configuring alarms and alarms notifications

What is an alarm in XProtect?

A notification generated by an event to alert users about an incident or condition.

What can trigger an alarm?

• Motion detection

• Device inputs/outputs (I/O)

• Analytics

• Hardware issues (e.g., low disk space)

• External systems (e.g., access control)

How can users be notified when an alarm occurs?

• Desktop notifications

• Email

• Text message

• Other rule-based actions

Can alarms be configured for specific user roles?

Yes. Different roles (e.g., Reception, Operators, Remote Operators) can receive different alarms.

Where do you enable desktop notifications for alarms?

In the Smart Client Profile under the Alarm Manager tab.

What are the three main alarm data settings?

• Priorities

• States

• Categories

What is an alarm priority?

The importance level of an alarm.

What is an alarm state?

The current status or progress of an alarm.

What is an alarm category?

A classification used to organize different types of alarms.

What are Reasons for Closing alarms used for?

To require or record why an alarm was closed (e.g., false alarm, issue resolved).

What audio file format is used for custom alarm sounds?

WAV

What is an Alarm Definition?

A configuration that tells XProtect when to create an alarm and how it should behave.

What are the two parts of an alarm trigger?

• Event Type

• Event Message

In the example, what triggered the doorbell alarm?

System Event → Input Activated

What are Related Cameras used for?

To display the camera(s) associated with the alarm.

What does the Activation Period determine?

When the alarm is active (Always, Time Profile, or Event-based).

What is the purpose of an Initial Alarm Priority?

It sets the alarm's default importance level.

What is the Initial Alarm Owner?

The default user responsible for handling the alarm.

Why can alarms be assigned only to specific roles?

To ensure only the appropriate users receive or manage the alarm.

What is a Time Profile used for?

To define when rules or alarms are active.

Can a Time Profile contain multiple recurring schedules?

Yes.

Why are Time Profiles useful?

They automate behavior based on schedules (such as business hours or after-hours).

What is an off-hours alarm?

An alarm that is only active during a specified Time Profile (such as after business hours).

What can be attached to an alarm?

Related cameras, maps, priorities, and triggered events (such as sending an email).

Why add a map to an alarm?

To help operators quickly locate where the incident occurred.

Can an alarm trigger another action?

Yes. An alarm can trigger events such as sending emails or running rules.

Why assign alarms to roles?

To ensure only the appropriate users receive and manage specific alarms.

What permissions can be given for alarms?

View and Write permissions.

• View = User can see the alarm.

• Write = User can manage/update the alarm.

What is the purpose of the Alarm Manager in XProtect Smart Client?

To view, manage, assign, and update alarms.

What information can an alarm display?

Related cameras, maps, alarm details, and activity history.

What can an operator do with an alarm?

Assign it, add comments, and change its state (such as New, In Progress, or Closed).

What happens when a desktop notification is selected?

It opens the related alarm in Alarm Manager.

Why assign an alarm to another user?

To transfer responsibility for following up on the incident.