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June 8, 2011
INOVONICS HELPS HOTELS RESPOND TO ALLEGED ASSAULTS WITH NEW AND INNOVATIVE WIRELESS SAFETY MEASURES
Wireless panic devices provide hotel staff with ability to alert hotel security in emergency situations
WHO: Mark Jarman, president
Inovonics
Inovonics is a leader in high-performance wireless sensor networks for commercial and life safety applications.
WHAT: In the wake of two high-profile alleged sexual assaults at New York City hotels, management officials are turning to innovative wireless technologies to provide hotel staff with portable emergency communications devices. Hotel chains are now beginning to require staff to carry “panic buttons” which will allow employees to quickly and easily alert and summon security officials for help should an incident occur. The panic button includes sensors that are modeled after medical alert buttons for the elderly, allowing housekeeping and other hotel staff to quickly alert security should the need arise.
HOW: Workplace safety is increasingly becoming a top priority for both employees and employers. According to research from the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) every two minutes someone in the United States is sexually assaulted. (http://www.rainn.org/statistics)
In response, employers are developing workplace violence protection programs, which include the use of silent and personal alarms, the establishment of an emergency communication system, and the implementation of rules to protect employees from risk of assault. Wireless pendants increasingly are popular due to the mobility, low cost, reliability and inconspicuous features that allow employees to alert security officials of an incident with the simple click of a button.
With millions of wireless devices installed worldwide, Inovonics wireless pendants are field-proven and offer the reliability and flexibility employers need to help guard their company’s most valuable assets, their employees. Employees are seldom stationary and often require personal alarm pendants as they roam throughout a facility, such as a hotel or resort area, or even into a parking lot. Inovonics wireless security solutions have a proven history of safeguarding employees using personal alarm pendants that are easy to use and designed to go wherever the employee may be. In addition to roaming panic alarms, pendants can be worn on a necklace, belt clip, wristband, or mounted in a fixed location.
Mr. Jarman is available to discuss the latest advancement and trends regarding wireless pendants for employee safety applications.
CONTACT: Christie Denniston
Catapult PR-IR
Office: 303-581-7760, 13
Mobile: 303-827-5164
May 16, 2011
INOVONICS SIGNS FOUR NEW DEALERS FOR RADIUS LOCATION, SITUATION AWARENESS, MASS NOTIFICATION PRODUCT
Company’s new Radius product is garnering attention and interest among channel partners
LOUISVILLE, Colo., May 16, 2011 – Inovonics (http://www.inovonics.com), the industry leader in high-performance wireless sensor networks for commercial and life safety applications, today announced it has signed four new channel partners to resell its new RadiusTM product. Radius is the security industry’s first situational awareness system that combines mass notification capabilities with advanced wireless positioning technology to pinpoint mobile duress alarm devices. The new dealers that will sell and implement Radius are CyberMedix Medical Systems, Capture Technologies, Phase 1 Electronics and VSA Security Systems.
Introduced last fall, Radius is quickly gaining the attention of dealers, integrators and other channel partners because of its advanced location capabilities and ease of integration with other life safety and business monitoring systems. For instance, unlike traditional hard-wired control panel systems that have been used to detect safety issues and report alarms, Radius provides a complete end-to-end, IP-enabled wireless solution for the security market. Radius can work alone or be integrated with other safety and security systems.
CyberMedix Medical Systems
CyberMedix Medical Systems (http://www.cybermedix.com/), a Dana Point, California-based integrator, provides wireless patient data management, communication and information solutions for the hospital and home care industries. CyberMedix has developed the InteleNettTM family of patient data management products for hospitals and the PatientLynx Medical Data ExchangeTM family of device management products for home care. These systems increase productivity, reduce cost, improve efficiency and extend the operational life expectancy to existing patient monitoring and therapy delivering devices. This strategy provides rapid deployment of products to meet market demands at the speed of technology.
“CyberMedix is committed to improving quality patient care and substantially reducing health care costs by maximizing information and communication management technology,” said Ron Barnett, president of CyberMedix. “Through our partnership with Inovonics, we are able to leverage its world-class wireless security technologies and products, such as Radius, which pinpoints location and situation awareness. Radius will allow our customers to implement flexible, durable and reliable solutions that are critical for life safety applications.”
Capture Technologies
For more than 60 years, Capture Technologies (http://www.capturet.com) has been an independent VAR and is a leading provider of top-tier solutions, services and integration for identity and voice. Its clients span a variety of industries, including financial, public safety, legal services, healthcare, education and government. Capture Technologies works with the leading brand names in VoIP, voice recording, video surveillance, access control, photo ID and dictation.
“Capture Technologies strives to deliver high-quality security solutions to customers in several different industries,” said Lou Parrague, CEO at Capture Technologies. “As a dealer of Radius, we can leverage Inovonics’ wireless technology and offer an innovative security system with monitoring, notification and location all in one package.”
Phase 1 Electronics
Founded in 1976 and based in Scottsdale, Ariz., Phase 1 Electronics (http://www.phaseonepower.com/) focuses on the most advanced technologies in security, surveillance and access control. It also installs and services basic networks and automation systems. Its leading-edge technology is backed by a team of highly trained professionals who take pride in their work. Company technology and training is personally directed by the company’s President who is a professional engineer with experience in all the directed categories. The company is bonded with commercial and residential licenses and certifications.
