TELEMETRIC COMMUNICATION
NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR B2B
TRADITIONAL INTERMEDIARIES
Telemetric communication is a means of communication and its applications spread across many industries. This report focuses on opportunities in the security industry so we will begin by looking at traditional intermediaries in this sector. However, we have included information on the medical and metering industries for comparision.
TRADITIONAL INTERMEDIARIES IN THE SECURITY INDUSTRY
Historically, law enforcement officials, local volunteer fire departments, and community watch-groups handled security issues and concerns. The methods employed to handle security matters consisted of a common element--human-to-human communication. Today, with the explosion of the Internet and E-Commerce, the processes for handling security issues have been transformed into machine-to-machine interactions. The developments in cellular telephones and wireless technology have yielded the dynamic technological invention of telemetry. Before this explosion of technological innovation, the process used for communicating security breaches and emergencies possessed high levels of potential human error. Yet, human interaction was considered part of the value added service provided by police, fire fighters and members of community watch groups. This community worked in conjunction with the creators of security systems, manufacturers, suppliers and the technological support teams that monitor and assist clients. Together, they formed a consortium of knowledge niches to service consumer needs, while utilizing existing communication channels.
A typical traditional intermediary - ADT Ltd.
In 1901, ADT was incorporated as a subsidiary of Western Union. Throughout its development, independent offices emerged, in addition to separating its services. In 1980, the Safewatch residential security system was introduced to the marketplace, enabling ADT to leverage its CentraScan technology. The 1990's witnessed ADT's introduction of such products as the wireless version of Safewatch, Focus system line and numerous access control and closed circuit television (CCTV) products. In 1998, ADT Ltd. was acquired by Tyco International Ltd. Currently, ADT has representation in over 230 major U.S. markets. ADT's residential security alarms consist of numerous products tailored to meet various needs. The traditional items work from a two way voice response system connected by a central control system. ADT communicates with its customers through a control panel wired to a security system and a telephone connection device in the client's home. Communication occurs over the residential phone lines and takes the place of a local call. The introduction of the Safewatch security system combined their existing alarm system with wireless technologies. Standard features with this system include one-touch police and fire emergency buttons, a zone bypass feature and a chime feature that can alert you each time a protected door or window opens.
Another product to utilize this technology is the Mobile911 phone provides the customer with personal portable security. Additional security products include CCTV Safewatch Closed-Circuit TV and Direct Paging. ADT Security Systems creates value for its customers by providing them with peace of mind-something that can be difficult to quantify. This company acquires revenue through its installation and monitoring fees (for specific services). Due to their extensive reach in the marketplace, the company is able to acquire new customers at a minimal cost. In addition, the monthly subscription fees keep the retention of their existing client base also at a minimal cost.
Other Traditional Intermediaries in the Security Industry:
911 Alarm
A&E Home Security
ADT Security Systems
ADEMCO
Alarm Center Security Systems, Inc.
Alarm Depot Inc.
Alarm Processing Corporation
Alarm Processing Systems
Alarm Systems Distributors
Alarmco, Inc.
Alarmguard Security Services
Associated Security Alarm Company
Bay Alarm Company
Beacon Security Systems, Inc.
BEI Security Systems
C & K Systems
C.M.S. Monitoring Systems, Inc
C.O.P.S. Monitoring
California Alarm and Security Camera
D-TECH
Dallas Security Systems
Dependable Alarm Systems
DetectAlert Alarm Center
Detection Systems Inc.
Detex International Corp.
Dictograph Security Systems
DMC Security Services, Inc
DMD Alarm
Dolphin Technologies Inc.
Easton Electronics Inc.
EDM Security Products
Excel Security Systems
Fidelity Alarm
First Alert Professional Security Systems
Fleenor Security Systems of Knoxville
FM Systems Incorporated
Force Security
Fort Knox Security Systems, Inc.
Gage-Babcok & Associates Inc.
Gamewell Company
Global Security Services, Inc.
Hi-TecH Security Systems Inc.
Home Security & Management Company
Inhouse Security Systems
Interactive Technologies Inc.
Jasonics Secrity Corporation
Liberty Bell Residential and Commercial Alarm Systems
Litton Poly-Scientific
Maximum Security
Mills Security Alarm Systems, Inc
Mitec
Motek, Inc.
Napco Security Systems Inc.
NASA Security & Alarm
Notifier
Personal Guardian, Inc.
Peterson Alarm Services
Phoenix Systems & Service, Inc.
Precision Alarm Systems
Protection Bureau
Protection Networks
R.B. Allen Co., Inc.
Radionics Inc.
Reliable Protection Systems
Safenet Security Systems
Security Alarm Data Corp (SADC)
Security Center
Security Command Center
Security Services Center
Secutron Inc.
Sentinel Alarm
Sentrol Inc.
Sentry Security
Silent Knight, Inc.
Sound Security
Southern Security Systems
Southwest Microwave, Inc.
Superior Alarms and Audio
Sylvesters Security Alarms Inc.
System Sensor
T.R.L. Security Co., Inc.
US Alarm Systems Inc.
Vector Security, Inc.
Visonic Inc.
Westinghouse Security Electronics
Wireman
TRADITIONAL INTERMEDIARIES IN THE METERING SECTOR
In the traditional meter reading system, one's meter is read approximately every 60 days. You'll recognize the meter reader by his or her uniform and the his vehicle which may be parked nearby. This methodology involves extensive human resources as well as transportation. Given that each meter reader is in charge of an extensive area, and that each meter reading has to be done individually, the transportation cost and the time involved in the task are high. This issue makes the traditional meter reading system inefficient and expensive.
Sub-metering
Increased utility costs and advances in technology have convinced many managers of condominiums and commercial properties that sub-metering of utilities is a necessary step in controlling costs. The two prevalent methods of utility apportionment - floor area and engineering estimates - are falling by the wayside in favor of the more accurate and defensible method of sub-metering. Sub-metering systems for electricity, water, chilled water, and gas are now commonplace, especially in mixed-use commercial/residential properties. The pay-off from sub-metering utilities, as would be expected, is that utility consumption drops after users begin paying directly for their own consumption habits. However, limitations to this system are the same as traditional meter reading, i.e, high time and transportation cost for monitoring.
Traditional Intermediaries in the metering sector include:
- Your local utility company in connection with one of the following -
General Electric
Siemens ST&D Meter Division
Schlumberger Resource Management Services
ABB
TransData
Ekstron
Quadlogic Controls Corporation
Ohm Tech Labs
Meter Technology Corporation
Epsilon meter
Computerized Meter Manufacturing Corp.
Innovatec Corporation
The Utility Store
TRADITIONAL INTERMEDIARIES IN THE MEDICAL SECTOR
Nurses act as the traditional intermediary between the patient and the medical service provider. Nurses are usually employed directly by a hospital or medical center. Telemetric communication has the potential for totally restructuring the activities of nurses. A more detailed analysis of this process is given in the electronic intermediaries section.
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
TRADITIONAL INTERMEDIARIES
ELECTRONIC INTERMEDIARIES
B2B OPPORTUNITIES
REFERENCES
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This report was completed October 2000 for the class B2B Electronic Commerce given by Professor Erran Carmel in the program of Management of Global Information Technology at the Kogod School of Business at American University in Washington DC.
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