The pro's and con's of GPS in lone worker applications

For a long time, our company resisted the temptation to build GPS based devcies for lone worker applications. Our primary concerns were a mix of technical challenges and thinking about the impact on the user. For example:

Technical challenge 1 - How to introduce GPS technology without making the Identicom form factor less discreet? All of our users appreciate the discreet ID card form factor that is Identicom. They feel safe knowing that if they need to raise an alert because of an abusive client or intruder then they can do this without giving the game away. Introducing GPS would have been easy but would have introduced an unsightly antenna in the Identicom which in turn would make the unit more 'techie' and obvious. Not good.

User challenge 1 - In reality, does GPS make much difference given that many users (certainly in the UK) spend large amounts of time indoors and therefore potentially out of range of satallites? How do we best manage the expectations of the user in this respect and also convince them that their lone worker devcie hasn't now become a covert tracking device?

After much hard development work and discussion with users and employers Connexion2 has now created versions of its award winning Identicom with imbedded GPS. Challenges like those above have been resolved and the devices maintain their original, slim ID card form factor and thus remain discreet to wear and to operate.

Interestingly enough, those customers who are now choosing the GPS variants are those where workers are more outdoor based or who face risk whilst moving. Those customers who have trialed GPS units for workers who are more 'indoor' tend to prefer the original models because no significnat benefit is added.

If you have questions about GPS in lone worker devcies or Identicom specifically then please drop me a line.

Update on BS8484

I'm often being asked by customers questions about BS8484 and feedback indicates that there is a level of misinformation in the market.

BS8484 is an important and wide ranging draft code of practice that, until its ratification and introduction, provides an opportunity for a small number of companies or customers to misinterpret or misrepresent elements of its content.

These are the facts as they stand:
BS8484 is now a code of practice (COP) and is still in draft format, currently on its second version for public comment. BSI have issued a clear warning (as they do with all draft standards and COP's) that it is a draft and must not be regarded or used as a British Standard. The current draft calls for comments on its content to be received by 31st January 2009. The current draft is noted by BSI as not being current beyond this date.

Connexion2’s position:
It is Connexion2’s desire and intent to be compliant with any and all relative legislation and/or standards that apply to its business and customers and this will include BS8484. We do not however see any logic at this stage in being drawn on specific elements of this or any other standard until published. To do so would be folly as they are subject to comment and change before being published.

Please note:
Significant input into BS8484 is being made by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and the NHS. The latter’s involvement is in part because they are the UK’s largest employer of lone workers but in part to ensure parity with their own expectations and requirements of a lone worker solution. Connexion2 works in partnership with all of these bodies, has been a BSIA member for more than 2 years and has achieved ACPO ‘Secured By Design’ status for its Identicom range of lone worker devices. We have worked with the NHS and other such interested stakeholders for more than 5 years and continue to meet their exacting requirements.

Connexion2 is committed to helping achieve a credible standard is set and will continue to contribute feedback on BS8484 to the BSI via the BSIA.

If you have a view on BS8484 or a question you'd like my view on then please drop me a line