Panel information (status and signal)

About Panel Information:

You are able to view information and details about the panel to ensure the performance is appropriate. 

As your control panel can be controlled remotely from our user portal, ensuring the signal is essential. In order for the remote control functionality, we require a working signal that allows consistent and reliable communication. Our Panels have inbuilt connectivity to enable this, but it is sometimes challenging to maintain at customer sites. 

Navigation:

In order to check your panel information, including the signal status, you can access these details via the signal icon (sometimes referred to as the shark fin). To do this:

1. Locate your panel or login to the portal
2. Select the signal/ shark fin icon in the header (see more details below)
3. An information pop up will appear

Understanding the Panel Information:

When you select the panel information/ signal icon a number of information and data points will be displayed. These include:

• Panel Version
• IP Address
• Panel ID
• APN
• Latency
• Connection Type
• Panel Name
• Signal Strength
• Environment 

If any of these are not displaying, it may indicate an issue with the signal. 

Each panel contains a SIM card to facilitate this transfer of data and communication. On occasion, we may also install a router or an external antenna to boost the signal.

Loss of Connection:

We recommend that you do not switch panels off so that you continue to benefit from ongoing connectivity of the system. If your panel is not connected this will mean you are missing out on some system benefits.

In an instance where you are disconnected for a prolonged period and connection has not been able to be re-established, we encourage you to get in contact with us to restore connection.

The benefits of continued connectivity:

• You will have remote access via the online portal, rather than relying on the physical panel to make changes.
• You will get the latest software updates. This includes new features, security patches and system bug fixes.
• You can view system status and behaviour in real time, including having visibility and understanding of any equipment faults.
• You can view in real time any unusual or adverse system usage, such as override behaviour.
• We can continue to support you through understanding any panel-based feedback and applicable remote system monitoring.

Note: If your panel has lost connectivity all equipment will continue to behave as scheduled prior to the loss of connectivity.

Restoring Connection:

If your physical panel is not working or switched off:

1. Ensure there is power to the panel and see if it automatically re-connects
2. If the panel doesn’t not appear to be working get in contact with us today.

If your physical panel is working but the online portal indicates no signal:

1. Check the signal icon to ensure no signal is being received
2. Capture the latest details from the signal icon drop down (a photo)
3. Contact us, and share the details from the signal icon drop down

The Shark Fin

In the top right hand corner of the panel you can find the shark fin icon, also known as the signal icon.

If the icon is missing - the panel is not connected to the cloud and remote access will not be available.

If you select the icon, a pop-up screen will appear as below:

Variable	Description
Version	The version of firmware currently installed on your EMS Panel.
IP Address	If your panel is connected to 4G, then an IP address will be detailed here. This is a unique number which identifies the device on the network.
Panel ID	A unique reference for the Panel.
APN	The APN (Access Point Name) is the set of instructions that the SIM card within the panel uses to connect to 4G.
Latency	Response time over the 4G network, measured in milliseconds.
Connection Type	This will tell you if the remote connection is enabled by using 4G or by external router.
Panel Name	The Panel name set up by the EMS team to help you identify it's location. This can be changed if you would prefer it to be something different - just get in touch with our team!
Signal Strength	This is an integer value proportional to the signal strength of the SIM card within the panel.
Environment	This should always say production. If it does not, please contact our team.