The city of Houston will be the first to implement an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled platform called ActiveShield that redefines public safety. Two Houston schools will pilot the IoT safe-spaces technology created by Tempe-based Insight Enterprises, which integrates with a building safety platform from BeSafe Technologies to facilitate critical, real-time information sharing during a crisis.
ActiveShield leverages the power of Safe Spaces developed by Insight, part of a suite of customizable, end-to-end smart spaces solutions developed by the Digital Innovation team at Insight, a Fortune 500 global systems integrator helping organizations of all sizes manage and transform their business. Insight’s Safe Spaces solution addresses communication challenges during emergency events where public safety is threatened, running safety mechanisms like sound sensors and color-coded LED lighting through an IoT-enabled response system. The real-time information sharing clearly conveys the nature of an incident to first responders and people in the vicinity of the impacted area.
“Knowledge is power, and our mission is to save lives by providing the right information to the right people at the right time,” said Kevin Harrington, chief executive officer of BeSafe Technologies. “What we see with Insight Safe Spaces is the ability to use IoT to build on our core capabilities to further improve public safety. This creates a communication hub that instantly connects on-site security with police, fire and other emergency responders, as well as building occupants.”
BeSafe, a provider of emergency response communication technology between school administrators and first responders, is working with Microsoft and the city of Houston to install the platform in two schools within the Aldine Independent School District (AISD). BeSafe already has equipped the schools with its core safety and security system, and the IoT-enabled ActiveShield will be implemented next.
“Student and staff safety are a top priority. The partnership with the city of Houston and Microsoft will take our efforts to the next level,” said AISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney. The district announced Friday that its application of the smart technology helped the city of Houston win the Smart Buildings Award as part of the IDC Smart Cities North America Awards.
While Insight’s main focus for Safe Spaces is comprehensive, deeply integrated safety deployments, ActiveShield offers a cost-effective software-as-a-service solution for the broader market.
BeSafe was founded in 1999 with the simple goal of helping keep schools safe for students and staff. Today, BeSafe’s award-winning emergency response system distributes enhanced digital floorplans, points of entry/exit, and emergency contact information to police, fire, SWAT and other emergency teams. This provides a comprehensive view for first responders who have limited knowledge of a given site to save precious time during decision making.
The Safe Spaces solution from Insight integrates with BeSafe’s ActiveShield to create an IoT platform that acts as the central hub for:
• Capturing data transmitted from sensor-based technology – cameras, sound and motion sensors, etc. – integrated with third-party security solutions, providing them the ability to share real-time information and coordinate emergency response. For example, when sound sensors detect abnormal noises, an alert can be sent automatically to security personnel to assess the situation and immediately request assistance from law enforcement agencies
• Panic buttons that a teacher or other school faculty can press to send an alert if they feel threatened
• Color-coded smart lights that automatically illuminate to warn of an emergency based on proximity to the possible danger and help people identify safe zones
• Real-time communication to on-site security and emergency services, with different alerts or action plans based on the information being shared with the central system
• Direct lines of communication for people involved in the crisis via a navigation-based mobile app to provide updates and safety instructions in real time
“Insight Safe Spaces harnesses the power of Microsoft Azure IoT solution accelerators and other partner products into meaningful go-to-market solutions that can be developed and fully managed by Insight as standalone offerings or integrated into an existing safety system — opening new doors to enhanced public safety,” said Stan Lequin, vice president and general manager, Insight Digital Innovation. “Insight is helping BeSafe expand its foundation of advanced building information technology, transforming these capabilities into interactive action plans that give emergency responders a critical advantage when every second saved potentially means a life saved.”
Rodney Clark, vice president, IoT Sales, Microsoft, added: “ActiveShield is built on an open-source safety notification IoT solution accelerator, jointly developed by Insight and Microsoft, to help partners like BeSafe expedite development of secure, differentiated solutions and accelerate time to value. AISD’s piloting ActiveShield, to keep their schools safe and students learning, demonstrates the transformative impact that can be realized through IoT.”
As the 2018 Microsoft Worldwide Artificial Intelligence Partner of the Year, Insight’s deep expertise in the Internet of Things and data analytics puts people at the heart of creating relevant, connected experiences. For more information on Insight’s Safe Spaces, visit Insight Digital Innovation solutions or contact Insight at InsightDI@insight.com or 800-INSIGHT.
For more information on ActiveShield, visit www.BeSafe.net to request an online demo.
