Spur can initiate a request or report an issue and provides the user with an immediate acknowledgement. The physical part of Spur is a call button and a display that shows messages to the user for requests and reports and provides visual feedback with results. ContinuumBridge explains that Spur's display, when situated next to a coffee machine, could read ‘push here if this machine requires more coffee’. Feedback would then be reported through a message such as ‘more coffee for this machine has been requested’.
Multiple call options can be chosen by cycling the Spur e-ink display. This feature can be used in applications such as requesting waiter service, asking for the bill in a restaurant and rating customer experience. The company gives other examples such as reporting that a printer or photocopier is out of toner and for toilets when they require cleaning.
Spur is undergoing trials in the UK and production will begin in mid-2016 following its launch at the Smart IoT London event at ExCel this week. It is aimed at service providers in the facilities management, retail, leisure and hospitality industries. According to ContinuumBridge, automating the service process with Spur provides cost-savings as it “allows staff to focus on responding to the end-user and avoids time spent checking for issues”.
Spur’s performance monitoring also allows a service provider to show it is fulfilling a service level agreement (SLA) with a client company and meeting the expectations of end-users. ContinuumBridge state that a “key benefit” of Spur is enabling data-driven decision-making through processes such as adjusting routine maintenance schedules to reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and call-outs. Spur’s call button is battery powered with a life of up to five years.
The device has long-range operation through its use of radio at 868 MHz to penetrate buildings. A gateway bridge, which requires a power outlet, provides connectivity between the wireless buttons and a server using a cellular modem. Service providers access the server through a programmable web portal, which also shows reports through end-user feedback. Spur has end-to-end security and can also provide reporting by email, SMS or data-sharing with a third party database.
“During Spur’s development we worked closely with our customers and are confident that it meets genuine needs,” said Peter Claydon, CEO of ContinuumBridge. “The capability that lies behind the button provides numerous benefits for both the service provider and for the end user.”
