The CUSTODIAN project builds on the now concluded TIDE projects of HS-ADEPT, ASHoRED, and CASA. The whole premise of the TIDE programme is that technology has an important role to play in addressing the problem of the increasing cost of care due to the demographic changes throughout Europe and in enabling greater independence and participation in society for disabled and elderly people. The challenges to be met if this is to be realised are diverse. In particular, a key issue is how are the appropriate technological solutions to be introduced where they are needed.

The quality of life of disabled and elderly people, can be greatly improved by the integration of a whole range of assistive technology and general systems on home networks. A home network (also termed home system, smart house or intelligent home) is a communications infrastructure within the home that enables different domestic electronic products to exchange information and work in an integrated fashion.

The systems that would be of particular benefit include: environmental control systems (enabling easy and often remote control of products in the home); safety and security systems, including remote monitoring; and energy and heat management. All these inherently require a means of communication between different electronic devices about the home. Smart home system components and general products that could be used in such systems are becoming increasingly available.

How will these systems be introduced in practice however? In the earlier stages of development at least, the main purchasers of such systems for the provision of support and care services will be the Local Authorities, Community Care Providers, Housing Associations and other specialist service providers. These organisations may not have, nor desire to have, the necessary technical expertise that can specify a system that meets their, and their clients, needs and then source and integrate the products to construct it. This is particularly the case considering that the constituent products will almost certainly come from various suppliers.

Furthermore, purchasers will rightly seek a high level of technical support throughout the specification, installation, commissioning and operation of the systems. Sourcing this technical support separately from the different product suppliers is not desirable and likely to lead to poor overall support at a high cost.

A likely business model that could meet this need is that a specialist company/individual acts as the Process Facilitator (Systems Integrator) providing the purchaser with a comprehensive technical consultancy and support service throughout the introduction and subsequent operation of such systems.

A crucial issue is how to provide such a service at a price that the market will bear. The Custodian project is addressing this by collating the necessary expertise and developing a comprehensive and integrated set of computer based tools to enable this expertise to be efficiently delivered to the purchaser while promoting full participation in the process by the end-users.

It is expected that potential Process Facilitators could arise from several areas in the market:

1. Local Authorities – Occupational Therapists, Senior Care Workers
2. Private Consultants – contracted to Local Authorities, the voluntary and private sector, and construction companies
3. Electrical Installers – contracted as above
4. Suppliers of home networks
5. Existing suppliers of rehabilitation technology

In terms of process any particular Process Facilitator is unlikely to have the full range of expertise that needs to be brought to bear on the process of specifying a system for a given installation. Technically oriented individuals will need additional training to learn about the translation of healthcare needs into input for the CUSTODIAN Tool. Conversely, there is a technical learning curve for staff trained in care professions taking on the Process Facilitator role.

The Process Facilitator will be able to use the CUSTODIAN tool to identify solutions relevant to the elderly/disabled user’s needs. Training in the use of CUSTODIAN will be available to ensure that the tool is utilised to the best effect, and will cover the following:

1. User Needs Analysis
2. Equipment– generic types, uses and availability
3. Use of CUSTODIAN
4. Overview of European Installation Bus (EIB) and EIB Tool Environment (ETE)
5. Safety, security, housing design and ethical issues of Smart Homes
6. Setting up in business as a Process Facilitator

The wide range of skills useful to the Process Facilitators means that a number of different disciplines and professions may be involved. These disciplines will not be restricted to those with technical expertise in technological systems and networks. Indeed the findings of the User Needs Analysis suggest a key role for such professions as Occupational Therapy and other medical and social care disciplines.

Univation, a training and consultancy company wholly owned by RGU, will provide training in the use of the CUSTODIAN tool and will be extended with a course on care systems at Edinvar in Edinburgh.

The development of PF businesses is integral with the other activities of the Custodian project and is given a high priority. A European Network of Process Facilitators will be established in order to open up the market for home network systems

The European Network of Process Facilitators and the CUSTODIAN tools provide support and access to information, particularly in the areas that have not previously been core to the activities of Process Facilitators. Thus, for the technology company or electrical installer, the particular benefit may be in terms of support in determining the user needs and understanding the priorities and concerns of the purchaser.

For the Process Facilitator with a background in supplying other equipment for disabled and elderly people the ease with which the technology can be understood and configured would be the key benefit. It is unlikely in the foreseeable future that different Process Facilitators would compete within the same geographical area. The vested interests of the Integrators therefore is not so much competitive but in working together on projects and sharing best practice and expertise.

To help potential Process Facilitators develop an appropriate business model and business plan for their particular circumstances a generic Process Facilitator Business Plan will be developed to serve as a template. An outline version of this is attached and a full version will be available as part of the third iteration of the Custodain Marketing and Exploitation Plan.

To find out more about becoming a Process Facilitator e-mail Bruce Taylor

Alternatively write or telephone

Tel: ++(1224) 263537

Fax: ++(1224) 263737

For more information, the following files are available to download:

Taylor, B J., Slaven, G. A., 1999, User Needs Reports, D3.1 and D3.2 (ZIP File)

Darby, K., Taylor, M., 2000, Marketing and Exploitation Plan, D2.1b, Issue 2 (Word File)

Business Plan (Word File)