Stanley Security HALO System Manual 980 000025 000 Rev 3.0 Roam Alert User Guide 000026

User Manual: Stanley Security Roam Alert User Guide Instructions

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Warranty
Warnings
Environmental Information – European Union
Contents
List of Procedures
Introduction
RoamAlert System Overview
Basic Procedures
Responding to Alarms
- About Tag Alarms
- Responding to Alarms
Activity Logs
Managing Users
Managing Tags
RoamAlert System Configuration
Configuring and Managing the RoamAlert Network
Managing Asset Tags
Tag Testing Form
- Record of Tag Test Results

Stanley Security Solutions

Stanley Healthcare Solutions Division

1550 N. 20th Circle

Lincoln, NE 68503

USA:800-824-2996

Canada:866-559-6275

International:+1 (613) 592.6997

Web site:www.stanleyhealthcare.com

980-000026-000 Rev 07. January 2010. Software release 1.5

RoamAlert User Guide iii

Warranty

Stanley Healthcare Solutions products are warranted against defects in materials and

workmanship and shall perform in accordance with published specifications for the following

periods:

• Infrastructure components (receivers, door and elevator controllers, keypads, exciters, wireless

tag readers etc.) – 1 year

• Wrist and pendant pulse tags, asset and inter tags, and pull cords – 1 year

• Wrist and Securaband tags without pulse technology – 3 years.

Stanley Healthcare Solutions warranty is limited solely to the repair or replacement of the

defective part or product. Stanley Healthcare Solutions reserves the right to change product

specifications without notice.

Limitation of Liability

This Product has been designed for use to: a) assist personnel in summoning help when they are

under personal duress, b) locate assets c) assist in the prevention of the loss of assets and/or d)

reduce the risk of resident wandering through remote detection.

The range, accuracy, function and performance of this Product may vary from the published

specifications due to many factors, including, without limitation, site impairments from

structural effects, metal objects in the vicinity, placement of the receiver and transmitter,

interference from other electrical devices, atmospheric effects, installation, and maintenance.

There may be other factors, which also affect performance of this Product.

Stanley Healthcare Solutions does not guarantee that this Product will: a) detect 100% of the

calls for personal assistance, b) locate all assets 100% of the time, c) prevent the loss of assets and/

or d) detect 100% of resident wanderings. Stanley Healthcare Solutions does not guarantee that

this Product will not return false reports of: a) calls for personal assistance, b) location of assets, c)

loss of assets and/or d) false reports of resident wandering.

Monthly testing and maintenance of this Product, as described in the Product documentation, is

essential to verify the system is operating correctly and to ensure that the probability of detecting

an alarm and/or locating the transmitter are maximized.

The failure to undertake regular testing and maintenance will increase the risk of system failure

and: a) failure to report personal duress calls, b) failure to locate assets, c) failure to prevent the

loss of assets and/or d) failure to detect resident wandering. The failure to undertake regular

testing and maintenance will increase the risk of false reports of: a) calls for personal assistance, b)

location of assets, c) loss of assets and/or d) resident wandering.

Stanley Healthcare Solutions hereby disclaims all warranties, express or implied, arising out of or

in connection with any of its Products of the use or performance thereof, including but not

limited to, where allowable by law, all other implied warranties or conditions of merchantable

quality and fitness for a particular purpose and those arising by statute or otherwise in law or

from a course of dealing or usage of trade.

iv RoamAlert User Guide

Stanley Healthcare Solutions's liability to you or anyone claiming through or on behalf of you

with respect to any claim or loss arising out of the use or misuse of Stanley Healthcare Solutions's

Product, defective products or materials, improper installation or maintenance of Stanley

Healthcare Solutions's Product or products or the system in which they are incorporated, or

alleged to have resulted from an act or omission of Stanley Healthcare Solutions or any person,

negligent or otherwise, shall be limited to:

A) the repair or replacement of defective Product or materials supplied by Stanley Healthcare

Solutions during the warranty period as set out in the Product documentation; or, at the option

of Stanley Healthcare Solutions,

B) a refund of the purchase price of the Product supplied by Stanley Healthcare Solutions.

In no event shall Stanley Healthcare Solutions be liable for general, specific, indirect,

consequential, incidental, exemplary or punitive damages or any losses or expenses suffered by

you or anyone else, whether or not Stanley Healthcare Solutions, or its employees, officers,

agents, resellers or installers has been informed of the risk of such loss or expense and whether or

not such losses or expenses were foreseeable.

UL Listing

This system is listed as an Access Control System by Underwriters Laboratories Inc., Standard for

Safety.

Warnings

• Do not operate other software programs at the same time as the RoamAlert system software—

do not use these or other software:

•Disk compression—do not use compressed disk drives.

•Back up programs —back up programs, including the Microsoft® Windows® back up

program, warn of problems when continuing to use the system during a backup. Also, the

system does not support the use of a tape drive. Exit the server or workstations software

before starting a back up session.

• Turn off power management and screen savers for all computers used in the RoamAlert®

system – power management can interfere with the proper operation of the RoamAlert system

software.

• Cell phones, walkie talkies and other similar RF devices transmit at a considerably higher

power than the tags used with the RoamAlert system. If these types of transmitters are used in

close proximity they may compromise tag transmissions.

RoamAlert User Guide v

Environmental Information – European Union

The equipment used in this system has required the extraction and use of natural resources for its

production. It may contain hazardous substances that could impact health and the environment.

In order to avoid the dissemination of these substances in the environment and to diminish the

pressure on the world’s natural resources, Stanley Healthcare Solutions encourages you to use the

appropriate local or regional take-back systems. Those systems will reuse or recycle most of the

materials of your equipment once it has reached the end of its service life.

The crossed-out wheeled bin symbol invites you to use those systems.

If you need more information on the collection, reuse and recycling systems, please contact your

local or regional waste administration.

You can also contact Stanley Healthcare Solutions for more information on the environmental

performances of our products.

vi RoamAlert User Guide

RoamAlert User Guide vii

Chapter 0Contents

List of Procedures ......................................................................... xi

1 – Introduction

What is the RoamAlert System?.........................................................................1-2

Using This Guide .....................................................................................................1-2

Terms and Conventions Used ..................................................................................... 1-2

What’s In This Guide ....................................................................................................... 1-3

Using Windows........................................................................................................1-3

2 – RoamAlert System Overview

A Typical RoamAlert Installation .......................................................................2-2

RoamAlert System Components .......................................................................2-4

Tags....................................................................................................................................... 2-4

Tag Reader ......................................................................................................................... 2-5

Receiver............................................................................................................................... 2-5

Controller Hardware....................................................................................................... 2-6

Computers ......................................................................................................................... 2-7

RoamAlert Software...............................................................................................2-8

User Security Levels ........................................................................................................ 2-8

User Screen and Functions.........................................................................................2-11

Supervisor Mode Screen and Panels ......................................................................2-13

Administrator Mode Screen and Panels................................................................2-14

System Icons.......................................................................................................... 2-17

3 – Basic Procedures

Logging On to Wizards .........................................................................................3-2

Assigning a Tag to a Resident.............................................................................3-3

Attaching and Storing Tags.................................................................................3-8

Attaching Wrist Tags ...................................................................................................... 3-8

Storing Tags....................................................................................................................... 3-9

viii RoamAlert User Guide

Editing Resident Information...........................................................................3-10

Transporting a Resident.....................................................................................3-13

Returning a Transported Tag ...........................................................................3-16

Displaying the Tag Census................................................................................3-18

Bypassing A Door or Elevator...........................................................................3-19

Locating Tags.........................................................................................................3-22

Locating Tags in a Facility .......................................................................................... 3-22

Unassigning a Tag................................................................................................3-25

Switching Modes ..................................................................................................3-27

Printing Lists...........................................................................................................3-29

4 – Responding to Alarms

About Tag Alarms................................................................................................... 4-2

Responding to Alarms .......................................................................................... 4-4

Accepting Alarms at a Workstation or Server........................................................4-4

Accepting TIF Alarms at a Mode 1 Access Keypad...............................................4-5

Muting Alarm Sounds.....................................................................................................4-6

Handling Low Battery Alarms......................................................................................4-6

About System Alarms .....................................................................................................4-6

Alarm Reminders..............................................................................................................4-6

5 – Activity Logs

Viewing the Activity Log...................................................................................... 5-2

Annotate a Log Entry ............................................................................................ 5-4

Search for Specific Log Entries........................................................................... 5-5

6 – Managing Users

Viewing the User List............................................................................................. 6-2

Adding a New User ................................................................................................ 6-3

Editing User Properties......................................................................................... 6-6

Deleting a User........................................................................................................ 6-7

7 – Managing Tags

RoamAlert User Guide ix

Viewing the Tag List...............................................................................................7-2

Adding New Tags to Inventory ..........................................................................7-4

Deleting Tags from Inventory ......................................................................... 7-10

Testing and Cleaning Tags ............................................................................... 7-11

About Pendants.................................................................................................... 7-14

Editing Tag Properties........................................................................................ 7-15

8 – RoamAlert System Configuration

Defining and Managing Annotations..............................................................8-2

Defining and Managing Tag Categories.........................................................8-6

Defining and Managing Messaging Devices ............................................. 8-12

Specifying Global Software Settings............................................................. 8-17

Managing Alarm Sound Configurations...................................................... 8-20

Managing Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons ............................................... 8-24

Adding, Editing and Deleting Floor Plans ............................................................8-26

Placing, Moving and Removing Node Icons........................................................8-30

Defining and Managing Workstations ......................................................... 8-32

9 – Configuring and Managing the RoamAlert Network

System Testing.........................................................................................................9-2

Performing Backups...............................................................................................9-3

Shutting Down and Restarting the System...................................................9-4

Configuring and Managing RS-485 Networks..............................................9-5

Configuring and Managing Nodes................................................................ 9-10

Defining and Managing Links ......................................................................... 9-20

A – Managing Asset Tags

Asset Tag Categories and Alarm Sounds....................................................... A-2

Adding and Removing Asset Tags................................................................... A-2

Assigning an Asset Tag to an Item................................................................... A-6

Attaching, Removing and Storing Asset Tags ............................................. A-8

Editing Asset Tag Properties.............................................................................. A-9

xRoamAlert User Guide

Responding to Asset Tag Alarms......................................................................A-9

B – Tag Testing Form

Record of Tag Test Results .................................................................................. B-2

I – Index

RoamAlert User Guide xi

Chapter 0List of Procedures

Start a Wizard...................................................................................................3-2

Assign a Tag to a Resident ..............................................................................3-3

Attach a Tag To A Resident .............................................................................3-8

Edit a Resident’s Information..........................................................................3-10

Transport a Resident ......................................................................................3-13

Return a Tag Using the Wizard ......................................................................3-16

Display the Tag Census .................................................................................3-18

Take a Tagged Resident Through a Controlled Exit Door..............................3-20

Take a Tagged Resident Into a Controlled Elevator.......................................3-21

Locate Tags in a Facility.................................................................................3-22

Unassign a Tag ..............................................................................................3-25

Print a List.......................................................................................................3-29

Accept an Alarm at the Server or a Workstation ..............................................4-4

Accept an Alarm at a Mode 1 Access Keypad .................................................4-5

Mute an Alarm ..................................................................................................4-6

View the Activity Log ........................................................................................5-2

Annotate a Log Entry........................................................................................5-4

Search the Activity Log for Specific Entries......................................................5-5

View the User List.............................................................................................6-2

Add a New User ...............................................................................................6-3

Edit a User’s Information ..................................................................................6-6

Delete a User....................................................................................................6-7

View the Tag List ..............................................................................................7-2

Add a Tag to Inventory Manually......................................................................7-4

Add Multiple Tags at Once to Inventory ...........................................................7-7

Delete a Tag from Inventory ...........................................................................7-10

How to Test a Tag With the Tag Reader........................................................7-12

How to Test a Tag at a Door or Protected Exit...............................................7-12

Clean Wrist Tags ............................................................................................7-13

Edit the Properties of a Tag............................................................................7-15

xii RoamAlert User Guide

Unassign a Tag ............................................................................................. 7-17

Assign a Tag.................................................................................................. 7-17

Change the Expiry Date of a Tag .................................................................. 7-19

Edit the Information and Configuration of a Tag............................................ 7-20

Return a Transported Tag ............................................................................. 7-22

View the Annotation List .................................................................................. 8-2

Add a New Annotation..................................................................................... 8-3

Edit an Annotation ........................................................................................... 8-4

Delete an Annotation ....................................................................................... 8-5

View the Tag Categories List........................................................................... 8-6

Add a New Category ....................................................................................... 8-7

Edit a Category.............................................................................................. 8-10

Delete a Category.......................................................................................... 8-10

View the Messaging Device List.................................................................... 8-12

Add a New Messaging Device....................................................................... 8-13

Edit a Messaging Device ............................................................................... 8-15

Delete a Device ............................................................................................. 8-16

Modify RoamAlert Software Settings............................................................. 8-17

View the Alarm Sounds List........................................................................... 8-20

Change a Defined Alarm Sound.................................................................... 8-21

View Floor Plans............................................................................................ 8-24

Add a New Floor............................................................................................ 8-26

Edit a Floor Plan ............................................................................................ 8-28

Delete a Floor Plan........................................................................................ 8-29

Place a Node Icon on a Floor Plan................................................................ 8-30

Move a Node Icon on a Floor Plan ................................................................ 8-31

Remove a Node Icon from a Floor Plan ........................................................ 8-31

View the Console List .................................................................................... 8-32

Add a New Console....................................................................................... 8-33

Edit a Console ............................................................................................... 8-37

Delete a Console ........................................................................................... 8-38

Perform a Manual Backup ............................................................................... 9-3

Shut Down the RoamAlert Server or a Workstation ........................................ 9-4

Restart the RoamAlert Server or a Workstation .............................................. 9-4

View the RS-485 Network Panel ..................................................................... 9-5

Add an RS-485 Network.................................................................................. 9-6

RoamAlert User Guide xiii

Edit the Baud Rate of an RS-485 Network .......................................................9-8

Delete an RS-485 Network...............................................................................9-8

View the Nodes Panel ....................................................................................9-10

Add a Node.....................................................................................................9-11

Edit A Node’s Properties ................................................................................9-17

Delete a Node.................................................................................................9-19

View the Links List..........................................................................................9-20

Add A New Link ..............................................................................................9-21

Edit a Link’s Properties...................................................................................9-25

Delete a Link...................................................................................................9-26

Add an Asset Tag to Inventory ........................................................................ A-2

Delete an Asset Tag from Inventory ................................................................ A-5

Assign an Asset Tag to an Item....................................................................... A-6

Attach an Asset Tag to an Item ....................................................................... A-8

Remove an Asset Tag from an Item................................................................ A-8

Clean and Store an Asset Tag ........................................................................ A-8

xiv RoamAlert User Guide

RoamAlert User Guide 1–1

Chapter 1

HAPTER

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the RoamAlert® resident safety system, and thank you for

choosing a Stanley Healthcare Solutions product.

This document is your guide to using the RoamAlert system and software. It is

intended for facility staff who are responsible for using, administering and

maintaining the system. Although this document contains sections on

configuring devices and software settings, the general assumption is that your

system has been installed, configured and commissioned by your Authorized

RoamAlert Dealer.

1–2 RoamAlert User Guide

What is the RoamAlert System?

The RoamAlert system is designed to create, in conjunction with staff diligence,

a secure perimeter that helps deter residents and assets from leaving the

protected area of a facility. Residents and assets are tagged with a Stanley

Healthcare Solutions transponder (or Tag) that generates an alarm when the tag

approaches a protected exit. Also available are fixed-location pull cords for

resident duress applications and inter tags that interconnect with the Stanley

Healthcare Solutions TABS® fall management system.

RoamAlert implements a three-level password-protected security access level

system for user interaction with the software. Your RoamAlert administrator

should have provided you with a password and security level.

Using This Guide

Terms and Conventions Used

Term Usage

TIF Tag In Field or exit alarm

TIC Tag Initiated Communication

TLM Tag Location Message or tag pulse

BLM Battery Low Message

Press Press a key or key combination on the keyboard

Click Click the left mouse button once

Double-click Quickly click the left mouse button twice

Select Position the mouse cursor on a field or row in a list and

highlight it by clicking once

Admit, Edit, Transport

Enter, Shift, etc.

Names of keys, fields, dialog boxes, buttons, and other

system components are in bold and in a different font.

For example: In the Day Range field, type a value, then

press Enter.

Using Windows

RoamAlert User Guide 1–3

What’s In This Guide

This guide includes an overview of the system and detailed instructions for the

procedures that are used daily while working with the system.

Also included are detailed discussions of tag management, configuration

options and system maintenance tasks. The software functions available to you

are defined by your access level: User, Supervisor or Administrator.

For the User

If you are a user, you should read the “RoamAlert System Overview” chapter to

become familiar with the system, the “Basic Procedures” chapter to learn about

the tasks you perform on a daily basis, and the “Responding to Alarms” chapter

to learn about dealing with warnings and alarms.

Procedures to transport tags, however, can only be performed by staff with

Supervisor or Administrator access.

For the Supervisor

If you are a Supervisor, you can perform all the procedures available to the User.

Therefore, you should become familiar with the same material. Since you have

access to several other RoamAlert functions, you should read the chapters

“Activity Logs”, “Managing Tags” and “Managing Users”. As well, in the

chapter “RoamAlert System Configuration”, you should read the sections

“Defining and Managing Annotations”, “Defining and Managing Tag

Categories” and, if your facility uses RoamAlert messaging functions, “Defining

and Managing Messaging Devices”.

For the Administrator

If you are an Administrator, you can perform all procedures available to the

User and Supervisor, and you should be familiar with all aspects of the

RoamAlert system. Chapters in this guide specific to administrative tasks

include “RoamAlert System Configuration” and “Configuring and Managing

the RoamAlert Network”.

Using Windows

This guide assumes that you are familiar with, and capable of using, the

Microsoft Windows XP operating system. If you are new to Windows or

require a refresher on its features, please refer to the many available sources

including the Windows manuals and online tutorials.

1–4 RoamAlert User Guide

Using Windows

RoamAlert User Guide 2–1

Chapter 2

HAPTER

ROAMALERT SYSTEM

OVERVIEW

The RoamAlert resident safety system is a hardware and software system

designed to deter residents and assets from leaving a department or facility. The

system can also be used to locate residents and provide emergency call functions

within the RoamAlert perimeter.

This chapter describes:

•A typical RoamAlert installation

•The individual components of the system such as tags, controllers,

receivers and computers

•User security levels

•The software interface

2–2 RoamAlert User Guide

A Typical RoamAlert Installation

RoamAlert User Guide 2–3

In a typical RoamAlert resident safety system installation, a section of a facility

is defined as a “safe (or protected) area.” Residents may move around freely

within this area. Exits from the safe area are equipped with exciters mounted

beside the exit doors. As a resident approaches a protected door, the exciter’s RF

(radio frequency) field causes the resident’s tag to send a special identifying

signal to the exciter’s controller. The controller passes this information over the

network to the RoamAlert server, which automatically displays a warning or an

alarm and optionally, locks the door, or activates a CCTV or paging system,

among other possible functions.

Keypads are installed at exit points so that staff members can bypass the door

controller and transport a resident outside the safe area without triggering an

alarm.

If your facility is large, one or more workstations (called consoles in the

software) may also be installed. As the server receives alarms, it directs them to

the closest workstations, which then display the alarm. At a workstation, an

alarm can be accepted, and resident tags can be assigned, transported and

unassigned.

Wrist tags are worn by residents. These are available with or without Tag Pulse

technology. A pulse tag, which is green, emits an identifying signal (pulse) every

16 seconds. Receivers located throughout the safe area pick up these pulses and

transmit the information to the RoamAlert server. If the server does not receive

these pulses, a warning or alarm can be displayed.

