Peace of mind and freedom of choice

What are Protocols?

When looking at electronic products such as fire safety equipment, the term 'protocol' refers to the way in which individual control panels and detectors communicate with each other; in effect the language they use. However, the general understanding of the term "protocol" has developed to encompass a way of doing business and now covers two factors which are key when choosing the most appropriate fire alarm and detection system:

Is the system fit for purpose - offering all the functionality and reliability required?

Does the system offer the best value for money now and throughout its lifetime?

Manufacturers have generally categorised themselves under one of two headings, either "Open Protocol" or "Closed Protocol". So, what are the implications of choosing one manufacturer's protocol over another and how does Notifier offer the best of both worlds?

Closed Protocol

System hardware - The manufacturer supplies the whole fire system, including detectors, sounders, call points and the panel that controls them. This ensures maximum functionality and one point of contact for any manufacturing issues that may arise. The owner is dependent on that manufacturer for spare parts since no other manufacturer's products will be compatible.

Lifetime cost of ownership - As access to spare parts and system tools is controlled by the manufacturer and unavailable to any other provider the owner is tied to the manufacturer for servicing, modification and upgrade.

Open Protocol

System hardware - The protocol used by the detector manufacturer is shared with manufacturers of control panels who adapt their panel to work with a specific brand of detectors. Functionality of the system is limited to that which can be supported by the control panel manufacturer. Spare parts for system maintenance and upgrades are readily available from the detector or panel manufacturer via wholesalers and distributors. However, the system is not fully "open" as panels and devices from several manufacturers cannot be mixed on the same system.

Lifetime cost of ownership - System tools and access to cause and effect programming are freely available. This means the end user has complete freedom when selecting a company to service and maintain the system. However, as there are no compulsory accreditations required to provide a maintenance service the owner must exercise caution. Also if technical issues with the system arise, then the ownership of those issues can be unclear. 

Notifier's best of both worlds approach

Neither "closed" nor "open", Notifier has pioneered an approach combining the best of both.

System hardware - Notifier provides systems through a network of authorised and trained distributors. The highest standards of system functionality and reliability are ensured as all parts of a Notifier system are designed to work together and communicate using our own protocol. All of our products are fully backward compatible meaning a detector bought today will work on a Notifier system installed 15 years and 2 product generations ago.

Lifetime cost of ownership - Just like any open protocol system the end user is not tied into a single supplier for service and maintenance. The end-user keeps the ability throughout the lifecycle of the product, to change provider and shop around, if service levels prove unsatisfactory or annual service and maintenance contract costs start to creep upward. All Notifier approved distributors work independent of Notifier and in competition with over 60 other companies ensuring value for money for system owners. Closely supported by Notifier they are fully trained and have the tools required to install, commission, maintain and service Notifier systems to the very highest levels.