A GSM-based system designed for simple, economical off-site monitoring of equipment such as fire alarms, boilers, intruder alarms, flow switches and pumps has been launched by Drax (UK).
Up to 255 SiteWatch remote units are hard wired to the monitored equipment’s outputs and read the signals, such as “on”, “off”, “fire”, “fault”, “open”, “closed” etc, generated. SiteWatch encodes the signals and sends a customised data message via SMS to the SiteWatch manager. Activation of inputs can be pre-programmed to send tailored messages, such as “immediate action”, “advise client”, “schedule for maintenance visit”, allowing for the relevant response.
Site details and the nature of the “event” are displayed and stored on the SiteWatch manager’s PC, alongside any pre-configured instructions, thus enabling a swift response, reduced remote system downtime and better prioritising of resources. Messages can also be forward to appropriate personnel via text message to mobile phones or via email.