Residents can be authorized to leave the safe area for testing and other

legitimate purposes. This is accomplished by completing a software procedure

that “transports” the tag out of the area for a specified length of time. If the tag

is not detected by the system after the transport time has expired, an alarm can

be automatically generated.

The RoamAlert system employs a network based on the RS-485 protocol. All

devices in the system are connected through this network and they are

continually supervised by the server software. Alarms are automatically

generated if communication with any RoamAlert device is lost or

compromised.

If the safe area of your facility occupies more than one floor, special controllers

and repeaters are used to monitor elevators. In a large facility, repeaters are also

used to extend the coverage area.

Typically, the RoamAlert system will have its own central power supply with

battery backup, so that the system will continue to operate without interruption

in the event of power problems.

2–4 RoamAlert User Guide

RoamAlert System Components

Your facility may not have installed all of the components described here. For

example, if your facility does not include elevators within the RoamAlert

perimeter or does not provide location or emergency call, then the elevator

components and receivers are not installed.

Tags

Tag Type Usage

Wrist/Securaband The wrist and Securaband tags provide wander

prevention for residents. Each tag can be configured

(authorized) to allow the wearer free access (called

bypass) to specific exits. Otherwise, the system issues

an exit alarm if an unauthorized tag approaches an open

protected exit. The tag is usually worn on the resident’s

wrist and is attached using a tear-resistant band.

The Securaband may also be attached with a special

tamper-resistant band.

The blue wrist tag and the Securaband tag can only

generate an exit alarm. The green wrist tag also emits a

location signal every 16 seconds. If your facility has

receivers installed, residents wearing the green tag can

be located at any time within the protected area.

Pendant The pendant incorporates three functions: bypass,

location and emergency call (duress). Like wrist tags,

pendants can be configured so that the system

automatically unlocks doors when the tag enters a door

controller’s detection zone (auto bypass).

The location and emergency call functions only work in

facilities that have receivers installed.

Asset The asset tag is used to protect equipment. Like the wrist

and pendants, the asset tag can be authorized to pass

through specific exits, and if your facility has receivers

installed, the asset can be located at any time. See

Appendix A, “Managing Asset Tags” for details.

RoamAlert System Components

RoamAlert User Guide 2–5

Tag Reader

Receiver

Pull Cord The Pull Cord is an emergency call tag. The pull cord is

typically mounted at the head of a bed or in a washroom,

within easy reach of the resident. When the cord is

pulled, the tag inside sends a signal to the nearest

receiver or wireless tag reader.

All Tags A unique electronic serial number identifies each tag,

and a battery monitoring circuit informs RoamAlert when

the tag battery is nearing the end of its life if the tag is

within communication range of a controller or receiver.

Tag Type Usage

The tag reader is a hand-held device used to test and

program tags without removing them from the resident.

In user mode, the reader can determine a tag’s serial

number, warranty expiry date, battery status and whether

the tag supports location messages (TLM). The reader

can also test a controller’s field and check for RF noise.

In technician mode, the reader can read, test and

configure TLM tags. The reader also has its own internal

low battery indicator.

The receiver monitors and receives tag messages such

as emergency calls and tag location messages. The

receiver is a compact, unobtrusive device usually

mounted out of sight in areas such as drop ceilings.

Enough receivers are placed throughout the secure area

to ensure complete coverage.

2–6 RoamAlert User Guide

RoamAlert System Components

Controller Hardware

Item Usage

Door Controller The controller is the heart of the RoamAlert perimeter

system. It generates an exciter field (through an attached

exciter antenna), which defines the area within which a

tag causes an exit alarm. If a tag is detected, the

controller can activate a maglock to hold the door shut.

Exciter The exciter antenna creates a radio frequency (RF) field

at an exit that activates tags entering the field. The

exciter antenna is typically mounted above the drop

ceiling or inside the wall at a doorway. Two antennas

may be used with a controller to provide coverage for

exits up to 20 feet wide.

Maglock The Maglock holds a closed door securely shut when a

tag enters the controller’s exciter field.

Access Keypad The access keypad is installed near a door or elevator

controller. You enter a code to temporarily bypass the

controller, allowing a tag to enter the exciter field without

generating an alarm. The keypad provides an audible

and visual indication of alarm conditions as well as

standby, bypass, and power-on conditions.

Elevator Controller The elevator system controls the operation of a facility's

elevators. Instead of lobby coverage on every floor, the

elevator system travels with each elevator car,

containing the detection field within that car.

The elevator controller initiates a pre-alarm in an attempt

to clear unauthorized people from the elevator car

without staff intervention. If the keypad mounted on the

elevator control panel is activated before the pre-alarm

has ended, the elevator enters bypass mode, which

allows normal operation. Otherwise, the system

generates an alarm, holding the elevator doors open until

the tag is removed form the car.

RoamAlert System Components

RoamAlert User Guide 2–7

Computers

RoamAlert Server and Workstations

The server and workstations are the computers that

control your RoamAlert system. The application software

and central database resides on the server, which

receives status information from the door controllers,

elevator controllers, receivers and other components via

an RS-485 network. The server can be connected to one

or more workstations over a standard local area network

(LAN), so that system activity can be monitored from

several different locations in your facility. At a

workstation, you can access all non-administrative

software functions.

Although the server is used to initially configure the

system, it can also be used on a day-to-day basis since

all workstation functions are available at the server.

2–8 RoamAlert User Guide

RoamAlert Software

RoamAlert is an event-driven system. That is, the RoamAlert software responds

to user and system events as they occur.

A user event occurs when you click a button on the interface, or press a specific

key combination, to perform a function. For example, to assign a tag to a

resident, you click the Assign button at a RoamAlert workstation. The Assign

Tag Wizard starts and guides you through the procedure.

A system event occurs when RoamAlert responds to activity within the

protected perimeter of your facility, or an event is triggered by a setting. For

example:

•When a tag approaches a controlled door, the tag emits a unique Tag In

Field (TIF) message. This message is received by the controller, and if the

tag is not authorized to be at that door, the RoamAlert software generates a

warning if the door is closed or an alarm if the door is open, and displays

these on any workstation configured to receive alarms from that controller.

•In a receiver-based system, when the button is pressed on the pendant or

the cord is pulled on the pull cord unit or an asset tag is removed from an

item, the tag emits a Tag Initiated Communication (TIC) message.

User Security Levels

The RoamAlert software functions are organized by security level. Each function

has an associated user security level. The three user levels are:

•User

•Supervisor

•Administrator

Each type of user can access specific RoamAlert functions as described in the

following table:

RoamAlert Software

RoamAlert User Guide 2–9

Table 2.1

RoamAlert User Access by Procedure

RoamAlert Procedures

(and where to find them in this manual)

User Access Level

User

Super-

visor

Admini-

strator

Chapter 3 – Basic Procedures and

Chapter 4 – Responding to Alarms

Assign Tag to Resident ---

Edit Resident Information ---

Unassign Tag ---

Mute Alarm Sounds ---

Accept Alarm ---

Select a Floor Plan ---

Locate a Tag ---

Show all Assigned Tags (Census) ---

Transport a Tag - -

Return a Transported Tag - -

Chapter 5 – Activity Logs

View/Print Activity Logs - -

Annotate Log Entry - -

Search Log for Data - -

Back Up System Files -

Chapter 6 – Managing Users

View/Print User List - -

Add, Delete and Edit Users - -

Disable or Activate a User - -

Assign and Change User Passwords - -

Assign and Change User PINs - -

2–10 RoamAlert User Guide

RoamAlert Software

Chapter 7 – Managing Tags

View/Print Tag List - -

Add, Delete and Edit Tags - -

Assign/Unassign a Tag - -

Assign and Unassign a Pendant - -

Change Tag Expiry Date - -

Add/Delete/Assign/Unassign/Edit an Asset

Tag (Appendix A)

- -

Chapter 8 – RoamAlert System

Configuration

Add, Delete and Edit Alarm Annotations - -

Add, Delete and Edit Tag Categories - -

Add, Delete, and Manage Messaging

Devices

- -

Specify Global Software Settings -

Add, Delete and Manage Workstations -

Manage Alarm and Sound Configuration -

Manage Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons -

Chapter 9 – Configuring and Managing

the RoamAlert Network

Add, Delete and Manage RS-485 Networks -

Add, Delete and Manage Nodes -

Manage Controllers, Receivers and

Elevators

Add, Delete and Manage Links -

Set up Network Communication Parameters -

View System Logs -

Table 2.1

RoamAlert User Access by Procedure

RoamAlert Procedures

(and where to find them in this manual)

User Access Level

User

Super-

visor

Admini-

strator

RoamAlert Software

RoamAlert User Guide 2–11

User Screen and Functions

The RoamAlert user mode screen is divided into four main sections:

•a central area that displays the floor plans of your facility with icons for

system components, and tabs at the upper left for each floor in a multi-

floor installation,

•an alarm panel, which displays specific information, and opens above the

floor plans whenever RoamAlert issues an alarm. When there are no

current alarms, this panel closes.

•a vertical button bar at the left with a button for each RoamAlert user

function, and

•a status line at the bottom displaying basic information about the system,

including the Mode (User, Supervisor, or Administrator), # of active

alarms, # of assigned and unassigned tags, and the date and time.

Plan

Floor Tabs

Button Bar

Status Line

Alarm Panel

About RoamAlert

2–12 RoamAlert User Guide

RoamAlert Software

On the left side of the screen, the functions available to users are displayed in the

vertical button bar. The Transport function requires Supervisor access.

Accept Alarm

If there is a current alarm, the button icon blinks red. Click the button to accept

the alarm. See “Responding to Alarms” on page 4-4.

Mute

If there is a current alarm, and your facility allows muting, click this button to

mute the sound. See “Muting Alarm Sounds” on page 4-6.

If there are one or more current alarms, you can use this button to make a hard

copy of the alarms. See “Accept an Alarm at the Server or a Workstation” on

page 4-4.

Assign

Click this button to assign a tag to a new resident. See “Assigning a Tag to a

Resident” on page 3-3

Unassign

Click this button to unassign a tag. See “Unassigning a Tag” on page 3-25

Edit

Click this button to change a resident’s information. See “Editing Resident

Information” on page 3-10.

Census

If the function is enabled, click this button to display all currently assigned tags.

See “Displaying the Tag Census” on page 3-18

Transport

Click this button when you need to transport the resident outside the

RoamAlert perimeter. See “Transporting a Resident” on page 3-13.

Locate

Click this button when you want to locate a tag within the RoamAlert

perimeter. See “Locating Tags” on page 3-22.

Help

Click this button to open an on-line PDF version of this guide.

About

Click the RoamAlert icon to view licensing and software version information

about this installation.

RoamAlert Software

RoamAlert User Guide 2–13

Supervisor Mode Screen and Panels

If you are a Supervisor or Administrator, you can access Supervisor mode by

pressing the ALT-L key combination, then entering your user name and

password.

In the Supervisor mode screen, the central floor plan area is replaced by the

Activity Log panel, with a set of 6 panel tabs at the bottom and a panel toolbar

above that contains buttons specific to the currently open panel.

Activity Log

The Activity Log panel lists the system and user events for a configurable time

period, usually the last 31 days. You can navigate through the list, search for

specific events, and print the list by day or by several other criteria. See the

chapter “Activity Logs” on page 5-1 for details.

Tags

The Tags panel lists all assigned and unassigned tags in the system. Here you

can add new tags to inventory, delete expired tags, edit tag information and

print tag lists. See the chapter “Managing Tags” on page 7-1 for details.

Panel Tabs

Panel Toolbar

2–14 RoamAlert User Guide

RoamAlert Software

Users

The Users panel lists all RoamAlert users. As a Supervisor, you can add, edit and

delete users in the User, and Supervisor access groups. You can only view the

properties of Administrators. See the chapter “Managing Users” on page 6-1 for

details.

Annotations

The Annotations panel lists the annotations that are available as notes when

accepting an alarm. See “Defining and Managing Annotations” on page 8-2 in

the “RoamAlert System Configuration” chapter for details.

Categories

The Categories panel lists the access categories that are available to which tags

are associated. See “Defining and Managing Tag Categories” on page 8-6 in the

“RoamAlert System Configuration” chapter for details. Tag category

functionality is supported only by controllers that have firmware version 1.4 or

newer installed.

Messaging

The Messaging panel lists the messaging devices, such as pagers or wireless

handsets, that are configured to receive alarm notifications. You can add, edit,

and delete devices from this panel. See “Defining and Managing Messaging

Devices” on page 8-12 in the “RoamAlert System Configuration” chapter.

Administrator Mode Screen and Panels

If you are an Administrator, you can access Administrator mode by pressing the

ALT-D key combination, then entering your user name and password.

Note:

Administrator mode is available only at the RoamAlert server. As well, all

communications to workstations are suspended while the server is in this mode.

In the Administrator mode screen, the central floor plan area is replaced by the

Settings panel, with a set of 13 panel tabs at the bottom and a panel toolbar

above that contains buttons specific to the currently open panel.

The Activity Log, Tags, Users, Annotations, Categories, and Messaging panels

are the same panels available in Supervisor mode. For basic information about

those panels, see the section “Supervisor Mode Screen and Panels” on page 2-13.

The other seven panels are available only to Administrators at the server.

RoamAlert Software

RoamAlert User Guide 2–15

Settings

The Settings panel displays software configuration options. Use this panel to

adjust the RoamAlert configuration to reflect the policies in effect at your

facility. See “Specifying Global Software Settings” on page 8-17 in the

“RoamAlert System Configuration” chapter for details.

Floors

The Floors panel displays the floor plans for your facility. You can update the

plans, specify which plan is displayed by default, and place icons for the various

system components (controllers, receivers, workstations, etc.) in their correct

locations on the plans. See “Managing Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons” on

page 8-24 in the “RoamAlert System Configuration” chapter for details.

Consoles

The Consoles panel lists the workstations currently configured as part of your

RoamAlert installation. You can add and remove workstations, and edit

configuration options for each workstation. See “Defining and Managing

Workstations” on page 8-32 in the “RoamAlert System Configuration” chapter

for details.

Panel Tabs

Panel Toolbar

2–16 RoamAlert User Guide

RoamAlert Software

Nodes

The Nodes panel lists all nodes (controllers, receivers, I/O modules, etc.)

connected to the RoamAlert network. You can add and remove nodes, and

specify configuration options for each node. See“Configuring and Managing

Nodes” on page 9-10 in the “Configuring and Managing the RoamAlert

Network” chapter for details.

Links

The Links panel lists the links currently configured for your installation. A Link

is an association between the occurrence of a predefined condition (link trigger)

and an operation (link action) that RoamAlert carries out in response to the

trigger. See “Defining and Managing Links” on page 9-20 in the “Configuring

and Managing the RoamAlert Network” chapter for details on setting up links.

RS-485 Network

The RS-485 Network panel lists the individual networks that make up the

RoamAlert installation. See “Configuring and Managing RS-485 Networks” on

page 9-5 in the “Configuring and Managing the RoamAlert Network” chapter

for details.

Sounds

The Sounds panel lists the sounds specified for each tag type. You can configure

RoamAlert to issue a different alarm sound for each tag type. See “Managing

Alarm Sound Configurations” on page 8-20 in the “RoamAlert System

Configuration” chapter for details.

System Icons

RoamAlert User Guide 2–17

System Icons

All installed components and any events that occur are represented on screen by

icons. For clarity, the icons are grouped here in three categories: warnings and

alarms, system events, and components. Icons used in the Activity Log to

represent events are illustrated in “Viewing the Activity Log” on page 5-2.

Table 2.2

Warning and Alarm Event Icons

Icon Name Description

Exit Warning Door controller – Alternates with the controller icon

when an assigned tag approaches a closed exit door.

Elevator controller – Alternates with the elevator icon

when an assigned tag enters the elevator before a

bypass code is entered at the keypad.

RoamAlert

Alarm

Alternates with the tag icon when an alarm is

triggered:

Wrist or asset tags – exit or tamper alarm,

Pendants – tag button pressed or non-bypass tag

attempts to exit.

Table 2.3

System Event Icons

Icon Name Description

Receiver Noise

Warning

Overlays the receiver icon when extraneous RF noise

is detected at that receiver. Indicates that the receiver

may not detect tag messages accurately.

Node Failure

Alarm

Alternates with a component icon to indicate that the

device (controller, receiver, etc.) is not communicating

correctly with the RoamAlert server.

Console Not

Communicating

Indicates that the workstation is not communicating

with the server. Usually means that the workstation

has been turned off or the RoamAlert software is not

running on the workstation.

2–18 RoamAlert User Guide

System Icons

Table 2.4

Component Icons

Icon Name Description

Door Controller Shows a door or exit point. Displays exit and tamper

alarms when they occur at that exit.

Receiver Shows the location of receivers throughout the secure

area. Displays tamper alarms and tag location

messages.

Elevator

Controller

Shows the location of elevators. Displays exit and

tamper alarms when they occur at that elevator.

Console or

Server

Shows the location of the server and any installed

workstations.

I/O 8 Module Shows the location of I/O 8 modules and displays any

communication failures with the module.

Wireless Tag

Reader

Shows the location of WTRs and displays any

communication failures with the reader.

Wrist or

Securaband

Tag

Shows the location of a resident.

Pendant Displayed alternately with the alarm icon when the

button is pressed or a non-bypass tag attempts an

exit.

Asset Tag Shows the location of a tagged asset item.

Pull Cord Shows the location of an emergency pull cord.

RoamAlert User Guide 3–1

Chapter 3

HAPTER

BASIC PROCEDURES

RoamAlert basic procedures include:

•Logging on to wizards

•Assigning tags to residents

•Attaching and storing tags

•Editing resident information

•Transporting a resident out of the RoamAlert perimeter

•Returning a transported resident

•Displaying the tag census

•Using the access keypad

•Locating tags

•Unassigning tags

•Switching modes and printing lists

Each facility will devise its own policies for these actions, and will identify the

users who are responsible for carrying out the procedures.

The descriptions in this chapter illustrate how the RoamAlert software and

components are used to carry out these procedures.

3–2 RoamAlert User Guide

Logging On to Wizards

Normally, RoamAlert should always be running on the workstations and server.

If this is not the case, see “Shutting Down and Restarting the System” on

page 9-4 or contact the RoamAlert administrator.

Each time you start a user-mode wizard, you must first provide your user name

and password to the system for authentication.

Procedure: Start a Wizard

Note: This procedure uses the Assign Tag Wizard as the example; all user-

mode wizards are started in the same way.

1At the server or a workstation, click the icon (on the left side of the screen)

for the wizard you are starting. The wizard’s logon window opens.

Note: During a wizard procedure, you can click the Cancel button at any

window to stop the procedure and close the wizard, or you can click the

Back button (in most cases) to return to a previous window if you need

to change or correct an entry.

2Type in your User Name, then press Tab or Enter.

3Type in your Password. The Next button is now enabled.

4Click Next or press Enter. The next window of the wizard opens.

Note: If you do not complete the logon procedure within 4 minutes, the window

closes and you must start again.

Assigning a Tag to a Resident

RoamAlert User Guide 3–3

Assigning a Tag to a Resident

This procedure is controlled by the Assign Tag Wizard, which guides you

through the steps required to assign the tag. Following this procedure, you

physically attach the assigned tag to the resident (see “Attach a Tag To A

Resident” on page 3-8).

Note:

Only wrist and Securaband tags may be assigned using the Assign Tag Wizard.

When assigning a tag, you can also associate an image with the resident. The

resident’s image is displayed on screen whenever the tag generates an alarm.

