VoWifi system to improve communication for lone workers, first aiders and engineers
Leading supplier to life science industries, Lonza has selected ANT Telecom to provide a tailored lone worker VoWiFi system to be used within its UK facility. As part of Lonza’s expansion and modernisation of the GMP plant in Slough to allow for larger scale production, a VoWiFi lone worker system from ANT Telecom will be implemented across the site.
Graham Gibb, at Lonza, comments, “We are currently upgrading our UK site and it was decided that as part of the modernisation we will look to improve our lone worker system. Previously the lone worker system included an audible alarm and flashing light but was subject to human error, relying on employees to tell a security guard where they would be working when they collected a device and a guard would have to locate them if an incident occurred.”
He added, “We have a number of people that could be working as lone workers over our multi-building sites during evenings and weekends. Therefore the VoWiFi system from ANT Telecom was selected as it allows for employees to be pinpointed on a computer screen and easily located.”
Prior to Lonza selecting the solution from ANT Telecom, the team at ANT worked closely with Lonza providing consultancy and advice to ensure that the lone worker system addresses all Lonza’s specific business requirements. VoWifi systems can use an organisation’s existing Wifi network for voice traffic and standard data reducing implementation costs, therefore, the VoWifi system will use Lonza’s existing WiFi network for vocal conversation via 55 devices that will be used across the building, providing protection for lone workers and also a means of communication for all employees.
Gibb comments, “We started out looking for a lone worker system but ANT explained to us what the system is capable of in terms of communication. This functionality was not something we had previously considered but found it would work well for our business. Given this, we decided it would be appropriate for our first aiders to use the new system too so that in the event of an emergency or incident, they will be sent an SMS messages and they can respond to a situation more quickly.”
He added, “Previously when someone was in need of a first aider, they would call a number and that would go through to a security guard who would notify an appropriate person via radio. However, with the ANT system in place, the security guard will just have to press a button that will send a one-to-many message out to say there is a first aider required and whoever is nearest can then respond on the handset and inform the security guard that they are on the way.”
Replacing a lone worker system with VoWifi offers vocal communication capabilities and can dramatically improve internal business communications and efficiencies.
For example with messages and calls being sent directly to the most appropriate person as opposed to all personnel generally, the communication is direct, instant and effective and also negates the need to rely on someone to pass on a message for you, which is not ideal in a busy working environment.
Gibbs explains, “Once we had decided that we would use the VoWifi devices not only as lone worker device, we decided to roll them out to our engineers as well to replace their old bulky radio systems.”
He added, “The benefit of the VoWifi devices to the engineers is not only that the physical size of the device is far more practical and user-friendly but it also allows for direct calls to particular engineers to be made.”
The VoWifi system can also be used within particular areas rather than being assigned to a particular staff member, for example as an alarm system within a lift. Gibbs comments, “We are also installing the handsets in our lifts meaning that if anybody has the misfortune to get stuck in a lift they will be able to speak to someone and know that someone is coming to help them rather than just pushing and alarm button and receiving no communication or reassurance that someone is aware of the alarm.”
Gibbs concludes, “ANT Telecom have provided us with an excellent service and have been very helpful. Moving forward, the VoWifi system and devices will be rolled out to all lone workers, first aiders, engineers and lifts campus-wide as the buildings are updated accordingly.”
Chris Potts, sales and marketing director at ANT Telecom, comments, “Prior to making a decision regarding implementing a new lone worker system, businesses need to take a step back and assess their real business requirements with input from a number of individuals, including end users, to identify the communications technologies that truly reflect business objectives. Team well-planned decisions with necessary preparation and businesses can ensure productivity is not interrupted by the implementation of a new lone worker system that will produce cost savings and improve productivity, control and efficiency.”
Click here to download a 
