Tensator launches Virtual Assistant Ultra
Tensator, the customer journey management specialist, has unveiled a new addition to its Virtual Assistant portfolio, the Tensator Virtual Assistant Ultra, which it says will revolutionise in-store promotions for the retail sector.
The Tensator Virtual Assistant Ultra has been designed with retailers specifically in mind and has the smallest footprint available on the global market. At just 20 inches by 20 inches, it can fit almost anywhere within a store, presenting retailers with endless promotional possibilities, a flexible point of difference to help increase profits and efficiency, and the ability to generate extra revenue by directly influencing consumer behavior.
Part of the Tensator Virtual Assistant product line, the Ultra edition is a next generation digital signage solution. It uses cutting-edge technology to project an image and create the illusion of a real person to convey a consistent brand message, impart key information and highlight products and promotions. However, retailers now have an additional option, able to fit neatly within an aisle or as part of the aisle end caps, meaning it can be placed directly next to the products it is promoting for the first time.
The base unit of the Ultra is made up of interchangeable covers, creating a full surround or three-sided wrap if placed flush against a wall. This makes it ideal for advertising and promotion, and further opens up the opportunity for retailers to rent the product as a promotional tool to brands, creating lucrative additional revenue streams.
Other key features of The Tensator Virtual Assistant Ultra include:
• Scalable technology incorporating a platform onto which new technologies and enhancements can be added, providing a lower cost of ownership.
• A solid state-of-the-art digital signage grade networkable media player, allowing the unit to run 24/7, if required.
• Bose sound with voice-tuned amplification.
• A lockable wheel-mounted unit, allowing it to be easily moved to other areas of the store.
• A proximity sensor as standard. Messages are delivered only when there are people within 10 feet of the unit, ensuring sound delivery to the target market.
As Ajay Joshi, head of media at Tensator, explained, the Virtual Assistant Ultra was created to meet specific needs of retailers:
“As a company, we take the role of solution provider very seriously. An essential factor of this is listening to the requirements of our customers, which include some of the world’s most well-known retail brands. Retailers felt that they needed something smaller, more flexible and at a lower price point for aisle and end cap promotions. Our product development team was able to act accordingly.
“We are proud to have led the industry with our original Virtual Assistant offering. The Tensator Virtual Assistant Ultra leverages our extensive experience with dozens of airports and retailers who rely on Tensator to deliver the highest quality next generation digital signage offering available today. We are delighted to once again be in a market-leading position by creating a product with the smallest footprint available.”
Tensator’s Virtual Assistant range has already proven itself when it comes to influencing consumer behaviour and enhancing the overall customer journey. By literally bringing messages to life and creating a real ‘wow factor,’ it is a proven medium to increase sales, drive efficiency and increase dwell time and traffic.
Home and garden retailer Homebase conducted a recent test in the Virtual Assistant’s ability to change in-store customer behaviour. It was pitted against an in-store video wall with nine screens, with the challenge of directing customers to a mezzanine level containing big-ticket consumer goods.
Speaking of the results, Glen Kelly, project manager at Homebase, said: “During a four-week trial, the Virtual Assistant was a staggering 10 times more effective at driving traffic to the upper floor than the video wall. In addition to this, we were amazed to experience a 50 per cent increase in customer traffic and dwell time. The results show that the Tensator Virtual Assistant is a real point of difference. Tensator technology has allowed us to make a real change to the customer journey in Homebase.”
Tensator Virtual Assistant solutions are proven to generate uplift in product sales by an impressive 75%.
Tensator’s Ajay Joshi added: “With the Ultra able to sit directly next to the product selection, the ability to influence behavioural change and instantly convert to a sale is huge.
“This is set to be a real game changer for the retail sector.”
