Last WeekWe explored Messaging Options and Features — covering strategies, limits (spoiler: there aren’t any), and a few new tools to make messaging even more powerful. If you missed it, you can catch up here: Messaging Options and Features. This Week: AFAM Reports & AnalyticsThis week we’re taking a closer look at what’s available to you from a reporting and analytics perspective — including the range of reports, delivery options, and how to request custom reports. Reports & Report DeliveryOur reports are powered by Microsoft’s enterprise-level reporting platform, giving you access to real-time monitoring data that’s always current and reliable. Reports can be generated on demand or automatically scheduled at specific times — daily, weekly, or multiple times per day. They’re delivered conveniently by email and can be formatted as:
Most service agents receive a tailored selection of reports relevant to the systems they maintain, ensuring they always have the latest insights at their fingertips. Available ReportsWe currently offer over 80 reports in our library (including a few variations). Commonly used reports include:
If you’re not receiving these yet and would like to, simply contact our Support Team — they’ll get them set up for you. Custom ReportsNeed something specific? Just ask! We’re usually able to develop custom reports at no charge, and if it’s something others might find useful too, we’ll add it to our standard library for everyone’s benefit. The Future of Reporting & AnalyticsReporting and Analytics is a major focus area on our roadmap for next year. We’re already working on enhancements and new functionality that will make insights even more powerful and accessible. We can’t share too much just yet — but expect some exciting announcements in upcoming newsletters early next year. Coming Next WeekNext week we’ll explore the AFAM Property Portfolio Portal, including:
Last WeekWe explored CTU Additional Inputs — what they can do and how our customers are using them. If you missed it, you can catch up here: CTU Additional Inputs. This Week: Messaging Options and FeaturesThis week we’re diving into how AFAM messaging works — and highlighting a few powerful features you might not know about. Messaging is something everyone in our industry relies on, but few stop to think about. Our goal is to make sure your alerts are delivered the way you need them, every time. Message DeliveryWe send messages to keep you informed about changes or events on the systems you manage or monitor. You can receive them via any combination of:
Messages fall into three main categories:
Message Delivery Limits & RecipientsUnlike some of our competitors, we don’t cap the number of:
We also have no plans to restrict particular messages only to one delivery method, we want your messaging to work for you. If you want to get every message via SMS, Email, and the AlarmTech App — that’s fine by us. We also don’t restrict who can receive notifications. Service agents, property owners, managers, and tenants can all stay in the loop if needed. Message Delivery StrategiesBehind the scenes, our system uses a sophisticated rules-based engine to control how and when messages are sent. It considers factors such as:
We call these Messaging Strategies, and a refined default set is applied across all properties. Custom StrategiesWhile the default strategies work well for most users, we know some situations call for more flexibility. That’s why we can create custom messaging strategies for:
If you’d like to explore a custom setup, contact our support team — we can usually accommodate most requests. Solomon Dashboard LinkEvery SMS and Email we send includes a link to the Summary screen in Solomon, our service agent website. You’ll also find the same link under the PFA Details screen in the AFAM AlarmTech App. From the Summary screen, you can view details of the PFA or CTU, check recent messages, see keyholders, and access a range of useful functions — including the two below. Putting Messages On TestWhen you’re carrying out work on site, it can be handy to temporarily pause messaging to avoid unnecessary alerts. From the Summary screen in Solomon, you can easily put messaging “on test” for a PFA or CTU for a chosen period. You can select from several options:
There’s also a Cancel All On Test option to return everything to normal messaging. Note: This feature only affects agent messaging. All state changes are still sent to FENZ as usual. Temporarily Subscribe to All Messages for a Site(New Feature — Available from Monday 20 October) When carrying out maintenance, inspections, or surveys, you may want to see every message from a site for a limited time — even if you’re not normally set to receive them. This new feature makes that possible. To temporarily subscribe:
Coming Next WeekNext week we’ll explore AFAM Automated Reports, including:
Last Week
Getting StartedThe AlarmTech App is free to download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
If you’ve misplaced your login details, just reach out—we’ll help you recover them. Alarm NZ and JCA MessagingThe app supports not only AFAM messaging, but also Alarm NZ and JCA messaging. We’ve done this to benefit the wider industry. This way, service agents don’t need multiple apps—all your notifications appear in one place. To enable this:
Alarms, Notifications, and Off NormalsThe app keeps you updated on PFAs (fire alarms and sprinklers) and CTUs that are currently “off normal.” When a PFA changes state, it may:
Right now, the response depends on the event type. In the next release, you’ll be able to set your own preferences by event type. PFA and CTU Details and HistoryFrom within the app, you can view:
For AFAM monitored PFAs, you’ll also find a one-click link into Solomon, our online portal, where you can add notes, hold messages, and access deeper system information. DiagnosticsThe app also includes powerful tools to support CTU installations:
SettingsIn the settings menu, you can:
In the upcoming version, you’ll also be able to fully customise your notification and alert preferences here. Coming Next WeekNext week we’ll cover CTU installation options, including:
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