“Phase 1 Electronics is excited to offer Inovonics’ Radius location and situation awareness system,” said Howard Brown, president. “Because of our background and strong technical knowledge, Radius fits neatly into our focused offerings of product and services. And because of Inovonics’ reputation for offering wireless products that are built on flexibility and reliability, we know it is the ideal match for any type of critical security application.”
VSA Security Systems
VSA Security Systems (http://www.vsasecuritysystems.com/) has been providing security for families and businesses in its community for more than 30 years. From one side of Georgia to the other, as well as much of Alabama, VSA Security Systems has installed burglar alarms, camera systems, access control, fire alarm systems, telephone systems and many other custom security solutions. A great part of VSA Security Systems’ success has been based on long-term customers and word-of-mouth referrals.
“Providing top-notch security to our local community customer base is our foremost priority at VSA security,” said Pete Berry, president, VSA Security Systems. “We trust Inovonics’ wireless technology because of its proven reliability and ease of installation. With Radius, we can offer our customers a comprehensive security system that is unique to the marketplace.”
Configurations, Availability and Pricing:
Radius can be used within single buildings or scale to large multi-building campuses spread over hundreds of acres. It can be easily integrated with other fire and safety and security systems and be customized based on customer preference. It is available now and is priced based on customer configuration. For more information, visit Inovonics website at (www.inovonics.com/radius.aspx) or join the conversation at (www.twitter.com/inovonics).
“Inovonics is proud to be working with the caliber of channel partners, such as these,” said Mark Jarman, president. “Radius fills a unique void in the security industry by providing clear pinpoint location. This capability is a requirement for when critical or life safety situations are present. Working together with our growing dealer network, we now can offer a truly integrated solution that will meet this need.”
About Inovonics Wireless Corporation
Inovonics is the industry leader in high-performance wireless sensor networks for commercial and life safety applications. Founded in 1986, the company pioneered and patented the use of 900 MHz wireless technology to deliver the most reliable, cost-effective and flexible solutions for critical wireless applications. A leader in security and senior care markets, and the standard for multi-family submetering solutions, the Inovonics family of transmitters, receivers and control modules provides the wireless backbone for many of the world’s most widely used wireless systems. Renowned for exceptional performance and reliability, more than 6.5 million Inovonics wireless systems have been deployed in the most challenging of commercial environments, where structural limitations and multiple wireless networks can prove disruptive to lower quality systems. Working with leading OEMs and service provider partners, Inovonics provides network design and system engineering support to continuously advance the use of wireless technologies for corporate, industrial, government and educational applications. For more information contact Inovonics at (www.inovonics.com), or call 800-782-2709.
Contact:
Christie Denniston
Catapult PR-IR
Office: 303-581-7760, ext. 13
Mobile: 303-827-5164
April 6, 2011
INOVONICS AND OPTEX SELECTED BY AQUA WATER SUPPLY TO PROVIDE A PERIMETER SECURITY SOLUTION FOR WATER TREATMENT FACILITY
INOVONICS AND OPTEX SELECTED BY AQUA WATER SUPPLY TO PROVIDE A PERIMETER SECURITY SOLUTION FOR WATER TREATMENT FACILITY
Latest installment demonstrates increasing demand and proven success of integrated wireless perimeter security system for municipal and commercial applications
LAS VEGAS (ISC West, Booth #8035), April 6, 2011 – Inovonics (http://www.inovonics.com), the industry leader in high-performance wireless sensor networks for commercial and life safety applications, together with Optex (http://www.optexamerica.com/), the world leader in outdoor perimeter security, continue to gain traction in the security market with the implementation of a wireless security system for a water treatment facility in Bastrop, Texas. The facility is owned by Aqua Water Supply, a non-profit water provider.
This latest wireless perimeter security installation demonstrates continued success of the combined Inovonics and Optex offering. In addition to the Aqua Water Supply implementation, Inovonics and Optex also announced today how Shumate Constructors, Inc., and Albuquerque’s Armed Response Team are using the system to protect the property and assets of educational facilities throughout the state of New Mexico (See Release: Shumate Constructors Taps Inovonics and Optex for Wireless Security Perimeter Solutions). The companies partnered last year to embed Inovonics’ EchoStream EN1941 radio frequency module transmitter into Optex PIR and photoelectric detector product lines.
For the Aqua Water Supply installation, Turnkey Security integrated Inovonics RF module transmitters with the Optex iSeries outdoor motion detectors for comprehensive and real-time perimeter protection. The combined Optex iSeries and Inovonics perimeter protection system provides around the clock perimeter monitoring to prevent theft, vandalism and crime in commercial and industrial settings. Additionally, Inovonics universal transmitters provide tank hatch monitoring to stop potential unauthorized access to water storage tanks.
“When Inovonics asked Turnkey Security to participate as the installer in the Bastrop facility bid, we jumped on board,” explained Richard Martinez, president of Turnkey Security. “The integrated solution of Optex and Inovonics is an ideal perimeter security solution and trumps other options, such as a hard-wired system, because of its reliability and flexibility. The combined solution of Optex and Inovonics has proven to excel in commercial and industrial settings like this. It has the ability to handle a variety of different environments with the same successful, fail-proof outcome.”
