Since its inception, CSL has specialised in developing and delivering connectivity solutions tailored explicitly for critical applications, providing alarm signalling and remote monitoring for security, fire, and telecare systems.
We spoke to Joe Sheppard, CSL’s Head of Marketing, to find out how CSL is expanding its reach into new market sectors.
CSL is known for providing secure and reliable communication pathways that keep critical infrastructure systems connected. In the security, fire and telecare sectors, which have been its core vertical markets, the company’s solutions help ensure that alarms, alerts, and data from various devices and sensors are transmitted efficiently and securely to monitoring centres, emergency responders, or relevant personnel.
The company’s solutions involve alarm signalling, which refers to transmitting alarms or alerts generated by security systems, fire detection systems, access control systems, and other monitoring devices. Reliable and rapid alarm signalling enables swift responses to potential threats or incidents within critical infrastructure settings.
These solutions are not needed just by the security, fire and telecare sectors; increasingly, other critical infrastructure organisations require an ‘always-on’ connection, no matter what.
Joe describes the four sectors CSL currently focuses on: critical infrastructure, retail, health and automotive.
“Our core market since our foundation has been the fire and security sector,” Joe says, “About ten years ago, we moved into what would be considered the health sector, and the industry focused within that was the telecare market. We had great success in this sector.”
Critical infrastructure systems require redundancy and fail-safe mechanisms to ensure continuity even in the face of disruptions. CSL’s solutions include backup communication pathways and redundancy features, allowing critical data and alerts to be transmitted even if one pathway fails.
Joe continues, “We’re looking to replicate our success in other areas around critical national infrastructure. This can encompass water utility companies, gas, electric, high-speed rail projects, airports, or anything that might be considered critical infrastructure.
“The next sector we’re starting to work with is retail. Obviously, we are already involved in that from a security side, but we’re looking at things like digital signage, payment systems, store tagging, and we’ve had some great projects earmarked.
“The automotive market is the final sector we see great demand for reliable connectivity. Automotive logistics, such as Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations, general parking, and traffic monitoring, are growing fast.”
Across the UK, CSL is partnering with Parkingeye, a leading company in car park management. CSL provides them with managed IoT Routers, guaranteeing constant service availability, 24/7 through our remote management and private encrypted network. This allows Parkingeye to ensure the availability and efficient management of both parking bays and EV chargers.
Business Continuity and IoT
The way that CSL provides its solutions is tailored to the market sector and project it is involved in.
Joe explains, “We work directly with manufacturers if the connectivity is included on a device. We also work with the installers if there is a need to combine it with a specific solution and we collaborate with a lot of local authorities and councils. We work with key people at every stage of the ecosystem.”
In critical infrastructure, the Internet of Things (IoT) plays a significant role in remote monitoring and management. CSL’s solutions enable real-time connection and control of essential equipment, systems, and facilities. This remote accessibility can enhance operational efficiency, enable predictive maintenance, and facilitate prompt responses to anomalies.
“In terms of connectivity and IoT, hundreds to thousands of devices need to be connected daily. Our focus it the critical and professional installations. Therefore we work closely with government, local authorities and big High Street brands and retailers to ensure they have the most reliable connectivity solution,” adds Joe.
From next year, CSL will work alongside Vodafone to deliver managed IoT services that will underpin the connectivity rollout for the Fourth National Lottery Licence. The new 10-year licence was awarded to Allwyn UK and will become effective from February 2024. But for CSL, the projects don’t stop there.
“We’re looking at the smart e-scooters and bikes right now. There’s a big growth in the e-mobility world – sometimes called micro-mobility, and everything needs connectivity. IoT provides many benefits that are sometimes taken for granted – until something doesn’t work, and you notice it,” Joe adds, concluding, “With CSL, companies can guarantee they can provide the promised service.”
CSL’s role is centred around providing secure, reliable, and efficient communication solutions that empower critical infrastructure, healthcare, retail, and automotive sectors to maintain their operations and respond effectively at any time. By offering connectivity solutions tailored to the unique needs of these sectors, CSL contributes to the resilience and functionality of critical infrastructure systems, ultimately enhancing public safety and national security.
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