Bosch has launched a comprehensive service in Europe termed 'Mobile Security' which is aimed at helping senior citizens, allowing them to move around more freely and safely, knowing that help is just a push of a button away.

People using the services of 'Mobile Security' carry a cellphone that combines GSM technology with the satellite-based global positioning system (GPS), explains Allan Antoncich, GM of Bosch Security Systems, southern Africa. "In an emergency, or when a person is feeling ill, they simply press a button to establish contact with security operations at the Bosch Communication Centre."

Six centres, located in key European cities, are manned around the clock and receive the positioning data of the person needing help via SMS. The centre then sets up voice communication. The operator in the security centre sees the person's position in a high-resolution map, talks to him/her and, if necessary, immediately initiates the aid measures previously agreed upon.

So whether 'granny' is taking a quiet stroll or goes shopping in a busy mall, the 24/7 service increases a person's sense of security, thereby encouraging a more active life style.

Family members of those using the service, or their caretakers, also benefit from 'Mobile Security'. Authorised people may call security operations at the Bosch Communication Centre and ask for the senior citizen's position, if, for example, he or she does not arrive home by the agreed time. The system can also define areas within which a person can move. If he or she leaves that area, the cellphone automatically sends an alarm that informs the caretaker. This is particularly helpful for disoriented people or patients with Alzheimer's Disease, who may easily forget their way home or lose their bearings. With the Bosch service, they are rapidly found.

Another area of application for 'Mobile Security' is the controlled deployment of nursing and other service staff. If these caregivers carry a multifunctional cellphone, the security operations centre can easily detect who is in closest proximity to the person in need. This guarantees rapid action, while also preventing unnecessary deployment, since many details can be discussed and solved over the phone.

The Bosch Communication Centres in Europe can also optimise routing of service staff on duty, thus saving time and money for the service staff, while providing a better service to the aged.

While 'Mobile Security' is not yet available in SA, an opportunity exists for call centres to implement this product and offer a new security solution to the market.

For more information contact Bosch Security Systems, 011 651 7810, boschsecuritysystems@za.bosch.com