Merlin Theme Parks has completed the deployment of Clear-Com Equip intercom systems, enhancing ride operations, safety and guest satisfaction through improved team communication.
As a long-standing technology partner, Tyrell introduced the international Merlin group to Clear-Com’s Equip, a hands-free, full-duplex intercom system designed to streamline real-time conversations between ride operators, loaders and platform staff. From the outset, Tyrell worked with both Merlin and Clear-Com to scope the technical requirements, facilitate product demonstrations, and ensure each deployment was tailored to the unique footprint of individual attractions.
‘People would stand at a phone or a point on the ride having conversations, they weren’t checking bars or batching people into lanes,’ says Merlin Theme Parks Continuous Improvement Lead, Kiran O’Connor. ‘That was a bottleneck we set out to solve. We needed a hands-free, full-duplex communication system without the need to press a button or pick up a phone. After evaluating several suppliers, Clear-Com’s Equip system hit everything we were looking for.’
The Equip system’s integrated battery supports a full operating day, with no trailing battery packs, and full-duplex conversation capability that has revolutionised communication for the teams. ‘Initially, some team members were hesitant, wondering if they should talk because suddenly everyone could hear them, but, very quickly, they settled in and understood when the right time was to have those conversations,’ O’Connor says. ‘Things that previously required stopping operations to speak to a ride operator can now happen instantly over the headset.’
The results include up to 18per cent increase in ride throughput by reducing delays and improving seat filling efficiency, and an average improvement of 8-9 per cent across multiple rides, one of the largest gains from recent operational changes. There is also significant risk mitigation for teams working at height or in complex environments through instant, hands-free communication. ‘At each new attraction, Clear-Com visits our site, understands our operation, and makes bespoke recommendations on transceiver placement and cabling routes to optimise performance,’ O’Connor explains.
A recent example is the rollout of the Hyper coaster at Thorpe Park in the UK, where the Clear-Com system has provided flawless communication from day one. ‘Clear-Com has been great all the way through, providing excellent aftercare support,’ O’Connor says. ‘There’s always someone on the phone when we need to discuss ideas or troubleshoot. They consistently put boots on the ground to see us and understand our needs firsthand.’
More: www.clearcom.com