This image may only be in one of the following three formats:

A tag can be assigned from any workstation or the server; any user can perform

this procedure. Although pendants can be assigned to residents for emergency

call usage, they cannot be assigned using the Assign Tag Wizard. See the

procedure “Assign a Tag” on page 7-17 to assign a pendant.

Procedure: Assign a Tag to a Resident

1Select an unassigned wrist (or Securaband) tag in inventory from storage.

Select tags in rotation to ensure that all tags are used more or less equally.

2At a RoamAlert workstation or server, click Assign. The Assign Tag Wizard

logon window opens.

3Enter your User Name and Password (see “Start a Wizard” on page 3-2 for

details), then click Next or press Enter. The Tag Selection window opens.

4In the Tag Selection window, the Tag list: displays all unassigned wrist tags

in inventory.

Format Description

.gif Graphics Interchange Format

.bmp Windows Bitmap

.jpg, .jpeg Joint Photographic Effects Group image

3–4 RoamAlert User Guide

Assigning a Tag to a Resident

5Type the tag’s number into the Tag ID field, or, in the list of tags, click the

desired tag to select it, then click Next. The Resident Information window

opens.

6In the Resident Information window, enter the information for this resident.

The Last Name, Category and Room fields are mandatory. If the correct

category is unknown at this time, select Unspecified. The Next button is not

enabled until these three fields are entered. The other fields should be

entered according to the policies in effect at your facility.

Note: Categories are used to allow a tag free access to specific doors or

elevators (automatic bypass) without raising warnings or alarms, or to

prevent free access to specific or all doors or elevators. See “Defining

and Managing Tag Categories” on page 8-6.

When you are satisfied with the information you have entered, click Next.

The Add Resident Image window opens.

Assigning a Tag to a Resident

RoamAlert User Guide 3–5

7If your facility does not associate images with residents or you do not have

an image at this time, click Next. The Escort window opens. Proceed to

Step 8.

7-1 Otherwise, in the Add Resident Image window, click Browse. A

standard Windows File Open dialog box opens at the My

Documents folder and displays the available graphic files.

7-2 Select one of the displayed graphic files or look in other folders where

you may have stored your resident images, select one, then click

Open. The File Open dialog box closes and RoamAlert displays the

resident’s image in the Add Resident Image window.

Note: The image you select is copied to the RoamAlert Images folder and

given a name that consists of the resident’s last name plus the date and

time that the image was selected, for example:

Smith_Aug 04 2009_14 44 01.bmp

3–6 RoamAlert User Guide

Assigning a Tag to a Resident

7-3 Click Next. The Escort window opens.

8If your facility does not assign escorts to residents or you do not wish to do

so at this time, click Next. The Completing the Assign Tag Wizard window

opens. Proceed to Step 9.

8-1 Otherwise, in the Escort window, select a staff member or visitor from

the list. Note that only one escort can be selected.

8-2 Click Next. The Completing the Assign Tag Wizard window opens.

9In the Completing the Assign Tag Wizard window, verify that the Resident

Info: is correct and complete.

Assigning a Tag to a Resident

RoamAlert User Guide 3–7

If any of the information is not correct:

•click Back to return to previous windows for corrections, or

•click Cancel to close the Wizard without assigning the tag.

If you are satisfied with the displayed information:

•click Finish to assign this tag and close the Assign Tag Wizard, or

•click Next to assign this tag and begin assigning another tag.

3–8 RoamAlert User Guide

Attaching and Storing Tags

Attaching Wrist Tags

Wrist tags are attached to the resident using plastic straps, with pins secured by a

locking clamp or securing flap.

Note:

To attach Securaband tags, see the Securaband Tag User Guide (Part #980-

000323-000).

Procedure: Attach a Tag To A Resident

1Gather the required items: a vinyl strap with securing grommet, and the

assigned tag.

2Hold the tag with the bottom uppermost and thread the strap through one

tag arm, across the bottom of the tag, and through the other tag arm.

Note: Ensure that the soft side of the strap rests against the resident’s skin

and is not facing the tag bottom.

3Place the strap around the resident’s wrist or ankle and lock the grommet at

an appropriate position on the strap, making sure the strap is not tight that it

may restrict circulation or cause chafing, or so loose that it slips off.

Tag

Arms

Bottom of

Wrist Tag

Tag Serial Number

and Expiration Date

Attaching and Storing Tags

RoamAlert User Guide 3–9

Storing Tags

Tags should be stored at room temperature.

A rotation procedure should be developed so that stored tags are assigned

evenly. This avoids the battery drain that can result from using one tag more

frequently than others. We suggest that you use the FIFO (First In, First Out)

method.

Using the Tag Rack

A tag rack is a lockable metal box that can hold up to 42 tags. The metal rack

helps prevent the generation of tag location messages. Locate the tag rack away

from door controllers. The tag rack also helps ensure that tags are rotated and

used evenly to prolong battery life.

Using the Storage Bag

New tags are delivered in a special foil bag closed with a rubber band. Each bag

has a label identifying the tag’s number and warranty expiry date. If you do not

have a tag rack, do not throw this bag out or puncture it in any way. For

example, do not staple it closed; use the provided rubber band.

3–10 RoamAlert User Guide

Editing Resident Information

Occasionally, you may need to modify resident information. For example, a

resident has moved to a different room, an escort is being assigned or changed,

or an image is now available for the resident.

Procedure: Edit a Resident’s Information

1At a RoamAlert workstation or server, click Edit. The Edit Information

Wizard logon window opens.

2Enter your User Name and Password (see “Start a Wizard” on page 3-2 for

details), then click Next or press Enter. The Resident Selection window

opens.

3Type the tag’s number into the Tag ID field, or, in the list of tags, click the

desired tag to select it, then click Next. The Resident Information window

opens.

4In the Resident Information window, make the necessary changes to the

data for this resident.

Editing Resident Information

RoamAlert User Guide 3–11

Note: The Last Name and Room information can be changed but not deleted.

If either field is deleted, the Next button becomes unavailable. Also, the

Category cannot be changed at all. If you need to associate the

resident with a different Category, you must Unassign the tag (see

“Unassigning a Tag” on page 3-25) and then Assign it again.

Click Next. The Resident Image window opens.

5In the Resident Image window, click Clear to remove the image, or click

Browse to select a different image.

Note: After you select a different image, you can click Delete replaced image

file to remove the previous image from the disk. Only the RoamAlert-

named image in the Images folder is deleted, not the original file.

Click Next. The Escort window opens.

6In the Escort window, make the necessary changes to the escort.

3–12 RoamAlert User Guide

Editing Resident Information

Click Next. The Completing the Edit Tag Information Wizard window opens.

7In the Completing the Edit Tag Information Wizard, verify that the

Resident Info: is correct and complete.

If any of the information is not correct:

•click Back to return to previous windows for corrections, or

•click Cancel to close the Wizard without saving the edited information.

If you are satisfied with the displayed information:

•click Finish to save the edited information for this resident and close the

Edit Information Wizard, or

•click Next to save the edited information for this resident and begin

editing another resident.

Transporting a Resident

RoamAlert User Guide 3–13

Transporting a Resident

You may need to move a resident out of the protected RoamAlert perimeter, for

example, to take the resident to another part of the facility for tests or for the

resident to go home for the weekend.

Using the Transport Wizard, you can log the tag out of the system (transport

the tag) for up to 72 hours. During this period, RoamAlert will not respond to

Exit alarms (TIFs) or the absence of Tag Location messages (TLMs).

A tag can be transported from any workstation, however, you must have at least

Supervisor access to the RoamAlert software to perform this procedure.

Procedure: Transport a Resident

1At any RoamAlert screen, click Transport. The Transport Tag Wizard logon

window opens.

2Enter your User Name and Password (see “Start a Wizard” on page 3-2 for

details), then click Next or press Enter. The Resident Selection window

opens.

3Type the tag’s number into the Tag ID field, or, in the list of tags, click the

desired tag to select it, then click Next. The Resident Return Time window

opens.

4In the Resident Return Time window, use the large down arrow to select a

return date from the pop-up calendar, and then the spinner arrows to select

a time. The maximum return time is 72 hours and the minimum is 1/2

hour, calculated from the current time.

3–14 RoamAlert User Guide

Transporting a Resident

Each click of the Up arrow increases the return time by 5 minutes and each

click of the Down arrow decreases the return time by 5 minutes.

5Click in the Reason: field and type a reason for this transport. The Next

button is not enabled until a reason has been entered.

6Click Next when you are satisfied with the return time and reason. The

Completing the Transport Tag Wizard window opens.

7In the Completing the Transport Tag Wizard window, verify that the tag

information is correct.

If any of the information is not correct:

•click Back to change the information in previous windows, or

•click Cancel to close the Wizard without transporting the tag.

If you are satisfied with the displayed information:

Transporting a Resident

RoamAlert User Guide 3–15

•click Finish to transport this tag and close the wizard, or

•click Next to transport this tag and begin transporting another tag.

The tag is transported and RoamAlert ignores all alarms until the specified

return time. You can now take the resident through an exit door.

Notes:

Return

Warnings and

Alarms

•A warning is issued at the RoamAlert workstation 15 minutes before the

transport time period ends. If the tag has still not returned by the specified

return time, an alarm is issued.

Extending

Transport Time

•If you require more time outside the RoamAlert perimeter than specified,

you can contact an authorized user to extend the transport time by

repeating the above procedure.

Anti-Piggybacking

Normally, when a transported tag enters the field of a door controller, the

controller does not lock the door or generate an alarm, and the tag can pass

through the door. Similarly, at an elevator, the controller does not lock the cab

door open or generate an alarm and the tag can travel off the floor.

The RoamAlert Anti-Piggybacking feature prevents non-transported tags from

passing through an exit immediately after a transported tag (piggybacking). If a

controller detects an additional non-transported tag, bypass is terminated, the

door is locked (open at an elevator), and an alarm is generated.

3–16 RoamAlert User Guide

Returning a Transported Tag

Only a Supervisor or Administrator can return a transported tag, either using the

Transport Wizard or using the tag’s property sheet in the Tags panel. See

“Editing Tag Properties” on page 7-15 for property sheet information.

Procedure: Return a Tag Using the Wizard

1At any RoamAlert screen, click Transport. The Transport Tag Wizard logon

window opens.

2Enter your User Name and Password (see “Start a Wizard” on page 3-2 for

details), then click Next or press Enter. The Resident Selection window

opens.

3Type the tag’s number into the Tag ID field, or, in the list of tags, click the

desired tag to select it, then click Next. The Resident Return Time window

opens.

4In the Resident Return Time window, click the Resident returned: check

box.

Returning a Transported Tag

RoamAlert User Guide 3–17

5Click Next. The Completing the Transport Tag Wizard window opens.

6In the Completing the Transport Tag Wizard window, verify that the tag

information is correct.

If you returned the incorrect tag:

•click Back to change the information in previous windows, or

•click Cancel to close the Wizard without returning the tag.

If you are satisfied with the displayed information:

•click Finish to return this tag and close the Transport Tag Wizard, or

•click Next to return this tag and begin transporting or returning

another tag.

The tag is returned and RoamAlert immediately re-activates it.

3–18 RoamAlert User Guide

Displaying the Tag Census

If this function has been enabled by the RoamAlert administrator, you can

display a census of all active resident pendants and wrist and Securaband tags.

Procedure: Display the Tag Census

1At any RoamAlert screen, click Census. The Tag Census panel opens to the

left of the floor plan displaying the Tag ID, current Status, Last Location and

Resident Information.

2To close the Tag Census panel, click Census again.

Bypassing A Door or Elevator

RoamAlert User Guide 3–19

Bypassing A Door or Elevator

Access keypads may be located at controlled exits and in controlled elevators.

They are used by authorized personnel to stop door or elevator alarms (bypass)

and take a tagged resident out of the protected area.

At doors, the keypad is usually located outside the controller’s detection field so

that bypass can be initiated without generating an alarm. In elevators, a time

delay allows bypass within the elevator detection field.

The keypad consists of a number pad, Power, Bypass and Alarm LEDs, and a

speaker mounted on the back of the keypad. The speaker volume is configured

at installation with one of 5 loudness settings, or no sound at all.

The keypad provides four basic functions:

•Audible and visual alarms from the controller

•Controller bypass

•Aarm and bypass reset

•Controller status indication (via the keypad LEDs)

Code Modes

The keypad is configured in one of two PIN modes. Mode 1 requires one PIN

code for both bypass and alarm reset. The keypad is configured in Mode 1 if

you are assigned a unique PIN number by the RoamAlert administrator. The

Mode 1 PIN codes are stored in the controller to which the keypad is

connected. Mode 2 uses codes programmed into the keypad itself, two for

bypass and two for reset. Mode 2 PIN codes are shared by all users.

Power

Bypass

Alarm

3–20 RoamAlert User Guide

Bypassing A Door or Elevator

Keys, LEDs and Tones

The key is used to complete an action (Enter), and the key is used to

cancel or exit an action. The number keys are used to enter the bypass and reset

PIN codes. The LEDs display the keypad and controller status and the current

alarm condition.

The keypad emits tones through the speaker according to the actions you take or

alarm conditions.

Procedure: Take a Tagged Resident Through a Controlled Exit Door

1Before entering the controller detection field at the door, enter your PIN

code followed by the # button at the access keypad protecting that exit.

The Bypass and Alarm LEDs flash alternately on the keypad and, if there is a

Maglock on the door, it is released.

Note: You have 90 seconds after entering your PIN code to pass the resident

through and close the door, or an exit alarm is triggered. If the tag is still

in the field 55 seconds after bypass is completed and the door is closed,

a loiter alarm is triggered. Also, if a tag is not brought into the field within

10 seconds after entering your PIN code, bypass terminates. See

“Responding to Alarms” on page 4-4 for detailed information.

2Take the resident through the door. Bypass is reset automatically as soon as

the door closes. RoamAlert records the bypass event in the Activity Log.

LED Color Status Description

Power Yellow On or Off On - receiving power; ready

Off - not operating.

Bypass Red and

Green

Flashing alternately

+ beeping tone

Bypass mode, a valid PIN has

been entered

Alarm Red Flashing + beeping

tone

Alarm mode

Tone Cause

A single short Beep A keypad key is pressed.

A single long Beep Valid PIN code entered and pressed.

4 Short Beeps Invalid PIN code entered and pressed.

Bypassing A Door or Elevator

RoamAlert User Guide 3–21

Procedure: Take a Tagged Resident Into a Controlled Elevator

1As you enter the elevator with the resident, the tag is detected by the

controller, the elevator door is locked in the open position and the access

keypad emits warning beeps.

2At the access keypad inside the elevator, enter your PIN code followed by

the # button within 10 seconds.

3If you enter a valid PIN code, the elevator door closes, the keypad resets and

RoamAlert records the bypass event in the Activity Log.

Note: If the PIN code is not entered within 10 seconds or it is invalid, an exit

alarm is triggered and the elevator door remains locked open. See

“Responding to Alarms” on page 4-4 for detailed information.

Pendants

If you are wearing a pendant which is associated with a Category that allows

access to a specific controller, you can move through that protected exit or

elevator without using the access keypad. Specifically:

•Maglock controlled doors will unlock when the pendant enters the

controller detection field,

•the elevator controller will not lock the door open,

•no messages appear on any workstation or server screen, but

•the bypass event is recorded in the Activity Log.

Transport Anti-Piggybacking

When a tag that has been transported is detected by a controller, the door or

elevator is automatically bypassed. However, if the controller detects a non-

transported tag following immediately into the field, bypass is terminated and

an alarm is generated.

3–22 RoamAlert User Guide

Locating Tags

You can locate any assigned pulse technology tag on the floor plans at the server

or a workstation in a RoamAlert facility with receivers, as long as the pulse

function on the tag is enabled. The pulse function, which causes the tag to emit

TLMs (tag location messages) at regular intervals, is configured either at the

factory or with a Pocket Tag Reader (PTR) (see document 980-000010-000 for

details). When the tag is added to inventory or later on the tag’s property sheet,

the software can be configured to look for tag pulses from the tag. See “Adding

New Tags to Inventory” on page 7-4 or “Editing Tag Properties” on page 7-15

for details.

The Locate function can be performed by any RoamAlert user at either the

server or a workstation.

Locating Tags in a Facility

In a facility with receivers, you can locate one or multiple assigned pulse tags in

several ways, including:

•system-wide – all tags in the system,

•by floor – all tags on the selected floor or floors,

•by tag type – all tags of the selected type (resident, staff, etc.),

•by category – all tags in the selected category,

•by tag description – the specific tag matching the description, or

•by a combination of the above methods, for example, all wrist tags on

the third floor.

The Locate function always displays the most recent location of the tag. If you

are a Supervisor or Administrator you can view the last 10 locations of any tag

on the Location tab of the tag’s property sheet. See “Edit the Properties of a

Tag” on page 7-15 for details. You can also view the tag’s prior location history

using the search function in the Activity Logs tab. See “Search the Activity Log

for Specific Entries” on page 5-5 for details.

Procedure: Locate Tags in a Facility

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation, click Locate. The Locate panel

opens to the left of the floor plan area of the screen, with only the highest

level, the facility, visible.

Locating Tags

RoamAlert User Guide 3–23

2All floors, tag types, categories, and individual assigned pulse tags are

arranged in a tree structure under the facility name.

Each branch name is preceded at the left by a + or – symbol to expand or

contract the branch, and a check box to select the branch.

To expand any branch of the tree, click the + at its left. To contract an

expanded branch, click the – at its left.

System-wide

3To locate tags system-wide, select the check box for the highest-level

branch (the facility name). All check boxes at the lower levels of the tree are

selected, and the locations of all assigned pulse tags in the system are shown

on the floor plan. In a multi floor facility, click each floor tab to see the tags

on that floor.

By Floor Plan

4To locate tags by floor plan:

4-1 Clear the facility name check box.

4-2 Click the + beside the facility name to expand the tree.

4-3 Select the check box for the floor or floors to locate tags on.

4-4 Click each floor tab to see the tags on that floor.

By Tag Type

5To locate tags by their tag type:

5-1 Clear any selected check boxes.

3–24 RoamAlert User Guide

Locating Tags

5-2 Click the + beside a floor to expand its tree.

5-3 Select the check box for the tag type to locate.

5-4 Click the floor’s tab to see the tags in the selected type.

By Category

6To locate tags by category (if categories are associated with tags).

6-1 Clear any selected check boxes.

6-2 Click the + beside a floor and tag type to expand the tree.

6-3 Select the check box for the category to locate.

6-4 Click the floor’s tab to see the tags in the selected category.

Individually

7To locate an individual tag:

7-1 Clear any selected check boxes.

7-2 Click the + beside a floor, tag type, and category to expand the tree.

7-3 Select the check box for the tag to locate.

7-4 Click the floor’s tab to see the selected tag.

Unassigning a Tag

RoamAlert User Guide 3–25

Unassigning a Tag

When you discharge a resident, you must also unassign the associated tag. Any

user can unassign a tag from any workstation or the server.

Procedure: Unassign a Tag

1At any RoamAlert screen, click Unassign. The Unassign Tag Wizard logon

window opens.

2Enter your User Name and Password (“Start a Wizard” on page 3-2), then

click Next or press Enter. The Resident Selection window opens.

3Type the tag’s number into the Tag ID field, or, in the list of tags, click the

desired tag to select it, then click Next. The Resident Image window opens.

3–26 RoamAlert User Guide

Unassigning a Tag

4To remove the RoamAlert-created image file, select the Delete image file

check box, then click Next. The Completing the Unassign Tag Wizard

window opens.

5In the Completing the Unassign Tag Wizard window, verify that the

Resident Info: is correct.

