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This category contains EnterpriseSMS software modules that provide intelligent control over other subsystems such as access control field
panels. Each Subsystem Interface Module (SIM) provides specific capabilities to the EnterpriseSMS system of which they are a part.
There are specific SIMs for each type of supported field panel (AccessSIMs) and a SIM for monitoring subsystems (MonitorSIM). A
MonitorSIM receives and interprets events such as alarms or activity from data gathering panels or activity printers.
Every distinct subsystem connected to an EnterpriseSMS system usually has a unique way of communicating, including different
message formats, message sequencing, and electrical interfaces. Each type of subsystem requires different types and levels of
services from EnterpriseSMS. Since an attempt to support all distinct subsystems with a single program module would inevitably lead to
unmanageable program code, different SIMs are created for each.
Fundamentally, a SIM performs three functions within an EnterpriseSMS system.
Subsystem Database Support: Each SIM maintains a copy of all EnterpriseSMS data items necessary to control the
subsystem and to interpret communications received from the subsystem. It receives data updates from the Database
Support Module and, if appropriate, forwards changes to the subsystem.
Activity Monitoring, Translation, and Forwarding: Each SIM evaluates messages received from its subsystems to determine
the required handling of the message. In evaluating these messages, the SIM determines if the message
- Requires forwarding to other subsystem components (e.g. badgeholder zone status in access control),
- Requires the download of information to the subsystem (e.g. download a badge on an adaptive learning basis in access control), and/or
- Requires the reporting of an event to an Alarm Management Module (e.g. report an alarm condition in access control or system monitoring).
After evaluation, the SIM translates messages from the supported subsystem and forwards them in an EnterpriseSMS
system standard format to an Alarm Management Module.
Command Implementation Support: Commands received from an AMM arrive at the SIM in a system standard format. The
SIM translates these commands into a language understood by the supported subsystem and forwards them to the subsystem.
Thus, the SIM provides a interface to subsystems that allows the AMM and DSM to be generic. Adding SIMs to increase capacity is
less costly than expanding server computers. SIMs may be distributed over networks to concentrate communications and to
share existing network capacities in an efficient manner.
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