Smart Alec: creating and sending messages

What does Smart Alec do?

Smart Alec collects data from a wide range of sources, places it in messages and sends them to one or more display destinations — so-called notification devices. These can be ALPHA LED displays, but also alphanumeric pagers and e-mail systems. This way live information becomes visible automatically, without manual intervention.

Data integration

Incoming data can be supplied in various formats and is linked in Smart Alec to variables. Smart Alec supports, among others:

• DDE data sources — data from other Windows applications
• Socket data sources — data over a network connection
• Variables — values that are inserted into messages and tracked

Alarm rules with colour thresholds

With rules (such as a Counter Alarm Rule) you determine how a value is shown. Per range (high / normal / low) you set a limit, a colour (red, green, amber) and optionally flashing. This way a value that is too high or too low — for example a temperature — stands out immediately.

Components

• Notification Device Setup and Device Group Manager: setting up and grouping display destinations
• Variable Rule Manager: managing variables and alarm rules
• Message management: creating messages and driving them with commands
• User & Application Security Setup: managing users and rights

Management and security

Smart Alec distinguishes between setting up (usually reserved for an administrator) and the day-to-day management of messages (available to all users). Through authorisation levels, each user gets exactly the access that fits their role.

Smart Alec is part of the Adaptive Alpha ecosystem and works together with our LED displays. Feel free to contact us for advice or support.