If you have not selected the correct tag:

•click Back to return to the Resident Selection window and select a

different tag, or

•click Cancel to close the Wizard without unassigning the tag.

Note: If you selected Delete image file, but did not select the correct tag, the

image file is removed and you must edit the tag information to replace

the image file (see “Edit a Resident’s Information” on page 3-10).

If the information is correct:

•click Finish to unassign the tag and close the Unassign Tag Wizard, or

•click Next to unassign this tag and begin to unassign another tag.

6Return the tag for cleaning and storage (see “Testing and Cleaning Tags” on

page 7-11).

Switching Modes

RoamAlert User Guide 3–27

Switching Modes

If you are a RoamAlert Supervisor or Administrator, you will need to switch

modes to perform certain tasks such as adding new tags to the system

(Supervisor) or configuring a newly installed receiver (Administrator). You can

Administrator mode at the server only.

Procedure: Log In to Supervisor Mode

1At the keyboard of the server or a workstation, press the Alt and L keys

simultaneously. The Supervisor Login dialog box opens.

Note: A vertical timer displays on the right side of the dialog box. If you do not

complete the logon procedure within 1 minute, the dialog box closes

and you must start again.

2Type in your User Name, then press Tab or Enter.

3Type in your Password. The OK button is now enabled.

4Click OK or press Enter. RoamAlert switches to Supervisor mode.

5When you have completed your tasks, click the User Mode button to return

to the main RoamAlert screen.

3–28 RoamAlert User Guide

Switching Modes

Procedure: Log In to Administrator Mode

1At the keyboard of the server, press the Alt and D keys simultaneously. The

Administrator Login dialog box opens.

Note: All communication with the workstations is suspended while the server is

in Administrator mode. The workstations do not receive alarms or

warnings, although exits are still protected locally.

Note: A vertical timer displays on the right side of the dialog box. If you do not

complete the logon procedure within 1 minute, the dialog box closes and

you must start again.

2Type in your User Name, then press Tab or Enter.

3Type in your Password. The OK button is now enabled.

4Click OK or press Enter. RoamAlert switches to Administrator mode.

5When you have completed your tasks, click the User Mode button to return

to the main RoamAlert screen.

Printing Lists

RoamAlert User Guide 3–29

Printing Lists

In Supervisor mode, you can print the following lists:

•Activity Logs, Tags, Users, and Messaging Devices.

In Administrator mode, you can additionally print the following lists:

•Consoles, Nodes, and Links.

Procedure: Print a List

1At the RoamAlert workstation or server keyboard, log in to Supervisor or

Administrator mode.

2Select the panel tab for the list you wish to print: Activity Logs, Tags, Users,

Messaging Devices (Supervisor or Administrator), Consoles, Nodes, or

Links (Administrator only).

Note: For Activity Logs only, navigate to the day whose logs are to be

printed; if you want to print a specific group of entries instead, first

perform a search (see “Search for Specific Log Entries” on page 5-5).

3Click Print on the toolbar. A standard Windows print dialog box similar to

this one opens.

4Select the appropriate settings (printer, number of copies, etc.), ensure that

the printer is on and ready, then click OK.

3–30 RoamAlert User Guide

Printing Lists

RoamAlert User Guide 4–1

Chapter 4

HAPTER

RESPONDING TO ALARMS

RoamAlert alarm response procedures include:

•Accepting alarms at the server or workstation

•Accepting alarms at an access keypad

•Muting alarm sounds

Any authorized RoamAlert user can respond to an alarm. Each facility should

devise its own policies and procedures for responding to alarms, and should

identify the users who will be responsible for carrying out the procedures.

Establishing and maintaining alarm response procedures is essential for the

security of your residents and staff. The descriptions in this chapter illustrate

how the RoamAlert software and components are used to carry out these

procedures.

4–2 RoamAlert User Guide

About Tag Alarms

RoamAlert automatically generates alarm messages when certain events occur. In

day-to-day operations, these alarms usually relate to changes in the status of tags.

Tag alarms are generated under these conditions:

•When a tag enters the field of an open controlled door (Tag In Field or

TIF), or remains in the field longer than 55 seconds without the entry of a

valid PIN code at the access keypad

•When an unassigned or non-transported tag enters a controlled elevator

(TIF) and remains longer than 10 seconds without the entry of a valid PIN

code at the elevator’s access keypad

•When the system cannot detect the pulse signal (Tag Location Message or

TLM) of a tag (if this functionality is configured, and receivers are

installed)

•When the panic button on a pendant is pressed (Tag Initiated

Communication or TIC)

•When the cord on the pull cord unit is pulled (TIC)

•When a tag’s battery circuit sends a low-battery signal (Battery Low

Message or BLM)

The behavior of some alarms is set in the software. For example:

•pulse wrist tags (green), emit a signal (TLM) every 16 seconds. The

number of missed pulses before RoamAlert issues a warning or an alarm is

configurable, or this feature may be turned off completely.

•RoamAlert may be configured to ignore unassigned tags at exits.

Other alarms are generated for certain system events, such as the

communications failure of a controller or receiver. See “About System Alarms”

on page 4-6.

If there is more than one workstation in your facility, each workstation may be

configured to display only certain alarm types, only alarms from certain nodes,

or only alarms from a specific range of tag ID numbers. For example, on a large

floor, there may be exit doors at each end and an elevator bank and stairwell in

the central area. In such a layout, the server may be centrally located and one

workstation located near each exit door. Alarms of all types and from all nodes

may be displayed at the server, while exit alarms from the doors may be

displayed only on the closest workstation.

About Tag Alarms

RoamAlert User Guide 4–3

Note:

Your facility should have specific polices and procedures for responding to alarms

that must be followed, as well as the requirement to clear the alarms in the

RoamAlert system.

When an alarm occurs, a distinctive sound issues through the configured

workstation or server speaker and the alarm and resident’s image (if applicable)

is displayed on screen as shown here:

In an alarm panel that opens above the floor plan the date, time and description

of the alarm, including the tag number and type, the event type, resident image

(if available) and location are displayed. The tag icon on the floor plan flashes

alternately with the alarm icon over the location where the alarm was triggered.

The Accept Alarm icon blinks, the Mute icon is enabled (if your facility allows

alarm muting), and the Print Alarm icon is enabled.

In a multi-floor facility, the alarm icon also appears on the tab of the floor

where the alarm occurred and that floor plan is brought to the front of the

display.

If an alarm occurs in an I/O-8 module zone, the module icon and its zone icon

flash with the alarm icon.

4–4 RoamAlert User Guide

Responding to Alarms

Accepting Alarms at a Workstation or Server

When an alarm occurs, the flashing alarm icon appears on the floor plan where

the alarm was triggered, the alarm panel opens to display the alarm description,

and the alarm sound is heard over the workstation speaker.

Depending on the policies in place at your facility, door controllers may be

configured in a “latching” mode that requires you to accept an alarm at the door

as well as at the PC.

Procedure: Accept an Alarm at the Server or a Workstation

Important:

1Immediately follow your facility’s procedures for resident or staff protection

when responding to an alarm.

2At the server or workstation displaying the alarm, click the description of the

alarm to select it.

Note: If there is more than one alarm that you want to accept with the same

annotation, press and hold the Shift or Ctrl keys while selecting alarms.

3Alarms can only be printed before they are accepted. If your facility requires

a printed record of alarms, click Print Alarm then, in the Print dialog, select

the printer and click OK.

4Click Accept Alarm, or double-click the alarm description in the alarm

panel. The Accept Alarm Wizard logon window opens.

5Enter your User Name and Password (for details, see “Start a Wizard” on

page 3-2), then click Next or press Enter. The Alarm Note window opens,

displaying the alarm or alarms you have selected.

The Finish button is not enabled until a Note is entered or selected.

Responding to Alarms

RoamAlert User Guide 4–5

6In the Notes field, type in the reason for the alarm(s), or click the arrow and

select an annotation from the list.

7Click Finish to accept the alarm(s) and close the wizard.

The alarm is cleared and its acceptance is recorded in the Activity Log.

8If the controller is configured in latching mode, go to the door and accept

the alarm at the keypad.

9If the alarm is generated by a fixed-location pull cord, go to the location and

reset the switch on the pull cord.

Accepting TIF Alarms at a Mode 1 Access Keypad

When a resident approaches an open controlled exit, an alarm is generated. If

the controller is configured in Mode 2 or Mode 4, and the access keypad for

that exit is configured as a Mode 1 keypad, and you accept the alarm at the

keypad, the alarm is cleared at the controller and at the computer.

Procedure: Accept an Alarm at a Mode 1 Access Keypad

Important:

1Immediately follow your facility’s procedures for resident or staff protection

when responding to an alarm.

2Remove the resident from the controller’s field.

3At the keypad, enter your PIN followed by the # key.

The alarm is cleared at the exit and at the computer.

4–6 RoamAlert User Guide

Responding to Alarms

Muting Alarm Sounds

When an alarm occurs, RoamAlert issues a distinctive sound through the

workstation or server speaker. This sound repeats until the alarm is accepted. If

your facility policy allows, you can mute (turn off) the sound for up to 5 minutes

by clicking the Mute button. If your facility does not allow muting, the Mute

button is unavailable (gray).

Any user can mute the alarm at the workstation or server.

Procedure: Mute an Alarm

•At the RoamAlert workstation that generated the alarm, click Mute. The

alarm sound is turned off, and the Mute button changes to its activated

state. If the alarm is not accepted within 5 minutes, or another alarm is

received, the sound is automatically turned on again and the Mute button

reverts to its normal state.

Handling Low Battery Alarms

Each tag has an internal circuit that detects when the battery is depleted to the

point that it should be replaced. When this happens, the tag emits a low-battery

alarm signal (BLM) and, if the tag is in range of a controller or receiver, an alarm

is issued at the appropriate workstations.

RoamAlert changes the status of the tag to Disabled - Low Battery. If the tag is

unassigned at the time of the alarm, the Assign Tag Wizard will no longer allow

it to be assigned. If the tag is assigned, immediately unassign the tag and assign a

new tag to the resident or staff member. See “Assigning a Tag to a Resident” on

page 3-3 for details.

RoamAlert tags are sealed units; the battery cannot be replaced.

About System Alarms

When a controller or receiver is not communicating correctly with the server, or

a device such as an exciter has failed, the failure icon flashes on the node icon

and on the floor plan tab.

Alarm Reminders

At 09:00 (9 AM) each day, RoamAlert issues alarms for node failures or for

transport expired tags that persist after the alarms have been cleared.

RoamAlert User Guide 5–1

Chapter 5

HAPTER

ACTIVITY LOGS

Every event (warnings, alarms, logon attempts, tag activity, communication

errors, etc.) that occurs in the RoamAlert system is stored in the Activity Log.

RoamAlert activity log procedures include:

•Viewing the activity logs

•Annotating an activity log entry

•Searching for specific activity log entries

The descriptions in this chapter illustrate how the RoamAlert software is used

to carry out these procedures.

RoamAlert Activity Log functions are available only in Supervisor or

Administrator mode, therefore you must have at least Supervisor access to use

these functions.

The Log can be viewed at the server or any workstation. RoamAlert

automatically updates the workstation logs whenever the server records any

system activity.

Also supplied on the RoamAlert CD is a software tool called the

eLinkActivityViewer that you can install and use to view activity logs. You can

export logs as .csv (Comma Separated Value) files from the Ativity Viewer for

further analysis and charting in a spreadsheet or other suitable program that can

read .csv files.

5–2 RoamAlert User Guide

Viewing the Activity Log

The Activity Log records system activity and events, including:

Procedure: View the Activity Log

•At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode

and select the Activity Log tab if necessary.

Icon Event Type Description

Alarm Any alarm, e.g. exit, emergency call, node failure

Warning Missed tag pulses, loitering at a door, etc.

Accept Alarm Recorded each time an alarm is accepted

Tag Status Whenever a tag changes status (assigned,

transported, disabled, etc.)

Gen. Info. Detections at door, etc.

Status Status changes, such as controller mode changes,

doors opened/closed, bypass on/off

Communication Successful communication with a node

Node Failure Node to server communication problems

Security All successful and unsuccessful login attempts

Config Any configuration change (add tag, edit user, etc.)

System Node polling, system shutdown/startup, user/

supervisor/administrator mode changes, etc.

Annotation User-created log entries

Viewing the Activity Log

RoamAlert User Guide 5–3

The Activity Log panel opens, displaying today’s log entries, with the most

recent at the top.

The Activity Log panel toolbar provides these functions:

Function Usage

User Mode Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

First Day Navigate to the oldest log entries (usually 31 days

ago – see “Specifying Global Software Settings” on

page 8-17 for configuration details)

Prev Day Navigate to the log entries of the day before the

currently displayed entries

Next Day Navigate to the log entries of the day after the

currently displayed entries

Last Day Navigate to the most recent log entries (today)

Annotate Add a note to the selected log entry

Search Display log entries based on specified search criteria

Cancel Search Remove search criteria and display all log entries

Auto Refresh If on (icon looks pressed down), displays new log

entries while you are viewing the log.

Print Print the log entries for the displayed day or for the

search results currently displayed (see “Print a List”

on page 3-29)

5–4 RoamAlert User Guide

Annotate a Log Entry

Occasionally, you may need to add explanatory notes to a log entry. Annotating

a log entry creates a new time-stamped entry with your note attached.

Procedure: Annotate a Log Entry

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode

and select the Activity Log panel.

2Select the log entry to be annotated. If you need help to find a specific entry,

see “Search for Specific Log Entries” on page 5-5.

3Click Annotate on the toolbar or double-click the log entry. The Annotate

Log Entry dialog box opens.

4Type in your note, up to about 100 characters, then click OK. A new log

entry is created, stamped with today’s date and time.

The Description column of the new log entry contains the date, time and

description of the original log entry and the Annotation column contains the

note you just added.

Search for Specific Log Entries

RoamAlert User Guide 5–5

Search for Specific Log Entries

Hundreds of log entries can accumulate in the Activity Log during the time that

entries are kept current (usually 31 days). Viewing the log one day at a time to

see specific entries can be very tedious. To avoid this, RoamAlert provides a

Search Wizard that helps you find these entries.

If, for example, you need to know what events were triggered by a particular tag

over a period of several days, you can have RoamAlert search through the entire

log and display only the matching entries.

Procedure: Search the Activity Log for Specific Entries

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor

mode and select the Activity Log panel.

2Click Search on the toolbar. The Activity Data Search wizard opens.

3Click Next to begin defining your search criteria. The Search By Date

window opens.

5–6 RoamAlert User Guide

Search for Specific Log Entries

4To set start and/or end dates, select the check boxes, then click the arrow

beside the displayed date to select a different date from the calendar.

Note: If you select a start date but no end date, RoamAlert searches for entries

from the start date to now. Conversely, if you select an end date but no

start date, RoamAlert searches for entries from the beginning of the log

to the end date. If you select no dates at all, RoamAlert searches the

entire log.

To search a period within a single day, set the same start and end date,

then set the start and end times.

5To set the start and/or end times of day, select the check boxes, then click

the up or down arrows until the time you want is displayed.

6Click Next to continue to the Select Events window. By default, the four

most common event types are listed in this window: Alarm, Warning,

Accept Alarm and Tag Status.

Search for Specific Log Entries

RoamAlert User Guide 5–7

7To specify that only specific event types be searched, click Select this box to

specify event types (below), then click each event type you want searched.

If you do not select any types, all events are searched.

To see all the possible event types, click Select this box to view all event

types. See the table on page Chapter 5-2 for a description of each type.

8Click Next to continue to the Search Criteria window.

5–8 RoamAlert User Guide

Search for Specific Log Entries

In this window, you can refine your search for events in a variety of ways. To

use a specific criteria, select the box at the left and enter the value in the field

at the right. Use commas to separate multiple entries.

For example, to search for the last names Smith and Jones, check Search by

Resident’s Name, then enter “Smith, Jones” in the field (do not enter the

quotes). Refer to the table below for other field information.

Note: If you enter two separate criteria, such as a Tag Serial # and a

Resident’s Name, both criteria must be true for RoamAlert to produce a

result.

9Click Next to continue to the Completing the Activity Data Search window.

Criteria Remarks

Separate multiple entries in the same criteria with commas.

Tag Serial # ID of the tag or tags (e.g., D11BE5, 100672 to find

both tags)

Resident’s Name Name of resident

Asset ID of asset tag

Device Location(s) Name of the node (e.g., West Exit)

User’s Name Name of RoamAlert user (Action by column)

Console Name of workstation (Console column)

Text Any text in the Description column

Search for Specific Log Entries

RoamAlert User Guide 5–9

10 Review your search criteria. Click Back to make changes (if necessary), then

click Finish to perform the search.

The window closes and RoamAlert displays the results in the Activity Log.

If the log is large, the search may take several moments. If no log entries

match your criteria, the Activity Log display is empty.

Note: Each time you perform an Activity Data search, RoamAlert remembers

your previous settings, so you can easily adjust just some of your

criteria.

11 To cancel the search and return the Activity Log to the normal display,

click Cancel Search.

5–10 RoamAlert User Guide

Search for Specific Log Entries

RoamAlert User Guide 6–1

Chapter 6

HAPTER

MANAGING USERS

User management procedures include:

•Viewing user lists

•Adding and deleting users

•Editing user properties (disable/enable, access, password, PIN, etc.)

The descriptions in this chapter illustrate how the RoamAlert software and

components are used to carry out these procedures.

RoamAlert user management functions are available only in Supervisor or

Administrator mode, therefore you must have at least Supervisor access to use

these functions. Also, note that:

•A Supervisor cannot add, delete, edit properties, or change the password

or PIN of an Administrator.

•A Supervisor or Administrator cannot delete or edit his or her own record,

or change his or her own password or PIN.

The user list can be viewed and managed at the server or any workstation.

6–2 RoamAlert User Guide

Viewing the User List

As users are added to the system, and their properties changed, the user list is

updated on all workstations.

Procedure: View the User List

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode

and select the Users tab. The Users panel opens, displaying the list of all

users currently enrolled in the system, sorted by the enrollment date.

2To sort the list by any other column, click the column heading. Each click

changes the sort order (ascending or descending).

The Users panel toolbar provides these functions:

Function Usage

User Mode Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Add New User Enroll a new user in the system

Properties Modify the properties of a user (name, password,

PIN, etc.)

Delete User Remove a user from the system

Print Print the user list (see “Print a List” on page 3-29)

Adding a New User

RoamAlert User Guide 6–3

Adding a New User

When a new staff member requires access to RoamAlert, you need to add them

to the user list and provide them with a password and an optional PIN code.

If you are a Supervisor, you cannot add an Administrator.

Procedure: Add a New User

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor

mode and select the Users panel.

2Click Add New User on the toolbar. The New User Wizard window opens.

3Click Next to continue to the New User Access Rights window.

Note: If you are a Supervisor, the Administrator option is unavailable.

6–4 RoamAlert User Guide

Adding a New User

4Click an Access Rights button to select the level for this user (see “User

Security Levels” on page 2-8 for a complete list of tasks by user level), then

click Next to continue to the New User window.

5Fill in the information for this user as follows:

All fields except PIN Code must be filled in before the Next button is

enabled.

6Click Next to continue to the Completing the New User Wizard window.

User Login Name The Login Name must be unique and should be short for

quick entry when logging in, (e.g. jsmith for John Smith)

User Full Name The user’s full name, for ease of identification in the list.

Password A password of at least 6 characters (do not use common

constructions such as birthday, child’s name, etc.)

Case matters: if the password is MistyMint, a login using

mistymint will be rejected.

