Operator Instructions and Notes

When viewing an alarm, instructions to the operator regarding what actions should be taken can be attached. The operator himself can also attach a so-called Note to an alarm concerning his response or observations. This Note is then visible by all other operators on the network.

Operators can be given the right to issue so-called Inhibit Alarm rules for one or more alarms on a given process component while it’s temporarily removed from the plant for maintenance or replacement. Unnecessary alarms are thus avoided until the component is put back on-line.

Operator Defined Filters

Operators can also be given the right to define their own alarm filters by setting parameters that only show alarms for specific areas, diagrams, or process component types. This is a useful tool for paying close attention to critical components in the process.

In addition to alarms, an operator is also able to view all maintenance routines, as defined in the IGSS Maintenance module, in the Active Alarm list. Maintenance routines are easily distinguishable from alarms in that next to each maintenance entry, a special maintenance “wrench and screwdriver” icon appears. Thus the operator never has to leave the Active Alarms module to keep an overview of what’s occurring in the process.

Alarm events are continuously documented by IGSS’s alarm log and alarm statistics. Alarm log files can be saved indefinitely and alarm statistics can be printed out on a regular basis.

Remote Alarms

IGSS can send alarms off-site with its module for remote alarm handling called Notifier. It ensures that all IGSS alarms designated as remote alarms are sent to locations outside the actual plant. A modem or a GSM modem is set up for communication between the IGSS server and remote locations, and then operators can receive alarms either as a fax, an e-mail, or directly on their remote laptop computers or cellular phones.

IGSS also supports the new wireless protocol called GPRS (General Packet Radio Service). IGSS Development has programmed a special GPRS communications driver that carries data over the wireless link between the IGSS server and remote operator stations.

Alarm Time Stamp

IGSS provides event-oriented PLC communication functionality including external time stamping at the PLC. This time stamping of alarm and process data is accurate down to millisecond resolutions and conforms to the strict requirements in the exacting application areas of off-shore, ship automation and distribution of electricity where heavy demands are placed on SCADA systems. Due to IGSS’s accuracy and speed in alarm handling in this manner, IGSS applications are present today in these demanding industries worldwide.

Embedded Alarm Lists

As an alternative to the global Alarm List, alarm lists can be embedded into the individual process diagrams. For further details, click here.