About IAC Group
International Automotive Components (IAC) is the third-largest supplier of automotive interior components in the world by market share and the only global supplier with a special focus on interiors. Our production operations are divided into four geographic regions: Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America.
IAC Products
Our products are designed to improve comfort, utility, and safety inside the vehicle. They include:
- Door systems
- Dashboards and consoles
- Headliners and ceiling systems
- Bumpers and exterior trim
Importance of IAC Solutions for Customers
IAC solutions can be a key factor in consumer purchase decisions across various vehicle segments due to enhanced comfort, safety, cost, and weight. Our broad manufacturing capabilities and technologies offer a range of solutions to meet different design and cost requirements. Our products offer OEMs opportunities to increase personalization and use environmentally friendly materials in the next generation of vehicle interiors.
Key IAC Group Facts
- Headquarters: Luxembourg
- Employees: 19,000 across approximately 64 locations in 17 countries
Customer Needs at IAC
IAC Premises in Lozorno
IAC Group (Slovakia) s.r.o. operates in the industrial area of Lozorno, Slovakia. Entry to the industrial site is fully automated (license plate recognition and vehicle entry). The IAC premises consist primarily of production halls with office facilities located on the upper floors. Visitors are relatively infrequent, coming several times a week. Some visitors are subcontractors for various services (maintenance, machine servicing, etc.). Foreign and non-Slovak speaking visitors are also common.
Deficiencies of the Existing Solution
Until now, IAC lacked a representative front desk in the main building to welcome visitors, brief them on occupational health and safety (OHS) rules for moving around the building, collect visitor details, notify the host employee, and ensure they meet the visitor.
Visitors had to rely on a prior arrangement with a specific person, which became complicated if that person was unexpectedly absent. OHS training and signature had to be handled by visiting the secretariat, which caused delays for both the visitor and their host.
Considered Solutions
1. Renovation of the Entrance Area with a Human Receptionist
This involved renovating the entrance and setting up a reception staffed by a human receptionist during main working hours, with alternative arrangements outside these hours. Challenges included covering absences (illness, holidays) and language requirements for foreign visitors.
2. Renovation of the Entrance Area with Installation of the aReception Terminal
This involved renovating the entrance and installing an aReception terminal. This automated receptionist operates 24/7, can communicate in multiple languages, display and have visitors sign OHS rules, provide additional information, and call the host employee.
HR Department Decision
The HR department ultimately chose the aReception solution due to its continuous service, ability to meet most needs, and significant cost savings compared to the first option.
Description of the aReception Solution
Interactive Terminal with AI Avatar
The entrance area was adapted, and a prominent reception desk was equipped with the aReception terminal displaying a lifelike animated avatar capable of natural voice and text communication.
Voice and Touch Interaction
Visitors activate the terminal by touch. They can speak or use on-screen buttons to state their reason for visiting, making the system accessible even to those with disabilities (e.g., deaf visitors).
Visitor Check-In
The most common use case is visitor check-in. The virtual receptionist asks for the host’s name, confirms the choice from a list (useful in case of name duplicates), and then calls the host, who confirms by phone whether they will receive the visitor. If unavailable, a backup contact is called.
OHS Briefing and Signature
Once confirmed, the visitor provides their name and expected visit duration. OHS rules are displayed, and the visitor signs on the touchscreen. The signed document is stored for future reference.
A visitor badge is then printed, inserted into a lanyard, and visibly worn during the visit.
Information Provision
The virtual receptionist can provide company info, parking instructions, and operational details on request.
On-Site Navigation
Provides important directions and can display a map of the premises.
Courier Check-In
Couriers can also be served. The virtual receptionist notifies the responsible person to accept the delivery. Delivery lockers are being considered as an additional future option.
Interview Candidate Check-In
Job applicants are directly connected to the responsible HR staff member.
AI-Powered Responses
The terminal uses advanced AI to understand the visitor’s intent and respond appropriately, even to indirect queries (e.g., “I’m looking for Mr. Novak”).
Dynamic Content Management
Information and navigation guidance can be updated easily through a web-based admin interface without complicated reconfiguration.
Multilingual Support
Supports multiple languages. Default is Slovak, but it automatically switches to English when detected.
Installation Requirements
Mount or stand at proper height, 230V power, and internet access (preferably Ethernet). A quiet and semi-private interaction area is recommended.
Implementation Process
The entire project took about five months from contract signing, mainly due to construction delays. The system was implemented in one month, with OHS content preparation being the most time-consuming.
Implementation milestones
- June 14, 2024 – Contract signed
- August 1, 2024 – Delivery of implementation materials
- September 5, 2024 – Terminal installed
- September 2024 – Pilot operation
- October 2024 – Full operation, OHS content added
- November 2024 – Visitor badge printing added
Benefits of the aReception Solution
Scalability and Multilingual Capabilities
Administered via a 24/7 web app. Unlike humans, avatars provide consistent information.
24/7 Operation and Scalability
Terminals can be easily added elsewhere as needed.
Benefits to IAC
The deployment of aReception has brought the following concrete benefits:
- Boosts IAC’s tech image and offers a unique visitor experience
- Automates check-in for visitors, applicants, and couriers
- Saves HR time on hiring/training reception staff
- Simplifies and speeds up OHS briefings
- Offers flexibility, scalability, and easy maintenance
- Improves visitor navigation and satisfaction
Virtual receptionist Monika fully automates reception tasks, processes over 150 visitors, and handles over 600 inquiries monthly. With receptionist salaries in Slovakia ranging from €900–€1,600, this translates to savings of about €800–€1,700 per month.
With the Enterprise plan (€4,499 one-time + €399 monthly), the investment pays off in 3–6 months, excluding additional time and cost savings from not hiring/training staff.
Client Statement
We chose the aReception solution mainly because of the need to modernize and automate our entry area, which required a more efficient visitor management system. The system allows us to easily manage visitors, issue entry cards, and have a clear overview of people moving within our premises. We especially appreciate the intuitive user interface, the reliability of the entire solution, and the professional approach of the implementation team who provide prompt support whenever needed.
HR Digital Transformation Leader