SYSTEM OVERVIEW

Infopoint provides a range of user-friendly telephone help-points in public areas where users might need local services but don’t have access to information or telephone numbers. Users can make free, direct calls to any of the organisations or companies that feature on the terminal, at the touch of a button, or with a two-digit speed-dial number depending on unit type. The units are designed to make it easy to contact specific services which are determined by the site operator.

Infopoint were looking for a number of improvements to a previous version provided by a different supplier. The main requirement was for a reduction in the time taken to program the numbers for the auto-dial buttons. GAI-Tronics’ SMART solution was chosen for all future units for the ability to programme them quickly and easily through its TMA software. Programming time per phone was reduced from over an hour to approximately 10 minutes.

Reliability, build quality and CE marked products were also major considerations for Infopoint. GAI-Tronics provides the rugged handset, the electronics (SMART PCB board) and a TMA system for the help points. This gives all the benefits of a GAI-Tronics SMART telephone within Infopoint’s own bespoke housings.

SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITY

There are three versions of help point: 6-button, 12-button or full keypad (directory-style). On the 6-button and 12-button units, to make a call, the user lifts handset and presses a single button next to the display of the service of their choice. The telephone dials a pre-programmed number to call their chosen service – free of charge.

The directory-style unit can store up to 85 telephone numbers in its memory.  Users simply dial the 2-digit speed dial number listed on the directory for a free call to their chosen service.

All Infopoint help-points use GAI-Tronics SMART (Self Monitoring And Reporting Technology). SMART allows remote programming and health-status monitoring of the telephone unit. Together with a self-reporting feature which alerts the control room immediately a fault occurs, SMART provides a powerful tool in the planning of maintenance and service activity.

If, for example, an organisation has a different number to call at night than in the daytime, SMART can be programmed to dial the correct number according to the time of day. As the programming can take place remotely, the unit does not have to be visited or returned to make changes. The terminals are monitored remotely using GAI-Tronics TMA (Telephone Management Application) software, and maintained remotely from the Infopoint offices in Cambridge. Infopoint's PC base station manages incoming and outgoing maintenance calls.