Interoperability Matrix
Purpose of the Interoperability Matrix
Driving interoperability across the TEC sector is a priority for the TSA and is essential if we want to achieve truly integrated services whilst promoting choice for citizens within our communities.
The Interoperability Matrix has been developed and published by the TSA with the considerable support of the TSA members that form the interoperability working group, TEC equipment suppliers, providers of monitoring services and ARC software suppliers.
The matrix is designed to be used by TEC commissioners/ Decision Makers when understanding what digital TEC options are available that have either customer-verified connectivity or are in the process of testing. This information is provided to both reassure budget holders but also encourage TEC suppliers to work together to create more and more interoperability.
While the matrix does not completely replace the need for purchasers of TEC equipment to go through their own verification process, it provides a centralised and regularly updated resource to assist, coordinated by the TSA.
Definition of Interoperability used for this matrix
The Interoperability Matrix summarises the ability of TEC devices from different manufacturers to communicate, exchange data and provide a speech connection (when necessary) to an Alarm Receiving Centre, functioning together without requiring extra user intervention, and achieved through both the device and the ARC platform adhering to common standards and protocols.
The topics not included in scope at this time:
- Interoperability between sensors and devices in the home. Very few TEC manufacturers utilise common standards and protocols for peripheral sensors to communicate with the device in the home, so this is not included in the scope of the Interoperability matrix at this time.
- Integration of healthcare systems - a different (and complex) topic, which will be addressed by the TSA later in 2025
How to use the Interoperability Matrix
The information displayed within the matrix is broken down to show:
- the different types of digital TEC devices: Dispersed, GPS, Scheme & IP Converters
- to which Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) platforms in the UK that the equipment supplier states is interoperable with their device
- the method of digital communication, usually SCAIP/TS50134-9 or NOW IP/BS8521-2, there are other communication methods listed which are not published protocols but which are in use today
- a tick box for when the ARC software provider has also confirmed interoperability through their own testing or partner programme process, under test conditions
- a tick box for when a monitoring centre has confirmed that at least 10 alarm devices are being successfully monitored, confirming real-world deployment. If ticked, the device-ARC combination is highlighted in green
Updating the Interoperability Matrix
The TSA will be updating the matrix at least on a quarterly basis, but for the first 6 – 12 months this will be every month. We ask that if you are aware of a new integration going through a testing phase or has gone live, to please contact the TSA via allIP@tsa-voice.org.uk so that the relevant due diligence can be carried out ahead of updating each quarterly version of the matrix.
Download the Intraoperability Matrix here:
Process for TEC Suppliers to provide data to feature in Matrix
For all TEC suppliers wanting to provide new data for their devices to be added into the Matrix, please could you provide the required information as stated below and send in an email to ALLIP@tsa-voice.org.uk
- Digital Device Name
- Digital Device Type ( Dispersed Alarm, GPS, Scheme based alarms or Digital Convertor)
- Provide ARC platform name
- Please state which digital protocols are used, for example SCAIP/BS8521-2
- Please state whether the device is currently in test phase or live deployment (minimum of 10 devices being actively monitored)
- For any live deployments, please provide contact details for an organisation reference that can validate the live status*
*TSA will contact customer references that are provided by TEC Suppliers to verify the information given. Please note TSA will not carry out any independent testing at this stage.
Roadmap for next steps
The TSA will gather interoperability issues from the sector that highlight the need for publishing further clarification information alongside the existing open standards for digital alarm communication.
The TSA will set up a process to feed back these issues to the relevant standards committees for the digital protocols, with the intention of incorporating the clarification within the published standards.
The TSA will investigate the need for future guidance for the interoperability of Proactive and Preventative devices to ARCs.
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