CONNEXION2 UNVEILS THE NEXT GENERATION IDENTICOM AT IFSEC

Lone worker specialist, Connexion2, developer and manufacturer of the award-winning Identicom lone worker device range will be unveiling the  next generation Identicom on Stand Number 3/F32 at IFSEC International 2012.  Identicom is the UK’s most widely used, dedicated lone worker device with over 100,000 devices shipped since its launch in 2004. Whilst predominantly used in the UK, recent years have seen key partnerships overseas facilitating supply across all continents enabling Connexion2 to become a globally recognised leader in lone worker safety.

The new Identicom 8 and 9 series devices will not only be smaller and lighter but will also be packed with a range of new features and functionality to allow organisations to better equip individuals and provide lone workers with even greater options to assess and reduce risk to their personal safety.   The new device ranges will feature a camera function, to capture still-images and stream video during a ‘Red Alert’, and two 3G enabled devices facilitating additional coverage options for users, particularly in several export markets where GSM coverage is less developed. The new 9 series Identicom models are scheduled for launch at later dates during 2012.

The new Identicom will offer the option of definable one or two-way audio communication to meet the specific requirements of the lone worker or employer.  An assessment of a user’s risk profile will primarily determine which configuration is most appropriate – one-way communication for workers requiring maximum discretion and two-way communication for those facing environmental risk.  The primary function on Identicom continues to be the ‘Red Alert’ – a live audio call to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) as designated by a lone worker requiring assistance. The new two-way audio capability means that users can more easily communicate with the ARC.  This feature could prove particularly beneficial if the user is incapacitated (a ‘Man Down’ situation) through a slip, trip or fall.

Away from the alarm capabilities of the new Identicom, the device will also have three additional multi-function buttons located on the front of the device, which are in an unseen position behind the identity card when the device is being used discreetly. These buttons are designed to be of particular assistance in everyday use to improve communication when a lone worker is not at risk, either socially, or due to an activity. The multi-function buttons coupled with the two-way capability provide the user with the additional benefits of being able to call a specified number, trigger a text message (SMS) to a specified contact or activate a GPS location upload. The multi-function buttons are not intended for use as a discreet function of the device.

Other new features include improved GPS performance thanks to the latest SiRF IV chipset, a first for any lone worker device, and a temperature sensing capability to help provide an audit trail of environmental risk indicators. Identicom is the first lone worker device to use SiRF IV and benefit from vastly improved GPS signal acquisition time as well as working well in low signal environments. The temperate sensor will enable employers to monitor the safety of staff operating for periods in high or low temperature environments.

All of the original features of the first Identicom lone worker device remain – including its sleek identity badge product form, its discreet wear and operation and all the primary functions.  Users are able to continue to leave ‘Amber Alert’ messages outlining their name and location as well as information about the activities they are carrying out and whether there is a perceived risk.  Whilst this is not operator handled in real time, should a Red Alert be activated on the device, the ARC will access this in order to form a view of the context of a situation.  It is, therefore, important they are kept up to date at all times.

As before, the third function button on the rear of the product activates a ‘Status Check’ on the Identicom device.   This now gives the user a wider range and modernised visual feedback before they enter a potentially hazardous situation by incorporating an LCD display showing the GSM signal strength, on/off status, battery life and GPS status. This allows a worker to use the device as a vital part of their dynamic risk assessment.

Commenting on the launch, Craig Swallow Managing Director of Connexion2 said “Connexion2 has always been at the forefront of protecting lone workers from risk. We have listened to customers, channel partners and the Police and designed the next generation of ‘fit for purpose’ lone worker devices to take the company forward in this growth market. We are proud to be innovators, building quality product in the U.K. and helping make staff feel safer.”

In January, Connexion2 was announced as the inaugural sponsor of the new Lone Worker Protection Product Area, at IFSEC International 2012.   Located in this new area, visitors to IFSEC will be able to view these exciting new Identicom devices on Connexion2’s stand.  The company provides its award winning lone worker solutions direct to market through its SoloProtect solution brand and indirectly through a network of authorised partners in the UK and beyond. Connexion2 is fully approved against BS8484 through audit and as such all solutions enable a guaranteed Police escalation where appropriate.  Ends

Looking forward to IFSEC next week...

IFSEC is always a double edged sword. The largest European security expo guarantees sore feet, sore back and a loss of voice but its also a major opportunity for the industry to meet and listen to customers. This year will be the fifth year that Connexion2 has exhibited and a special year because for the first time, there is a dedicated lone worker pavilion (in Hall 3). Connexion2 is proud to be the inaugural sponsor of the pavilion and along with other exhibitors will help provide a varied and thought provoking set of talks and presentations.

IFSEC will also be special as Connexion2 plans to launch a number of new products...I cant tell you what just yet, check back to the blog on Monday or better still, come and visit Connexion2 at stand F32 in Hall 3.

Wear comfy shoes! 

Speed of Police response, URN v 999

I'm pleased to say that ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) have published a formal note about the difference between a lone worker alarm being handled using a supplier who complies with BS8484 and those that don't. The following is a complete, unedited copy of this note:

URN V 999/101

Unique Reference Numbers (URNs) are allocated by police forces for security systems that meet the requirements of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Policy for police response to security systems.

The policy only allows URNs to be allocated to Type ‘A’ Remote Signalling Systems or in the case of Lone Worker Systems where the Supplier meets the requirements of BS8484 and the ARC meets the requirements of BS8484 and BS5979 Cat II. This allows the alarm receiving/monitoring centre the use of ex-directory lines to report direct into police control rooms for a Level 1 Immediate or Priority response. Through the URN system police operators have immediate access to the end users details and can despatch a response quickly without the need to ask questions re the incident.

