Advanced healthcare communication through IP technology with the SMC-IPX system
In healthcare environments such as hospitals and care homes, managing patient calls is central to daily operations. OPTIMUS developed the SMC-IPX system to meet this requirement, utilising an all-IP architecture that enhances security and operational efficiency across the facility.
IP architecture and PoE power: Efficient installation
Unlike conventional systems, SMC-IPX leverages the flexibility of standard data networks. Using Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows the system to be deployed with simplified cabling, reducing both capital expenditure and project timescales. This technical foundation ensures the system remains a scalable solution, suitable for individual departments or entire hospital complexes.
At the heart of ward-level management is the TH-10IP terminal. Rather than a simple intercom, it serves as a control node meticulously refined by OPTIMUS engineering. Through precise software and hardware optimisation, this device provides hierarchical management of all peripherals — including call buttons, presence switches, bathroom pull cords, and bed handsets — ensuring information reaches control consoles instantly and with full data integrity.
The value of in-house manufacturing: Durability and ergonomics
A key advantage of the SMC-IPX solution is that all primary patient-interface components are designed and manufactured by OPTIMUS. Units such as the ML-N handset and the PT-1N/PB-1N call mechanisms are engineered for intensive use, ensuring an immediate response. By maintaining control over the design and manufacture of these core components, we guarantee full technical compatibility and a consistent aesthetic, simplifying both routine maintenance and staff training.
Compliance and integrated security
For specifiers and consultants, regulatory compliance provides the necessary technical assurance. The SMC-IPX system meets universal accessibility standards for assistance calls, ensuring a robust and inclusive installation.
Security in critical areas such as bathrooms is reinforced in accordance with ISO 21542, using pull cords with two activation points to ensure an alert is raised even if a patient falls. Furthermore, optical and acoustic signalling follows the DIN VDE 0834 standard, establishing a clear colour hierarchy to ensure clinical staff can identify emergency levels without error.
Versatility and healthcare integration
The flexibility of the IP protocol allows the system to integrate seamlessly with the wider facility infrastructure. This enables staff to receive alerts on wireless devices during rounds and allows the platform to converge with public address systems, corridor LED displays, and access intercoms. Ultimately, the SMC-IPX represents engineering focused on agile, precise healthcare management with a long-term life cycle.
