Vodafone Group’s R&D team has built a prototype product recall system that allows manufacturers to notify consumers of recalled faulty or potentially dangerous electrical goods.
This comes as the world marks World Customer Service Week slated for October 5 – 9 this year and set aside for companies and service providers to reward their clients as they pledge to serve them even better.
The new system from Vodafone, which is still in development, also shuts such faulty and or recalled products down remotely if needed. The products include washing machines, fridges, freezers and tumble dryers.
A statement from Vodafone Group said “The system will will help boost Vodafone’s leading position in providing secure and reliable connectivity to an increasing number of smart home appliances.”
Meanwhile, Vodafone says it is already working with household and commercial appliance manufacturers on mobile controls and network technology, adding that “These give consumers peace of mind that they can control their devices remotely and will be notified when, for example, they leave their freezer door open.”
Using Vodafone’s Global Internet of Things (IoT) technology – the world’s largest platform of its kind with more than 100 million connections – Vodafone’s engineers are now turning their attention to home safety, the statement read.
It said Vodafone has developed a prototype system which uses a miniature electronic device module – similar in size to a SIM card – installed within the appliance to provide a link over Vodafone’s network.
“This allows a manufacturer to notify consumers of a potential issue with their appliance and, if necessary, disable the appliance by using Vodafone’s network, reducing the risk of harm to the appliance, consumer or their home,” it noted.
In situations that pose no risk, the statement said, companies can send a message via the Vodafone system to an LED on the product to notify consumers of the recall of their appliance.
With many large appliances recalled each year worldwide and serious faults frequently linked to fires, the Vodafone Safety Alert Message Indicator (SAMI) overcomes the issue of manufacturers not being able to contact the affected customers.
According to Vodafone, that is particularly relevant if the appliance is not registered to a postal address or is re-sold. The manufacturer can also keep an audit trail of messages delivered successfully to their customers using this Vodafone service.
Vodafone Group Chief Technology Officer Johan Wibergh said: “Our technology is already allowing manufacturers to let consumers control home appliances when they are out and about. Now we have the potential to help manufacturers stay connected to their products in the field, enabling them to manage more effectively both servicing and safety recalls.
“The initial feedback from fire brigades for our system in development has been positive and we are now looking to work with manufacturers to make the IoT Safety Alert Message Indicator a reality. This is especially important at a time when the number of electronic appliances per household are predicted to increase and we spend more time at home.”
Vodafone’s engineers developed the IoT module with safety in mind. It works independently to the host product and uses only a small amount of direct current (DC) battery power to avoid the mains power supply.
The Vodafone Safety Alert Message Indicator has received innovation awards from both the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and Electrical Safety First (ESF) – a UK charity dedicated to reducing and preventing damage, injuries and death caused by electricity.
About Vodafone Group
Vodafone is a leading technology communications company keeping society connected and building a digital future for everyone.
Vodafone is focused on two scaled and differentiated regional platforms in Europe and Africa. We operate mobile and fixed networks in 22 countries and partner with mobile networks in 48 more. As at 30 June 2020 we had over 300m mobile customers, more than 27m fixed broadband customers and over 22m TV customers.
We connect for a better future. We are optimistic about how technology and connectivity can enhance the future and improve people’s lives. Through our business, we aim to build a digital society that enhances socio-economic progress, embraces everyone and does not come at the cost of our planet. That is why we have committed to improve one billion lives and halve our environmental impact by 2025.
