ADT Security has launched a GPS-driven application using smartphone technology to extend its service of monitoring and response beyond the home or business premises to track and locate individuals in an emergency and dispatch the relevant response team.
The ADT FindU application uses the built-in electronic componentry of a smartphone (Blackberry, Windows Phone 8, Android and IOS) coupled with cell tower triangulation, WiFi hotspot triangulation and GPS satellite positioning to accurately locate an individual.
Martin Ochien’g, ADT’s Marketing and Strategy Director, said that depending on the phone model, the process of getting a satellite fix can take anywhere between 30 and 60 seconds.
“Activating the phone is as easy as double-tapping, shaking or swiping the screen and a customisable sensitivity meter or thumb-swipe option (that is not available on IOS) helps prevent accidental activations.”
“GPS tracking is by far the most accurate with modern phones using up to 64 different satellites to provide positioning, and this means that the service will function wherever there is cell phone reception. When an alert is sent to the ADT Monitoring Centre we will contact the individual to assess their needs and dispatch the appropriate emergency services team to respond.
“During this time, the application will refresh and update their location every 15 seconds so that we always know where they are.”
He said that while there are other applications on the market that provide a location service, none are supported by a full-house response component.
“We have recognised that the true value in a location service is having someone come and help you when you need it. For this reason we have pooled the resources of our Armed Response team, with those of the National Sea
Rescue Institute and Emergency Medical Services and/or mountain and wilderness rescue groups.”
“ADT FindU further enables the automatic upload of live video and audio to our Monitoring Centre which allows us to view what is happening, respond accordingly, and not aggravate an already volatile situation.”
The application also allows three configuration options.
“Personal Mode allows the user to customise the display. Deterrent Mode makes it very obvious that the phone is being tracked with sound bombing and a strobe light that are initiated upon a second activation. ‘Stealth Mode’ slips the application into the background upon activation so it is not visible on the phone that an alert has been sent and that the phone is being tracked,” says Ochien’g.
He added that the ADT FindU application significantly improves ADT’s ability to extend their service beyond the premises where it is currently focused.
An added benefit is that ADT FindU is able to help locate a stolen handset using hard coded componentry numbers and an active internet connection, not a SIM card or cell number.
“Should a phone get lost or stolen the owner can log onto www.adtfindu.co.za and select the relevant option. The next time the phone connects to the internet – even if the app is not switched on – an alert will appear on the operators’ monitoring stack and we will be able to assist to locate the handset. This may also lead us to the criminals who stole it,” says Ochien’g.
ADT can be downloaded free at www.adtfindu.co.za. To subscribe, non-ADT Armed Response customers will pay R49 per month while discounted rates apply for existing clients.
