For the last seven years, IJYI's David Brunning, Head of Technology, has worked closely with the Vancols leadership team to guide the business through the entire technology design and development process.
Implemented as a long-term plan, the importance of delivering a digital-first solution for schools and parents alike became much more urgent, however, as a result of COVID-19 and the need to protect school staff, children and photography professionals.
"As early adopters of technology in the school photography industry, we've always had a close eye on innovation in a relatively staid market. When the
pandemic took hold, our objective was to find an effective way of maintaining our services to schools and families, this meant making the process as safe and simple as possible," explained Janus van Helfteren, Managing Director of Vancols.
Today, the Vancols school photography service is a digitally enhanced experience that begins with organising each photo shoot. Schools operate an efficient process where each student is assigned a unique barcode that links them to their images from start to finish.
As each student arrives to have their photos taken, they present their barcode for scanning by the photographer, who is positioned behind a perspex screen throughout the shoot. The whole process is designed to maintain social distancing and ensure schools can continue the photography tradition with complete confidence – measures which will remain in place until official COVID guidance allows them to be relaxed.
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IJYI Ltd
IJYI Ltd.