Confirm Password Enter the password a second time to ensure accuracy (the

password appears on screen as a series of *)

PIN Code (optional) If you want this user to be able to use a keypad in Mode 1

to bypass a door or elevator, enter a unique 4-digit PIN

(personal identification number) code.

RoamAlert supports 1,000 unique PIN codes if controller

firmware version 1.3 or newer is installed. Otherwise, only

200 PIN codes can be created.

Giving each user a unique PIN code allows the activity log

to track which user initiates a bypass at a keypad. If this is

not necessary, give all users the same PIN code.

Adding a New User

RoamAlert User Guide 6–5

7Review the information for this new user. If any of the information is not

correct:

•click Back to make changes, or

•click Cancel to close the Wizard without adding the user.

If you are satisfied with the displayed information:

•click Finish to add this new user and close the New User Wizard, or

•click Next to add this user and begin adding another user.

The new user is added to the User List.

6–6 RoamAlert User Guide

Editing User Properties

Occasionally the information for a user will require changes. You may need to:

•Change a user’s name, password or PIN code

•Disable the login for an absent user

•Change a user’s access rights

Procedure: Edit a User’s Information

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode

and select the Users panel.

2In the list, double-click the user whose information needs to be changed, or

click Properties on the toolbar.

Note: If you are a Supervisor, and you select an Administrator, you can view

the properties but not change them.

The User Properties sheet opens.

Note: If you are a Supervisor, the Administrator option in the Access Rights

group cannot be selected.

Make the necessary changes. To prevent the user from logging in to the

system, select the Login Disabled box. To re-enable a user, clear this check

box.

3Click OK to save your changes and exit the User Properties sheet.

Deleting a User

RoamAlert User Guide 6–7

Deleting a User

If a staff member no longer requires access to RoamAlert, you should remove

them from the list as soon as possible.

Procedure: Delete a User

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor

mode and select the Users panel.

2In the list, select the user whose record needs to be removed.

Note: The Delete User button is not enabled for your own record, or for an

Administrator’s record if you are a Supervisor.

3Click Delete User on the toolbar. The Delete User Wizard opens.

4Review the user information presented. If this is not the correct user, click

Cancel. The wizard closes without deleting the user.

If this is the correct user, click Finish. The wizard closes and the user is

deleted from the User List.

6–8 RoamAlert User Guide

Deleting a User

RoamAlert User Guide 7–1

Chapter 7

HAPTER

MANAGING TAGS

Tag management procedures encompass:

•Viewing the tag list

•Adding new tags to inventory

•Deleting tags from inventory

•Testing and cleaning tags

•Determining pendant type

•Editing tag properties, which may include:

•Assigning and unassigning tags

•Enabling and disabling tags

•Changing a tag’s expiry date

•Editing resident or staff information

•Returning transported tags

The descriptions in this chapter illustrate how the RoamAlert software and

components are used to carry out these procedures.

RoamAlert tag management functions are available only in Supervisor or

Administrator mode, therefore you must have at least Supervisor access to use

these functions.

The tag list can be viewed and managed at the server or any workstation.

7–2 RoamAlert User Guide

Viewing the Tag List

Tags are at the heart of the RoamAlert resident safety system. There are four

main types:

•Wrist tags with (green) or without (blue) location functions, and

Securaband tags

•Pendant, with or without TIF (Tag In Field) turned on (see “About

Pendants” on page 7-14)

•Pull cord for fixed-location or mobile (e.g. attached to a wheelchair)

emergency call applications

•Asset (see Appendix A – Managing Asset Tags)

As tags are added to inventory, assigned and unassigned, transported and

returned, or deleted from inventory, the tag list is updated on the server and all

workstations.

Procedure: View the Tag List

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode

and select the Tags tab. The Tags panel opens, displaying the list of all tags

currently in inventory, sorted by the Tag ID column.

2To sort the list by any other column, click the column heading. Each click

changes the sort order (ascending or descending).

Viewing the Tag List

RoamAlert User Guide 7–3

The Status column contains one of the following possible entries:

The Tags panel toolbar provides these functions:

Status Description

Unassigned The tag is not assigned.

Active The tag has been assigned using the Admit icon in

the main RoamAlert window or the Assign button in

the tag’s property sheet.

Transported The wrist or asset tag’s exit alarm (TIF) has been

disabled using the Transport icon in the main

RoamAlert window.

Function Usage

User Mode Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Add New Tag Add a new tag to inventory

Properties Modify the properties of a tag

Delete Tag Remove a tag from the system

Print Print the tag list (see “Print a List” on page 3-29)

7–4 RoamAlert User Guide

Adding New Tags to Inventory

Tags must be added to the system and their properties set before they can be

used, and they should be deleted from the system when their battery life is over.

You can add a tag from either the RoamAlert server or a workstation, but the

procedure is different depending on the tag type and your hardware setup.

If you are adding a tag from the server, you have two options:

•Add the tag manually

•Read the tag from a controller or receiver (wrist and pendants)

If you are adding a tag from a workstation, you can only add it manually.

Tags can be added to the system by either a Supervisor or Administrator. The

following procedures describe the tasks in detail.

Procedure: Add a Tag to Inventory Manually

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode

and select the Tags panel.

2Click Add New Tag on the toolbar. The New Tag Wizard window opens.

3Click Next to continue to the Add Tag(s) window. (If you are at a

RoamAlert workstation, this window does not appear. Skip to Step 5.)

Adding New Tags to Inventory

RoamAlert User Guide 7–5

4Make sure that To add tag(s) manually or reading in by TagLink is selected,

then click Next to continue to the Add Tag Manually or Reading In By

TagLink window.

5In the Add Tag Manually or Reading In By TagLink window, enter the tag

ID (found on the foil bag), or the bottom of the tag, then click Next to

continue to the Tag’s Expiration Date window.

7–6 RoamAlert User Guide

Adding New Tags to Inventory

6Select the month and year of tag expiry using the arrows. The exiry date

should be 1 year from the shipping date of TLM tags, or 3 years from the

shipping date of non-TLM tags. If the shipping date is unknown, the

manufacturing date can be used as a rough guide. The manufacturing date

can be found on the bottom of wrist tags or on the foil bag of wrist and

pendants. If you do not have the foil bag handy, you can use a tag reader to

read the manufacturing date from the tag itself.

7Click Next to continue to the Completing the New Tag Wizard window.

8Review the information for this tag. If the ID or expiry date are not correct:

•click Back to make changes, or

•click Cancel to close the Wizard without adding the tag.

If you are satisfied with the displayed information:

•click Finish to add this new tag and close the New Tag Wizard, or

•click Next to add this tag and begin adding another tag.

The new tag is added to the Tag List.

Adding New Tags to Inventory

RoamAlert User Guide 7–7

Procedure: Add Multiple Tags at Once to Inventory

1At the RoamAlert server only, log in to Supervisor mode and select the Tags

panel.

2Click Add New Tag on the toolbar. The New Tag Wizard window opens.

3Click Next to continue to the Add Tag(s) window.

4Make sure that To add tag(s) by reading in from the selected Node in the

list is selected, then select the controller or receiver from the list.

5Make sure the tags you want to add are placed within the range of the

selected node, then click Next to continue to the Detected Tag(s) window.

7–8 RoamAlert User Guide

Adding New Tags to Inventory

For pendants, press the button on the tag once.

For asset tags, release the tamper pin, wait for the tag to be detected, then

reset the tamper pin.

For pull cords, slide the switch on, wait for the tag to be detected, then slide

the switch off.

6When all tags have been detected, click Next to continue to the Tag’s

Expiration Date window.

7Set an expiration date, usually 1 year from now. This date is applied to all

detected tags. Later, you can adjust the date for individual tags (see “Change

the Expiry Date of a Tag” on page 7-19 for details). Click Next to continue

to the Completing the New Tag Wizard window.

Adding New Tags to Inventory

RoamAlert User Guide 7–9

8Review the information for these tags. If the ID or expiry date are not

correct:

•click Back to make changes, or

•click Cancel to close the Wizard without adding the tag.

If you are satisfied with the displayed information:

•click Finish to add these new tags and close the New Tag Wizard, or

•click Next to add these tags and begin adding other tags.

The new tags are added to the Tag List.

7–10 RoamAlert User Guide

Deleting Tags from Inventory

When a tag can no longer be used because a low battery alarm has been issued or

the tag has expired, become damaged or lost, the tag should be removed from

inventory.

Procedure: Delete a Tag from Inventory

1At either the RoamAlert server or a workstation, log in to Supervisor mode

and select the Tags panel.

2Select the tag you wish to delete. The Delete Tag button is enabled only for

tags with a status of Unassigned.

3Click Delete Tag on the toolbar. The Delete Tag Wizard window opens.

4Review the information to ensure that this is the tag you wish to delete.

5Click Cancel to keep the tag and return to the Tags panel, or click Finish to

delete the tag and return to the Tags panel.

The tag is deleted from the Tag List. However, any activity for that tag has

been recorded in the Activity log and is not removed.

6Make sure that the tag is physically removed from inventory and disposed of

according to the policies at your facility.

Testing and Cleaning Tags

RoamAlert User Guide 7–11

Testing and Cleaning Tags

Tags should be checked and tested periodically to ensure that they are operating

correctly. Your facility may have specific policies in place for this purpose. Tags

should also be cleaned after each use.

When a tag is added to inventory, its warranty expiry date is recorded (see

“Adding New Tags to Inventory” on page 7-4). Approximately one month

before the expiry date, RoamAlert generates an expiry alarm. The tag can still be

used, but it should be tested more frequently.

Tag Testing Guidelines

Tags should be checked and tested at least monthly to ensure that they are

operating correctly. In non-receiver environments, you may wish to test more

frequently.

•Test each tag for correct operation before it is attached to a resident.

•Pendants should be tested before each assignment or every month.

•Re-test all tags at least once a month.

•Keep records of all tag testing.

We strongly recommend that you use the handheld Pocket Tag Reader to

perform tag tests.

To help ensure that tag testing takes place in a clean and controlled

environment, also follow these guidelines:

•Remove other tags from the vicinity when testing a specific tag.

•Do not test tags with the tag reader near protected exits (exciter fields).

•Locate the tag reader away from RF noise sources. These interfering

sources may include laptop computers, monitors, door controllers, or

other electrical or electronic equipment that may be emitting stray radio

frequency signals.

•If a low battery reading is received from either the tag reader or the

application, immediately take the tag out of use and return it (if under

warranty) or replace the tag.

•Orientation of the tag may cause apparent failure of the test. Change the

tag’s position relative to the reader or tester if at first you do not get a

result. The tag should be tested at a minimum distance of 12 inches (30

cm) from the tag reader.

7–12 RoamAlert User Guide

Testing and Cleaning Tags

Procedure: How to Test a Tag With the Tag Reader

Follow these steps to test a tag:

1Bring the tag reader and the tag into an environment as free of RF noise as

possible.

2Make sure only the tag being tested is in the vicinity of the tag reader.

3Press and hold the ACCEPT (ON) button for a second or two to turn the

tag reader on.

4Press the UP button once to navigate to TAG TEST MODE.

5Hold the tag at least 12 inches (30 cm) from the reader. For asset tags, make

sure the tamper pin is depressed; for other tags, hold your thumb on the

bottom of the tag if the tag is not on the resident or patient.

6Press the ACCEPT button to begin the test. The tag reader reads the tag and

displays its serial number and the message “TAG OK!”. The test is complete.

Proceed to Step 9.

7If, after about 20 seconds, the message “NO TAG DETECTED” is

displayed, press ACCEPT again and then rotate the tag in relation to the tag

reader. Keep the tag at least 12 inches (30 cm) from the reader.

8If the message “NO TAG DETECTED” is displayed again, set the tag aside

and do not use it. Return it if under warranty or replace it if not.

9Record the test, including at a minimum the test date, tag serial # or resident

name, and result (see Appendix B).

Procedure: How to Test a Tag at a Door or Protected Exit

If you do not have a tag reader or tester available, follow these steps to test a tag

at a door or protected exit:

1Take the resident, patient or the tag itself to a protected exit.

2Ensure that the tag is detected according to the configuration of the

controller, e.g. the door locks or the alarm sounds.

3Record the test, including at a minimum the test date, tag serial # or resident

name, and result (see Appendix B).

Cleaning the Tags

•Tags are incompatible with disinfectants containing Glycol Ether.

•Tag straps are single-use. Do not clean or re-use. Upon discharge, cut

them with scissors and discard.

Testing and Cleaning Tags

RoamAlert User Guide 7–13

Procedure: Clean Wrist Tags

1Use a mild soap and water to remove any apparent debris.

2Disinfect tags by wiping with an alcohol sanitizer or germicidal cleaner for

no more than 60 seconds.

3Dry with a soft, clean cloth.

4Check the tag visually for physical damage.

Important:

Do not autoclave tags.

7–14 RoamAlert User Guide

About Pendants

A pendant can issue three different signals:

•Tag In Field (TIF) – when the tag enters a controller’s exciter field,

•Tag Location Message (TLM) – continuously at 16-second intervals,

•Tag Initiated Communication (TIC) – when the tag button is pressed.

A pendant is used to provide a controller bypass function for staff members. The

tag can also be used to provide emergency call and location functions for staff

and residents.

The controller will lock the door or issue an alarm if the tag approaches the field

unless the category associated with the tag allows free access to that controller, in

which case the tag is invisible to that controller, and can pass without causing an

alarm.

If you want to provide wander prevention to a resident who also requires

emergency call, the resident must be assigned a wrist tag as well. If the resident is

free to enter and exit the facility, only the pendant is required.

Editing Tag Properties

RoamAlert User Guide 7–15

Editing Tag Properties

The Assign wizard (see “Assigning a Tag to a Resident” on page 3-3) can only

be used to assign wrist and Securaband tags to residents. There will be times,

however, when you need to change the information, such as the expiry date, tag

pulse supervision settings or associations, for a wrist tag. You may also assign or

unassign a wrist tag using the tag’s property sheet.

You may also want to assign or unassign a pendant or pull cord, or view a tag’s

location history. The tag’s property sheet is where you perform these tasks.

For asset tags, see Appendix A – Managing Asset Tags.

These tasks can be performed by a Supervisor or Administrator at either a

workstation or the server.

Procedure: Edit the Properties of a Tag

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor

mode and select the Tags panel.

2In the tag list, double-click the tag to be edited, or select the tag and click

Properties on the toolbar. The Tag Properties sheet opens at the General

tab. The Properties sheet and available options are somewhat different for

each tag type and the current status of the tag.

There are four standard buttons at the bottom of every property sheet:

There are four buttons at the right in each General tab window, one of

which has different labels according to the status of the tag:

Button Usage

OK Save any changes and close the properties sheet.

Cancel Cancel any changes and close the properties sheet.

Apply Apply any changes but do not close the properties sheet.

Enabled only when a change has been made.

Help Open the online help file.

Button Usage

Assign/Unassign Assign or unassign the tag.

Change Expiry Switches the Expire on: field to selectable month

and year boxes.

7–16 RoamAlert User Guide

Editing Tag Properties

Wrist Tags

Shown here are the General tabs for assigned and unassigned wrist tags.

Pendants

Shown here are the General tabs for assigned and unassigned pendants.

Pull Cords

Shown here are the General tabs for assigned and unassigned pull cords.

Edit Enabled only for an assigned tag. Used to change

the resident or staff information for the tag.

Transport Rtn Enabled only for a transported wrist or asset tag.

Immediately returns the tag (re-enables the exit

alarms and tag location messages).

Button Usage

Editing Tag Properties

RoamAlert User Guide 7–17

Procedure: Unassign a Tag

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor

mode and select the Tags panel.

2In the tag list, double-click the tag to be unassigned, or select the tag and

click Properties on the toolbar.

3Click Unassign in the General tab.

4Click Apply to update the system and remain at the Tag Properties sheet or

click OK to update the system and return to the Tags panel.

Procedure: Assign a Tag

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor

mode and select the Tags panel.

2In the tag list, double-click the tag to be assigned, or select the tag and click

Properties on the toolbar.

3Click Assign in the General tab.

Wrist and

Securaband

For wrist and Securaband tags, the Resident Info dialog box opens.

7–18 RoamAlert User Guide

Editing Tag Properties

The Last Name, Category and Room fields are mandatory. The other fields

should be entered according to the policies in effect at your facility. Select a

Category to associate this tag with a pendant. If the correct category is

unknown at this time, select Unspecified.

Pendants

For pendants, the Staff Info dialog box opens.

The Last Name and Category fields are mandatory. The other fields should

be entered according to the policies in effect at your facility.

Important:

If you are assigning this pendant to a resident for emergency call purposes,

select Pendant from the Type field in the General tab and assign a category

that does not allow access to any controllers.

Important:

If you are assigning this pendant to a volunteer staff member or visitor who

will be an escort for a specific resident, select Volunteer from the Type field

in the General tab.

Pull Cords

For pull cords, the Asset Info dialog box opens, since a pull cord contains a

modified asset tag.

Editing Tag Properties

RoamAlert User Guide 7–19

The Description, Serial No., and Category fields are mandatory. You should

develop a consistent policy for the use of the Description and Serial No.

fields in your facility. We recommend that you use the Description for the

resident’s name and the Serial No. for the resident’s room number. You can

also use the Note field to identify the specific location of the unit (e.g.

bathroom, bedroom, wheelchair, etc.). You should ignore the Next

Maintenance and Warranty Expiration fields.

4When you have finished entering the fields, click OK. The dialog box closes

and you are returned to the Tag Properties General tab.

5Click Apply to update the system and remain at the Tag Properties sheet or

click OK to update the system and return to the Tags panel.

Procedure: Change the Expiry Date of a Tag

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor

mode and select the Tags panel.

2In the tag list, double-click the tag that needs the expiry date changed, or

select the tag and click Properties on the toolbar.

3Click Change Expiry in the General tab, then click the arrows to adjust the

month and year. This function should be used only if the expiry date was

incorrectly entered when the tag was added to inventory.

7–20 RoamAlert User Guide

Editing Tag Properties

Procedure: Edit the Information and Configuration of a Tag

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode

and select the Tags panel.

2In the Tag list, double-click the assigned tag that needs its information

changed, or select the tag and click Properties on the toolbar.

3Click Edit in the General tab.

For wrist tags, the Resident Info dialog box opens. See Step 4.

For pendants, the Staff Info dialog box opens. See Step 5.

4Pulse (green) wrist tags have four property tabs other than General: Image,

Tag Pulse Supervision, Location History, and Escort. Non-pulse (blue) tags

and Securaband tags do not have a Tag Pulse Supervision tab.

Image Tag Pulse Supervision (green tags)

Location History Escort

Editing Tag Properties

RoamAlert User Guide 7–21

•In the Tag Pulse Supervision tab, you can turn supervision on or off,

but the tag pulse rate cannot be changed. To bring the statistics up to

the minute, click Refresh. To record the current counts in the Activity

Log, click Reset. This also sets the Statistics Collected Since date to

now, and sets all counts to zero.

•The Location History tab displays the last 10 locations where the tag

was detected. The information on this tab cannot be changed.

•In the Escort tab, you can select a staff member to be the escort for the

resident. This allows staff or a volunteer to escort the resident through

a door without accidently bypassing other residents in the area.

5Pendants have three property tabs other than General: Image, Tag Pulse

Supervision, and Location History.

Image Tag Pulse Supervision

7–22 RoamAlert User Guide

Editing Tag Properties

•In the Tag Pulse Supervision tab, you can turn supervision on or off,

but the tag pulse rate cannot be changed. To bring the statistics up to

the minute, click Refresh. Click Reset to record the current counts in

the Activity Log, set the Statistics Collected Since date to now, and set

all counts to zero.

•The Location History tab displays the last 10 locations where the tag

was detected. The information on this tab cannot be changed.

