Message from the Managing Director

Wow, Christmas is almost upon us, and 2017 is fast approaching. Where did 2016 go?

2016 has been an extremely busy year for all of us at INS. I am delighted to say that my extremely talented and dedicated team have once again surpassed all expectations.

The beginning of 2016 saw us release our world-first SmartHome IP Dialler. As we have done many times before, with its release, we again disrupted the whole industry.

The IP Dialler encompasses many included technologies and features, which we are now able to leverage to provide a vast number of additional services to our clients, their caregivers, and village managers. As health care providers, we are really excited to be able to offer these additional services to our clients.

Since its release, we have continued to add functions, features and improvements over the air whilst also addressing feedback we continue to receive from our valued clients.

I am pleased to say that the response to the SmartHome IP Dialler has been amazing, with many new clients coming on board.

​Of course, to be a true client-centred technology driving positive health, wellness and security, it is important that we continue to leverage the unique ability of the IP Dialler in acting as a home health gateway. As you will see below, the release of the Village Manager’s Portal and, more recently, the client portal provides a unique ability to interact with clients in their homes – providing information, messages, tasks and reminders, emergency evacuations and much, much more. It also empowers clients with the ability to update their personal and medical details themselves at any time.

We recognise that many clients are struggling financially – for many, the cost of maintaining a telephone line, let alone internet service, is unbearable. So we also released low-cost options for clients to maintain a telephone service as well as an internet browsing service through the SmartHome IP Dialler.

2016 saw us also embark on a massive undertaking to replace most of our current analogue medical alarm units across the country with the new SmartHome IP Dialler under a subsidised scheme.

This has been necessary as the roll-out of the NBN across the country will impact the proper operation (in most cases) of the older analogue technology. The SmartHome IPD overcomes this problem as it can also connect via 3G/GSM network. Indeed it can connect via various technologies, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.

This transitional undertaking has been an enormous task which we are hoping to complete by the end of 2017. Recently the scheme has also been made available to some sites which are currently monitoring their own medical alarms on site. There are terms and conditions involved. However, I recommend that if your village is currently monitoring on-site, talk to us and see if you qualify for inclusion in the scheme.

Of course, we can’t sit on our hands. Innovation never stops with my team at INS. Going into 2017, we have a number of new and exciting products and services being released. Some we can’t yet disclose (sorry), but as you will see below, our range of Wi-Fi doorbells and cameras, as well as smart call point hubs, are all planned for release in early 2017. You will find further details below. Further enhancements such as Voice Activation of the SmartHome IP Dialler and an ability for residents to use their personal pendants within on-site community centres are also in development.

Early 2017 will see us release an optional 3G/GMS/4G/LTE edition of the SmartHome IP Dialler. This will support clients who wish to utilise the SmartHome IPD as an internet browsing hub, using the in-built Wi-Fi to connect other devices in the home for faster browsing. It will also support clients who regularly require video communication with INS via our TeleHealth/Virtual Care Services or in areas where the current 3G network access is limited.

March/April 2017 will also see us commence services in New Zealand with the launch of INS LifeGuard NZ. I am really excited about this as we will no doubt shake up the market as we did in Australia through our unique health, wellness and prevention-based services and exclusive technologies.

All in all, 2017 promises to be a very exciting year. I wish you and all your families a very safe, prosperous and joyous Christmas, and I thank all of our clients for their continued trust and support.

Merry Christmas.

Claude Rafin, Managing Director
The INS Group