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Monitor, Report, & Manage Fire Alarm Systems with CrossTalk 3

October 17, 2024

Challenge: Managing multiple fire alarm systems across large buildings or campuses is often complex, especially when using different fire panel manufacturers. Delays or mismanagement in responding to alarms can have serious consequences, including property damage, injury, or loss of life. There is a need for a comprehensive, unified platform that not only monitors fire alarms but integrates with other building systems, such as BMS, CCTV, and security.

Solution: CrossTalk 3, built on the Niagara 4 framework, is a web-based, multi-vendor graphical reporting system that allows users to monitor, report, and manage fire alarm systems regardless of the manufacturer. CrossTalk 3 offers integration with panels from leading manufacturers like Advanced, Ziton, Gent, Notifier, Kentec, Morley, and Kidde. The system also supports integration with BMS, CCTV, and security systems, providing a centralised control hub for building management.

Key Features of CrossTalk 3

  1. Real-Time Monitoring & Control:
    • Monitor and control all fire alarm systems across a building or campus from a single, web-based platform.
    • Integration with major fire panel manufacturers ensures full compatibility and flexibility.
  2. Alarm Reporting & Management:
    • CrossTalk 3 features a dedicated alarm management interface, customisable to display specific actions for various devices or panels.
    • Alarms can be routed to designated personnel or locations with detailed instructions on how to respond, minimising response time in emergencies.
  3. Seamless Integration:
    • CrossTalk 3 supports the integration of not just fire alarms but also other critical systems like BMS and security, creating a cohesive system for building monitoring and safety.
    • Integration with CCTV allows automatic activation of cameras when an alarm is triggered, providing visual verification of an emergency.
  4. Customisable Reporting:
    • Reports and alarms can be sent anywhere, with predefined instructions on how to react. For instance, in the event of a fire, the system can send a clear, actionable message, such as “Building 3, floor 2, room 3 FIRE alarm sounded. Phone fire brigade, clear building 3.”
  5. Enhanced Safety Features:
    • Leak detection integration allows the same system to manage water or gas leaks, ensuring total protection for buildings susceptible to flooding or other hazards.

Use Case Example: University Campus

A large university campus with multiple buildings, each equipped with different fire alarm panels, needed a way to manage fire alarms across all locations in one unified system. CrossTalk 3 was deployed to integrate panels from various manufacturers, and its multi-building dashboard allowed the university’s facilities team to monitor and manage alarms in real-time.

  • When a fire alarm was triggered in one of the buildings, the system automatically alerted the designated security team, displaying detailed instructions for evacuation based on the location of the alarm.
  • The system also activated the campus’s CCTV cameras in the affected area, allowing security personnel to visually confirm the situation and act accordingly.
  • During scheduled fire drills, CrossTalk 3’s reporting feature provided valuable insights into response times and helped refine emergency procedures.

Outcome

With CrossTalk 3, the university gained real-time oversight of all fire alarm systems, drastically reducing response times and improving overall safety. The integration of BMS and CCTV further enhanced the system’s capabilities, providing a complete view of the campus’s safety and operational status in one platform.

Conclusion:

CrossTalk 3 is the ultimate solution for any facility manager or organisation looking to streamline fire alarm monitoring and management. Its ability to integrate with multiple fire panel brands, as well as other building systems like BMS and CCTV, makes it a vital tool for ensuring building safety and efficiency.

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