Aqua Water Supply was looking to improve the security system at its water treatment facility in Bastrop to avoid the expense and extra time associated with theft and vandalism. While researching the varying solutions for perimeter protection, it discovered Inovonics’ universal transmitters and inquired about using the products to secure the tank hatches. Additionally, Aqua Water Supply was introduced to the integrated solution of Inovonics and Optex that provides a complete wireless secure perimeter around the water treatment facility and is incorporated into their existing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.
“We feel the wireless perimeter security solution is ideal because of the fast installation and reliable products that ensure a secure facility,” said Bill Loven, GM of Aqua Water Supply. “The seamless integration with our existing SCADA system made implementation very easy. We are confident that this top-notch security solution is the best match for protecting our water treatment plant.”
Inovonics’ universal transmitters provide unique flexibility because they can be used with any control panel, allowing installers and end users to select their security panel of preference. It delivers superior reliability, range and battery life that meets the security industry’s needs. Optex outdoor products offer security dealers and distributors a unique solution for enabling the industry’s most reliable and trusted security perimeter system. It comes fully equipped with a sensor, battery and transmitter and can be installed within minutes, thereby saving time and labor costs.
“By implementing the Optex/Inovonics solution, Aqua Water Supply tapped a growing trend in performance and cost savings that is enabled by wireless technologies,” said Mark Jarman president of Inovonics. “We are confident that our solutions at the water treatment facility in Bastrop provide unmatched perimeter security protection, and will continue to do so for years to come.”
For more information about the wireless outdoor perimeter solution, please call 1-800-966-7839 or visit Optex’ website at (www.optexamerica.com). For more information on Inovonics, please visit (www.inovonics.com) or join the conversation at (www.twitter.com/inovonics).
About Inovonics Wireless Corporation
Inovonics is the industry leader in high-performance wireless sensor networks for commercial and life safety applications. Founded in 1986, the company pioneered the use of 900 MHz wireless technology to deliver the most reliable, cost-effective and flexible solutions for critical wireless applications. A leader in security and senior care markets, and the standard for multi-family submetering solutions, the Inovonics family of transmitters, receivers and control modules provides the wireless backbone for many of the world’s most widely used wireless systems. Renowned for exceptional performance and reliability, more than 6.5 million Inovonics wireless systems have been deployed in the most challenging of commercial environments, where structural limitations and multiple wireless networks can prove disruptive to lower quality systems. Working with leading OEMs and service provider partners, Inovonics provides network design and system engineering support to continuously advance the use of wireless technologies for corporate, industrial, government and educational applications. For more information contact Inovonics at (www.inovonics.com), or call 800-782-2709.
About Optex
Optex Solutions and Systems Division, part of Optex, Inc., and the Optex CO., LTD. group of global companies, specializes in selling passive and active infrared and laser detection technology products for high-end security perimeter and critical infrastructure applications.
Optex, Inc. of North and South America markets products manufactured by the Optex Company Limited in Otsu, Japan. The company specializes in passive and active infrared technology solutions, control systems, and CCTV products for security, automatic door controls, and factory automation applications. (www.optexamerica.com)
Contact:
Christie Denniston
Catapult PR-IR
Office: 303-581-7760, ext. 13
Mobile: 303-827-5164
SHUMATE CONSTRUCTORS TAPS INOVONICS AND OPTEX FOR WIRELESS SECURITY PERIMETER SOLUTIONS
SHUMATE CONSTRUCTORS TAPS INOVONICS AND OPTEX FOR WIRELESS SECURITY PERIMETER SOLUTIONS
Integrated outdoor perimeter security solution protects construction sites from theft, vandalism
LAS VEGAS (ISC West, Booth #8035), April 6, 2011 – Inovonics (http://www.inovonics.com), the industry leader in high-performance wireless sensor networks for commercial and life safety applications, together with Optex (http://www.optexamerica.com/), the world leader in outdoor perimeter security, have become the wireless security system of choice for Armed Response Team and Shumate Constructors, Inc., an Albuquerque, N.M.-based construction company that builds educational facilities in the Albuquerque area.
Inovonics’ wireless sensors are embedded in Optex’ outdoor security solutions and provide perimeter monitoring and protection. Integrated by Albuquerque’s Armed Response Team (www.armedresponseteam.com), this combined solution has become Shumate’s go-to choice for protecting project sites from vandalism, theft and unauthorized access. The solution not only has successfully protected several construction sites, but also has saved the company thousands of dollars in expenses that typically would go toward damaged and stolen equipment or customized materials from the sites.
“Between the perimeter technology by Inovonics and Optex, and the Armed Response Team’s follow-up, we have seen zero thefts for all projects since installation. With the integrated wireless solution, the construction sites are monitored on a real-time basis and immediately notify the Armed Response Team upon unauthorized access,” said Mark Shumate, president of Shumate Constructors. “We look at the perimeter security solution as a great investment. Annually, the cost of manpower, replacement of lost or stolen items and damage repairs could easily cost three times more than we spend on Armed Response Teams’ services with the Optex and Inovonics solution.”
Prior to installation of the Optex and Inovonics combined solution, Shumate secured its sites with temporary fences. Standard fencing, a common choice to secure a construction perimeter, has no way to detect when an unauthorized party enters a site and no system for notifying authorities when the perimeter is breeched. Looking for a more effective solution, Shumate approached the Armed Response Team and asked for its help in selecting a reliable perimeter security network.
