Keith Robinson and Paul Smith launched their Zappify virtual business card last month.
The Zappify platform captures and exchanges contact information on mobile phones using contactless technology.
Now the duo, who are based in Bury, Greater Manchester, have created Zappify Cov-ID, a free-to-use digital track and trace system which enables salons to meet COVID-19 requirements.
It links salons with customers through the Zappify platform.
Customers who register with Zappify instantly receive a personal Cov-ID QR code to their smartphones.
They only need to register once, as they can scan in and out of the same establishment multiple times or any other Zappify-registered salon.
For salons which sign up to Zappify Cov-ID, the system provides a record of customers attending their premises.
Once a salon registers, staff will be able to use their smartphones to scan customers in and out. The salon will receive a unique QR code which it can choose to display at its premises, providing an alternative method for customers to scan in and out.
All data is held securely, is GDPR-compliant, and will be stored and deleted in line with government guidance. It is expected that businesses will have to keep a register of customers for 21 days.
Keith said: “Paul and I run our own small companies which have been affected by recent events, and we empathise totally with those establishments which have been forced to shut since the coronavirus crisis unfolded.
“We feel very strongly about giving back to these smaller businesses. Now they will soon be able to open, albeit with restrictions in place, we have come up with a simple solution to one of the many problems salons are facing.
“It’s been quite straightforward to adapt the technology and to save independent businesses from having to invest in expensive systems or revert to pen and paper to meet the track and trace guidelines.”
Salon owner Claire Gaskell is among the first to sign up for the system.
Claire, who runs Avanti, in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester, said: “I’ve been using my Zappify virtual business card since it was launched because my salon has been closed.
“Opening on Saturday is really exciting and I am delighted that the track and trace requirements will be no burden at all using the Zappify Cov-ID system.”
Photograph shows, L-R, Keith Robinson, Paul Smith and Claire Gaskell at Claire’s salon in Ramsbottom.
For more information on the Zappify system, visit www.zappify.co.uk/cov-id/business
