Richard Eaves is Head of Business Intelligence at security and information technology provider Business Insight 3.
The Preston-based firm develops digital tools for retailers, attractions and various other sectors to enhance security measures and transform business outcomes.
Here Richard runs through a week in his working life.
Monday
Monday begins with a walk of our black labrador, Brooke. Upon my return, I grab some breakfast and sit down in my Covid-19 office space – the kitchen table. Albeit its dangerous proximity to the biscuit tin…
The week then kick-starts with a full team check-in via ZOHO Cliq instant messenger. We share what each of us are working on that day, the client meetings that are taking place and the developments that are underway. Since implementing this system last year, we’ve found the connectivity, flexibility and visibility across our business invaluable – especially when it comes to remote working.
When the Covid-19 outbreak first hit the news, I’m proud to say Bi3 adapted to become part of the solution. We leveraged our in-depth knowledge of security systems to create a ‘Covid package’ of tools for retailers and other venues needing to uphold the government’s recommended distancing advice. This includes real-time occupancy monitoring and crowd density tracking, often using existing CCTV infrastructure.
These features have been great additions to our suite of Business Intelligence solutions that stretch far beyond the Covid-19 crisis. Especially as bricks and mortar stores require further data intelligence on their customers’ metrics while they compete or look to blend with e-commerce in an era championing customer experience.
This was exactly the enquiry we received on Monday afternoon – a prospect wanting to measure the ‘new normal’, and assess its in-store interactions between customers and staff as well as the use of its click and collect offering. Exciting stuff.
Tuesday
Tuesdays are always a busy day – the planning of the week is over, now it’s time to get stuck in. We’re in discussions with a very high-profile retail department store in London which is looking to implement social distancing measures as well as temperature screening of staff. We can help with both. By 10am, we’ve signed an NDA and the back and forth conversation with the prospective client is in full flow.
There’s only just time to dive into the fridge (again!) and make myself a sandwich before Bi3’s Technical Director, Ed Kohut, and I join an international conference call. This was to discuss the roll-out of a solution for a US organisation, with the specific location being discussed being in France. I’m kicking myself wishing I had listened more during my French GCSE classes but, luckily, the language of tech is pretty universal.
The working day ends with a quick scan down my LinkedIn feed followed by some well-needed chill time.
Wednesday
I never thought simply leaving the house would make for a big day. But, this morning, myself and another member of the business intelligence team are off to Leeds for a day presenting to clients – and I couldn’t be happier about it.
While en route up the M62 in my trusty Alfa Romeo Giulia, I’m on speakerphone chatting with the team back in the office about a people counting proposal we are pulling together for a shopping centre client. I’m feeling confident about this one – the company already uses our products for its security needs and now, having been impressed with our service, they’re back for more.
The afternoon is spent presenting a live demonstration of skeletal tracking technology to a client and consultant. The technology, which uses deep learning models to detect the joints of a human skeleton, has been around for a while but its varied benefits and use cases are only just being realised amongst end-users.
As soon as I’m home, I send those who I met a follow-up email to thank them for their time and summarise the agreed next steps – something I consider to be important following any meeting.
