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Analogue to digital conversion with critical In-bound & Out-bound calling.

Introduction

SmartBridge uniquely retains all the important features, utilised by an emergency operator to deliver a safe, effective, and reliable telecare service. This enables you to maintain the level of telecare service you and your customers expect.

As a multi-protocol analogue to digital convertor, SmartBridge supports the addition of DTMF transmitted data payloads and reforms them into IP compatible messages, which means operators continue to have the critical capability to make inbound calls, transfer calls and manage in-call controls.

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Benchmark Your Progress

Benchmark Your Progress

Over 80% of housing providers are making plans to begin the move to digital telecare this year. Benchmark your progress.

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Supports Inbound and outbound calling.

SmartBridge uniquely retains all the important features, utilised by an emergency operator to deliver a safe, effective, and reliable telecare service. This enables you to maintain the level of telecare service you and your customers expect. As a multi-protocol analogue to digital convertor, SmartBridge supports the addition of DTMF transmitted data payloads and reforms them into IP compatible messages, which means operators continue to have the critical capability to make inbound calls, transfer calls and manage in-call controls.

Supports transferring of calls

SmartBridge retains the functionality to transfer a call. This means if someone calls from the door entry system, the operator can park that call and speak to the resident on another devices in the property which isn’t possible when call transferring capabilities are not supported by the convertor.

Supports Call Cataloguing

In an emergency, often multiple telecare alarms are activated to reach the monitoring centre. To enable these calls to be received by an operator, the analogue to digital convertor must support call cataloguing. This means a second alarm event will present to an operator on initial alarm attempt. If not, the telecare device will need to close down and redial which causes significant delays to the second call reaching an operator.

Benefits

Mitigates First Time Call Failures

SmartBridge, customers and organisations mitigate the risks of First Time Call Failures whilst preparing for the a long-term digital solution.

Supports in-call controls

For older systems the operator will need to toggle two-way speech or adjust the volume so both parties can hear what's being said clearly. SmartBridge retains this functionality.

Supports wide range of protocols

Many housing providers have a wide range of telecare assets, combining multiple models and manufacturers. SmartBridge supports TT92, TTNew and BS8521-1 alarm protocols enabling a complete estate to be covered. In comparison to many convertors are limited to a single protocol.

Supports extended peripherals.

The ability to identify the type of device that activated an alarm is critical for the operator to provide appropriate support in an emergency and prioritise emergency calls. SmartBridge supports extended peripherals enabling the operator to identify the telecare peripheral, such as a fall detector, and also supports device location codes.

Complete battery back-up

SmartBridge provides battery back-up to the complete solution including the router, therefore not requiring an additional UPS.

Digital reimbursement

A digital convertor is only a temporary solution, therefore an upgrade to digital equipment is inevitable. We offer a reimbursement on the cost of SmartBridge when you upgrade to one of our hardwired digital telecare solutions.

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The importance of Inbound calling?

SmartBridge uniquely ensures Careline operators can maintain inbound calls to housing developments, critical for effective emergency support.

  • During an emergency situation the operator will need to dial into the site to provide access for emergency services via the door entry system.
  • In the event of a fire, dialling back into the system is the only way to provide the fire brigade with quick access without them forcing entry.
  • Operators may also need to call into other parts of the property to speak to residents or staff supporting in resolving the emergency.
  • The operator will also need to call back to the resident to continue to provide support and update them on the emergency response.

How does SmartBridge Work?

  • When an analogue telecare device is activated, an analogue protocol signal is sent. Currently this would leave the property and attempt to traverse across the PSTN network, via a number of exchanges (called endpoints in the digital world) on route to the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).
  • It is during this journey the analogue signal would be at risk of corruption due to its lack of compatibility with the increasingly growing parts of the network upgraded to digital. This corruption is due to round trip delays which degrade the analogue DTMF tones and therefore risk resulting in a call failure.
  • Instead with SmartBridge, the analogue protocol signal is first sent to our uniquely programmed ATA adapter within the property, at which point it is converted to our Appello SIP format which is used for routing the communication.
  • Via the broadband network within the property, this SIP message is routed as a VOIP communication via the Appello Cloud environment. At which point the Appello SIP message is directed to the ARC in the appropriate format and with the required DTMF telecare controls to enable the safest communication of an analogue originating protocol.