“When Shumate came to us for a solution we knew that Optex perimeter security systems enabled with Inovonics wireless sensors were flexible enough to handle the constantly changing and ruggedized environment of a construction zone. We also were very familiar with the integrated solution’s long track record of success,” explained Dave Meurer president of the Armed Response Team. “Optex enabled by Inovonics is reliable and immune to signal loss. Essentially, it is the never sleeping, non-blinking eye for perimeter protection.”
Shumate’s construction sites need a perimeter security solution that can reliably operate in a standalone environment where sensors do not have access to a power source. The solution also must have the ability to communicate long distances and handle a wide range of environmental factors, from dust and wind to extreme temperatures. The combined Inovonics and Optex perimeter security solution could easily meet these needs. By using the 900MHz spectrum, Inovonics sensors are resilient to signal interference in highly congested areas, ensuring accurate, dependable data transmission. Additionally, the perimeter security solution has been successful at reducing the amount of false-positive alerts, prompting the Armed Response Team to respond only when there is a legitimate perimeter break.
“We strive to offer the most flexible and reliable wireless sensor networks for life-safety and security applications that can be trusted to transmit critical data,” said Mark Jarman, president of Inovonics. “The blended offering of Optex and Inovonics for perimeter security solutions has been successfully implemented in a variety of industries. Today, Shumate Construction can rest assured that its project sites are secure and not vulnerable to theft.”
About Inovonics Wireless Corporation
Inovonics is the industry leader in high-performance wireless sensor networks for commercial and life safety applications. Founded in 1986, the company pioneered the use of 900 MHz wireless technology to deliver the most reliable, cost-effective and flexible solutions for critical wireless applications. A leader in security and senior care markets, and the standard for multi-family submetering solutions, the Inovonics family of transmitters, receivers and control modules provides the wireless backbone for many of the world’s most widely used wireless systems. Renowned for exceptional performance and reliability, more than 6.5 million Inovonics wireless systems have been deployed in the most challenging of commercial environments, where structural limitations and multiple wireless networks can prove disruptive to lower quality systems. Working with leading OEMs and service provider partners, Inovonics provides network design and system engineering support to continuously advance the use of wireless technologies for corporate, industrial, government and educational applications. For more information contact Inovonics at (www.inovonics.com), or call 800-782-2709.
About Optex
Optex Solutions and Systems Division, part of Optex, Inc., and the Optex CO., LTD. group of global companies, specializes in selling passive and active infrared and laser detection technology products for high-end security perimeter and critical infrastructure applications.
Optex, Inc. of North and South America markets products manufactured by the Optex Company Limited in Otsu, Japan. The company specializes in passive and active infrared technology solutions, control systems, and CCTV products for security, automatic door controls, and factory automation applications. (www.optexamerica.com)
Contact:
Christie Denniston
Catapult PR-IR
Office: 303-581-7760, ext. 13
Mobile: 303-827-5164
February 22, 2011
INOVONICS PROMOTES DAVID FOTH TO SENIOR PRODUCT MANAGER
INOVONICS PROMOTES DAVID FOTH TO SENIOR PRODUCT MANAGER
Foth to help guide wireless product offerings to commercial security and life safety markets
LOUISVILLE, Colorado, Feb. 22, 2011 – Inovonics (http://www.inovonics.com), the industry leader in high-performance wireless sensor networks for commercial and life safety applications, today announced the promotion of David Foth to senior product manager. Foth has been with Inovonics since 2008 and previously served as product manager. In his new position, Foth will continue to be responsible for product line management of wireless, 900MHz mesh network products and will help oversee go-to-market strategies for Inovonics’ transmitters, transceivers and sensors for use in life safety and commercial security systems.
“Dave has demonstrated a tremendous amount of leadership in the development of our new products, product forecasting and product planning strategies,” said Mark Jarman, president of Inovonics. “We continue to depend on him to establish direct customer relationships in support of our product development ideas. His leadership ability proves to be vital in our efforts to amplify the large-scale promotion of Radius, our new situational awareness, wireless location and mass notification system.”
Foth has more than 13 years of leadership, product management, and profit and loss experience across global markets, which proves to be essential for his expanded role at Inovonics. Prior to joining the company, Foth held the director of marketing position at Mile High, LLC, where he was responsible for product management of capital equipment within the foodservice, hospitality, convenience store industry and healthcare markets. Foth also held the director of marketing position at eMerge Interactive Inc., where he implemented strategic marketing plans for a suite of fluorescent-based machine-vision systems across multiple market segments. Foth holds an MBA from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fort Lewis College.
“I am very appreciative of the promotion and am enthusiastic about the direction we are heading at Inovonics,” explained Foth. “I look forward to helping Inovonics expand its market presence as a leading security solutions provider in several key industries and want to continue shaping Inovonics as the trusted leader of wireless sensor networks for all security and life safety applications.”
