Fire Alarm Management App

Overview

Exeter University required a digital solution to efficiently track fire alarm devices across their campus and generate certificates for regular checks and maintenance. The existing process was manual and time-consuming, with the added challenge of accurately locating each device on floor plans. The client sought an app that would streamline this process, enabling easy tracking, documentation, and certification of fire alarm systems.

The app needed to allow users to select locations on a map, upload photos, and generate professional certificates based on pre-existing templates, enhancing both efficiency and accuracy.

Project Objectives

• Develop an app to track fire alarm devices across the campus
• Enable users to select device locations on an interactive map
• Allow users to upload photos of devices for documentation
• Generate PDF certificates based on predefined templates
• Ensure all data is stored securely and accessible for future reference

Our Solution

Varciti designed and developed a custom app within the Microsoft 365 environment to meet Exeter University’s specific requirements. The app was built to streamline the fire alarm management process, enhance data accuracy, and reduce the time spent on manual record-keeping.

1. Interactive Map Integration

• Created an interactive map with a grid overlay that allows users to select and mark the exact location of each fire alarm device
• The grid is aligned with the campus floor plans, providing clear and accurate device placement for each alarm

2. Form Submission and Photo Upload

• Developed a simple, user-friendly form within the app that allows technicians to submit relevant device details (e.g., model, condition, last service date)
• Enabled photo upload functionality, allowing users to capture and attach photos of each device during inspections

3. Certificate Generation

• Integrated a feature to automatically generate PDFs that compile the submitted data
• The app can output certificates in two formats:
  • A map image showing the location of the device on the floor plan
  • A detailed certificate, which includes device specifications, photos, and the location on the map

4. Streamlined Reporting and Tracking

• The app stores all device information, photos, and certificates securely in the cloud, allowing for easy access and retrieval
• Implemented a uniform structure for all records, ensuring consistency across all fire alarm checks
• The app’s reporting system allows for easy tracking of all devices and quick generation of reports for audits or compliance