Ajax PRO apps: what security experts need to know

Imagine having complete control over thousands of clients' security systems right at your fingertips, no matter where you are. Ajax applications streamline the entire experience, from installation and configuration to real-time monitoring and control. Check out how Ajax apps' unique features and capabilities make security management more efficient and accessible.

Ajax apps for every use

Ajax has taken a user-centric approach by providing dedicated apps tailored to the needs of security professionals and end users. The company has developed Ajax PRO: Tool for Engineers and PRO Desktop for professional use, and Ajax Security System for end users.

Ajax Security System app allows users to control their system and automation devices from their smartphones. Users can manage security modes for the entire site or specific groups. There's an Apple Watch app for even more fast and convenient use on the go. Users always have access to crucial features like using the app as a mobile panic button, monitoring security cameras’ footage, or verifying alarms with photos.

Ajax PRO: Tool for Engineers and PRO Desktop are essential for managing Ajax systems professionally. They have different functionalities. Professionals can remotely monitor alarms from multiple hubs, distribute roles and accesses, configure security systems according to international or local standards, and adjust system parameters. Many more features are available. Now, let's take a closer look at each professional app's key advantages.

Ajax PRO: Tool for Engineers

Ajax PRO: Tool for Engineers is a mobile app for installers and security or service companies. The app is available on iOS and Android.

When an installer visits a client site, they can configure the system via Ajax mobile app and provide the end user with limited permissions to make changes to the system. This will help eliminate human error and reduce the risk of system malfunctions or false alarms.

Installers use the app to create spaces, connect hubs, and integrate both Ajax and third-party devices. Also, this mobile app provides convenient work with standalone devices like Ajax cameras, NVRs, and Yale smart locks. A professional can manage client system settings from the personal or company PRO account. The app speeds up the installation and setup of Ajax systems. Among the other merits of the app are the following.

System management:

• Performance with no lagging even when thousands of hubs are connected.
• On-the-go administration of client systems with continuous PRO Desktop synchronization.
• Fast switching between a personal account and a company PRO account within a single interface.
• Precise control over end-usersʼ access to essential system settings to avoid the impact of human error.
• Notifications with detailed information about all alarms and events with event type, location, triggered device on site.
• Non-editable event log entries.
• Remote hub configuration: scheduled arming, access codes for keypads, system integrity check, settings for direct connection to the CMS (ARC).
• Customizable event and alarm notifications for users, including SMS, push notifications, or calls.

Installation:

• Efficient device testing and system configuration, minimizing time spent on-site.
• Adding/removing devices and testing radio communication, detection areas, sensor status, and wired connection quality in one app.
• Seamless data transfer that lets professionals move user data, settings, and devices between hubs. This feature is handy if the hub is out of order, as settings can be transferred when the hub is offline.
• Adding/removing users and deciding who is allowed to control security modes, receive notifications, and view the event log.

Settings for compliance with global standards

An Ajax system can be configured to meet various international or local standards. For security professionals, this means more reliability and flexibility to adjust the system to client needs. Moreover, compliance with standards simplifies dealings with insurance companies that prefer certified suppliers.

The Ajax PRO app allows professionals to easily configure system settings to comply with PD 6662:2017. This document outlines measures to enhance the reliability of security systems and prevent false alarms, which include:

• Alarm confirmation, or Cross zoning. It is a separate event that the hub transmits to a monitoring station and system users if a specific device or devices have been triggered several times within a specified time. System integrity check. It is a function that runs the status revision of security devices before arming. When setting up, the installer can choose the hub states to be included in the integrity check.
• System restoration after alarm. The feature prevents the system from being armed if an alarm has been activated or a malfunction has been detected. A PRO user should restore the system so that the user can arm it again later. The types of alarms and malfunctions that require system restoration are specified when setting up the feature.
• Two-stage arming. With the confirmation feature enabled, the Ajax system requires an additional confirmation to validate arming. This added layer of security ensures that the system is not accidentally armed. There are four methods to arm the system: via the app, using a control device with a second-stage detector, operating two separate control devices, or using a single control device.
• Alarm transmission delay when disarming. This feature allows the alarm transmission to be postponed if the entry delay has expired and the system has not been disarmed.
• Device auto deactivation. An Ajax system can ignore alarms or other devices' events without removing them from the system. This feature is useful for temporarily disabling a faulty or incorrectly installed device that sends many events in a short time. The system can automatically deactivate devices when the number of alarms is exceeded or when the restoration timer expires. Installers can also manually disable devices entirely or selectively turn off lid state notifications for each device separately.

Besides PD 6662:2017, the Ajax system can be configured following other international and local requirements, including ANSI/SIA CP-01-2019 (hereinafter referred to as SIA CP-01). Once the mode is enabled, the installer can configure the SIA CP-01-related settings, such as Exit time restart or Auto-wake on delay when entering, Alarm abort window, Beep on delays, etc. Let's take a quick look at some of them.

