NotLost wanted to revolutionise how lost property is handled in the UK. It needed a fast and easy way of registering and searching for items to reduce the hassle of managing lost property across a number of large London-based venues.

The Challenge

Handling customers’ lost property is a time-consuming process. Registering and recording lost items, matching them to their owners or disposing of unclaimed items is admin heavy for venues and organisations. Losing property is also frustrating for customers who leave disappointed or let down, and this can impact a venue’s brand.

NotLost wanted a fast way of registering items that have been found, whilst capturing rich data about the item to make it searchable and to allow ownership validation to happen on the platform. For the matching engine to work effectively distinct characteristics about the reported lost item needed to be captured, such as location found vs location lost and time found vs time range lost.

Developing a lost property management platform

Xoomworks Technology worked closely with the NotLost team to develop a lost property management platform. From an initial scope of a 100-day build, the Xoomworks team followed an agile development framework and used the RAT (Riskiest Assumptions Test) methodology. They developed a chat interface using image recognition software to extract information about the lost item and guide the conversation. Xoomworks Technology delivered a prototype for NotLost for trialling at pilot venues that provided feedback. Functionality was then further developed and adjusted.

Benefits

• A fast and easy way of recording lost property
• Data control and visibility on a secure digital platform
• A rigorous approach to chatbot software
• Improved response times and accurate information for customers.

Contact us to discuss how a flexible partnership can support your technology requirements and business growth.