T2Digital, a trusted installer of Appello’s digital systems with over 30 years of experience in providing Technology Enabled Care services (TECS), has been working with Magna Housing to upgrade their telecare equipment to digital. So far, this has involved installing over 1000 of Appello’s SmartConnect emergency alarms in their sheltered housing properties.
Magna Housing prioritise the safety of residents
To ensure the safety of its residents as the UK telephony network moves from analogue to digital, Magna Housing, a community-based housing association, is upgrading its telecare systems to be digitally compliant.
Magna Housing recognised the need to upgrade their systems to digital and their fire detection to meet the latest British Standards recommendations. By making these upgrades, they can ensure telecare and fire detection systems reliably connect to their call monitoring centre, Appello Careline.
“Our multimillion-pound partnership with T2 on this major capital works programme ring fences the products and resources required to successfully transition our systems to meet the requirements of BT’s “ALL IP” digital network and British Fire Standards.”
– Stephanie Lloyd-Foxe, Head of Building Safety and Compliance, Magna Housing
Identifying the best digital telecare solution for Magna Housing
T2Digital were enlisted by Magna Housing to identify and install new digital telecare systems in their sheltered housing properties across Dorset and Somerset in preparation for the nationwide switch from analogue to digital telecare.
After conducting a comprehensive review of the digital telecare products on the market, T2Digital identified Appello as having the best suite of products to meet Magna Housing’s operational and financial requirements. Magna Housing were already using Appello’s Careline call monitoring service, but their alarm equipment consisted of a mixture of old analogue systems, so it was a natural choice to embrace a digital solution compatible with Careline and ready for the digital switch. The SmartConnect system was selected as it is a fully digital solution that provides Magna Housing with the capabilities to manage equipment and gain insight on service usage throughout their estate via the online management application, AppelloHQ.
Another key factor in T2Digital and Magna Housing choosing Appello’s equipment was the flexibility provided by the DigitalBridge, Appello’s analogue to digital convertor. For sites not yet ready for new digital hardware, the DigitalBridge bridged a gap between analogue systems and digital call monitoring to mitigate the risks of warden call failure.
“Appello’s products complement T2’s service offer because they deliver an end-to-end IP [Internet Protocol] solution with high levels of security, that is guaranteed to operate seamlessly with the Appello Careline.”
– Jon Marshall, Sales Director, T2Digital
T2Digital and Appello’s successful partnership
Maintaining a strong partnership between T2 and Appello has played a significant role in the smooth running of the installation of new digital systems in Magna Housing properties. T2Digital and Appello have collaborated closely to plan and execute the project delivery. This collaboration has involved joint technical site surveys, design assistance, supply and logistics, and on-site technical support.
“Appello has been an excellent partner from the project outset and their support has continued throughout the programme. The products are excellent, and the management information that we can gain from the AppelloHQ gives us a far greater insight into the systems operation than could ever have been achieved with analogue devices.”
– Jon Marshall, Sales Director, T2Digital
“The Appello team has been very involved in the project and always quick to act to ensure the programme of works stayed on track. It’s been great working with them and we look forward to continuing this partnership as we install Appello systems for our other clients”.
– Steve Russell, Operations Director, T2Digital
“It is great to partner with the team at T2 Digital, to bring digital telecare services to Magna residents. T2 have tremendous experience and embrace innovation in the evolution of Technology Enabled Care. They are committed to diligent training and upskilling of Appello’s digital solutions, empowering them to deliver upgrades from analogue to digital with excellence.”
– Mark Minnaar, Channel Manager, Appello
Positive response from residents and staff
With a modern design and integrated assistive features, SmartConnect is designed to be straightforward to use, empowering the wellbeing of Sheltered Housing residents. We are pleased to say that the installation of SmartConnect has been well-received by Magna Housing’s residents and staff due to the ease of use and the improvements in call speeds, enabling a faster response in an emergency.
“The residents are really happy with the modern look of the SmartConnect units and the speed with which they make digital calls”.
– Ian Wood, Service Manager, Magna Housing
The benefits of the installation of SmartConnect have also included a reduction in service callouts due to the reliability of the system and its compatibility with the digital network. Now that T2Digital have replaced over half of Magna’s analogue systems with SmartConnect, the number of service callouts has reduced by approximately 50%. T2Digital estimate that, by the time remaining systems have been switched to SmartConnect, the reduction in service callouts could be closer to 70%.
With the installation of SmartConnect, Magna Housing can ensure the continued safety and wellbeing of their residents as the UK telecoms network transitions from analogue to digital. As this transition continues, Appello and T2Digital remain committed to supporting customers to navigate the path from analogue to digital, delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service to our clients in the housing sector.