• Exit time restart. The feature is intended to start Delay when leaving again if the user opens the exit door twice before the exit time expires. This feature reduces the number of false alarms during an exit procedure when the user arms the system, leaves the premises, and returns.
• Alarm abort window. If the user didn’t disarm the system during Delay when entering or a non-entry device was triggered, the system will initiate a local alarm and start the Alarm abort window timer. If the user disarms the system until this time expires, alarms will not be sent to apps and the CMS.
• Cross zoning. Ajax systems feature cross-zoning for alarm verification. This requires multiple triggers from a device or devices in a cross-zone within a set intrusion confirmation time to validate an alarm. When an armed device involved in cross-zoning is triggered, a timer starts. If the required number of triggers occurs in the same cross-zone before the timer expires, the system transmits a confirmation event to apps and the CMS alarm center software.




• Easy Armed Mode Change. To simplify system disarming, a specific password length was established. Once the user enters the required number of characters, the system automatically recognizes the complete password without pressing an additional button and disarms the system.

Ajax PRO Desktop

Ajax PRO Desktop is an application designed to simplify system maintenance for installers and central monitoring station engineers, available on Windows and macOS. It enables operators to process alarms from up to 2,500 facilities, configure security systems remotely, adjust detectors per customer requests, and manage access rights. The monitoring functions open in a separate window, allowing uninterrupted access to other features. Facilities are automatically connected within minutes, requiring no additional setup. The informative event window features filters by alarms, malfunctions, arming/disarming, service and automation, with color-coding for easier navigation.

What Ajax PRO Desktop can offer

Creating a company

Company accounts are required to run the security business, which monitors events and maintains, configures, and installs Ajax systems. The PRO account that created the company becomes the Company owner. Such a PRO account has access to all PRO Desktop modules, can add and remove employees, and can change information about the company. One PRO account can create an unlimited number of companies.

Rapid Fibra integration

With PRO Desktop, integrating wired Fibra products into the Ajax system becomes simple and fast. Devices are paired with the hub automatically via Fibra line scanning. This innovative approach eliminates hours of manual work, allowing installers to integrate up to 100 devices in just 10 minutes. Installers only need to initiate the scanning process, name the device, and assign it to a room and security group.

Streamlined business processes

PRO Desktop enables account registration, providing a single account on the hub and allowing multiple PRO accounts for operators with controlled access to event logs and alarms. Adhering to EN 50131 requirements, the app log can't be edited, and security events, alarms, and employee operations cannot be deleted. The system stores entries for up to two years. Operator accounts only access necessary for work data like event logs, photo and video verifications, and device statuses. PRO Desktop offers separate function sets for monitoring and service companies, with the interface and features adjusting based on chosen functionality.

Real-time administration and control

The company profile (Alarm Monitoring, Installation and Maintenance, or both) can be modified anytime. PRO Desktop offers flexible access control with multiple employee roles. When adding employees, roles can be set and changed as needed. The head of installers can assign a specific installer to a facility with permanent access to settings. Upon request, installers can temporarily access Ajax settings for up to eight hours before access is automatically revoked. The PRO Desktop event log is a control tool and a data source for optimizing business processes. All installer actions are recorded and viewable in real time, with filtering options for quick searches.

Multi-subscription

The Multi-subscription feature allows the company security department to accumulate information about the security of business facilities connected to third-party security and service companies. Even if a business has hundreds of stores, offices, and warehouses, PRO Desktop allows the security team to monitor the incident response speed and service quality of contractors, the serviceability of security equipment, and even the working schedule of remote facilities.

Cloud infrastructure

PRO Desktop cloud infrastructure doesn't require powerful servers, dedicated IPs, or system administrators. In fact, a professional can use a laptop as a workstation. Ajax Cloud is located in several geographically dispersed data centers, has an intelligent load balancer, and uses advanced server technology. No need to buy a separate subscription to change the functionality or additional server space to scale. No need to set up a dedicated server room or hire system administrators, as everything runs through the cloud infrastructure.

Maintenance reports

The report highlights all the information on the system security devices and fire detectors. And what is very convenient is a quick summary of whether the system needs maintenance. Engineers can see the hub’s status, battery levels, communication status, and other critical parameters. Search results can be sorted by five parameters, like address or hub ID. Moreover, uploading a CSV allows the creation of reports with necessary hubs from a simple datasheet.

Cloud signaling

Cloud signaling is a service that facilitates communication between Ajax systems and third-party alarm monitoring software. It acts as a bridge, converting notifications from the Ajax hub into event protocols compatible with security alarm company software. This service enables direct delivery of events from Ajax Cloud to the CMS.

Permanent and One-time deactivation

The Ajax system offers two options for temporarily disabling devices. The Permanent deactivation feature allows the installer to turn off a device for an extended period. It is helpful if a device is incorrectly installed, has lost connection with the hub, or is malfunctioning. Alternatively, the One-time deactivation feature lets the installer exclude the device from the system or disable its notifications on the lid state for a time the armed mode is active. After disarming, the device resumes regular operation.

Ajax apps: something for everyone

The Ajax Security System app ensures end users can easily manage their security systems and automation devices. The powerful Ajax PRO: Tool for Engineers and Ajax PRO Desktop meet the needs of security professionals, streamlining every aspect of their work and empowering them with unparalleled control, efficiency, and flexibility. Each app features a distinct set of functions tailored to the specific demands of installers and security companies.

Ajax continuously improves the functionality and convenience of its apps, listening to the needs and wishes of security market professionals. Whether you're an installer, a monitoring operator, or a system owner, Ajax has an app for your specific demand. Choose your preferred solution and enjoy a personalized security experience.

Download the Ajax apps from here