Woolworths has introduced a new tool that uses real-time data to show the length of the queue to enter its stores due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The booking technology known as Q Tracker is by Divvy, the maker of a booking app through which drivers can pay to use secure parking spaces.
Using the new digital tool, Customers can search for a preferred store by postcode or suburb and it will show the estimated queue wait time to enter the Woolworths stores closest to their location.
QTracker also allows customers to book a 15-minute slot to arrive in to do their shopping.
The new technology is being trialled at four Woolworths stores in Victoria including Taylors Lakes, Hampton Park, South Melbourne and St Helena.
The tool also displays opening hours, distance and directions from a desired address.
Robert Moffat, Woolworths Director said QTracker will help guide those wishing to shop when as few people are in store as possible.
“By helping customers plan when and where they shop before they leave home, Q-Tracker makes it easier to avoid busy periods, save time and shop with health and safety in mind,” he said.
“Even though most of our stores do not need to implement queuing at the moment, this tool has been developed as another measure to support the safety of our team and customers.”
Woolworths stated on its website that it updates the data every 5 minutes during opening hours.
“We estimate wait times using the information given to us by the stores – such as the number of people waiting in front of the store, and the average ‘flow speed’ of the queues. The accuracy of our estimate depends on a number of factors, including how quickly customers already in the store complete their shop,” Woolworths stated on its website.
“No personal customer information or data is being collected”.