Procedure: Return a Transported Tag

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode

and select the Tags panel.

2In the Tag list, double-click the transported tag to be returned, or select the

tag and click Properties on the toolbar.

3Click Transport Rtn in the General tab.

An assigned non-pulse tag (blue) that has been transported using the

Transport wizard must be returned manually either here in the property

sheet or using the Transport Wizard (see “Return a Tag Using the Wizard”

on page 3-16).

An assigned transported pulse tag (green) will be returned automatically by

the system when the transport time period is over. It can be manually

returned prior to the end of the transport time period either here in the

property sheet or using the Transport Wizard.

Location History

RoamAlert User Guide 8–1

Chapter 8

HAPTER

ROAMALERT SYSTEM

CONFIGURATION

RoamAlert system configuration procedures include:

•Defining and managing alarm annotations

•Defining and managing tag categories

•Configuring and managing messaging devices (pagers, etc.)

•Specifying global software settings

•Managing alarm sound configurations

•Managing floor plans and floor plan icons

•Configuring and managing workstations

Supervisors can only perform alarm annotation, tag category and messaging

device procedures. The remaining software configuration procedures must be

carried out by an Administrator.

Supervisor mode procedures may be carried out at the server or a workstation.

Administrator mode procedures must be carried out at the server.

8–2 RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Annotations

When a RoamAlert user accepts an alarm, they must supply a reason (for details,

see “Responding to Alarms” on page 4-4). This reason, called an annotation,

may be typed in or selected from a pre-defined list. A pre-defined list makes

common reasons available so that typing is minimized and spelling is accurate.

Searching the Activity Log for specific annotations is made easier and more

accurate as well (see “Search the Activity Log for Specific Entries” on page 5-5).

You define this list in the Annotations panel.

If spelling or grammar needs to be corrected, you can edit the annotation. If an

annotation is no longer needed, it can be deleted.

Procedure: View the Annotation List

•At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode

and select the Annotations tab. The Annotations panel opens, displaying the

list of currently defined annotations, sorted by the date they were added.

The Annotations panel toolbar provides these functions:

Function Usage

User Mode Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Add New Annotation Add a new annotation to the list

Properties Change the text of the selected annotation

Defining and Managing Annotations

RoamAlert User Guide 8–3

Procedure: Add a New Annotation

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor

mode and select the Annotations panel.

2Click Add New Annotation on the toolbar. The New Annotation Wizard

window opens.

3Click Next to continue to the Annotation Text window.

Delete Annotation Remove the selected annotation from the list

Print The Print button is unavailable

Function Usage

8–4 RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Annotations

4Type in the text for this annotation, to a maximum of 120 characters, then

click Next to continue to the Completing the New Annotation Wizard

window.

5Review the text for this annotation.

If you are not satisfied, click Back to make changes, or click Cancel to close

the wizard without adding the annotation.

If you are satisfied, click Next to save the annotation and start adding

another, or click Finish to save the annotation and close the wizard.

The annotation is added to the Annotation List.

Procedure: Edit an Annotation

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode

and select the Annotations panel.

2In the list, double-click the annotation you wish to edit, or click Properties

on the toolbar. The Annotation window opens.

Defining and Managing Annotations

RoamAlert User Guide 8–5

3Modify the text as required, then click OK to save the annotation or click

Cancel to close the window without saving the change.

Procedure: Delete an Annotation

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor

mode and select the Annotations panel.

2In the list, select the annotation needs to be removed.

3Click Delete Annotation on the toolbar. The Delete Annotation Wizard

opens.

Note: A deleted annotation is not removed from any activity log entry in which

it appears. It is simply removed from the list of available annotations

presented when you are accepting an alarm.

4Review the annotation presented. If this is not the correct annotation, click

Cancel. The wizard closes without deleting the annotation.

If this is the correct annotation, click Finish. The wizard closes and the

annotation is deleted from the Annotation List.

8–6 RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Tag Categories

Tag categories are used to define controller access (automatic bypass) for tags.

You can define a category that allows access to all controllers in the facility, a

category that does not allow access to any controllers, or categories that allow

access only to certain controllers. Tag category functionality is supported only by

controllers that have firmware version 1.4 or newer installed.

For example, in a multi-floor facility, you may create a category that allows

access only to elevator controllers, so that a resident wearing a wrist tag may

move freely within the facility but not be able to leave, or so that a volunteer

wearing a pendant may escort a resident within the facility only.

When a tag is assigned to a resident or staff member, the tag must be associated

with a Category. Residents at risk of wandering would be assigned wrist tags

associated with a category that, at minimum, does not allow access to perimeter

controllers. Residents requiring emergency call only would be assigned a

pendant associated with a category that allows access to all controllers, so that

they could move freely in and out of the facility.

Use these procedures to view, add, change and remove the categories.

Procedure: View the Tag Categories List

•At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode

and select the Categories tab. The Categories panel opens, displaying the

list of currently defined tag categories, sorted by the order in which they

were added.

Defining and Managing Tag Categories

RoamAlert User Guide 8–7

The Categories panel toolbar provides these functions:

Procedure: Add a New Category

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor

mode and select the Categories panel.

2Click Add New Category on the toolbar. The New Category Wizard window

opens.

3Click Next to continue to the Category Definition window.

Function Usage

User Mode Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Add New Category Add a new tag category to the list

Properties Change the properties of the selected category

Delete Category Remove the selected category from the list

Print The Print button is unavailable

8–8 RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Tag Categories

4Fill in the information for this category as follows:

Note: A Beacon Signal is the same as a TLM (tag location message) or tag

pulse. Wrist tags with tag pulse emit a signal every 16 seconds. The rate

can be configured for older pendant or asset tags.

Warning:

Beacon (tag pulse) Signal monitoring settings for a category override any

supervision settings made to the tag pulse properties of an individual tag.

The Next button is enabled when the Name field is filled.

5Click Next to continue to the Category Access Control window.

Name The name must be unique and should be a well-

understood definition of the group, e.g. IV Pumps for

asset tags or Day Supervisor for pendants

Beacon Signal

Monitoring

Yes: Signals (pulses) from the tags in this category will be

monitored. If this category is for staff or asset tags, also

select a beacon signal rate from the list. RoamAlert will

issue warnings and alarms for missed signals according to

the values entered in the Missed Tag Pulse Actions fields

on the Settings tab. See Table 8.1, “RoamAlert

Configuration Settings” on page Chapter 8-18. Beacon

signal monitoring requires that receivers are installed.

No: RoamAlert does not monitor beacon signals for tags

in this category. No warnings or alarms are issued if the

signal is not detected by a receiver.

Beacon Signal Rate This function is not used for new tags. All new TLM tags

are preset to a 16 second pulse.

Defining and Managing Tag Categories

RoamAlert User Guide 8–9

6Select the controllers for which this Category will have Free Access

(automatic bypass authority).

7Click Next to continue to the Completing the New Category Wizard

window.

8Review the name for this category.

If you are not satisfied, click Back to make changes, or click Cancel to close

the wizard without adding the category.

If you are satisfied, click Next to save the category and start adding another,

or click Finish to save the category and close the wizard.

The new category is added to the Categories List.

8–10 RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Tag Categories

Procedure: Edit a Category

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode

and select the Categories panel.

2In the list, double-click the category you wish to edit, or click Properties on

the toolbar. The Category properties window opens at the General panel.

Open each property panel as needed to make changes (see “Add a New

Category” for details).

Warning:

Changes to Beacon (tag pulse) Signal monitoring for a category will override

any supervision settings made to the tag pulse properties of an individual tag.

3Modify the information as required, then click OK to save the category or

click Cancel to close the window without saving the change.

Procedure: Delete a Category

Note:

RoamAlert does not allow you to delete a category to which tags have been associated.

Use the procedure “Unassign a Tag” on page 7-17 to disassociate any tags from this

category then try again. Alternately, if there are too many tags to be conveniently

disassociated, you can edit the category to remove access to all controllers.

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode

and select the Categories panel.

2In the list, select the category that needs to be removed.

3Click Delete Category on the toolbar. The Delete Category Wizard opens.

Defining and Managing Tag Categories

RoamAlert User Guide 8–11

4Review the category presented. If this is not the correct category, click

Cancel. The wizard closes without deleting the category.

If this is the correct category, click Finish. The wizard closes and the

category is deleted from the Categories List.

8–12 RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Messaging Devices

The Messaging panel lists the messaging devices, such as pagers or wireless

handsets, that are configured to receive alarm notifications. You can add, edit,

and delete devices from this panel. Messages to these devices are sent out

through the serial port selected on the Settings tab. See “Messaging Port

Settings” on page 8-20 for more information.

Procedure: View the Messaging Device List

•At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode

and select the Messaging tab. The Messaging Devices panel opens,

displaying the list of configured devices, sorted by the order in which they

were added.

The Messaging Devices panel toolbar provides these functions:

Function Usage

User Mode Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Add New Messaging

Device

Add a new messaging device to the list

Properties Change the properties of the selected device

Delete Messaging

Device

Remove the selected messaging device from the list

Print Print the list of messaging devices (see “Print a List”

on page 3-29)

Defining and Managing Messaging Devices

RoamAlert User Guide 8–13

Procedure: Add a New Messaging Device

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor

mode and select the Messaging panel.

2Click Add New Messaging Device on the toolbar. The Messaging Device

Wizard window opens.

3Click Next to continue to the Messaging Device Identification window.

8–14 RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Messaging Devices

4Fill in the information for this device as follows:

The Next button is enabled when the ID field is filled in.

5Click Next to continue to the Notification Events window. This window

displays the four types of event alarms that can be sent to the device, along

with an icon for the server and each workstation in the system. The Next

button is not enabled until both an alarm and a workstation are selected.

6Select the types of alarms to be sent to this device, then select the server or

workstation from which the alarms will be sent.

Note: If a workstation’s Alarm Filter has been set to Can’t See for any node,

alarms from that node cannot be sent to the device from the workstation.

See “Add a New Console” on page 8-33 for Alarm Filter details.

7Click Next to continue to the Completing the New Messaging Device Wizard

window.

ID The Identification Number of the device, must be unique.

Usually found on the device itself.

Notes A brief description of this device, usually the staff member

or job position that the device is assigned to, e.g. Night

Supervisor or X-ray Technician.

Defining and Managing Messaging Devices

RoamAlert User Guide 8–15

8Review the information you entered for this device.

If you are not satisfied, click Back to make changes, or click Cancel to close

the wizard without adding the device.

If you are satisfied, click Next to save the device and start adding another, or

click Finish to save the device and close the wizard.

The new device is added to the Messaging Device List.

Procedure: Edit a Messaging Device

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor

mode and select the Messaging panel.

2In the list, double-click the device you wish to edit, or click Properties on

the toolbar. The Messaging Device Properties sheet opens at the General

panel. Open each property panel as needed to make changes (see “Add a

New Messaging Device” for details).

8–16 RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Messaging Devices

Note: The ID cannot be changed to one already in the system.

3Click OK to save your changes or click Cancel to close the window without

saving the changes.

Procedure: Delete a Device

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode

and select the Messaging panel.

2In the list, select the device that needs to be removed.

3Click Delete Messaging Device on the toolbar. The Delete Messaging

Device Wizard opens.

4Review the device presented. If this is not the correct device, click Cancel.

The wizard closes without deleting the device.

If this is the correct device, click Finish. The wizard closes and the device is

deleted from the Messaging Devices List.

Specifying Global Software Settings

RoamAlert User Guide 8–17

Specifying Global Software Settings

If you are an administrator, you can configure the RoamAlert software to meet

the specific needs of your facility.

Note:

Administrative tasks can only be performed at the RoamAlert server.

Procedure: Modify RoamAlert Software Settings

1At the RoamAlert server, log in to Administrator mode and select the

Settings tab if necessary. The Settings panel opens.

The Settings panel toolbar provides these functions:

Warning:

Start, Pause and Stop are used by technical personnel to perform system

maintenance. Clicking one of these buttons disables the system.

Function Usage

User Mode Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Start Start communications (technician only)

Pause Pause communications (technician only)

Stop Stop communications (technician only)

Print The Print button is unavailable

8–18 RoamAlert User Guide

Specifying Global Software Settings

2Adjust the settings as required. A checkmark in the setting’s option box

enables the setting, removing the checkmark disables the setting. Table 8.1

below describes the usage of each setting in detail.

3To apply (save) your adjustments while remaining at the Settings panel, click

the Apply Changes button. To leave the Settings panel, click another tab or

the User Mode button (your changes are also saved).

Table 8.1

RoamAlert Configuration Settings

Setting Usage

General

Filter Door Events The system ignores all door open and close activities

and does not add them to the Activity Log. This setting

is recommended, as it helps keep the log manageable,

particularly in a facility with elevators.

Show Noise Status An overlay warning icon is displayed on the floor plan at

the node experiencing extraneous RF noise. This

warning may indicate that the node is not operating

properly. Usually used when troubleshooting.

Nurse Saver Mode A wrist tag near a closed door gives a local alarm at the

keypad only. Otherwise, a full alarm is given when a tag

is near a closed door.

A Tag near an open door always triggers a full alarm.

Use Screen Saver Activates a screen saver on the server and all

workstations following 5 minutes of inactivity. The

screen saver is cancelled when an alarm is received or

an activity is performed at the server.

Note: Turn off power management and Windows

screen savers on all computers running RoamAlert

software.

Enable Mute Button Allows any user to silence an alarm before accepting it.

Otherwise the mute button is unavailable.

Alarm on Unassigned

TIF

An unassigned tag (in tag database but not admitted)

triggers an exit alarm (Tag in Field) when detected at an

exit. Helps prevent loss of tags.

Enable Census Users can see a list (census) of all tags in the system

when enabled.

Use Small Icon Size Floor Plan icons are displayed at a reduced size. Useful

if a floor plan is crowded with icons.

Warn on Tags Not In

Inventory/Unassigned

A tag not in inventory (not added to the tag database) or

unassigned triggers warnings and alarms.

Enable WTR logging All activity at WTRs (Wireless Tag Readers) is logged.

Specifying Global Software Settings

RoamAlert User Guide 8–19

Log Duplicate Alarms Alarms that are not cleared are logged each time they

re-occur.

Activity Log

Keep Last nn Days Use the arrows or type a value from 1 to 999 to specify

the number of days to keep logs in the Activity Log list.

After this period, the oldest log entries are discarded. A

manual backup should be performed at the end of each

period to keep logs on file.

Auto System Backup

Backup Folder every

(days) at (time)

If you wish to change the configured default backup

location, use the Browse button to select an alternate

disk/folder in which to store RoamAlert backup files. You

may also specify the backup frequency.

Missed Tag Pulse Actions

nn missed TLMs to

Warning

In the box, type the number of missed Tag Pulses (TLM)

before a warning is triggered. The value can be from 1 -

20, the default is 2. A typical optimal setting is 4.

nn missed TLMs to

Alarm

In the box, type the number of missed Tag Pulses

before an alarm is triggered. The value can be from 1 -

20, the default is 4. A typical optimal setting is 8.

Notes:

This value should be higher than the warning value to

avoid receiving alarms before warnings.

Wrist tag pulses occur at 16-second intervals.

Suppress Visual and

Audio Annunciation

Prevents the visual display, audio and logging of missed

TLMs.

User Authentication

Shutdown System,

Accept Alarm, Perform

User Functions, Enter

Supervisor Mode, Enter

Administrator Mode

Enable or disable user login for each function.

Authentication should always be enabled.

Table 8.1

RoamAlert Configuration Settings (continued)

Setting Usage

8–20 RoamAlert User Guide

Managing Alarm Sound Configurations

When a tag alarm is received at the server, RoamAlert issues the alarm at the

server or at the workstation designated for that particular alarm. A sound specific

to the tag type (resident, asset, unassigned) is played through the computer

speaker.

RoamAlert is pre-configured with a default sound for each tag type (alarm1.wav)

and 3 other sounds are supplied (alarm2.wav, alarm3.wav, alarm4.wav) on disk

in the RoamAlert installation folder. You can create or sample your own custom

alarm sounds using third-party audio software, store them on disk as .wav files

and use them in place of the supplied sounds.

Sounds must be managed in Administrator mode at the server.

Procedure: View the Alarm Sounds List

•At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the Sounds tab. The Alarm Sounds panel opens. The Sound Notification

column refers to the Exit alarm sound.

Messaging Port Settings

Serial Port If your facility has a paging interface (Messaging), this

setting identifies the serial port used by the interface.

Messages are sent out the selected port using the TAP

protocol, which is 7 bits, even parity, one stop bit (7E1).

Baud Rate If your facility has a paging interface (Messaging), use

this setting to select the appropriate baud rate for the

interface.

System Background Color

Change Current

Selection

Click the Change button to select a different background

color for the system background.

Table 8.1

RoamAlert Configuration Settings (continued)

Setting Usage

Managing Alarm Sound Configurations

RoamAlert User Guide 8–21

The Alarm Sounds panel toolbar provides these functions:

Procedure: Change a Defined Alarm Sound

1At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the Sounds panel.

2In the list, double-click the tag type for which you wish to change the

sound, or click Properties on the toolbar. The Alarm Sound Notification

Properties sheet opens.

Function Usage

User Mode Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Properties Change the sound properties of the selected tag type

Print The Print button is unavailable

8–22 RoamAlert User Guide

Managing Alarm Sound Configurations

3To change the sound for an alarm type, clear the Use Default Sound box,

then click the Browse button. A standard Windows File Open dialog box

opens at the RoamAlert installation folder and displays the available .wav

files.

4Select one of the displayed .wav files or look in other folders where you may

have stored your own custom alarm sounds, select one, then click Open.

RoamAlert replaces the default sound with the selected one and returns to

the properties sheet.

Managing Alarm Sound Configurations

RoamAlert User Guide 8–23

5To test the sound you selected, click Play.

6To close the properties sheet without saving your changes, click Cancel. To

save your changes and close the properties sheet, click OK.

8–24 RoamAlert User Guide

Managing Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons

Icons for each node (receivers, workstations, server, controllers, I/O 8 modules)

are displayed on the floor plans in the exact location of the node in the facility.

In a multi-floor facility, a set of tabs at the upper left of the floor plan area

controls the display of floors. The leftmost tab displays the default floor, that is,

the floor that is normally displayed when there is no alarm activity.

In User mode, alarm activity is displayed on the floor plan at the node location

closest to the alarm on the workstations set up to display alarms from that floor.

In a multi-floor facility, the floor where an alarm occurs is immediately displayed

no matter which floor is currently displayed. When the alarm is accepted, the

display reverts to the default floor.

Floor plans must be managed in Administrator mode at the server.

Procedure: View Floor Plans

•At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the Floors tab. The Floors panel opens. If this is a multi-floor facility, you

can display each floor using the name tabs at the upper left.

Note: The floors displayed in this guide are strictly for demonstration purposes

and will not resemble the floors in your facility.

In a multi-floor facility, floors are displayed in tab order, left to right.

Clicking any floor tab displays that floor for 2 minutes, after which the

display reverts to the default floor.

Managing Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons

RoamAlert User Guide 8–25

The Floors panel toolbar provides these functions:

Function Usage

User Mode Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Add New Floor Add a new floor plan to the RoamAlert system

Properties Change the properties of the displayed floor plan

Delete Floor Remove the displayed floor plan from the system

Move Floor Left Move the floor plan towards the left (top) of the tab

order. The leftmost plan is the default.

Move Floor Right Move the floor plan towards the right (bottom) of the

tab order

Remove Node Remove the selected node icon from the floor plan

Print The Print button is unavailable

Icon Dock Floor Tabs

8–26 RoamAlert User Guide

Managing Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons

Adding, Editing and Deleting Floor Plans

If your facility grows, you may increase the size of the RoamAlert perimeter.

