The SMaRT software package from Drax solves several major issues within the fire detection industry, all of which, confirmed by market survey, are growing in importance with system users and maintainers alike.

Reduced maintenance costs - Many system users often question the costs associated with system ownership, choosing to tender maintenance, often with the cheapest bidder winning. This in turn has led, in some circumstances, to skimping on maintenance, the use of less skilled labour and poor record keeping.

Best utilisation of resources - Labour costs are increasing vs reduced selling prices = lower margins. This has led to less investment in training combined with an existing scarcity of skilled (and reliable) engineers. The number of return visits to faults and extended response times are a headache for all concerned.

Accountability - At present few controls exist as to specifically who does what to a system be it an update, change, routine test or maintenance. The introduction of BS5839 Pt1 2002 now place increased responsibilities on all parties involved in the life cycle of a system. These steps have been taken further still within the NHS with a real drive to reduce unwanted alarms and improve record keeping under FPN11. Now many are implementing BAFE SP203 systems and require first-class record keeping.

SMaRT helps to solve these problems by:

• Gathering data at a central point (either on or off site)
• Manipulating the data to provide system history including event logging
• Through interpretation of the available data generating early warning of equipment failure
• Producing work dockets for rectification if required
• Recording actual system tests including information on who carried out the test, provided log-in is achieved and passcodes secure
• Generate test reports on demand
• Producing the information in a PC user friendly format
• Allowing off site system access/interrogation for diagnostics and (subject to EN/BS) panel resetting/mute by a skilled engineer
• Keeping a ‘virtual’ system logbook

An FPN11 version of the event record is available

Click here to see screen shots of SMaRT in action.

So, what information does SMaRT use?

• Engineer/operator ‘log-in’
• Current device address and text message, analogue value indicating fire/fault/normal/test/dirty from the field devices,
• Panel faults including identifiable earth problems, device missing, charging, mains and ‘other’ (configurable)
• Other inputs (from security systems, plant etc based upon VF contacts only)
• The data generated is sent to the SMaRT Manager or Drax AMX-1 with a SmaRT Manager module which carries out the following checks:
• Comparison of device analogue value against threshold value (configurable) to enable exception reporting
• Device type (opt, ion, heat, BGU, interface etc)
• Date of last test and type (physical or electronic)
• Date of next test and type (physical or electronic) from the maintenance plan (customer defined but with BS5839 guidance notes)
• Date and type of last event (including activations)

Simple example

Multiple building operators or maintainers

For multiple sites, the SMaRT Manager can also work from a database enabling site downloads from a directory of:

• Installations by contract number, site and name (with search capability on any field)
• SmaRT Manager connections or connected SmaRT boxes (in the case of remote operation) together with the field devices assigned to the various panels plus network details if applicable.
• Additional screens for:
• Site address details
• Contact names
• Contract types
• Account status
• Notes
• Assigned engineer (if any) for maintenance and/or call outs

Other options available:

• Templates for standard report types
• Automatic or on-demand printing commands - service reports, log books etc
• Exporting data - e-mails, SMS
• Links to planned maintenance tools e.g. Maximo
• Accounts packages e.g. WinSIMS - automatic invoice generation
• Standard letters -your routine maintenance is due -you should consider replacing device ‘X’ etc

Who would benefit from SmaRT?

There are two main types of customer applications:

Medium/Large sites with limited or no satellites

Generally, these are sites who may already have a Drax AMX-1, an existing graphical user interface or a large number of panels.

By investing in SmaRT it is possible to accurately track the current system status, service & maintenance records or even carry out minor diagnostic checks yourself.

Panel connections can be made via Drax AMS, LAN, Intranet, Internet or modem to include buildings not on any network. Other networks may be suitable subject to survey.

With SMaRT Manager running on a site, information is processed locally with the option of a replica running on the Drax central SMaRT server (CSS). System reports can be produced locally or by Drax on either an automatic or on-demand basis and distributed either as paper copies, email or available on the Drax secure website.

Multiple remote sites

Aimed at the multiple building operator or maintainer there may be limited SmaRT accessibility on any one site, a central hub acting as a data collector and manipulator much in the same way as the Drax central SmaRT server (CSS) - indeed Drax can offer this service. Larger service organisations or users may want to run their own server to enable remote system monitoring.

The required reports are issued by the Drax CSS to whoever is authorised to receive them at a pre-determined frequency and to an agreed format.

Clearly, SMaRT has widespread appeal to end users with many buildings and to the sub contracted service provider such as the fire trade and Facilities Management companies in the drive towards lower costs and increased customer satisfaction.

Click here to see screen shots of SMaRT in action.