IEN: What are the major security concerns facing industry?

Martello: Because it is so essential to ensuring the safety of building occupants, the need for well-designed, effective evacuation plans is the primary security concern facing the industry today. NOTIFIER has responded to this need by providing intelligent audio transponders for multichannel voice evacuation systems. These transponders can simultaneously deliver a number of different messages to separate areas, or they can broadcast the same message across an entire network. A network can consist of single or multiple floors, zones,or buildings. For example, one evacuation message would be played on the fire floor, another on the floor above and below, and an alert message on other floors, and yet a separate message on the staircase.

Studies show that calming messages and clear communication of emergency guidelines help to eliminate panic and promote orderly evacuations. Instructive announcements demonstrate that someone is in charge and that safety procedures are being followed.

IEN: Is the web a significant factor?

Martello: The web has become a significant factor in the industrial security arena. New fire control panels can be integrated with networked gateways, enabling operators to access information on their panels directly from their PCs and laptops. This capability allows operators to cross-examine systems on or off-site.

NOTIFIER leverages the power of the Internet and wireless communications through the provision of equipment that can send email messages via wireless communications to cell phones, PDAs, and pocket PCs. This personal accessibility allows users, regardless of their location, to obtain and analyze the data needed to make sound decisions in the event of a trouble condition or alarm. Further, specialized emails can be delivered to specific individuals based on the type of event. Alarms can be sent to fire personnel while troubles would be delivered to maintenance personnel.

IEN: Where are strides being made in integrated systems design?

Martello: We have redefined the concept of integrated networking. NOTIFIER's UniNet 2000 enables operators to seamlessly combine diverse fire and security systems into a unified command center in order to better monitor and control building safety systems. More importantly, NOTIFIER customers can combine and integrate fire systems manufactured by others, and yet at the same time use one common user interface for all integrated products. Training time for operators is greatly reduced.