GPS reduces field staff risk

Employees who work in risky situations could benefit from mobile technology that uses satellites to pinpoint the location of remote staff.

Anglo Communications' Advisor uses global positioning system (GPS) technology to locate the worker's GSM phone and reports its position to a central control centre. The centre then generates a response alert to the phone using SMS, to which the remote worker must respond with a single button press on the phone. If the reply is not received, emergency measures can be put into action.

The device is aimed at lone employees, such as social workers, health visitors and estate agents.

Anglo's technical manager, Rob Furlong, said the device includes a 'panic' button should staff find themselves in need of assistance.

"The phone sends an SMS message back to the control centre, and gives both audible and visual alerts. We leave the procedural issues of how to deal with an emergency signal to the client, it's important not to second-guess the procedures of organisations," he said.

Furlong was keen to stress that the system is not primarily for keeping tabs on staff. "The device reports the location of its user only if the user sets it to do so. This function cannot be overridden by the central control room."

Users can access GSM networks of Vodafone and BT Cellnet, and handsets can be equipped with dual SIM cards to minimise the chance of losing coverage.

But this is the first generation of the product, and there are still evident weaknesses. "The GPS satellite needs to be able to see the user. It can't detect users under ground or in subways," said Furlong.

Anglo is looking into the use of GSM and 3G triangulation technology to improve tracking.

The US government controls GPS satellites. "It's not a foolproof system because it relies on government satellites, but they have said these won't be turned off - too many airlines rely on the technology," said Furlong.