DRAG ME

  1. Appello identify increasing call failure rates and limitations of analogue telecare equipment.

  2. Appello launch Smart Living Solutions, UK’s first digital emergency call and wellbeing system. This grows to support over 10,000 people in 24 months.

  3. Appello commission 100th SLS system and reach over 2m digital social and emergency calls through SLS.

  4. The Appello Cloud is launched bringing together multiple applications to support a digital era of Technology Enabled Care.

  5. Facial recognition and voice activation options added to door entry range.

  6. Appello introduces SmartConnect and SmartLifeDUAL into their SmartTEC range.

  7. Housing21 named in top 10 digital housing providers in the UK for use of Smart Living Solutions.

  8. Appello and Housing 21 awarded Best Use of Technology in Seniors Housing.

  9. Appello complete SLS installation in 500th housing development and surpass milestone of managing over 10 million digital calls.

  10. Over 25,000 digitally connected customers.

  11. Over 12 million digital calls managed.

  12. SmartLife upgraded to SmartLife DUAL the UK’s first digital dispersed alarm with interoperability and a Dual SIM.

  13. SmartBridge - Analogue to Digital Converter launched.

Unlock the power of digital with Appello Cloud Services: management tools, valuable data insights and integration with other TEC services.

HQ
Your management application for Smart Living Solutions, helping staff to carry out duties efficiently and identify ways to improve support for residents.
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DigitalBridge
Our analogue to digital protocol conversion tool, providing you with a safe way to manage your transition to digital telecare.
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SBR
Your online management tool for our Careline monitoring solutions, enabling seamless sharing of information to help you manage and improve your services.
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Open Environment

Limitations

SmartBridge bridges the gap to full digital telecare a solution like Smart Living Solutions or SmartConnect, using VOIP calls. However, it has limitations:

- Limited call capacity: Unlike fully digital, only one call can be made at a time in a development, causing delays in emergencies.
- Slower connection: Full digital offers faster speeds, improving emergency response.
- SmartBridge is a temporary solution, ensuring safety during the transition to a full digital upgrade. This upgrade allows housing and care providers to offer improved well-being, safety, security, and service delivery.

Discover our SmartTEC range

Smart Living Solutions
The market-leading Technology Enabled Care suite for supported housing providers, designed for the digital network. Transform the delivery of your services with safety and wellbeing technology. Improves residents' living experience and enables your staff to work more effectively.
Learn more
SmartConnect
Our alternative digital Technology Enabled Care solution, at a simpler level. The answer for those who need to replace existing equipment. Straightforward to implement, helping you ensure the safety of vital services with the essentials of digital telecare.
Learn more
SmartLifeDUAL
Our enhanced dual SIM, digital dispersed alarm. Provides the reassurance of compatibility with the digital network, for safer services to individuals in the community. Works with your existing equipment for a flexible telecare solution.
Learn more

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    Testimonials

    “Our customers loved the Appello unit design, they felt it was modern, loved that it was black rather than white and easy to use. The presentation was professional and really appealed to our customers.”

    Amy Williams, Independent Living Team Leader
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    The use of digital tools whether directly or indirectly has proven of almost fundamental importance for communication and access to services in the current climate and the Appello SLS warden call system has had many benefits.

    Denise Williams
    Head of Support, Blackpool Coastal Housing

    The new digital solution meets heightening customer demand for modern independent living and promotes digital inclusion. Appello’s offering is modern, well designed and fit for purpose, with one system alone giving us the ability to be responsive, preventative and promote digital inclusion.

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    98% of our customers feel safer knowing they have access to Appello in an emergency

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    The professionalism and quality of the monitoring centre staff is key to the continued success

    Your Housing Group

    We wanted to move on from the old-fashioned ‘big red button’ and looked for a solution with better functionality, improved security and faster connection times.

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    Caledonia Housing

    Appello’s offering is modern, well designed and fit for purpose, with one system alone giving us the ability to be responsive, preventative and promote digital inclusion. Whilst benefiting from the many advantages of digital solutions.

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    After seeing Appello's digital solution we've made a commitment to only install digital care solutions in our new developments.

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    Housing and Care 21