What is remote alarm notification and why do I need it?
This is a common question, and one that’s easily answered. Remote alarm notification software allows a plant’s functions and alarms to be reported, controlled, managed and addressed from remote locations not directly connected to a control console or human-machine interface (HMI).
Alarms are programmed to trigger during specific incidents, such as threshold alarms for temperature and pressure sensors; they can also send notification of damage or danger to equipment or personnel within an area that isn’t monitored by a live operator. These alarms can be delivered through various channels, and must be reported in a way that’s easily accessed, understood and responded to quickly.
How will remote alarm notification integrate with my HMI or supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system?
These systems will be able to recognize any issue and communicate with a complex intelligent decision matrix, which will quickly assess and deliver information to the correct first responder. Most major notification software can integrate with major platforms with little or no modification to existing systems, allowing plant functions to resume quickly with enhanced operator control and minimal downtime.
Mobile Notification: Control Wherever You Go
By delivering remote alarm notification to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, operators can leave their control consoles without worrying about missing or miscommunicating alerts.
For plants with reduced onsite personnel, mobile notification makes it possible to monitor large areas or optimized systems with as few operators as possible. In the modern age, it’s nearly impossible to find an operator who doesn’t have a smartphone or other mobile device.
Plants requiring remote oversight of office spaces have the option for desktop and email alarms, and to have responses sent via text, email or voice. A flexible remote alarm notification system will tailor alarm delivery to the specific facility to allow plant functions to continue without interruption.
In cases where monitoring must be performed around the clock, mobile notification allows intelligent and prioritized delivery to operators at home on smartphone apps, text messages or calls. If calls are not properly responded to, the alarms can be escalated to landlines and branch out to other personnel until the correct operator can be reached.
It’s now a safe and efficient way to assess and respond to alarms; organize notification; and secure data, equipment and personal safety.
