Milestone recently spoke with Jean Wehbe, Principal CEO of VEER to hear his views on how the pandemic has changed technology, how businesses have adapted, and his predictions for the future.
How has VEER changed the way it operates due to the pandemic?
I would say that every organization was forced to change its operations overnight. At VEER, we have switched to more remote operations with people working from home where possible and reduced in-person meetings with clients and partners. We’ve also adapted our communications and marketing, to use more video meetings and webinars, for instance.
What are some of the challenges your clients have faced and how has VEER helped?
Globally, markets are impacted everywhere and it’s really been a huge, widespread change for everyone. So, where possible, VEER has been helping its clients understand how to adapt, how to address new challenges with people counting and social distancing, and how video analytics can support them. To achieve this, we’ve had to change the way we communicate. We’re offering practical advice through video meetings, webinars and digital channels.
VEER also had to adapt its product to understand face masks – so clients can track if someone on-site is wearing the correct PPE and also so they understand risks on-site. Our people counting solutions have also proved popular to help with social distancing.
mmediately after the pandemic hit, there were many new tech developments launched onto the market. One solution that I think will hold long-term gains will be tools to measure site occupancy – in particular for retailers and other indoor premises where people can gather. It provides an immediate alert for managers when occupancy exceeds safe limits, and therefore can help to keep people safe. This holds applications for fire and event safety, long-term, as well as improving in-store experiences and queues.
And consider AI – which is now getting so advanced that it can aid with contact tracing. If someone is infected, you can then search video feeds to understand who else may have been exposed, the level of exposure (if they sat down for a meal in the staff canteen with them, for example), and then individuals can be alerted to self-isolate.
VEER is part of the Milestone Marketplace - how has this benefitted VEER?
The biggest benefit would be the wide range of different partners in the Marketplace. Every company has its own expertise and niche – together we are building an unbeatable solution that can be tailored to every organization and need.
What is Veer’s approach to innovation?
I would say that our approach to delivering projects that are developed in close collaboration with our clients has led to greater innovation. More than 50% of our projects are developed to different demands, and this breathes new ideas into our product. We also invest a lot in R&D (research and development) so that our product always remains ahead of developments in the market.
Technology has supported many aspects of our lives over the past year, how do you see this changing the perception of technology?
Technology has helped all of us recently. To further this, I’d say that there needs to be greater collaboration between the tech community and organizations. Technology that is developed in tandem with organizations, that’s informed directly by their needs and their people’s needs, will deliver tangible value and therefore create a more positive perception of technology.
What can tech leaders do to create responsible tech?
It’s important to note that the way you use technology will impact whether it’s seen as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Technology holds a lot of potential to build a better society – or break it down. It all depends on how it is applied and therefore everyone has a responsibility to only use it constructively. As for tech leaders, it’s vital to develop and market products to encourage people to use tech for good.
If you’re interested in becoming part of the Milestone Partner Community, connect with me today on soh@milestonesys.com.
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