GroupAlarm at a Glance

Targeted Multi-Channel Alerting with Return Channel

GroupAlarm enables time-critical, targeted notification of individuals and teams via various communication channels, including a return channel.

• Multi-channel alerting with feedback
  Notification via SMS, call (landline/mobile), email, app, and M2M pager. All channels support two-way feedback from alerted personnel.

• Intelligent algorithm instead of the scattergun approach
  The system automatically alerts only the personnel whose qualifications and number are required for the specific case, to conserve resources. Full alerts remain possible.
• Real-time feedback & status overview
  After activation, the system shows live which persons have positively acknowledged, who is still missing, and the estimated arrival time.

Flexible data model: From individual qualification to activation

The basis for targeted personnel selection is a three-tier data structure. Individual qualifications, roles, and substitutions of participants are recorded in an assignment matrix using labels. These coalesce into units that define the specific personnel requirements and target strength for functional teams. Building on this, prepared alerts (Quick-Actions) – for example, in the event of IT failures, severe weather, or fires – link the required units for immediate, rule-based activation at the push of a button or via an interface.

Overview and Planning of Operational Readiness

GroupAlarm dynamically records the availability of emergency personnel via location, times, and shift schedules, continuously determines the coverage level, and thus secures the minimum strengths of your organization.

• Geo- and time-based availability
  The availability of individual participants is automatically controlled via predefined time windows and current location (geofencing via app). Manual status adjustments are possible at any time.
• Shift planning
  Recurring shift models and duty structures can be mapped directly in the system. Required qualifications and roles are permanently assigned to the respective shifts to ensure the target demand in regular operation.
• Personnel planning
  For continuous shift operations, upcoming duties, or special situations, specific personnel requirements can be defined and queried. The system enables the structured allocation of reported resources to the respective functions.
• Monitoring coverage level
  The system calculates the percentage coverage level for defined functionaries (labels) in real-time. Understaffing and thus personnel bottlenecks become immediately visible and can be reported automatically – even before an operation takes place.
• Automatic escalations
  If the reported available personnel are insufficient or acknowledgments are missing in an emergency, predefined escalation chains take effect. The system automatically alerts suitable replacements or higher-level groups.

Secure and Structured Communication Channels

GroupAlarm offers flexible ways for information distribution and exchange before, during, and after critical events – for seamless information flow between leaders, teams, and external partners.

• Messenger (Federal Messenger Standard)
  Secure real-time communication based on Matrix for GDPR-compliant exchange of text messages, images, and documents within groups. End-to-end encryption is integrated by default. Polls are also possible.
• First Responder Hotline
  A local phone number forwards incoming calls in parallel to assigned roles – for example, to first responders, IT standby teams, or expert advisors. The caller is automatically connected to the first available contact person. Announcements, capacities, and responsibilities can be adjusted during operation, and all connections are fully documented.
• Integrated Phone Conferences
  Voice conferences are provided directly via GroupAlarm – without dependency on local IT. In the event of an alarm, participants receive dial-in details, dial in via the central GroupAlarm phone number, and join the room using a conference room PIN and code. This provides leadership and incident teams with an immediate, secure voice channel in an emergency.
• Forwarding & Alert Chains
  Flexible forwarding rules ensure that incoming messages and alerts are automatically passed on to subsequent units, teams, or higher-level instances under defined conditions or if acknowledgments are missing.

Audit-Proof and Comprehensive Documentation

GroupAlarm automatically and traceably records all processes, alerting chains, and administrative changes. This ensures the legally compliant post-processing of events, adherence to compliance requirements, and the evaluation of operational procedures.

• Incident Log
  Chronological recording of all occurrences, decisions, changes in situation, and measures during an event. Multiple people can jointly maintain the log in real-time, categorize entries, and export them for post-processing or legal documentation.

• Watch Log (Operations Logbook)
  Seamless logging of regular duty and operational procedures outside of acute alarms. Serves to document shift handovers, routine checks, on-site incidents, or instructions during ongoing operations.

• Audit-Proof Alert Log
  Automated proof of the entire alert process. The log records which participant was reached via which communication channel, which acknowledgments were received, and how the target strength of the units has evolved.

• System Audit Log (Compliance)
  Immutable traceability of all administrative actions on the platform. All changes to user data, permissions, units, scenarios, or system settings are logged with a timestamp and user ID (important for ISO 27001, GDPR, and KRITIS audits).

• Evaluations & Exports
  Incident reports, logs, and diaries can be exported as PDFs. They serve as evidence for authorities, insurance companies, and audits, as well as for data-driven process optimization after incidents.

Real-time Overview and Visual Information Processing

GroupAlarm visually processes all alarm, personnel, and status information in real-time. This creates transparency at all levels – from central display on-site to application for operational forces and mobile control for leaders.

• Alarm Monitor
  Visualization for locations, operational sites, or control centers on large screens. In the event of an incident, the display automatically switches to show alarm details, incoming personnel feedback, and estimated arrival times. By integrating GeoJSON data, custom map layers – such as plant layouts, infrastructure data, or emergency points – can be flexibly displayed, as can the locations of units on the map. Additionally, external web content (e.g., weather dashboards or cameras) can be integrated.
• Feedback in the Mobile App
  Participants receive alarms directly on their smartphone and acknowledge with a click (acceptance or rejection including estimated arrival time). The feedback status is transparently visible to the team.
• GroupAlarm Cockpit App
  Mobile control center for leaders and incident managers. Enables the triggering of prepared alerts (Quick-Actions), real-time monitoring of ongoing alarms, and mobile access to personnel availability and current coverage level.

Seamless Integration with Existing IT and IoT Infrastructures

GroupAlarm can be deeply integrated into your existing system landscape via flexible interfaces and standardized protocols to automatically capture events and trigger alerting processes without delay.

• Graphical Flow Editor (Workflow Automation)
  Visual drag-and-drop editor for flexible design of inbound and outbound processes. Incoming data is processed via if-then logic, filters, and parsers (JSON, XML, text) to trigger rule-based follow-up actions. Integrated Flow-Insights provide full control through detailed step-by-step logs of all executions, while flow inheritance ensures consistent process conformity across multiple sub-organizations.

• REST API & Webhooks
  Open programming interfaces for direct bidirectional integration into existing IT architectures, ERP systems, or HR tools. Enable triggering of events, automatic master data synchronization, and real-time retrieval of status values.

• Standard Interfaces & Protocols (e.g., MQTT, WDX3, IMAP)
  Universal connection of technical systems. This includes IoT components and building management systems via MQTT, automatic email inbox monitoring via IMAP, and structured connections to paging and control systems via industry standards like WDX3.

A complete overview of all available connectors, third-party system integrations, and technical specifications can be found on our Integrations.