How We Got Here, a History of Actall
By Kyle Freeman and Bob Hampe
Actall Corporation has a rich history of innovation and dedication to keeping people safe. Since our founding in 1994 in California, we’ve come a long way from our initial focus as an alarm system reseller. Back then, under the name “Pactall,” we faced the challenge of standing out in a crowded market offering similar solutions. Our turning point came in the form of a domestic reseller appointment for Ascom’s mobile duress product. Unfortunately, Ascom’s decision to pull the product from North America shortly after left a gap in the market. But instead of being discouraged, we saw an opportunity. Leveraging our experience and the needs of our customers, particularly a California statewide contract for staff duress systems in juvenile offender prisons, we developed our own solution. This marked the birth of Actall’s product development journey.
A Commitment to Innovation
Our product line has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, we were more service-oriented, but with the introduction of the PALS 9000, we took a deep dive into product development and manufacturing. This focus continued with ATLAS, further building our expertise while outsourcing manufacturing to streamline operations. A major driver in our product evolution has been the desire to cater to diverse user needs with a variety of transmitter form factors. A pivotal moment in this journey was winning the California Health Care Facility contract for staff duress over Bosch. This win not only solidified our position but also fueled the development of ATLAS, our current flagship product line.
Expanding Our Reach
Our initial target audience was clear: custody officers in jails and prisons. However, recognizing the broader need for staff safety, we expanded our offerings to include transmitter solutions for all employees. This strategic shift opened doors to the Behavioral Healthcare market, a sector we’ve been actively involved in ever since the introduction of ATLAS. We haven’t limited ourselves to market segments. Actall has also seen geographical expansion into the APAC and Southeast Asian regions. This growth reflects our commitment to providing comprehensive safety solutions on a global scale. Staying responsive to customer needs and industry trends is paramount to our success. We actively engage with our customers through regular interviews, gathering valuable feedback on tag design, system usage, and desired features. This ongoing dialogue ensures our products remain relevant and address evolving safety concerns.
The Future of Actall
Our journey is far from over. As technology and safety needs continue to develop, Actall is committed to staying at the forefront. We invite you to explore our website, where you’ll find detailed information about our products, services, and patents. We look forward to partnering with you in creating a safer tomorrow.