Hall 3a at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre has played host to a new feature area at this week’s IFSEC International event, with the Lone Worker Pavilion introduced to highlight device-based protection services as well as key issues affecting the sector, such as BS 8484 and the Corporate Manslaughter Act.
The Lone Worker Pavilion is sponsored for its inaugural appearance by Connexion2, whose managing director Craig Swallow took time out at the show to be interviewed by Brian Sims, media solutions manager across UBM Live’s Security and Fire Portfolio.
“The lone worker market is growing and it’s good to see UBM recognise the need for a specific pavilion to cover the subject matter,” urged Swallow. “The lone worker industry is one that now has groundswell behind it.”
Connexion2’s devices in the Identicom range now enjoy an 80% market share and, at this year’s show, the Next Generation Identicom has been unveiled.
“What’s interesting is that we’re incorporating new functionality that takes us into different market sectors,” continued Swallow.
“For example, there are temperature sensors in our new Identicom devices which make them useful for companies whose members of staff work in specific environments.”
Importantly, Swallow continued: “We’re also putting cameras into Identicom devices to capture visual evidence. Crowd dynamics applications would come to the fore here. We can add a level of granularity.”
Over 100,000 devices shipped since 2004
Identicom is the UK’s most widely used, dedicated lone worker device with over 100,000 devices shipped since its launch in 2004. While predominantly used in the UK, recent years have seen key partnerships overseas facilitating supply across all continents, in turn enabling Connexion2 to become a globally recognised leader in lone worker safety.
The new Identicom 8 and 9 Series devices are not only smaller and lighter but also be packed with a range of aforementioned 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.
As stated, the new device ranges feature a camera function to capture still images and stream video during a ‘Red Alert’, as well as two 3G-enabled devices facilitating additional coverage options for users, particularly in several export markets where GSM coverage is less developed. For their part, 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.
Improving communications for the lone worker
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.
“Connexion2 has always been at the forefront of protecting lone workers from risk,” added Swallow. “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 UK and helping make staff feel safer.”
Watch the video (below) and find out what Craig’s company will be focusing on in the remainder of 2012.