SCAN1000 -Scada includes a messaging feature, where an alarm, alert or other system event can trigger a message to be sent by Email or SMS text message.
The increased in use of SMS (cell phone / Pager) and Email
messaging, make this a very effective technique for notifying remote personnel of system
events such as alarms.
Typical uses include:
- Out of Hours Alarm Notification
- System status information for remote personnel
- Automated data transfer from remote systems
- Sending automated reports
The Mail object allows you to send messages to an Email
address of your choice.
The Pager object sends a message to a SMS cell phone or pager. These
are particularly useful for plant status messages and alarms.
The Mail object is designed to route text messages to
preconfigured mail destinations.
Two transport mechanisms are included, covering the vast majority of email
systems:
- SMTP (Default) - Microsoft Exchange Server / mail server over
network connection. Requires TCP/IP protocol stack to be installed.
- Mapi - Microsoft Mail/ Exchange/ Outlook / Microsoft Exchange
Server
A backup server option is available for the popular SMTP protocol, which
offers a level of redundancy.
Full control over the source, destination and subject is available. The
message sent can either be preconfigured, or more typically, generated
automatically by the project configuration.
An optional File Attachment can be sent, allowing data
files, such as Event Logs, to be emailed to remote recipients.
All the Mailer properties are available at runtime, this allows dynamic
changes to be made e.g. changing Email address.
The SMS Pager object will send text messages to a
preconfigured pager or mobile phone. This requires a TAPI compliant modem or
similar device to be installed on the PC to allow connection to a
suitable service provider.
TAPI compliant devices include most modems and ISDN
devices. A number of protocols are supported, including TAP, UCP and a file
containing common service details, allowing easy configuration for a wide range of
service providers. Most US services use TAP (Telelocator Alphanumeric Protocol)
where some European carriers use UCP
(Universal Computer Protocol).
Messages are queued by the software and dispatched in sequence. Notification
of receipt at the pager or phone is optional. Failure of receipt can invoke an
event, which can be used to activate another pager object or alarm.
As the Pager facility within Saturn is TAPI compliant, it is possible that
the selected TAPI device(s) can be used by other software as well as Saturn.
A range of preconfigured system provider details is included, covering a
number of countries. Additional entries can easily be added as required.
A Test option allows for full connection testing to be performed.