Bold Blog: Alarm Automation Software and Services

Tip of the Week: Setting up Confirmed Alarms to System Handle and Initial alarm to generate an Email Response in 1.6.0 by Matt Narowski

Richard Hahn — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:41:00 GMT

1. Setup the confirmed alarm setup under the Country Setup -> country options for 2 signal confirmation and All Signals are immediately available (Regardless of Confirmed State)

2. Setup the Transmitter Programming so that you have the Event that you want to be confirmed setup in such a way that it generates an Event separate from the first alarm. In my example I use a TB1 as the original alarm and set the TB3 as my confirmed alarm event

3. I then setup an action pattern to send out an email script and then close the alarm.

4. Finally, setup the Event Actions Programming so that you act upon the first event type and not the second event. In my example I set the TB1 as Alarm=Yes and TB3 as Alarm=No.

5. An Alarm event will be generated for the first event but all subsequent events within the time period will be marked as Confirmed alarms and will be logged as signals.

Never the same way twice!

Kellee Hardy — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:07:00 GMT

Never the same way twice!

The MediaGateway is a powerful tool that will allow your business to grow in new areas and improve efficiency. It is also a complex module that can be implemented in many different ways. Very rarely is the MediaGateway implemented in the same way twice.

Although the same functionality has been achieved at many of our client’s sites it has been done differently almost every time. This is largely due to the fact that almost every site uses a different PBX. Even if the same type of phone switch is installed at two sites the required connection might be different. For example one system might have an available T1/ISDN card and another might have analog ports. Because of the MediaGateway’s versatility we can usually configure the hardware to match any existing configuration.

However it is this versatility that can make the implementation process complex. Before any components are sold we complete a technical discovery call that will help us better understand the layout of your existing PBX, and hopefully minimize any surprises that might be discovered during the installation phase of the project. This information along with the lessons learned from previous installs will help us build a system that will integrate with your existing equipment.

It is important to remember that we can integrate the MediaGateway with almost any existing phone system or piece of telephony equipment but the amount of options available to us can also make the planning phase more complex. The planning phase can be the most important part of a successful MediaGateway deployment. I understand that this might sound like a daunting task but the good news is that once it is installed you don’t need to make any modifications to the configuration. In general the system will simply run, you just don’t need to think about it again.

-Shaun Blair

September Coffee with Manitou Video Now Available

Bob Bishop — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:21:00 GMT

The video from the September Coffee with Manitou session is now available. This session demonstrated suggestions for helping to improve operator efficiency through the use of enhanced Action Patterns, email/SMS notifications, and OpenVoice.

We are please to offer the video via three formats:

Flash Video (recommended for most users)

Windows Media Video (WMV)

iPad MP4

Generational Aspects of Adult Learners

Caryn Morgan — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 07:00:00 GMT

As trainers we sometimes do not consider the important generational aspects of the students in our training classes. Below is a great reference to better understand how learners in your training classes approach work and their education.

"Traditional Generation members (born between 1922–1945) tend to:

• believe in conformity, authority and rules

• have a very defined sense of right and wrong

• be loyal, disciplined, logical, detail-oriented

• view an understanding of history as a way to plan for the future

• dislike conflict

• seek out technological advancements

• prefer hierarchical organizational structures

Baby boomers (born between 1946-1964) are drawn to:

• long hours at the office, including evenings and weekends

• building their career over the long term and loyalty to their employer

• viewing themselves and their career as one and the same

• commitment to quality and doing a good job

• “hanging tough” through difficult work situations and policies

• finding solutions to problems

• being in charge and respecting authority

Members of Generation X (born between 1965-1980) tend to:

• prefer high-quality end results over quantity

• set and meet goals and are very productive

• multitask

• balance work and life; like flexible working hours, job sharing

• see themselves as free agents and marketable commodities

• be comfortable with authority but not impressed with titles

• be technically competent

• value ethnic diversity

• love independence

Members of Generation Y (born between 1981-1994) tend to prefer:

• effecting change and making an impact

• expressing themselves rather than defining themselves through work

• multitasking all the time

• active involvement

• flexibility in work hours and appearance; a relaxed work environment

• teamwork

• on-the-job training

• getting everything immediately

• a balance of work and life" (Mitchell, 2005)

Mitchell, B (2005) Value Options, Achieve Solutions

I know that I have to consider these items when teaching training for Manitou. Some references will fall on deaf ears if the generation can't relate to it. Also, when preparing training it is vital to consider these differences when preparing materials. Yes, not everyone falls into their stereotype, but it is a good place to start!

Happy Training!

