By definition, “an alarm system is the collection of hardware and software that detects an alarm state, communicates the indication of that state to the operators, and records changes in the alarm state” and an alarm is “an audible and/or visible means of indicating to the operator an equipment malfunction, process deviation, or abnormal condition requiring a response.

Although using alarm systems is not a direct mandated requirement, nevertheless in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) and Currently Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) documents, one can find specific references to alarms. When alarm systems are used to monitor regulatory compliance values, they need to be managed and configured appropriately.