organizational value.

Covid-19 Tracking Systems Have Greater Long Term Organizational Value

Many of the tech I’ve vetted is more powerful than just as Covid-19 tracking systems, with far greater organizational value in the long term. Monitors used to track occupancy or social distancing, for example, can be pivoted to monitor other familiar scenarios too.

1. Monitoring Crowds, Occupancy, and Lines

Consider a grocery store line. Staff can be instantly notified when lines have grown to a certain level, or large retail stores would know in advance when a certain department gets crowded so they can send help. Like restocking toilet paper for example. No matter the business, an intelligent eye-in-the-sky has tremendous potential value. And this value can be used to save lives from imminent danger as well.

2. AI Monitoring Can Save Lives From Imminent Threats

Intelligent AI monitoring tech is making schools and workplaces safer not just from viral threats but also potential active shooter scenarios.  It’s certainly a need we wish wasn’t necessary, but AI monitoring systems can help in exactly these scenarios.  Many existing cameras or percussive monitoring systems have been able to recognize gunshots, but AI systems are now successfully alerting security or Police of the mere presence of a firearm before it is even brought on a property in the first place, locking down the entire facility if needed.

3. Facial Recognition For Disgruntled Employees

With the addition of facial recognition into these monitoring platforms, company security teams can be given the heads up if a former disgruntled employee or customer steps foot anywhere on the property. The technology can pick out a non-employee from a crowd, possibly preventing cases of unnecessary vandalism, violence, or worse.

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In many cases, the Covid-19 tracking systems, providers and partners I’ve been researching even have bolt-on solutions. This means IT teams can easily integrate with popular surveillance systems available, allowing you to potentially utilize the cameras or systems currently in use.