This may involve adding floors to the system. If your facility re-arranges its

space, you may need to remove a floor plan from the system or replace a floor

plan with an updated one. Floor plans must be in bitmap (.BMP) format.

Procedure: Add a New Floor

1At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the Floors panel.

2Click Add New Floor on the toolbar. The Floor Plan Wizard window opens.

3Click Next to continue to the New Floor Plan window.

Managing Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons

RoamAlert User Guide 8–27

The Next button is enabled when both Name and Image file are filled in.

4In the Floor Plan Name field, type a short but easily recognizable name to

appear on the floor tab.

5Click the Browse button. A standard Windows File Open dialog box opens

at the RoamAlert folder and displays any available .bmp files. Select the

appropriate floor plan file or look in other folders where you may have floor

plans stored, select one and click Open.

Note: If you have selected a floor plan from outside the RoamAlert Floors

folder, RoamAlert automatically copies the plan into the Floors folder.

6Click Next to continue to the Position New Floor Plan window. The

defined floor plan names are listed, with the leftmost in tab order at the top

and rightmost at the bottom.

7Select the new floor plan and click Move Up to bring it toward the top

(move the tab left in floor plan view), or Move Down to bring it toward the

bottom (move the tab right in floor plan view).

8Click Next to continue to the Completing the Floor Plan Wizard window.

8–28 RoamAlert User Guide

Managing Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons

9Review the information you entered for this floor.

If you are not satisfied, click Back to make changes, or click Cancel to close

the wizard without adding the floor.

If you are satisfied, click Next to save the floor and start adding another, or

click Finish to save the floor and close the wizard.

The new floor is added in the defined tab order to the Floors panel.

Procedure: Edit a Floor Plan

1At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the Floors panel.

2Click the tab for the floor you wish to edit.

3Click Properties on the toolbar. The Floor Properties sheet opens at the

General panel. Open each property panel to make changes. Change the

name or select a new floor plan file, move floor plans to new positions as

needed.

Managing Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons

RoamAlert User Guide 8–29

4Click OK to save your changes and close the window or click Cancel to

close the window without saving the changes.

Procedure: Delete a Floor Plan

Warning:

Deleting a floor plan is final. There is no undo. The placed nodes are not

actually deleted, but their placements on the floor plan are lost.

1At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the Floors panel.

2Click the tab for the floor you wish to remove.

3Click Delete Floor on the toolbar. The Delete Floor Plan dialog box opens.

4Make sure that the floor plan displayed is the one you wish to delete.

5To also delete the image file from the disk, select the Delete image file: box.

6Click Cancel to keep the floor and return to the Floors panel, or click OK to

delete the floor (NO undo) and return to the Floors panel.

8–30 RoamAlert User Guide

Managing Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons

Placing, Moving and Removing Node Icons

Node icons (server, workstations, door and elevator controllers, receivers, WTRs

and I/O modules) are placed on the floor plans at the location of the device. As

your facility grows, new nodes may be installed and existing nodes moved or

removed. If renovations are made or equipment that interferes with RF signals is

added or moved, nodes may also be moved, removed or added.

In these cases, you will need to place, move and remove the node icons on the

floor plans.

If your floor plans become crowded with node icons, you can reduce their sizes.

See “Modify RoamAlert Software Settings” on page 8-17 for details.

Note:

Nodes not placed on a floor plan still respond to alarms and other system activity,

although the activity will not display on the floor plans.

The Floors panel includes an Icon Dock at the left which holds the icons for all

currently defined nodes in the system (see “Configuring and Managing Nodes”

on page 9-10 for details).

Above the Icon Dock, a toolbar contains small buttons used to display or hide

the icons for a specific node type. This makes icon selection easier when there are

many nodes to choose from.

Procedure: Place a Node Icon on a Floor Plan

1At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the Floors panel.

2Select the floor plan on which you will place nodes.

3If necessary, click a button on the Icon Dock toolbar to display the node

type you want to place on the floor plan.

If there are more node icons than can be displayed in the dock, you can use

the scroll bar, or you can type the ID of the node into the box below the

toolbar to bring that node into view.

Managing Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons

RoamAlert User Guide 8–31

4Click the node icon and, while holding down the left mouse button, drag

the node to the appropriate location on the floor plan, then release the

mouse button. The node is added to the floor plan.

Note: For I/O 8 modules, module input zones are represented by blue

(enabled) or purple (disabled) diamonds. The zone icons can also be

dragged and dropped to their correct locations.

Procedure: Move a Node Icon on a Floor Plan

1At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the Floors panel.

2Select the floor plan which has the node you need to move.

Note: If you need to move a node icon to another floor in a multi-floor facility,

you must first remove the node from the floor plan it is on and then

place it on the other floor.

3On the floor plan, click the node icon and, while holding down the left

mouse button, drag the node to its new location, then release the mouse

button.

Procedure: Remove a Node Icon from a Floor Plan

1At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the Floors panel.

2Select the floor plan which has the node you need to remove.

3On the floor plan, click the node icon to highlight it. The Remove Node

button on the Floors panel toolbar is enabled.

4Click Remove Node on the Floors panel toolbar.

5Review the information presented in the Removing the Node dialog box to

make sure that you are removing the correct node.

6Click No or Cancel to keep the node icon, or click Yes to remove it.

8–32 RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Workstations

As your facility grows or is renovated, the size of the RoamAlert perimeter may

change, so workstations may need to be added, moved, or removed. You must

update the workstation list to reflect these changes. Make sure that your current

license allows for the additional workstations.

Procedure: View the Console List

•At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the Consoles tab. The Consoles panel opens.

The Consoles panel toolbar provides these functions:

Function Usage

User Mode Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Add New Console Add a new workstation to the list

Properties Change the properties of the selected workstation

Delete Console Remove the selected workstation from the list

Print Print the list of workstations (see “Print a List” on

page 3-29)

Defining and Managing Workstations

RoamAlert User Guide 8–33

Procedure: Add a New Console

1At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the Consoles panel.

2Click Add New Console on the toolbar. The New Console Wizard window

opens.

3Click Next to continue to the New Console window.

8–34 RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Workstations

4Fill in the information for this new workstation as follows:

The Next button is enabled when the Name field is filled.

5Click Next to continue to the Alarm Filter window. A node list is displayed

with check boxes for each alarm filter setting. By default, the workstation

can see, hear, and accept alarms from all door and elevator controllers,

receivers, and I/O-8 modules in the RoamAlert system.

For each node listed in the Controller column, select the filter settings for

this workstation:

•Can See – this workstation displays alarms on the floor plan,

•Can Hear – this workstation sounds alarms on its speaker,

•Can Accept – this workstation can accept alarms.

Uncheck Can See to prevent this workstation from receiving alarms from

that specific node.

6Click Next to continue to the External Alarm Output window.

Console Name The name must be exactly the same as the name given to

the workstation when the RoamAlert software was

installed on that workstation.

Tag Filters Specify up to 3 tag ID ranges for which alarms will be

received by this workstation, all others are ignored. Leave

these filters blank to receive alarms from all tags.

Tag Types Select the tag types for which this workstation will receive

alarms. Clear the tag types to be ignored.

Defining and Managing Workstations

RoamAlert User Guide 8–35

In the previous step, you identified the controllers from which this

workstation can receive alarms. In this step, you define whether or not this

workstation can pass these alarms on to external equipment either through

an alarm output module that is physically connected to this PC or another

device connected to the selected serial port.

7Fill in the information for alarm output as follows:

8Click Next to continue to the Input Device window.

Notify through port If an alarm output module or other serial device such as

an interface to a nurse call system is connected to this

workstation, select the COM port number for the module

or serial device.

Leave at None if no module is connected to this

workstation.

Baud rate From the drop-down list, select the baud (bits per second)

rate for the port.

Notify on TIF Select this box to send notifications for Tag In Field

messages

Notify on TIC Select this box to send notifications for Tag Initiated

Communication messages (panic alarms)

8–36 RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Workstations

9If a card reader is connected to this workstation, select the COM port that

the device is connected to. (You may need to refer to the device settings in

the Windows Control Panel to retrieve these port numbers.) Only serial card

readers are compatible with RoamAlert software. Ignore TagLinks, which

are not used with the RoamAlert system.

10 Click Next to continue to the Completing the New Console Wizard window.

11 Review the name and tag ranges (if specified) you entered for this

workstation.

If you are not satisfied, click Back to make changes, or click Cancel to close

the wizard without adding the workstation.

If you are satisfied, click Next to save the workstation and start adding

another, or click Finish to save the workstation and close the wizard.

The new workstation is added to the workstation list.

Defining and Managing Workstations

RoamAlert User Guide 8–37

Procedure: Edit a Console

1At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the Consoles panel.

2In the list, double-click the workstation you wish to edit, or click Properties

on the toolbar. The Console Properties sheet opens at the General panel.

Open each property panel as needed to make changes (see “Add a New

Console” for field details).

3To close the properties sheet without saving your changes, click Cancel. To

save your changes and close the properties sheet, click OK.

Step 4, page 8-34 Step 5, page 8-34

Step 6, page 8-34 Step 7, page 8-35

8–38 RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Workstations

Procedure: Delete a Console

1At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the Consoles panel.

2Click the workstation you wish to remove.

Note: The RoamAlert server cannot be deleted.

3Click Delete Console on the toolbar. The Delete Console Wizard opens.

4Review the information to ensure that this is the workstation you wish to

delete.

5Click Cancel to keep the workstation and return to the Consoles panel, or

click Finish to delete the workstation and return to the Consoles panel.

RoamAlert User Guide 9–1

Chapter 9

HAPTER

CONFIGURING AND

MANAGING THE ROAMALERT

NETWORK

RoamAlert network management procedures include:

•Performing system testing and backups

•Shutting down and restarting the system

•Viewing the system log

•Managing the network, nodes and links

RoamAlert network configuration procedures include:

•Configuring RS-485 networks

•Configuring nodes (controllers, receivers, I/O-8 modules, WTRs)

•Configuring links

Network configuration procedures (RS-485 network, node, and link tasks) are

normally performed by the RoamAlert installation team. Since you have access

to the configuration tools in Administrator mode, and you may be required to

perform them, these procedures are documented here for your information.

All network procedures (except shutting down and restarting workstations) can

only be performed by an Administrator at the RoamAlert server.

Note:

This information is offered for reference only. If you have any questions about

installing devices or setting up the system, please consult your dealer or Stanley

Healthcare Solutions. A complete discussion of these issues is contained in the

RoamAlert Installation Manual.

9–2 RoamAlert User Guide

System Testing

You should perform regular tests on the system to ensure that the controllers,

receivers, and tags are operating properly.

Controllers

Check the operation of controllers at least once a month:

•walk into the detection field at a door with a working tag, which should

lock the door (if so configured) and start an audible warning (TIF) at

the local keypad.

•complete a bypass at each keypad to ensure correct operation.

Receivers

Check the operation of receivers at least once a month.

Tags

See “Testing and Cleaning Tags” on page 7-11 for details.

Performing Backups

RoamAlert User Guide 9–3

Performing Backups

You should back up all RoamAlert system files on a regular basis. Your facility

will most likely have a data protection policy in place that you should refer to.

When the RoamAlert software is configured (see “Specifying Global Software

Settings” on page 8-17), two options are set that relate to system backups:

•Backup folder – specifies the disk folder where backup files are stored.

•Backup schedule – specifies the backup frequency and time of day.

Each time you perform a manual backup or the system performs a scheduled

backup, a separate archive is created within the specified Backup folder. As the

maximum length of an Activity Log is 31 days, an archive ensures that you can

retrieve log entries from an earlier time.

All system data is stored on the server; backups are not necessary at

workstations.

Manual backups can be made by either the Supervisor or Administrator and the

server must be in Supervisor or Administrator mode.

Procedure: Perform a Manual Backup

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor

mode.

2To start the backup, press Alt-B on the keyboard.

3RoamAlert performs the backup and displays a message like this:

Each time you perform the backup a new folder is created within the

backup folder. The name of the new folder is created in the form

yyyymmddhhmmss, where: yyyy = year, mm = month, dd = day, hh =

hour, mm = minute, and ss = second.

9–4 RoamAlert User Guide

Shutting Down and Restarting the System

If the server or a workstation requires maintenance, it can be shut down by a

Supervisor or Administrator.

Warning:

When the server has been shut down, events are no longer logged, although

door controllers remain active. Further, all workstations are disconnected and

no longer receive alarms or any other communications from the network.

Procedure: Shut Down the RoamAlert Server or a Workstation

1At the keyboard of the server or workstation, press Alt-Q to begin shutting

down RoamAlert. The System Shutdown dialog opens.

The OK button is not enabled until a User Name and Password are entered.

2Type in your User Name and press Tab or Enter, then type in your

Password and press Enter or click OK.

If your User Name and Password are entered correctly, the RoamAlert

system shuts down, otherwise an error message is displayed.

Procedure: Restart the RoamAlert Server or a Workstation

If the server or workstation has been configured to launch RoamAlert at start-up:

1Turn on the computer.

2Windows starts and then RoamAlert starts automatically.

Otherwise:

1Turn on the computer.

2When Windows starts, double-click the RoamAlert icon on the desktop or

select Start, All Programs, RoamAlert, RoamAlert.

Configuring and Managing RS-485 Networks

RoamAlert User Guide 9–5

Configuring and Managing RS-485 Networks

If your facility uses network managers, this section does not apply.

RoamAlert uses an RS-485 network infrastructure to communicate between the

system devices and the server either through an RS-485 card in the server or

through a network manager. If your facility uses RS-485 cards and expands the

RoamAlert perimeter or adds devices such as receivers, it may become necessary

to add another RS-485 network to the system.

Warning:

This information is offered for reference only, since network configuration is

normally performed by the RoamAlert installation team. Attempting to edit these

settings may result in the loss of all network communications.

These tasks can be performed only by an Administrator at the RoamAlert

server.

Procedure: View the RS-485 Network Panel

•At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the RS-485 Network tab. The RS-485 Network panel opens.

The RS-485 Network panel toolbar provides these functions:

Function Usage

User Mode Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Add New RS-485

Network

Add a new network to the panel

9–6 RoamAlert User Guide

Configuring and Managing RS-485 Networks

Procedure: Add an RS-485 Network

1At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the RS-485 Network panel.

2Click Add New RS-485 Network on the toolbar. The New RS-485 Network

Wizard window opens.

3Click Next to continue to the RS-485 Network window. The next available

COM port and the default baud rate of 57,600 are pre-selected. Unless

specifically directed by the dealer or Stanley Healthcare Solutions, do not

change these settings.

Properties Change the properties of the selected network

Delete RS-485

Network

Remove the selected network from the panel

Start Enabled if the network is paused or stopped.

Restarts network communications. (technician only)

Pause Pauses network communication (technician only)

Stop Stops all network activity (technician only)

Print The Print button is unavailable

Function Usage

Configuring and Managing RS-485 Networks

RoamAlert User Guide 9–7

4Click Next to continue to the Completing the New RS-485 Network

window.

5Review the information for this new network. If any of the information is

not correct:

•click Back to make changes, or

•click Cancel to close the Wizard without adding the network.

If you are satisfied with the displayed information:

•click Finish to add this new network and close the New RS-485

Network Wizard, or

•click Next to add this network and begin adding another network.

The new network is added to the RS-485 Network panel.

9–8 RoamAlert User Guide

Configuring and Managing RS-485 Networks

Procedure: Edit the Baud Rate of an RS-485 Network

1At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the RS-485 Network panel.

2Double-click the RS-485 Network that is to be edited, or select the network

and click Properties on the toolbar. The RS-485 Network Properties sheet

opens. The COM port setting cannot be changed.

3Use the down arrow to select a different Baud Rate.

4To close the properties sheet without saving your changes, click Cancel. To

save your changes and close the properties sheet, click OK. To immediately

update the system and keep the window open, click Apply.

Procedure: Delete an RS-485 Network

1At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the RS-485 Network panel.

2Click the network you wish to remove.

3Click Delete RS-485 Network on the toolbar. The Delete RS-485 Network

Wizard opens.

Configuring and Managing RS-485 Networks

RoamAlert User Guide 9–9

4Review the information to ensure that this is the network you wish to

delete.

5Click Cancel to keep the network and return to the RS-485 Network panel,

or click Finish to delete the network and return to the RS-485 Network

panel.

9–10 RoamAlert User Guide

Configuring and Managing Nodes

If your facility grows, you may increase the size of the RoamAlert perimeter.

This may involve adding nodes to the system. If your facility re-arranges the

space you may need to move, add, or remove nodes.

Nodes that can be added to the system include:

Door Controllers

Elevator Controllers

Receivers

I/O 8 Modules

Wireless Tag Readers

The serial numbers for each node follow a pattern. The starting digit identifies

the node type:

•0 or 1 – Door or Elevator Controller

•2 or 6 – Receiver

•4 – I/O 8 Module

•8 – Wireless Tag Reader (WTR)

Each node type has specific properties that are defined when the node is added.

Nodes can be added only by an Administrator at the RoamAlert server.

Procedure: View the Nodes Panel

•At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the Nodes tab. The Nodes panel opens.

Configuring and Managing Nodes

RoamAlert User Guide 9–11

The Nodes panel toolbar provides these functions:

Procedure: Add a Node

Note:

When you have completed this procedure, ensure that you place the icon for the new

node on the floor plan. See “Place a Node Icon on a Floor Plan” on page 8-30.

1At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the Nodes panel.

2Click Add New Node on the toolbar. The New Node Wizard window opens.

Function Usage

User Mode Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Add New Node Add a new node to the node list

Properties Change the properties of the selected node

Delete Node Remove the selected node from the node list

Print Print the node list

9–12 RoamAlert User Guide

Configuring and Managing Nodes

3Click Next to continue to the New Node window.

4Enter the Serial Number for the node. As you type the first digit, RoamAlert

enables one or more Node Type options.

5Type in a Node Name for this new node. Provide a name that clearly reflects

the location of the node. For example, a receiver in a resident room might be

called Room 204, or a door controller might be called West Stairway.

6If this node is a WTR, enter the Address of the device. This is the number

(from 0-255) that was previously programmed into the WTR when it was

physically installed.

Configuring and Managing Nodes

RoamAlert User Guide 9–13

7Make sure to select the correct Node Type.

8Click Next and, according to the node type you selected, continue

configuration as follows:

•For receivers, elevator controllers or WTRs, there is no further

configuration. The Completing the New Node Wizard window opens.

Proceed to Step 11.

•For door controllers, proceed to Step 9.

•For I/O-8 modules, proceed to Step 10.

9Configuring the door controller:

1The Controller Operation Modes window opens.

2To set a Door Ajar Alarm activation time for the full 24-hour period,

select either check box and use the arrows to select, in 1 second

increments, the length of time after which a door left ajar will activate

the alarm. To set two separate activation times, select both check boxes

and select an increment. For example, the screen above specifies a 20-

9–14 RoamAlert User Guide

Configuring and Managing Nodes

second delay from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and a 2-second delay from 8:00

PM to 8:00 AM.

3To prevent this controller from issuing loiter alarms to the software,

click the Suppress Loiter check box.

4To prevent the Override Symbol from being displayed on the controller

icon in the floor plan during override periods, click the Override Symbol

check box.

5To prevent this controller from issuing Tag In Field warnings, click the

Tag In Field Warning check box.

6To specify up to three periods during which RoamAlert ignores Tag In

Field warnings, select an Override Time Period check box and select a

from and to time.

7Click Next to continue to the Completing the New Node Wizard

window. Go to Step 11.

