A DCS may keep a record of past alarms and operator moves, but there is often a tight limitation on the number of saved events, and the text-based format of the records isn't suitable for analysis. The Control Arts AlarmCapture program replaces the alarm printer on the DCS printer port - neatly storing (in real time!) all the alarms, operator moves, and system messages generated at any console.

The AlarmCapture interface simply shows all alarm occurrences, making it a handy addition to standard DCS annunciators. One AlarmCapture can replace up to 8 alarm printers, and it's even possible to pass through alarms and DCS reports to a modern (i.e., not dot-matrix) printer.

More than just capturing and storing the alarms, the AlarmCapture program extends the alarm system to a host of other applications, including:

• Scheduled reports of all alarm occurrences and/or alarm changes.
• Forwarding of specified alarms to SMS (phone text messages). Let high priority alarms be sent directly to the people who need them immediately.
• Instant messaging of alarms to any computer on the network.
• Simple query display for retrieving alarm and operator moves occurrences from the database.
• Special logic for tracking alarms in batch systems.

Supported DCS Types:

• Honeywell TDC (US and GUS)
• Honeywell PKS
• Foxboro I/A
• Yokogawa (CS-3000, Centum-XL)
• Bailey Infi90
• Emerson DeltaV
• ABB Freelance 2000
• Fischer Provox
• Cerbus Fire Control

Supported Databases

• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft SQL Server
• MySQL