Bet Smarter on the Internet of Things
13 January 2015 - 2:00AM
By Financial Press
Your grandmother's iron stove did not collect data. Now many
household and corporate devices do - but that information is seldom
levered into profitable action. Interactive analytics is a new
game-changing field that boosts efficiency and cost savings through
collection of data.
Although most of the innovation in this field is being done by
small cap companies, the big boys are moving in. In 2014,
Google paid $3.2 billion for Nest Labs who make remote app-driven
thermostats that adjust the temperature of your house according to
location and user habits.
Visionstate (TSX.V:VIS) is a leader in interactive technology
software. Through touchscreen directories, mobile applications and
cleaning management software, the company provides innovative
solutions for corporations, retailers and government
institutions.
"We are in the business of replacing paper directories with a
digital interactive interface," states Visionstate President and
CEO, John Putters. "Our flagship product WANDA (Washroom Attendant
Notification Digital Aid) is a smart device for public
restrooms."
Although restaurants and hotels are judged loudly on social
media by the cleanliness of their washrooms, the bulk of these
facilities use maintenance protocols that are now 60-years-old.
"We have all seen paper hanging on the wall of public restrooms
with unintelligible scribbles," stated Putters. "WANDA replaces the
paper with a touchscreen device mounted at the entrance to
restrooms, requiring maintenance staff to digitally log their
cleaning activities and resources."
WANDA allows managers to harvest a host of information that will
deliver efficiencies and enhanced resource use. Putters
explains that as the database of information grows, the device will
learn to predict unusual service level requirements. A pub
franchise can anticipate that its restrooms will require extra
servicing during televised play-off games.
But the benefits go beyond superior service and resource
allocation. WANDA also provides an audit trail on the maintenance
history of the venue. The latter point can be important if a
customer slips on the floor and claims that it wasn't recently
cleaned.
"If somebody falls and decides to sue, the contracted
maintenance company will need to prove that they fulfilled the
terms of the contract," stated Putters. "That is difficult to do
when you're dealing with paper that can be easily
back-dated. So as well as increasing employee accountability,
WANDA functions as low cost insurance against frivolous law
suits."
WANDA currently provides two revenue streams for Visionstate: a
one-time fee for the hardware, and a monthly fee for the software
license that manages the data. Visionstate is investigating
adding a third revenue stream derived by digital advertising.
Putters sees hospitals and airports as a natural home for Vision
State Technology. He is currently running a 15-unit pilot
project at Pearson Airport, in Toronto. Visionstate is
planning to launch a 10 inch version of WANDA, reducing the capital
of cost of the unit from $2,200 to about $900. The 10
inch version is expected to be released in 2015.
In the world of smart devices, big profits lie in the nooks and
crannies. Something mundane, like replacing a piece of paper inside
a restroom with a touch-screen, can generate significant cash flow.
Visionstate's mandate is to identify paper protocols that can be
replaced by digital ones - enhancing profitability.
Visionstate recently signed an agreement with CBL Properties to
deploy digital interactive kiosks in 30 of their largest shopping
malls in the US. ViCCi (Virtual Interactive Client Care Interface)
allows shoppers to locate products, shops and services through
Visionstate's proprietary interactive touch technology.
"Simultaneous with our roll-out plans for WANDA and ViCCi, we
are working on new ventures in the hotel and hospitality industry,"
stated Putters. "Further announcements will made as we hit
milestones in development cycle."
Google's $3.2 billion acquisition of Nest is a leading
indicator. "The Internet of Things" has arrived. In the last 6
months smart locks and Wi-Fi -connected security cameras have hit
the shelves, along with Water Hero – a device that turns off your
home's water supply if it detects a major leak.
Given the stakes, there is a lack of competition in this space,
although Planar Systems is developing video walls, large format LCD
displays and interactive touch screen monitors. Planar's share
price has increased 490% in the last two years.
IDC Research estimates that the worldwide market for "Internet
of Things" solutions will grow from $1.9 trillion in 2013 to $7.1
trillion in 2020.
Visionstate is currently trading at .13 with a market cap of $3
million.
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CONTACT: Visionstate Inc.
Derek Wood
Investor Relations
(403) 200-3569
derek@visionstate.com
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