| | February 201519CIOReviewproven solution involves wearing a pair of glasses that detect the early onset of drowsiness by observing the human eye and its unique behaviours. Our solution has always been in the wearable technology category but with recent improvements in battery life, we have evolved to wireless glasses and portable hand held monitors. One of the most important factors with wearable technology is the independent validation. As with many technologies, there are vast marketing claims made of greatness in this sector, but unfortunately this wearable space often lacks independent clinical and scientific validations. The value of the data needs to be independently validated and not self-proclaimed to be of real value. This for us has been a key differentiator for our technology in our client base globally. We have spent significant time and there have been no short cutsin our process ­ we have spent more than 150 man-years of research over 20 years to get us to where we are today.The process of validation in our company has involved well respected research centers including Harvard medical school and many independent clinical tests. We are now regarded as setting the standard in early-warning drowsiness detection, which is a critical factor in our success and acceptance into business.We have also validated our IP though not only our own physicians and independent clinical trials but also through the commercialisation of a product into mining and road transportation. These sectors really value the data we provide and how it saves lives.As with most businesses, our clients want to improve safety while simultaneously increasing yield and productivity. Of course in the mining and transportation sector, drowsiness is a major causal factor in impaired performance, higher distraction, poor judgement and delayed reaction time in much the same way as alcohol intoxication. To combat the negative impacts our clients use our drowsiness-detection solution and the data it generates.We treat the data from our drowsiness detection solution in Our solution has always been in the wearable technology category but with recent improvements in battery life, we have evolved to wireless glasses and portable hand held monitorsJames Gorrya multi-layered approach with three main areas of impact. First layer ­ operators see their drowsiness data levels at a glance and auditory alarms indicate when an operator's drowsiness or fatigue score is reaching higher risk levels.Second layer ­ managers and control room staff monitor real-time drowsiness levels of their entire fleet, anywhere in the world via the Individual Risk Indicator System (IRISTM) and through the use of instant messaging and emails. The IRISTM is a graphical interface simplifying the display of all data feedsThird layer ­ risk mitigation.Real-time data collected by the system can be used for a number of risk mitigation initiatives including shift adjustment and task rostering. There is another emerging trend around wearable technology ­ behavioral change. This has been noticeable over the past few years and it is a byproduct of wearable devices.Providing objective data to the employee allows them the opportunity to see how their own behavior during work and outside work hours affects performance. This level of self-awareness enables them to make behavioral changes and often improves their performance, efficiency and health.I believe the future is going to be interesting. The level of transparency will increase, and the history of an individual's lifestyle choices will become more significant for audit and profiling risk. Users of wearable devices will become more aware "big brother" could be watching and their actions are being monitored 24/7. Of course this data is just like a digital fingerprint and it needs to be protected. There will need to be a focus on policies and procedures to ensure security and protect the data and the individual.Businesses incorporating wearable technology who also realize the data's value will further generate intelligent business value and a strong return on investment.
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