Grief Involved with Change

Caryn Morgan — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:14:00 GMT

I had several conversations with people last week at our Users Conference where they were experiencing change within their organization and the challenges that ensued as a result. That got me thinking... every change requires people to pass through the grief process. Recently, I read an article that articulated the stages in the grief process in a funny but accurate way. I thought I might share this:

"I like to use the analogy of losing the keys to your car. For example think about a normal work day in your life. You arise at the normal time and go through your normal morning routine. As you ready yourself to head out the door you go to where you always keep your car keys. You are shocked when they aren’t hanging on the keyboard, in the key drawer, in your purse or coat pocket. You can’t believe your eyes.
1. DENIAL – “No, it can’t possibly be. I know I put them right here last night.” You look everywhere! You check every nook and cranny in your home. You search your car. You go back into the house and look everywhere you have already looked!
2. ANGER/BLAMING -- “It isn’t possible! My keys were just here! I never lose my keys. I take such good care of everything and I am always so careful.” You rant and rave that your keys can’t be lost and if they are, it isn’t your fault. It’s your stupid husband, wife, son, daughter, houseguest, cleaning lady, or dog.
3. BARGAINING – “Keys, if you just show up I promise to be more careful next time.” You make a deal with God, the house ghost, or the keys themselves to be found so that you can be on your way.
4. DEPRESSION – “I can’t believe I’ve lost my keys. I’m going to be fired, I am going to be demoted, and everyone is going to know that I am irresponsible and a loser. How could I be so stupid?”
5. ACCEPTANCE – “Well, I’ve lost my keys. I’m going to be late for work. I need to make a decision on what to do next. I can and will deal with the consequences.” "

(taken from: http://www.counselingforloss.com/fivestagesofgrief.html)

These are very real experiences that everyone experiences on a regular basis. We can correlate that into the changes made within our organizations. For example someone is getting ready to retire and they are reliquishing some of their responsiblities to another, most likely younger, person. The person reliquishing these responsiblitys may be glad to be rid of them, but they still have to grieve the loss. Some may percieve that they are less important now. So how do we manage for this? What might help this person transitioning to a new stage in life feel better about the loss?

The same can be said when people are moved from one specialty to another. They must grieve the loss of the old and get ready for the new. Just like personal loss, time will heal much. It is important to consider that everyone has a different timeline and that will also require patience from managers and owners.

I hope this was helpful. If you would like a copy of a really useful article on "The Grief Involved in Change" please contact me carynm@boldgroup.com for a copy.

August Coffee With Manitou Recording

Bob Bishop — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 20:13:00 GMT

Bold is pleased to announce that the recording of the Coffee with Manitou session held on Wednesday, August 3 is now available at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/717940672. This session covers many of the enhancements available in Manitou version 1.6.1 which will be available during the 4th quarter of 2011.

New Support site has Knowledgebase Articles!

Caryn Morgan — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 21:59:00 GMT

Hi everyone,

Since the introduction of our new Support website we have been adding and building a knowledgebase library that should help answer many questions and keep you informed as to where things stand on fixes that may be common to more than one site.

Feel free to visit: https://support.boldgroup.com , login and then kick the Knowledgebase. This will bring you to several sub topics that may be of use to you.

If you are interested in How to do something in Manitou, click the How-To link. If you would like more information about fixes click the Fixes link. Information on the latest software updates are also listed within our Knowledgebase.

In addition to the knowledgebase we also have indexed searching that allows you to use the Troubleshooter link within the Support site to type in your issue and see if there are any matching articles that will help.

I encourage everyone to take a look at all the grand new features within our new Support website and give them a try. Also, if there is an article you would like to see, please let us know.

Have a great day!

Caryn Morgan

Christmas Cheer

Tiffany Coles — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 22:32:00 GMT

We had a bit of Christmas fun in the office today and thought we would share. One of our Sales Executives, Matt Naranjo, decided to fill our Controller's office to the brim with red and green balloons.

We were all very impressed at this poem that Alan sent in response. Who said accountants can't be creative! We hope you all have a wonderful holiday. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, December 27th.

A Poem from your "Cheery" accountant

Twas two days before Christmas, when all through the offices not a sales guy was stirring......the sorry louses. The paystubs were hung by the servers with care, In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children (you know who you are) were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of commissions danced in their heads.

And Tiffany in her ‘kerchief, and I (Rod) in my cap, Had just settled down for a long meeting...oh, crap.

When out in the accounting office there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.

Away to the accountant I flew like a flash, Tore open the "door" and threw down some cash

The florescent lighting on the new-fallen snow Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a million balloons, and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver (Naranjo), so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be....St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called everyone a name!

"Now Winslow! now, Lilly! now, Victor and Vixen!

On, Coles! On, Speck! On, Bishop and Blitzen!

To the top of the desk! to the top of the wall!

Now go away! Go away! Go away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.

So up to the roof-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of balloons, and Naranjo, too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Into my office came Naranjo with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of ballons he had flung on his back, And he looked like a hobo, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had everything to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the office, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, back to his office he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Tip of the Week : Signal Processing Attribute - Bill Fox

Brandon Lilly — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:25:00 GMT

You receive a Bypass (*B) or a Burg Bypass (BB) and the customer's activity log displays the zone description but the zone number received is actually the user number of the person who bypassed the zone. You need the users name to be displayed in the activity log instead of the zone description.

2010 Bold Team for the Cure

Anna Haiar — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:17:00 GMT

Three years ago, we formed our first-ever Bold Team for the Cure. Each year, the local chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation hosts the Race for the Cure in order to raise money to fund breast cancer research, medical services and prevention care.