The Telecare Services Association (TSA) has introduced the British Standard BS8521 to tackle a challenge faced by the telecare and telehealth industry – the inability to utilize advancements in technology due to incompatibility between systems from different manufacturers. With the support of the TSA and input from suppliers, BS8521 sets the criteria for establishing a uniform signaling protocol, allowing social alarm systems from various manufacturers to exchange important information and controls in a harmonious manner. This includes identifying a local unit and controller and the necessary controls to operate the communication between the local unit and the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).
The standard has the endorsement of major equipment suppliers who have pledged to incorporate it in both remote control and alarm receiving center equipment after its publication.
BS8521, for the first time, offers the potential for improved compatibility between remote controllers from different manufacturers, better identification and localization of alarms, and a telecommunications network environment that is more robust.
