MM8000 from Siemens is the ideal solution for emergency management.

Ensuring Building SafetyUnfortunately, the number of potential risks in the operation of modern buildings is constantly increasing. Therefore, the problem of increasing the level of security of the facility is becoming increasingly urgent. One of the key points of its solution is the presence of an intelligent control station for all security systems installed in the building.
The MM8000 station, which we present to the readers of the magazine today, fully meets these requirements.
The MM8000 system is designed to build a unified control center for all systems that ensure the security of a modern building: fire alarm systems, access control systems, CCTV. Along with automation and commercial operation tools, the MM8000 is an integral part of the technical systems of a modern building.
With the help of the MM8000 station, remote monitoring of all security systems is organized, their management, and interaction organization. The use of MM8000 allows for prompt response to various emergency situations. In this case, the maintenance of the integrated security system is also significantly simplified.
As is known, objects differ in size, complexity of operation, fire hazard, etc. Conventionally, we can call a small object — up to 1000 data transfer points, an object of medium complexity — from 1000 to 5000 points. Over 5000 points of information and data transfer — this is already a large, rather distributed object, in which buildings located in different parts of the city or even in different cities are integrated into a single system. So, the MM8000 system can be configured for an object of any complexity, since it is a comprehensive modular system. MM8000 is universal and allows for centralized alarm management and monitoring of the fire safety system, electronic security and control. MM8000 displays all connected subsystems, regardless of their number, in the form of a single, clearly organized structure.
One of the key indicators of the system's efficiency and reliability is an intuitive user interface with free navigation and user guidance. MM8000 has a powerful graphics processor and supports AutoCAD files by layers. That is, when configuring the MM800 system, it is possible to use the project's graphic interface as the main drawings in AutoCAD format, to which any changes can also be made and to arrange devices on them. In addition, AutoCAD, as is known, allows the use of vector graphics, and it is very convenient for the operator to zoom in or out on various pictures, drawings, and the image quality does not decrease. It is possible to use individual layers from AutoCAD drawings.
The software uses standard Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.), where you can save data, use it for further processing, create an archive and backup data.
The operator interface is clearly structured. It has two main windows.

In one, there is a tree-like display, which shows the structure of the object and the relationship between the various elements. Starting from the highest system level, depending on the system installed at the object, we can move down from the entire large distributed object to a specific building, a specific floor, a specific room. This is how we move along the tree-like structure.
The second window provides a graphical display, which can contain pictograms, drawings, and pictures that help the operator navigate the object.
The MM8000 software uses two main menus. One of them (in the upper horizontal line of the screen) displays general events: alarms, messages about some malfunctions, additional information. On the left, a column of events is displayed vertically. There are all the defined events, they are highlighted in color depending on their priority and purpose. These are the events that the operator works with constantly, processes, performs certain actions provided by the algorithms embedded in the program.

It is important to note that when creating the MM8000 software, Siemens specialists scrupulously studied the operators' requirements for the interface, this most important working tool. As a result, a maximally simplified interface was developed, very clear, operational, which displays only the information that the operator needs. Buttons with special commands are located next to the control objects to which they relate. Events are carefully described: where, at what time, in what place the event occurred. A hint is also provided here, with a description of possible actions: what needs to be done.
It is possible to define an operator action plan, conduct it through all possible actions in a certain sequence. For example, in the event of a fire alarm, it is necessary to check the plans, view the image of the video surveillance system, inform the security service, check the object. If this is a false alarm, write a report and return the system to its original standby state. After all, it often happens that even very experienced operators make mistakes when an emergency situation occurs. The MM8000 interface reduces the possibility of such errors to a minimum.
The system provides the ability to change the configuration, add something, expand the system. Operator support by providing more detailed information. MM 8000 is built on the «client-server» principle. Up to 9 client workstations can be connected to the server (another server can be used in the system, performing backup functions). At the same time, the open modular architecture of the station supports a large number of network configurations: from small to distributed large ones. The simplest option for building a system: one computer place combines the client, the server, and the place for connecting equipment.
A more complex design is distributed systems, where there is a communication level of equipment connection and a different number of client stations is defined. Such systems are built on a LAN network, and the exchange of information and data occurs via TCP/IP.
A global system configuration using MM8000 can be built on the basis of the Internet with the installation of remote client workstations, communication computer stations and the organization of access levels to the central server with databases.
When configuring the system, it is convenient to use a specialized database for devices and elements that are connected to the system; there is the possibility of conveniently transferring elements and receiving automatic messages about inaccuracies when configuring the system.
In the area of ​​hardware and software, the MM8000 architecture is based on the most modern and widely used open standards: Microsoft Windows Vista, MS-SQL server databases, BACnet automation system protocol, TCP/IP networks.
The system provides very convenient integration with all major Microsoft Office applications, which allows you to organize automatic data transfer via the Internet, SMS messages, e-mail, pager. That is, to use all the capabilities of this computer for remote notification of some problem or situation. The user interface is translated into Russian, which is definitely convenient for dispatchers.
We cannot fail to mention such a function as the ability to quickly and remotely view a video image from the video surveillance system for some event.
Siemens produces a wide range of security and automation systems supported by the MM8000 integration environment. Our product portfolio includes several fire safety systems, including the company's latest development, such as Sinteso, the SiPass access control and management system, the CCTV video surveillance system, etc. It is also possible to integrate equipment from other European manufacturers, including video recorders and fire systems.

Moreover, the use of open OPC server/client protocols allows connecting third-party equipment using standard data transfer protocols from one system to another. For example, if the customer has a security system that supports the OPC client mode, we can offer our OPC server MK8000, through which all data points are transmitted.
Using BACnetiIP, you can connect automation systems and process signals from building automation systems in one environment
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It is not difficult to master this extensive integration system. Of course, the operator must have certain knowledge in the field of security, but mastering the software itself is not difficult and training helps to do it quickly. It will be especially convenient for operators if a special mechanism for assisting the operator in any emergency situations is prescribed at the MM8000 configuration stage.

And, finally, about another very important aspect of the implementation of any commercial project. The use of a centralized control station for the facility's security systems allows the customer to ultimately reduce their operating costs of the installed systems. There is no need to create several different services, control centers and control points for systems in buildings and structures. The initial costs of installing and configuring an integrated system pay for themselves quite quickly, so there is an opportunity to reduce operating costs, which can sometimes be quite significant in the overall costs of maintaining a building.