Modern AI Reception at IAC Group: Saving 1,700 EUR Monthly and Automating Visitor Management

IAC Group Team

International Automotive Components (IAC) is one of the top 3 suppliers of interior components for the automotive industry worldwide. The company operates globally across four regionsEurope, Africa, Asia, and North America – with 19,000 employees in 17 countries.

IAC’s operations in Slovakia (Lozorno) include production facilities and office spaces. The industrial site features an automated entry system, but visitor management had not been optimally managed until now.

IAC Group Logo

The Need for Reception Modernization

Key Issues with the Current Solution:

Complex safety training and visitor pick-up procedures.

Dependence on human reception, including challenges with absences and language barriers.

Lack of a representative reception area for visitors and suppliers.

Process Automation at IAC Group

visitors managed monthly
50 +
queries resolved per month
100 +
saved monthly

Considered Solutions

Renovation of Space with a Human Reception

Renovating the entrance area to build a reception and staff it with human personnel. This solution would provide traditional comfort for visitors, ensuring reception coverage at least during core working hours, with alternative arrangements needed for off-hours (e.g., shift rotations among multiple receptionists or a backup contact). Additionally, absences (due to illness or vacation) would need to be managed, as well as language proficiency requirements for handling international visitors.

Implementation of an AI Terminal by aReception

Renovation of Space and Installation of the aReception Terminal
Renovating the area with the installation of the aReception digital receptionist offers 24/7 non-stop operation, automated visitor check-ins with voice and touch interaction, multilingual support (Czech, Slovak, English), safety training with electronic signature and card printing, navigation assistance within the premises, and significant cost savings. The system also provides easy scalability for future expansion.

Decision Summary

The HR department chose to install the aReception terminal due to its ability to fully replace a human receptionist, provide automated visitor check-ins, and minimize operational costs. The virtual receptionist Monika not only streamlines reception processes but also enhances the technological prestige of IAC Group and offers visitors a modern and innovative experience.

Project Timeline

IAC-DESKTOP

How Does the AI Reception Work?

1

Interactive Terminal with an AI Avatar

As part of the selected solution, the entrance area of IAC’s main building was adapted to include a prominent reception desk with the aReception terminal mounted on it. The terminal features a dynamic avatar with lifelike expressions, simulating a virtual receptionist capable of natural communication with visitors via both voice and text interaction.

2

Voice and Touch Interaction

Visitors approach the terminal and activate it by touch. The avatar then prompts them to state the purpose of their visit. Visitors can communicate either via voice commands (e.g., “I’m here for a meeting with Mr. Novak”) or by using the touchscreen buttons beneath the avatar. This functionality ensures accessibility for visitors with disabilities, such as those who are hearing impaired.

3

Visitor Check-In

The visitor check-in process is one of the most frequently used scenarios handled by aReception at IAC. Visitors inform the virtual receptionist of their meeting and provide the name of the person they are visiting. This can either be mentioned at the start or entered later when prompted. Visitors confirm their selection from a predefined list of contacts, resolving potential issues such as duplicate names.

4

Voice and Touch Interaction

Interaction with the terminal begins when the visitor approaches and activates it by touching the screen. The avatar prompts the visitor to state the purpose of their visit. Visitors can communicate either via voice commands (e.g., “I’m here for a meeting with Mr. Novak”) or by using the touchscreen buttons located beneath the avatar. This ensures the system is accessible to visitors with disabilities, such as those who are hearing impaired, who may not be able to use voice communication.

After the visitor selects a contact, the virtual receptionist calls the relevant person. The contact confirms their availability by using tone dialing on their phone. If the contact is unavailable, the receptionist automatically calls a backup contact from the directory, ensuring that the visitor is attended to promptly.

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5

Safety Briefing and Signing

After confirming that the visitor will be attended to, the virtual receptionist requests their name and expected duration of the visit. The terminal then displays the safety protocols for movement within the premises. The visitor confirms their understanding and agreement by signing directly on the touchscreen. The signed safety briefing protocol is stored in IAC’s system for potential future use.

Based on the entered information, the terminal prints a visitor badge, which the visitor places in a prepared holder and wears visibly during their time on the premises.

6

Providing Information

The virtual receptionist can answer additional visitor queries, such as company details, parking information, and operational guidelines.

7

Navigation Within the Premises

On request, the virtual receptionist provides navigational information, or displays a map of the premises for better orientation.

8

Courier Check-In

The virtual receptionist can assist couriers delivering packages to IAC. The process involves notifying the responsible person to collect the package. In the future, IAC plans to add delivery lockers to complement the reception solution.

Candidate Check-In

Job applicants arriving for an interview are directly connected with the HR representative responsible for their agenda.

9

Finding Relevant Answers Using AI

The terminal utilizes advanced AI capabilities to identify the visitor’s intent and respond appropriately to the purpose of their visit, whether expressed directly or indirectly (e.g., “I’m looking for Mr. Joe”).

10

Adding Navigation and Other Information

Navigational instructions and other data can be continuously updated, modified, or expanded without complex reconfiguration or system reinstallations. Customers have access to a web-based configuration interface, making updates quick and easy.

11

Multilingual Support

The terminal offers understanding and responses in multiple languages. The default languages are Slovak and English, with Slovak set as the primary. However, the avatar automatically detects English and switches to it seamlessly.

We decided to implement the aReception solution primarily due to the need to modernize and automate our entrance area, which required a more efficient visitor management system. The system allows us to easily manage visitors, issue entry cards, and maintain complete oversight of the movement of individuals within our premises.

We particularly appreciate the intuitive user interface and the reliability of the entire solution, as well as the professional approach of the implementation team, who provide prompt support for any questions or concerns.

Tomáš Ficek, IAC Group Slovakia

Tomáš Ficek
HR Digital Transformation Leader

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