South African first - new technology personal locator improves safety

Edge Risk Management Solutions (EdgeRMS™) has brought to market the S-911™ Personal Locator - a handheld, compact tracking device that can pin-point an individual's position while alerting a 24/7 call centre to deploy emergency response services. Launched at The Innovation Hub in Pretoria recently, this South African first has a portable panic alarm and is set to dramatically improve the ability of individuals to protect themselves and their assets.

The S-911™ Personal Locator is a handheld, compact tracking device with a portable panic alarm and is set to dramatically improve the ability of individuals to protect themselves and their assets.

Carel Herbst and Anthon Marais setting up and testing systems before delivery to clients.

The South African public is burdened by some of the highest crime statistics in the world. The increasing regularity with which individuals fall victim to crime and the daily media focus on these incidents have created unprecedented awareness of risks to individual safety and assets, and a public outcry for measures to counteract this.

According to EdgeRMS™ CEO Carel Herbst, the S-911™ works on a combined GPS [Global Positioning System] and GPRS [General Packet Radio Service] gateway. Similar to a cellphone, it provides 24/7 individual monitoring across a variety of networks and interfaces, uses a sim card and is capable of sending voice and sms transmissions.

Linked to GSM [Global System for Mobile Communications] networks, the locator has an accuracy range of two to three metres and can track under bridges and in buildings where satellite transmission might not be possible. "This is an important feature for a country like South Africa, where much of the crime occurs on our roads, public pathways and other areas outside of the home", he said.

National Project Manger of Business Against Crime's Home Affairs and Correctional Services Project, Alvin Rapea, confirmed the urgent need for technology to contribute to making South Africa safer and more secure for all its citizens. "The ease with which the technology can be used makes it ideal for school security, home security breaches, field trips, correctional departments, law enforcement, vehicle dealerships, and asset tracking," he said.

EdgeRMS™ runs the South African platform of the S-911™ - which was developed by Laipac Technology Inc - and will provide software updates and any further development needed for the local market. A tenant at The Innovation Hub, EdgeRMS™ is also the official Laipac business support and distribution partner in the African and the Middle East regions.

To find out more contact Carel Herbst at 012 844 1100 or visit the website at www.edgerms.co.za.

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