Alarms Module (Concept) provides the critical event detection and notification layer for FrameworX solutions, enabling operators to respond quickly to abnormal conditions and maintain safe, efficient operations.
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Understanding Alarms in Automation
Industrial processes require continuous monitoring to detect deviations from normal operation. The Alarms Module bridges the gap between raw sensor data and actionable operator responses by:
- Condition Monitoring - Detect when process values exceed safe or optimal ranges
- Event Notification - Alert operators through multiple channels
- State Management - Track alarm lifecycle from detection to resolution
- Compliance Recording - Maintain audit trails for regulatory requirements
Key Concepts
- AlarmItem: Individual condition monitored for alarm generation based on tag values and defined limits
- AlarmGroup: Collection of alarm items sharing common acknowledgment, notification, and logging behaviors
- AlarmArea: Hierarchical organization structure for grouping alarms by location or function
- AuditTrail: Chronological record of system events, operator actions, and alarm occurrences for compliance
What It Does
The Alarms Module provides comprehensive alarm management through:
- Real-Time Evaluation - Continuously monitor tag values against configured conditions
- Intelligent Notification - Multi-channel alerts via sound, visual, email, SMS, or custom methods
- Acknowledgment Workflow - Require operator confirmation of critical alarms
- Hierarchical Organization - Group alarms by area, system, or responsibility
- Historical Logging - Record all alarm events for analysis and compliance
- Deadband Management - Prevent alarm flooding through time and value hysteresis
- Shift-Based Limits - Different alarm thresholds for different operational periods
Configuration Workflow
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Create AlarmItems | Define conditions | Specify tags and limits to monitor |
| Configure AlarmGroups | Set behaviors | Define acknowledgment and notification |
| Build AlarmAreas | Create hierarchy | Organize by plant structure |
| Set Global Settings | System configuration | Database and audit trail setup |
Runtime Behavior
Alarm States
The module manages alarms through defined state transitions:
- Normal - No alarm condition exists
- Active - Condition detected, awaiting acknowledgment
- Acknowledged - Operator confirmed awareness
- Normalized - Condition cleared, awaiting final acknowledgment
Notification Methods
Alarms trigger notifications based on group configuration:
- Visual indicators on operator displays
- Audible alerts with configurable sounds
- Email and SMS through script integration
- External system interfaces via custom methods
Performance Management
Built-in features prevent alarm system overload:
- Deadbands prevent rapid re-triggering
- Priority levels highlight critical conditions
- Area filtering focuses operator attention
- Acknowledgment requirements ensure awareness
Feature Highlights
- Pre-Defined Groups - Critical, Warning, and AuditTrail groups ready to use
- FDA Compliance - 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail capabilities
- Flexible Database - Support for SQLite, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and more
- Runtime Control - Start, stop, pause alarm evaluation dynamically
- Display Integration - AlarmViewer and AlarmArea controls for HMI
- Script Integration - Custom notification methods via Script Classes
- Distributed Architecture - Alarms evaluated centrally, viewed anywhere
- Localization Support - Multi-language alarm messages and displays
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