About Inovonics Wireless Corporation
Inovonics is the industry leader in high-performance wireless sensor networks for commercial and life safety applications. Founded in 1986, the company pioneered and patented the use of 900 MHz wireless technology to deliver the most reliable, cost-effective and flexible solutions for critical wireless applications. A leader in security and senior care markets, and the standard for multi-family submetering solutions, the Inovonics family of transmitters, receivers and control modules provides the wireless backbone for many of the world’s most widely used wireless systems. Renowned for exceptional performance and reliability, more than 6.5 million Inovonics wireless systems have been deployed in the most challenging of commercial environments, where structural limitations and multiple wireless networks can prove disruptive to lower quality systems. Working with leading OEMs and service provider partners, Inovonics provides network design and system engineering support to continuously advance the use of wireless technologies for corporate, industrial, government and educational applications. For more information contact Inovonics at (www.inovonics.com), or call 800-782-2709.
Contact:
Christie Denniston
Catapult PR-IR
Office: 303-581-7760, ext. 13
Mobile: 303-827-5164
cdenniston@catapultpr-ir.com
February 16, 2011
Making the case for wireless long-term care facilities
Making the case for wireless long-term care facilities
Mark Jarman February 15, 2011
Today, wireless technologies have become the standard life-safety monitoring solution for assisted living, skilled nursing and the full spectrum of continuing care retirement communities (CCRC).
As the baby boomer generation continues to age and increase in numbers, so does the need for reliable technology that not only will protect and ensure resident safety, but also contribute to increasing the care center’s efficiency. Innovative new wireless applications allow staff to focus more on their job rather than constant manual check-ins for resident activity.
Residents, on the other hand, can have increased freedom of mobility, while being assured proper safety measures are taken to ensure their well being. Wireless technologies can provide passive sensors that instantly detect a resident’s activity. For example, residents traditionally are required to push a button or open a door to initiate a daily check-in. A new, automated approach involves wireless sensors that detect activity, which essentially eliminates the need for active check-in.
Key advantages
The “first generation” call systems implemented in CCRC and assisted living facilities were hard-wired. Although these systems are highly reliable and remain on the market today, they carry a higher cost to install, replace or expand. A wireless system is easy to install and use, ensuring significant cost savings from installation to deployment.
In addition, wireless offers a unique benefit that a wired solution cannot – the ability for installation almost anywhere in a building or campus without having to run wire or pull existing cable. Wireless manufacturers have worked hard to ensure their systems can be seamlessly relocated and reconfigured to meet the needs of building/campus changes. These systems can be expanded for new construction and facility upgrades and used to retrofit complete buildings/campuses that are being converted into senior care facilities. This ease of installation and low cost is especially compelling in a time where the aging population will soon increase dramatically.
Over the years, wireless has proven to be a reliable option for life-safety call system monitoring. However, with so many choices now available in the market it is difficult to determine which solution has enough range and can guarantee reliable emergency and distress response, despite what could be described as RF noisy environments.
Wireless options
There are primarily four different wireless technologies used in long-term care facilities: Wi-Fi, Zigbee, 900 MHz and 433 MHz systems. Each has its own unique performance characteristics, causing variations in range, location capabilities, battery life, etc.
WiFi: This wireless technology is capable of moving large amounts of data over a moderate distance, usually measured in hundreds of feet, making it a perfect fit for mobile computing applications. Many retailers, communities, airports and other public locations offer Internet through WiFi. These systems will only move data with an established infrastructure. WiFi also has high power consumption and limited range, which are not suitable for battery-powered devices in remote locations. Because of the amount of traffic on these networks today, WiFi technology is not ideally suited for critical information or life safety applications.
ZigBee: This technology is a standards-based wireless networking solution that can support moderate data rates and low power consumption. ZigBee systems send small data packets through a series of nodes, where each node of the network repeats the messages from its neighbor until the message reaches the head end. Typically, the range of a ZigBee device is less than 500 feet. This is a relatively new and still evolving technology that often is chosen for home, building and industrial automation fields. However, latency is lengthy, which is not ideal for applications where urgency is required, such as life safety.
900 MHZ: The performance of technology at this spectrum is ideal for life-safety systems. Open field range on 900 MHz devices varies from about a half mile to one mile. Information then can travel through a repeater network within the campus or building. The battery life of 900 MHz technologies usually achieve 2-5 years, which can significantly reduce maintenance and support expenses. Many 900 MHz technologies rely on Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology. FHSS systems send redundant messages across multiple channels to avoid interference obstacles. A transmission at a specific channel may be blocked; however, the following retransmission on the next channel will most likely be multiple channels away and thus avoid the interfering signal. FHSS systems not only avoid interference but also can tolerate in-band interference signals more than 10,000 times stronger than the desired weak signal. These characteristics make FHSS the best choice for short message communications such as life safety and distress alerts.
433 MHz Systems: This technology is very similar to 900 MHz in terms of range, battery life and relatively low overall cost. While 433 MHz has greater worldwide acceptance for general wireless applications, one of its major disadvantages is that it operates on a very narrow band channel making it more susceptible to interference. This fact makes it a less desirable technology for applications in senior care that rely on wireless to protect human lives.
New wireless applications
The assisted living market is focusing on solutions that offer flexibility to run several different applications with a single system or technology. Wireless providers are working toward achieving this goal.
