Following the launch of an ‘app’ for PC and Android last year, designer and manufacturer of personal alarm systems, Pinpoint, has launched a new Pinpoint Mobile Alert application for iPhone and iPad mobile devices running on the iOS operating system.
“By adding the app for iOS devices, we are enabling our customers to interact with the Pinpoint Personal Alarm in a way that suits them best”, says Allan Aikman, senior design engineer. “Operations and IT managers can now choose either iOS-based devices using the new app, or select mobile devices that use the existing app for Android. Where BYOD (bring your own device) is permitted, users can now interact with the Pinpoint system on their own phone, as well as existing iPads they have with them every day, rather than having to carry additional mobile devices.”
Pinpoint Mobile Alert is now an iOS and Android application that enables mobile devices to receive information such as alarms, patient calls, and system status updates. Data transmission utilises any available connection – for instance Wi-Fi and cellular 4G, which Pinpoint says means ‘better coverage and reliability than traditional paging systems’. The company added: “Thanks to the combination of these technologies, operating range is unlimited, and message delivery almost always guaranteed. Poor or no reception does not stop, but rather just delays delivery until a wireless connection can be re-established.”
“When an alarm is activated on the Pinpoint system, it is sent straight to the mobile devices. A ‘push’ notification appears on the screen that takes the user to the full notification, which indicates the severity level of call, the system it originated from, and the zone and the address of the call button or personal transmitter. The push notification will also make the device vibrate and emit an audible alert.
The display differentiates between active and resolved alarms on separate tabs. Each user is set up with a personalised profile that specifies which alarm types and call zones the mobile application should alert to. Users can clearly see which alarms are ongoing, and how long they have been active, and which have been dealt with. Designated system supervisors receive maintenance alerts if the Pinpoint system detects issues such as a failed self-test, units going offline, or power supply problems.
The application is fully backward compatible with legacy Pinpoint Systems through the addition of a ‘cloud’ interface.