Two Forces are currently being passed alarm activations direct from an Alarm Receiving Centre by electronic transfer. Provided the details of the system recorded at the ARC and the Forces Command and Control correspond, the call by-passes the call taker and goes immediately to a dispatcher saving valuable time. Other Forces are beginning to trial this initiative and a number of Alarm Receiving Centre Managers have expressed an interest in joining the scheme. Richard Childs, Chairman of the ACPO Security Systems Working Group is promoting the arrangement to Chief Officers to encourage other Forces to do the same.

A number of Forces are introducing Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) to be carried on board patrol cars. Details of alarms that qualify and require response will be sent direct via the dispatcher again streamlining the process and reducing response times.

All other systems are classed as Type ‘B’ alarms are usually reported by the 999 or 101 telephone network via the telephone operator. When this is eventually received by the police operator, a series of questions will be asked in order to create an incident and determine if a response is necessary, the majority of Type ‘B’ alarms do not get a response because they do not meet the criteria of the ACPO Policy.

When a police response is given to a Type ‘B’ alarm, experience shows that there is a significant time delay in despatching a police response compared to the URN system, this is due to the questions that need to asked to verify if it is a genuine alarm situation. This time lapse could be vital if a person is in immediate danger.

Retailers - Watch out as URN costs for Panic Alarms start to become a reality.

ACPO have agreed to a temporary stay of execution for introducing URN's for Panic Alarms (PAs). Because of the very high risk of false alarms, ACPO had previously decided to introduce the idea of allocating a URN specifically to PAs from April 2012. This has now been delayed until October 2012 providing customers with PAs time to review their plans and strategy.

Retail is the market where a significant number of fixed PAs are deployed, normally under the counter at the point of sale. Everyone from banks to supermarkets, betting stores to corner shops use them despite the propensity for false alarms. Historically, these false alarms haven't directly impacted the store's URN but going forward they will. Stores using PAs will need to hold a separate(chargeable) URN as well as that they may have for their intruder system. Whilst this cost wont be huge, the cost and risk of losing the URN in the event of a false alarm will be significant. Any retailer having to deal with trying to regain a URN after its lost will tell you that the cost is high, both for upgrading their technology AND the management time involved.

So this I believe is a major reason why more and more savvy retailers are turning to using Identicom instead of traditional PAs. Not only does Identicom help capture more credible audio evidence and work for the staff both inside the store and outside (e.g. when opening/cosing the store) but it also comes with a URN which is held at the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) and not the store.

If you want to know more about how Identicom can be deployed in retail and talk to some retailers who have already seen the benefits then let me know.

Worrying data from the BRC on Retail crime and staff abuse

Despite a reduction in offences the cost of retail crime has significantly risen, according to a new study from the British Retail Consortium. The overall cost of retail crime has increased by 31 per cent to £1.4 billion. This is equivalent to 130,000 retail jobs.

A worrying trend this year is the increase in threats and verbal abuse to retail staff which has increased by 83 per cent when compared to last year. Robberies have also increased by 20 per cent with retailers reporting an increase in the use of weapons and violence.

At Connexion2 we have seen a marked increase in retailers adopting Identicom as part of their war on staff abuse, the ability to capture evidence of verbal abuse such as racial aggression and threats being of prime importance.

For the full BRC study, see http://www.brc.org.uk/brc_show_document.asp?id=4324&moid=7614

Want to know more about Conflict Management in the Housing sector?

Hot off the press, a low cost educative day on how best to manage conflict management. This day has been set up as a result of customer demand and would suit any manager or lone worker in the housing sector.

For details and a booking form please see http://www.connexion2.com/Conflict-Resolution-for-Housing-Associations.asp

RCN ‘appalled’ at attacks on lone working nursing staff

The Royal College of Nursing has said that assaults on nursing staff are completely unacceptable, as new survey findings show that over 60 per cent of nurses working in the community have been subjected to abuse in the past two years.

RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary Dr Peter Carter said he was "utterly appalled" that nurses continue to face violence. “Nurses working alone in the community are vulnerable and are often without back up or immediate help close by - out of sight should not mean out of mind. During these dark, winter nights I expect that many nurses may feel even more at risk and this must be addressed as a matter of urgency,” he said.

Nearly half of nurses who responded to the RCN survey did not feel that their employer would take action over verbal abuse, while over a quarter were not convinced they would take action over physical assault. “While it is not surprising that respondents felt their employer would be more likely to take action as a result of physical rather than verbal abuse, it is still completely unacceptable that it should have to come to a nurse suffering physical violence before something is done,” added Dr Carter.

Nearly four in ten survey respondents felt that the risks to lone workers have increased over the past two years but the RCN has said that a lack of funding is not an excuse for ignoring the risks faced by lone working nurses. The RCN also argues that a well-implemented policy, assessment of risks and prevention strategy, including the use of specialist lone worker alarm systems, are sensible investments.

The RCN is calling on employers to do all they can to protect their nursing staff and is urging all lone working nurses to consider the risks and act with caution at all times.

Link to full report

Great statistics impress ACPO

Those suppliers in the UK lone worker industry who appreciate the value in a quality and speedy Police response to incidents have welcomed the publishing of statistics on the number of subscribers and incidents.

Collated by the BSIA, the latest statistics show that in September 2011 there were 94143 subscribers in the UK of BS8484 compliant lone worker solutions. There were 17549 activations (alarms) of which only 70 needed to be passed to the Police representing just 0.3% of total alarms.

When compared to intruder and hold up alarms where false alarm rates of alarms passed through to the Police often sit at 15% of alarms or more, this reflects very well on those providing quality solutions. For end clients, this means less likelihood of the Police not responding quickly and where lone worker alarms are deployed instead of hold-up alarms (in retail for example), less likelihood of client URN's being removed.