A well-known application for wired is the traditional call system, which is the call device from an apartment or living space that requires residents to push a button or open a door in order to initiate a daily check-in. Today, there is a wireless 900 MHz solution, an activity sensor that enables passive detection of activity. It includes an extended sleep timer that reduces unwanted radio frequency traffic in large installations. This technology automates the daily check-in procedure, eliminating the need for the resident to perform a check-in activity. It also dramatically reduces the number of unwanted alarm signals-one of the largest offenders of excessive alarm traffic, which can impact the effectiveness of a wireless system.
In addition, wireless offers a mobile device, in the form of a pendant, that the resident wears. This device can move throughout the building or campus and provide a duress call capability for the resident while they are mobile. There also are applications for real time location capabilities and for asset tracking.
Seniors in the early stages of dementia can benefit from wireless systems that can create boundaries or restricted areas and provide a notification to caregivers when an individual enters an area that she or he shouldn’t, or gets too close to an exit.
Fall detection and prevention is a primary need within assisted living centers and skilled nursing areas. Wireless devices can easily help monitor when somebody might get up out of a wheelchair or bed and provide information to the caregivers about the activities of the individual so they can be alert and aware.
Typically, if somebody has a propensity to fall, the staff is aware and they’ll be looking and watching out for those people. One way to closely monitor individuals who are at a higher risk of falling would be to put a pressure sensor on their bed, or motion sensor in their bathroom or hallway so if they get up in the middle of the night and need to use the restroom, a caregiver would know they need to check on that resident.
Impact of wireless on staff
The wireless technologies for today’s nurse call systems provide flexible notification methods. This allows caregivers to be mobile-they don’t have to be sitting at or near a nurses station to receive a notification. Caregivers can do different activities throughout the day and can use mobile devices such as pagers, mobile phones, two-way radios, or Spectralink phones that will receive the alert.
The ability for caregivers to be mobile offers increased work efficiency. Nurses and other staff are spending time doing the appropriate tasks for their job and receive and act upon notifications while they’re mobile.
Impact on residents
The biggest impact that wireless has on residents of CCRCs and other care facilities is increased sense of security and freedom. They no longer have to be tied down to one particular spot; however, they still carry the call device with them. This benefit not only increases quality of life, but also allows residents to have more independence and privacy.
Implementation considerations
There are several key items that an operator should consider when determining which wireless system is best. The list includes, but is not limited to:
* Does the system provide sufficient coverage to meet your needs?
* Can the system withstand interference and assure life safety applications will be reliably deployed?
* Are there any line-of-sight issues or dead spots where coverage may be difficult?
* Have you reviewed and compared all options as they apply to your particular installation?
* Does this technology provide the most efficient solution possible?
* What are the installation costs vs. equipment costs?
* Are the wireless devices monitored or supervised to notify the facility if a device fails?
* What is the battery life of the devices, and how long will it provide a low-battery alert before the battery dies?
* Will the pendants work throughout the facility vs. only near the resident’s room?
* Can the system provide location coordinates for mobile pendants activated anywhere on the premises, and at what level of accuracy or resolution?
Conclusion
New applications for long-term care centers aim to satisfy the need for increased efficiency, cost savings, reliability and life safety. The aging population will dramatically increase in years to come, which will require the development and expansion of more CCRCs and other care facilities.
Wireless technology for life-safety applications should be selected based on the highest level of performance, resistance to interference, and message redundancy. In addition, the cost savings for installation and deployment of wireless is dramatically greater than wired.
While the benefits of wireless technologies are straightforward, decision-makers must understand the different types of wireless available in order to select the best possible option for their facility or campus. Using the correct wireless technology offers more freedom to residents, greater effectiveness for staff and the best overall economic benefits.
The author has served in the security industry for more than 20 years and is the president of Inovonics.
To view the full article at McKnight’s Long Term Care Information website, please click here: http://www.mcknights.com/making-the-case-for-wireless-long-term-care-facilities/article/196424/
February 14, 2011
INOVONICS PROMOTES CRAIG DEVER TO VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES
INOVONICS PROMOTES CRAIG DEVER TO VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES
Dever’s accomplishments over past eight years led to increased sales and management responsibilities for company’s wireless sensor network product offerings
LOUISVILLE, Colorado, Feb. 14, 2011 – Inovonics (http://www.inovonics.com), the industry leader in high-performance wireless sensor networks for commercial and life safety applications, today announced the promotion of Craig Dever to vice president of sales. Dever has been with Inovonics since 2003 and previously served as the director of sales. In his new position, Dever will continue overseeing the security sales and commercial application sales groups and provide focus to Inovonics’ customer service and technical service initiatives.
“We’ve observed Craig’s success in his previous position as director of sales and determined that his hard work and proven results have been instrumental in the success of our company,” said Mark Jarman, president of Inovonics. “With his strong background in both sales and management, we will continue to look to Craig to help support our market share growth in the wireless and key vertical industries through the promotion of our new innovative location and situational awareness Radius technology.”
Dever brings more than 15 years of sales and sales management experience to his new position at Inovonics. Prior to joining the company, Dever held positions in product management and national account sales at Exabyte Corporation, a manufacturer of tape storage devices, and was a regional vice president of channel sales at Computer Associates, a provider of network and system management software applications. Dever holds a B.A. degree in chemistry from the University of Colorado.
