COVID-19
Reopening Safely: Asking the Right Questions About Temperature Screening by BARRY JOHNSON, DIRECTOR, NUCTECH US, INC.
A
s the hospitality industry continues to bounce back and reopen, many companies are making claims about Infrared (IR) Temperature Screening Systems and what they can and cannot do. With government regulations evolving and varying by city and even zip code, asking the right questions is essential before investing in a solution that does not have the capabilities you need to operate safely. In addition, the accuracy is required to prepare for the liability that businesses face if someone is exposed to COVID or other infectious diseases on their properties. Make sure you ask: Does your system integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and enhanced imaging technology? Deploying an IR camera alone does not produce the accuracy, reliability and throughput needed to operate. Make sure the vendor you are working with has a system that integrates AI and machine learning to adapt to changing situations and facilitate high throughput screening. For example, systems leveraging AI can learn to focus on temperature measurement and ignore face masks and other sources of heat, including warm beverages, that could impact operations. In addition, combining IR with imaging technologies — including visible light — increases accuracy and allows systems to screen more people securely and simultaneously. Can your system integrate multiple cameras to one monitor? With multiple entry and exit points for employees, customers and vendors, make sure you ask if you can integrate multiple cameras to one computer. This central station capability will help you increase ROI by monitoring different locations from a single point — encouraging safe physical distancing and optimizing staff.
34 SUMMER
2020
How do I calibrate the system? To operate efficiently, a robust IR temperature screening system must contain automatic calibration. With several factors — including number of people and size — constantly changing the room temperature, a smart temperature screening system must routinely calibrate automatically to ensure uninterrupted throughput and continued high levels of accuracy. What does your system do to protect data? Having strong data security safeguards are essential to inspire confidence in your operations. Ask what the system does when someone’s temperature measurement comes back normal. Does the system delete or store the image? Ask the same questions about someone’s measurement that comes back as elevated. Make sure the systems you are researching do not store data and only briefly keeps images of individuals who have an elevated temperature to ensure proper identification and appropriate follow up. The bottom line: Infrared Temperature Screening Systems can play an important role in temperature screening programs as the hospitality industry rebounds and guests return. However, it is critical that your system meets your operational needs — today and in the future. A FRLA member, Nuctech manufactures the TempChecker and ThermalScan infrared screening systems. Click to learn more.
FLORIDA RESTAUR ANT & LOD GING A S SO CIATION