10 Configuring the I/O-8 module:

1The Configure I/O-8 Zone Settings window opens. Up to 8 zones can be

assigned to an I/O-8 module. Each zone can be either an output or an

input zone.

2Use the up and down arrows to select a zone number (1-8) from the

Zone box, then click Assign.

Note: If the zone you select has already been assigned, the Assign button is

labelled Unassign.

3Type in a logical Name for this zone, for example Corridor 3.

Configuring and Managing Nodes

RoamAlert User Guide 9–15

4Click the Enable check box to activate this zone immediately upon

completion of the New Node wizard. Otherwise, you can enable the

zone later by editing its properties.

5Select either Output or Input to activate the appropriate option group

for the zone.

6Select the Output or Input options as follows:

Output State Non-Active The output is normally OFF.

Active The output is normally ON.

Input Type Latch The host controller will report an alarm when the

zone is in alarm (i.e., not in the default state), and

will continue to repeat the alarm until the zone

input returns to the normal/default state and the

user accepts the alarm.

Non-Latch The host controller will report the alarm as long as

the zone is in alarm and will automatically

acknowledge the alarm when the input condition

returns to normal/default state.

Default Input

State

NC Normally Closed – zone contact is closed and an

alarm is generated when the zone contact opens.

NO Normally Open – zone contact is open and an

alarm is generated when the zone contact closes.

Supervision Depending on whether an end-of-line termination resistor is

installed at the input zone, it can be categorized as a Supervised

or Non-Supervised zone. Configuring the input zone as a

Supervised zone will help to detect whether the input switch is

being tampered with, i.e. if the switch is hard-wired or open

circuited. Normally open contacts require an EOL termination

resistor in parallel with the switch contacts for Supervised

operation. Normally closed contacts require an EOL

termination resistor in series with the switch contacts for

Supervised operation.

9–16 RoamAlert User Guide

Configuring and Managing Nodes

7Repeat Steps 9.2 to 9.6 for each zone being configured.

8Click Next to continue to the Completing the New Node Wizard

window.

11 Review the information for this new node. If any of the information is not

correct:

•click Back to make changes, or

•click Cancel to close the Wizard without adding the node.

If you are satisfied with the displayed information:

•click Finish to add this new node and close the New RS-485 Network

Wizard, or

•click Next to add this node and begin adding another node.

The new node is added to the Nodes panel.

Configuring and Managing Nodes

RoamAlert User Guide 9–17

Procedure: Edit A Node’s Properties

1At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the Nodes panel.

2In the list, double-click the node that is to be edited, or select the node and

click Properties on the toolbar. The Node Properties sheet opens at the

General tab. The Properties sheet and available options are different for

each node type. Open each property panel to make changes (see “Add a

Node” on page 9-11 for field details).

Note: The Serial Number for any node cannot be changed.

•Door and elevator controllers have two property tabs, General and

Controller Operation Modes. However, the Controller Operation

Modes tab is not enabled for elevator controllers.

Step 9, page 9-13 Step 1, page 9-13

9–18 RoamAlert User Guide

Configuring and Managing Nodes

•I/O-8 modules have two property tabs, General and I/O-8 Zone

Settings. Options cannot be changed for a zone that is associated with

an active link.

•Receivers have one property tab, General. The only change you can

make here is to the Node Name.

3To close the properties sheet without saving your changes, click Cancel. To

save your changes and close the properties sheet, click OK.

Step 10, page 9-14 Step 1, page 9-14

Configuring and Managing Nodes

RoamAlert User Guide 9–19

Procedure: Delete a Node

1At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the Nodes panel.

2Click the node you wish to remove.

3Click Delete Node on the toolbar. The Delete Node Wizard opens.

4Review the information to ensure that this is the node you wish to delete.

Note: If the node you are deleting is an I/O-8 module and it is associated with

an active Link, it cannot be deleted. The association must be removed

on the link’s property sheet (see “Edit a Link’s Properties” on page 9-25

for details).

5Click Cancel to keep the node and return to the Nodes panel, or click

Finish to delete the node and return to the Nodes panel.

9–20 RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Links

A Link is the association between the occurrence of a predefined condition (link

trigger) and an operation (link action) that RoamAlert carries out in response.

There are two kinds of triggers that can be defined:

•a time trigger causes the system to perform an action at specified times

during a day. For example, a time trigger can be defined that keeps

certain doors locked from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am every day.

•a system trigger causes the system to perform an action when an event

happens. For example, a link trigger can monitor the area at an exit

when an event occurs, such as the door being opened.

Links require an I/O-8 module with at least one defined input zone and at least

one defined output zone.

Procedure: View the Links List

•At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the Links tab. The Links panel opens.

The Links panel toolbar provides these functions:

Function Usage

User Mode Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Add New Link Add a new link to the list

Defining and Managing Links

RoamAlert User Guide 9–21

Procedure: Add A New Link

1At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the Links panel.

2Click Add New Link on the toolbar. The New Link Wizard window opens.

3Click Next to continue to the New Link window.

4Type in a Link Name for this link. If you do not want this link to be

activated immediately after completing the wizard, check the Disable Link

Properties Change the properties of the selected link

Delete Link Remove the selected link from the list

Print Print the list of links (see “Print a List” on page 3-29)

Function Usage

9–22 RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Links

box (the link can be activated later in the Property sheet). Click Next to

continue to the Time Trigger window.

5If the link action will not be time triggered, click Next to continue to the

System Trigger window. Proceed to Step 6. Otherwise, to trigger the link

action during a specific time period on one or more days of the week:

1Check the Set Time Trigger box.

2Select a Start Time and an End Time for the trigger. Click the hour,

minutes, or seconds and use the arrows to increase or decrease the value.

The End Time must be later than the Start Time.

3Select a day or day range from the Day Selection list. You can set the

trigger to occur any day of the week (Mon-Sun), just weekdays (Mon-

Fri), just weekends (Sat-Sun), or only on a specific day of the week.

4When you are satisfied with the time trigger setting, click Next to

continue to the System Trigger window.

6In the System Trigger window, you can set up one or more system events

that trigger the link action.

Defining and Managing Links

RoamAlert User Guide 9–23

If the link action is time triggered only, click Next to continue to the Link

Action window. Otherwise, to set a system trigger:

1Select a controller and then select one or more of the system events that

will trigger the action.

2Select an I/O-8 module and then select the input zone or zones that will

trigger the action.

3If two or more events are used to trigger the link action, select the Logic

Type. The AND type triggers the link action when all the defined

events occur, the OR type when any of the events occurs.

4Click Next to continue to the Link Action window.

7In the Link Action window, you can specify the I/O-8 module output zone

that will be activated when the trigger conditions are met.

9–24 RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Links

8Select the I/O-8 Module and then check the output zones to be activated.

9Click Next to continue to the Completing the New Link Wizard window.

10 In the Completing the New Link Wizard window, review the information

you entered for this link.

•click Back to make changes, or

•click Cancel to close the Wizard without adding the link.

If you are satisfied with the displayed information:

•click Next to add this link and begin adding another link, or

•click Finish to add this new link and close the New Link Wizard.

The new link is added to the Link List.

Defining and Managing Links

RoamAlert User Guide 9–25

Procedure: Edit a Link’s Properties

Note:

If you are attempting to delete an I/O-8 module that is associated with a link, it

must be removed from the link before it can be deleted. Either remove the association

on the Link Trigger property sheet, or delete the link, then delete the I/O-8 module

(see “Delete a Node” on page 9-19).

1At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the Links panel.

2In the list, double-click the link that is to be edited, or select the link and

click Properties on the toolbar. The Link Properties sheet opens at the

General tab. Open each property panel to make changes (see “Add A New

Link” on page 9-21 for field details).

Note: The Link ID for any link cannot be changed.

Step 4, page 9-21 Step 5, page 9-22

Step 6, page 9-22 Step 7, page 9-23

9–26 RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Links

3To close the properties sheet without saving your changes, click Cancel. To

save your changes and remain at the properties sheet, click Apply. To save

your changes and close the properties sheet, click OK.

Procedure: Delete a Link

1At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select

the Links panel.

2Click the link you wish to remove.

3Click Delete Link on the toolbar. The Delete Link Wizard opens.

4Review the information to ensure that this is the link you wish to delete.

5Click Cancel to keep the link and return to the Links panel, or click Finish

to delete the link and return to the Links panel.

RoamAlert User Guide A–1

Appendix A

HAPTER

MANAGING ASSET TAGS

Asset tags can be attached to laptop computers, emergency carts, IV pumps and

other mobile devices. Asset tags trigger exit alarms if the tagged item is taken

through a protected exit without authorization. In a facility outfitted with

receivers, a tamper alarm is recognized if the tag is removed, and tags can also be

configured to emit a regular pulse so that the item can be located on the floor

plan within the protected area. Without receivers, the system will not respond

to tampered tags, but tags will still cause a door controller to react.

This appendix describes the following tasks:

•Developing categories for asset tags

•Configuring alarms sounds for asset tags

•Adding and removing tags to and from inventory

•Assigning a tag to an item

•Physically attaching a tag to an item

•Removing, cleaning, and storing tags

•Editing tag properties

•Transporting tags

•Responding to tag alarms

A–2 RoamAlert User Guide

Asset Tag Categories and Alarm Sounds

When an asset tag is assigned to an item, a category must be specified. Categories

are a way of grouping together items of a similar type. Examples of categories

may include laptops, IV pumps, emergency carts, etc. To create and edit

categories for assets in RoamAlert, see “Defining and Managing Tag Categories”

on page 8-6.

Asset tags can trigger exit (TIF) alarms, and tamper (TIC), and missed tag pulse

(TLM) alarms in a facility equipped with receivers. A distinct sound can be

associated with each of these alarm types. To specify custom sounds for asset

tags, see “Managing Alarm Sound Configurations” on page 8-20.

Adding and Removing Asset Tags

Like other tags in the system, asset tags must be added to inventory before they

can be assigned to an item, and they should be removed from inventory when

they are no longer needed.

Procedure: Add an Asset Tag to Inventory

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode

and select the Tags panel.

2Click Add New Tag on the toolbar. The New Tag Wizard window opens.

3Click Next to continue to the Add Tag(s) window. (If you are at a

RoamAlert workstation, this window does not appear. Skip to Step 5.)

Adding and Removing Asset Tags

RoamAlert User Guide A–3

4Make sure that To add tag(s) manually or reading in by TagLink is selected,

then click Next to continue to the Add Tag Manually or Reading In By

TagLink window.

5In the Add Tag Manually or Reading In By TagLink window, enter the tag

ID, then click Next to continue to the Tag’s Expiration Date window.

Note: On the top of the tag, a sticker contains a 10-character sequence below

the bar code. The first four (4) characters are the expiry date and the

last six (6) characters are the tag ID.

A–4 RoamAlert User Guide

Adding and Removing Asset Tags

6Select the month and year of tag expiry using the arrows. The expiry date

can be found on the top of the tag or on the foil bag. If you do not have the

foil bag handy, you can use the pocket tag reader to read the expiry date

from the tag itself.

7Click Next to continue to the Completing the New Tag Wizard window.

8Review the information for this tag. If the ID or expiry date are not correct:

•click Back to make changes, or

•click Cancel to close the Wizard without adding the tag.

If you are satisfied with the displayed information:

•click Next to add this tag and begin adding another tag, or

•click Finish to add this new tag and close the New Tag Wizard.

The new tag is added to the Tag List.

Adding and Removing Asset Tags

RoamAlert User Guide A–5

Procedure: Delete an Asset Tag from Inventory

1At either the RoamAlert server or a workstation, log in to Supervisor mode

and select the Tags panel.

2Select the tag you wish to delete. The Delete Tag button is enabled only for

tags with a status of Unassigned.

3Click Delete Tag on the toolbar. The Delete Tag Wizard window opens.

4Review the information to ensure that this is the tag you wish to delete.

5Click Cancel to keep the tag and return to the Tags panel, or click Finish to

delete the tag and return to the Tags panel.

The tag is deleted from the Tag List. However, any activity for that tag has

been recorded in the Activity log and is not removed.

6Make sure that the tag is physically removed from inventory and disposed

of according to the policies at your facility.

A–6 RoamAlert User Guide

Assigning an Asset Tag to an Item

Asset tags cannot be assigned using the Assign Tag Wizard; they can only be

assigned through the tag’s property sheet.

Procedure: Assign an Asset Tag to an Item

1At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode

and select the Tags panel.

2In the tag list, double-click the tag to be assigned, or select the tag and click

Properties on the toolbar. The Tag Properties sheet opens at the General

tab.

3Click Assign. The Asset Info dialog box opens.

1The Description, Serial No., and Category fields are mandatory. The OK

button is not enabled until these fields are filled in.

Assigning an Asset Tag to an Item

RoamAlert User Guide A–7

2Fill in the remainder of the fields according to the policies at your

facility, then click OK to return to the property sheet.

4In the Tag Pulse Supervision panel, select Yes or No to specify whether or

not tag pulse supervision is required for this item.

If you select Yes, the Tag Pulse rate field is enabled. Select a rate in the list,

from 16 seconds up to 24 hours.

Note: Make sure that the tag is configured to the pulse rate you select. Use

the Tag Reader to query and set the rate.

5When you are satisfied with the properties of this tag, click Apply to save

the tag assignment and remain in the property sheet, click OK to save the

tag assignment and return to the Tags list, or click Cancel to return to the

Tags list without saving the tag assignment.

A–8 RoamAlert User Guide

Attaching, Removing and Storing Asset Tags

Asset Tags are fastened using an adhesive strip. A properly fastened Asset Tag

should keep the bottom of the Asset Tag secure against the asset so that the

tamper pin is pushed in. Proper tagging will reduce the risk of nuisance alarms.

Asset Tags can be attached only to flat, hard and even surfaces. The material to

which the tag is attached should not bend, flex or stretch. Material such as

textiles, fabrics, rubber or material sensitive to the adhesive may not be suitable

for tag application. Asset Tags are shipped with an adhesive strip covered by a

protective film. For subsequent applications, order extra adhesives.

Procedure: Attach an Asset Tag to an Item

1Ensure that the surface of the item is clean and dry. If necessary, clean the

area where the tag is to be attached.

2Remove the protective plastic piece that keeps the tamper pin pushed in.

3Remove the adhesive backing from the tag.

4Firmly press the tag onto the item.

Procedure: Remove an Asset Tag from an Item

1Unassign the tag in the tag property sheet before removing the tag. See

“Unassign a Tag” on page 7-17 for details.

2Carefully remove the tag from the item. If residue from the adhesive remains

on the item, try rubbing it off with your finger. Alternatively, use alcohol to

remove the residue.

Procedure: Clean and Store an Asset Tag

1Clean the tag with alcohol or an aerosol disinfectant spray.

•Do not use Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) or acetone.

Asset Tag Top Asset Tag Bottom

Expiry Date/Serial Number

Tamper Pin

Responding to Asset Tag Alarms

RoamAlert User Guide A–9

•Ensure that no fluid enters the tamper pin opening. This will damage

the electronic components.

•Do not submerge the tag in water or any other liquid.

2Store the tag in its individual shielded bag. Store only one tag per bag.

Editing Asset Tag Properties

The properties of an asset tag are modified in the same manner as any other tag.

See “Editing Tag Properties” on page 7-15 for details.

However, note that an assigned tag cannot have its category changed. The tag

must be unassigned and then reassigned in order to change the category. See

“Unassign a Tag” on page 7-17 and “Assign an Asset Tag to an Item” on

page A-6 for details.

Responding to Asset Tag Alarms

An asset tag triggers alarms under these conditions:

•an exit alarm (TIF) when the tag approaches a protected door without

either being transported or in the presence of an associated pendant,

•a tamper alarm (TIC) when the tag is removed from the item within

the RoamAlert perimeter (if receivers are installed), or

•a missed tag pulse alarm when RoamAlert no longer receives TLMs

(tag location messages) from the tag (if receivers are installed).

You respond to these alarms in the same manner as you do with any other tag.

See “Accept an Alarm at the Server or a Workstation” on page 4-4 for details.

A–10 RoamAlert User Guide

Responding to Asset Tag Alarms

RoamAlert User Guide B–1

Appendix B

HAPTER

TAG TESTING FORM

On the next page, we have provided a sample Test Result Record sheet. You

can make photocopies for distribution or, using this template as an example,

create your own form or spreadsheet.

Record of Tag Test Results

Test Method Test Result

Tag

Type

Tag Serial # or

Resident Name

Test Date

(yyyy/mm/dd) Reader Door OK

Not

Detected Tester Initials

Tag Types: W = Wrist, S = Securaband, Pe = Pendant, A = Asset, I = Inter, PC = Pull Cord, T = TABS

RoamAlert User Guide I–1

Index

Activity Logs,5-1

annotating,5-4

searching for entries,5-5

viewing,5-2

Alarm Sounds,8-20

changing defaults,8-21

viewing,8-20

Alarms

about,4-2

accept at mode 1 keypad,4-5

accept at server or console,4-4

asset tags,A-9

low battery,4-6

muting,4-6

system,4-6

Annotations

adding,8-3

deleting,8-5

editing,8-4

viewing,8-2

Anti-piggybacking,3-15

Asset Tags

adding to inventory,A-2

alarm sounds,A-2

assigning,A-6

attaching to an item,A-8

categories,A-2

cleaning and storing,A-8

deleting from inventory,A-5

editing properties,A-9

managing,A-1

removing,A-8

responding to alarms,A-9

Assign tag,3-3

Backups,9-3

Bypassing a door or elevator,3-19

Census, display tag census,3-18

Consoles

adding,8-33

configuring and managing,8-32

deleting,8-38

editing,8-37

viewing the console list,8-32

Editing, patient information,3-10

Floor Plans

adding new floor,8-26

deleting,8-29

editing,8-28

managing,8-24

moving node icons,8-31

placing node icons,8-30

removing node icons,8-31

viewing,8-24

Global Settings,8-17

Keypad

bypassing a door or elevator,3-19

keys, LEDs and tones,3-20

Links

adding,9-21

configuring and managing,9-20

I–2 RoamAlert User Guide

deleting,9-26

editing,9-25

triggers,9-20

viewing links list,9-20

Logging on to Wizards,3-2

Manual

audience,1-3

terms and conventions,1-2

Messaging Devices

deleting,8-16

editing,8-15

viewing,8-12, 8-13

Network Configuration,9-1

Node Icons, see Floor Plans

Nodes

adding,9-11

configuring and managing,9-10

deleting,9-19

editing,9-17

viewing nodes panel,9-10

Pagers, see Messaging Devices

PIN Codes, assiging to users,6-4

Printing Lists,3-29

Restarting RoamAlert,9-4

RoamAlert

network configuration,9-1

performing backups,9-3

restarting,9-4

shutting down,9-4

software,2-8

system components,2-4

system configuration,8-1

system testing,9-2

typical installation,2-3

RS485 Network

adding,9-6

deleting,9-8

editing baud rate,9-8

viewing the network panel,9-5

Screen

administrator mode,2-14

supervisor mode,2-13

user mode,2-11

Security levels,2-8

Shutting Down RoamAlert,9-4

Software Settings,8-17

modifying,8-17

Sound Configuration, see Alarm Sounds

Staff Tags,3-21

Switching Modes

System Configuration,8-1

System Icons

components,2-17

sytem events,2-17

warnings and alarms,2-17

Tag

display Census,3-18

editing information,3-10

return from transport,3-16

taking into controlled elevator,3-21

taking through controlled door,3-20

transporting,3-13

unassigning,3-25

RoamAlert User Guide I–3

Tag Categories

adding,8-7

deleting,8-10

editing,8-10

viewing,8-6

Tags

Stanley Security HALO System Manual 980 000025 000 Rev 3.0 Roam Alert User Guide 000026

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