“I am very honored and thrilled about my expanded role with Inovonics,” explained Dever. “Inovonics has been trusted to monitor and protect some of the world’s most mission critical sites and precious objects because of the quality of its products and services. I believe in the way we do business because our value begins with identifying our customers’ expectations and ends with their complete satisfaction. I look forward to not only expanding our current customer relationships, but, building new ones and helping expand Inovonics’ presence in its key markets for years to come.”
About Inovonics Wireless Corporation
Inovonics is the industry leader in high-performance wireless sensor networks for commercial and life safety applications. Founded in 1986, the company pioneered and patented the use of 900 MHz wireless technology to deliver the most reliable, cost-effective and flexible solutions for critical wireless applications. A leader in security and senior care markets, and the standard for multi-family submetering solutions, the Inovonics family of transmitters, receivers and control modules provides the wireless backbone for many of the world’s most widely used wireless systems. Renowned for exceptional performance and reliability, more than 6.5 million Inovonics wireless systems have been deployed in the most challenging of commercial environments, where structural limitations and multiple wireless networks can prove disruptive to lower quality systems. Working with leading OEMs and service provider partners, Inovonics provides network design and system engineering support to continuously advance the use of wireless technologies for corporate, industrial, government and educational applications. For more information contact Inovonics at (www.inovonics.com), or call 800-782-2709.
Contact:
Christie Denniston
Catapult PR-IR
Office: 303-581-7760, ext. 13
Mobile: 303-827-5164
cdenniston@catapultpr-ir.com
February 9, 2011
INOVONICS PRESIDENT MARK JARMAN TO PRESENT AT TECHSEC SOLUTIONS 2011
INOVONICS PRESIDENT MARK JARMAN TO PRESENT AT TECHSEC SOLUTIONS 2011
Jarman and a panel of experts to discuss the increasing role of wireless technologies in the security industry
WHO: Mark Jarman
President
Inovonics
(www.inovonics.com)
For more than two decades, Jarman has served as an industry executive in the security and wireless industries. He has a deep technical background combined with sharp business acumen from his years of management and business development experience. He has an undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Colorado and an M.B.A. from DePaul University in Chicago.
WHAT: Panel Session: “Look Ma, No Wires”
Never before has wireless security been of greater importance than it is today for commercial and life safety applications. Jarman will explain why wireless provides increased flexibility, performance, reliability and confidence that make it a leading choice for security applications. He will cover the new, innovative wireless solutions that provide the trusted backbone for an increasing number of security implementations, including access, intrusion and asset protection within some of the nation’s most secure government, education and corporate environments.
Jarman will draw from his deep experience in the wireless network and security industries to share his expertise regarding the current state of wireless technologies and how security professionals can use wireless within a wide range of environments, situations and applications.
WHERE: TechSec Solutions 2011
Delray Beach Marriott
10 North Ocean Boulevard
Delray Beach, FL 33483
WHEN: Mon., Feb. 14 from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
CONTACT: For more information or to set up an interview with Mark Jarman, president of Inovonics, please contact Christie Denniston at Catapult PR-IR 303-581-7760, ext. 13 or (cdenniston@catapultpr-ir.com).
February 4, 2011
Implementing an Emergency Mass Notification/Location System
Implementing an Emergency Mass Notification/Location System
Things to consider prior to purchasing an MNS solution
By Mark Jarman, President of Inovoics
To view the full article on SecurityInfo Watch.com, please click here: http://www.securityinfowatch.com/implementing-emergency-mass-notificationlocation-system
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In today’s world of increasing concerns over safety, security and protection of lives and valuable assets, the need for developing and implementing a comprehensive mobile duress, situational awareness and mass notification system has become not just nice to have, but rather a mission critical requirement.
An increasing number of organizations are turning to integrated intelligent security systems that incorporate location, situational awareness and emergency mass notification capabilities to help protect their premises and human resources. These types of systems not only can help notify security personnel when an event occurs-anything from a fire to unwanted temperature increases to an injured person-but also pinpoint where it occurred. It also integrates emergency mass notification capabilities so that a security director or facilities manager can notify appropriate personnel and get people out of harm’s way quickly and safely.
There are several considerations prior to purchasing a wireless location/situational awareness and emergency mass notification system:
1) Basic System Needs: Specifying any security system begins with understanding the basics, such as premises size and layout, as well as who will interact with the system. How large is the overall site? Does it consist of one building or is it a large multiple-building campus? Who needs to access the site, how frequently and during what times of day/week? Who will be responding to events when they occur?
2) Construction or Environment: Since wireless systems offer much more flexibility and allow you to easily move sensors, repeaters and transmitters where needed, strong consideration should be given to utilizing these technologies. Installing a hardwired system is much less forgiving and can cost more without offering greater security or reliability. Robust wireless technology with a repeater network can overcome most potential obstructions and ensure complete coverage of the site.
3) Location Capabilities: Historically, wireless duress alarms required multiple technologies in order to pinpoint location. Although 900MHz wireless devices are the standard for duress and have been for many years, they have not been effective at pinpointing location. This can be overcome by adding supplemental technology, such as RFID tags, infrared sensors or ultrasonic sensors, as examples. While effective at achieving location, the system cost goes up significantly each time another technology is added, as does the overall system complexity. Newer IP-based wireless duress solutions now use the same long-range wireless to both summon help and reliably pinpoint location, which greatly reduces the system’s overall cost and complexity.
