Perhaps you did not notice it, but thanks to the smart use of big data and Internet of Things technology, the biggest promotion event in floriculture - the Bloemencorso in the Bollenstreek - was in many ways smoother and safer than in previous years.
This according to Peter Rosman of WDD, a company that specializes in data collection and processing for companies and events, particularly in floriculture. By dealing with this in a smart way, more efficient operations can be achieved, or safety at an event can be better guaranteed.
Traffic management was a main area where WDD could assist the Bloemencorso with its 1 million visitors, 1200 volunteers and 70 participants. When large groups of people meet, this can lead to traffic accidents, full parking places, (over) heated spectators or residents' nuisance. With special scanners, the crowds were measured at various points. This allowed the organization to manage traffic flow in real-time, adjusting signage and instructing volunteers when needed.
An app was also developed in collaboration with the flower parade, BCB Onderweg, which put participants in direct contact with a control centre. Visitors could also download this app, who then could see exactly where the corso itself was at that moment.
Digital donations
A third useful app made contactless donations possible. Volunteers had a payment device that allowed contactless donations of preset amounts of 1, 3 or 5 euros.