4) Multiple Application Support: Another important element to consider is whether the system will support the integration of other devices and systems. For instance, it should support standard intrusion sensors, such as door contacts and motion sensors, as well as a wide range of unique sensors, such as outdoor photo beams, fire extinguisher monitors and carbon monoxide sensors, as well as duress pendants. The system should take alerts from any of these devices, as well as information from other in-building systems, like intrusion, access control and fire panels, and integrate them into a single notification engine. Rather than just looking for a system that only offers mobile duress, look for a system that leverages your existing investments into a single platform at greater value and similar price.
5) IP-Based System: An IP-based system is a necessity, particularly with the emergence of the Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) concept. It quickly is becoming the next standard for all security devices and systems so it is important that what you buy meets these requirements to help guarantee a sound investment for the future. There are numerous functions such a system can monitor to offer you a way to derive business information as an added benefit. Such systems can serve as an excellent perimeter protection solution. Other items, like fire extinguishers and all the different kinds of sensors that can be employed-whether they are analog output or contact types of sensors-can be tracked. Monitoring critical temperatures or processes also is possible and can provide a measurable payback. All of this information can be put onto the network to then generate information which can be correlated and presented to management to help them better manage the business and increase their efficiency.
6) Simplicity is Key: Simplicity of a system is a very critical component in determining the best solution that fits your needs. The system should be something that is 1) easy to install and deploy 2) easily integrated with existing systems, and 3) easy to maintain and modify as your needs change.
7) Outbound Communication Options: An emergency mass notification system needs to offer a variety of ways to get the word out fast to the people who need to know. At the basic level, there is the need to know incident information, risk/hazard locations and resource locations. Each role, from security personnel to security director to dispatcher to command and control, requires access to information. These information requirements are role-specific and vary in degrees of urgency.
In addition, the mass notification system should deploy several ways of notifying key emergency personnel when needed with escalation capabilities if confirmation is not received. Managed alerts can be simple text messages, e-mails and phone calls and may be directed to mobile responders. You want to ensure the solution fits your internal response and workflow methodology so that you send managed alerts to the proper authorized people based on the time and day of the week.
There are a number of technologies available in the market today that can meet the needs of security directors and integrators. Emerging new wireless systems are one possible effective solution because they are easy to install, highly reliable, offer situational awareness capabilities and are also able to pinpoint the mobile location of a call for help so that responders know where assistance is needed. They also can easily interface with mass notification systems that are simple and easy to understand, such as text, e-mail and text-to-speech messages to reach mobile responders. In addition, wireless systems can easily connect with other existing in-building protection solutions, such as fire alarms, access control and environmental monitoring systems. For these reasons, when evaluating emergency mass notification and location systems, wireless is one of the most appealing choices to consider.
Mark Jarman is president of Inovonics (www.inovonics.com). He has served in the security and wireless industries for more than two decades and can be reached at mjarman@inovonics.com
February 3, 2011
WITH RISING COPPER PRICES, LOOTERS INTENSIFY THEIR ATTACKS ON VITAL SOCIETAL INFRASTRUCTURES
WITH RISING COPPER PRICES, LOOTERS INTENSIFY THEIR ATTACKS ON VITAL SOCIETAL INFRASTRUCTURES
Current economic recession has resulted in higher theft based on increasing copper prices
WHO: Mark Jarman, president
Inovonics
(www.inovonics.com)
Inovonics is a leader in high-performance wireless sensor networks for commercial and life safety applications.
David Meurer, vice president
Albuquerque Armed Response Team
(www.armedresponseteam.com)
The Armed Response Team (ART) was founded in 2004 by a group of Albuquerque Police Department officers to respond to a growing problem: the inability of city police departments to promptly respond to burglar alarms. Today ART has grown to be a leading security company in the Albuquerque area market.
WHAT: With the ongoing recession continuing to hit specific parts of the U.S., copper wire theft has become a way for individuals to make a living. Copper is the essential ingredient in power lines, heating and cooling pipes, and grounding wires-the basic components of the modern world. When this vital element is ripped from buildings, police stations, telecommunications providers – our world goes dark. The results can be dramatic – with cell phone calls dropped, retail outlets being put out of business for days or weeks, police officers unable to respond to crime scenes and city budgets constantly hampered by having to replace the essential metal. A 2008 FBI report, Copper Thefts Threaten U.S. Critical Infrastructure, warned that the persistent, widespread theft, “presents a risk to both public safety and national security.” With demand remaining consistent in the U.S. and China, this issue does not appear to be going away anytime soon.
HOW: Today’s security needs are different than they were a decade ago. Besides offering flexibility, ease of installation and cost-effectiveness, commercial-grade wireless products provide the best solution to ensure facilities are safe and secure from copper wire theft. Without disrupting a building’s existing infrastructure, organizations can rely on wireless solutions to ward off would-be copper thefts, regardless of industry. Wireless sensor networks in commercial settings provide tangible ROI for property owners against copper theft because they are not susceptible to easy theft or removal. Businesses and the communities they serve can rest assured of wireless technology’s proven, reliable performance for their building or place of business.
CONTACT: Christie Denniston
Catapult PR-IR
Office: 303-581-7760, 13
Mobile: 303-827-5164
cdenniston@catapultpr-ir.com
