SMSServer
Your Automatic Notification System for Industrial Monitoring
SMSServer is an advanced software solution designed to ensure continuous monitoring of industrial systems, promptly alerting users to any anomalies via SMS and email. Ideal for companies that require constant supervision, SMSServer enables immediate notifications without the need for physical presence at the plant.
Thanks to its seamless integration with CitectSCADA and Vijeo Citect, the software does not require any changes to existing projects and is compatible with the latest versions of Windows. The system operates without the need for dedicated hardware: a GSM modem or a mobile phone connected to the PC is sufficient for sending messages.
SMSServer is the optimal choice for those seeking reliability, automation, and responsiveness in production management, ensuring swift intervention when needed.
Requirements and Compatibility
Hardware and Software Requirements
50MB free hard disk space at installation;
256MB RAM;
800 x 600 SVGA 256-color video display (1024 x 768 or higher recommended);
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 to 3.5.
Compatibile Windows versions:
Windows XP SP2
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows 8
Windows 8.1
Windows 10
Windows 11
Compatibile Citect versions:
Citect 5.20 Service Pack B
Citect 5.21 Service Pack G
Citect 5.40 Service Pack C
Citect 5.41 Service Pack B
Citect 5.42 Service Pack A
CitectSCADA 6.00 SP A
CitectSCADA 6.10 SP B
CitectSCADA 7.0 e successivi (ultima versione testata: Citect 8.4 - PlantSCADA 2023)
Key Features of SMSServer
SMSServer is an advanced solution for alarm notification management, designed to ensure reliable and efficient industrial monitoring. Thanks to its flexibility and wide range of features, it helps optimize the handling of critical events, improving responsiveness and operational safety.
Immediate and Reliable Notifications
Automatic sending of emails and SMS for alarm notifications, with full support for UNICODE encoding and concatenated SMS handling for longer messages.
Advanced recipient address book management, with the ability to filter alarms based on category and area.
Customizable calendar, allowing the definition of different recipient groups based on date and time, for optimized notification management.
Advanced Configurations
Contact hierarchy management: ability to set priority levels for notifications, ensuring that alarms are first received by the most relevant personnel.
Configuration backup: import and export settings to easily restore working configurations.
Modem redundancy: in the event of a primary modem failure, the system can automatically send messages through a backup modem, ensuring operational continuity.
Supervision and Event History
Monitoring of SMSServer status directly from the supervision system, including signal strength reading of the modem.
Detailed message history of sent, unsent, and received messages, providing a comprehensive analysis of communications.
Multilanguage support, for versatile use in international environments.
Additional Features
Advanced customization: ability to configure dynamic notification rules based on company requirements.
Intuitive interface: centralized management with a user-friendly interface for easy configuration and monitoring.
Extended compatibility: integration with various SCADA environments for efficient alarm management.
Security, automation, and reliability in a single solution!
SMSServer is the perfect choice for those looking to reduce response times, improve operational efficiency, and ensure secure, automated monitoring of industrial systems.
Benefits for Companies
SMSServer is the ideal solution for optimizing industrial alarm management, improving operational efficiency, and reducing response times. Thanks to its versatility, it perfectly adapts to any production environment, ensuring safety and operational continuity.
Two types of license
designed to meet different operational needs
One-time cost
independent of the number of tags used, for a clear investment with no hidden fees
No changes to existing projects
SMSServer integrates directly with CitectSCADA without requiring structural modifications—only CtAPI activation is needed
Reduced supervision costs
eliminates the need for on-site personnel 24/7, ensuring prompt remote emergency management
Discover how SMSServer can enhance the safety and responsiveness of your plant.
Don’t miss the opportunity to improve alarm monitoring and boost your company’s efficiency. Choose the license that best fits your needs and gain full control with SMSServer!
Try SMSServer free for 30 days!
Download the free 30-day trial and explore all features without limitations.
Maximize your plant’s safety and optimize alarm management in just minutes.
Purchase SMSServer
Purchase SMSServer now and get a reliable, high-performance system for managing industrial alarms.
Choose from the available options to tailor the software to your operational needs.
Download SMSServer
Download the free trial version of SMSServer and explore all its features for a 30-day period. During this time, you can test the software without limitations and evaluate its effectiveness in managing industrial alarms.
Download the latest version now:
Version Archive
Brochure and User Manual
Download the PDF Brochure [ENG]
Download the User Manual 4.3 [ITA]
Download the User Manual 4.3 [ENG]
If your operating system blocks the reading of CHM help files, follow these simple steps:
- Right-click on the downloaded CHM file.
- Select “Properties”.
- In the “General” tab, click the “Unblock” button and confirm.
Tutorial
Download the latest version of SMSServer from the download page and launch SMSServerSetup.exe.
Click Next.
Select the CitectSCADA version you’d like to connect to and click Next.
Select the installation directory and click Next.
It is possible to choose not to install the help file, but it is strongly recommended to install it, just in case they’re needed for help during configuration phase.
Confirm the selected options by clicking Next.
Select the position where SMSServer will be placed into the start menu, or, if needed, choose not to create a menu folder.
Confirm the selected options by clicking Next.
Choose where the SMSServer link will be placed and click Next.
If you are trying to install SMSServer over Windows 7 or newer, and there is no CitectSCADA or VijeoCitect installed on your machine, you will be prompted to download and install Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable Package, as seen on the screenshot.
If you manage not to download and install this package click “Cancel“, but in this case you can’t install SMSServer.
In case SMSServer detects this package is required but you have no internet connection on the PC where you are installing SMSServer click “Cancel“, download the package following this link and execute it on the PC where you want to install SMSServer. After you install this package restart SMSServer Installer.
If you click “Install” SMSServer Installer will search for the update over the internet and will start its setup.
Confirm the download by clicking “Yes“.
If you are under Windows 7 or newer and the above window appear, click Yes and continue the installation process.
When installation is complete, you can find a shortcut to SMSServer under your Start menu and on your desktop.
Launch the application.
If you don’t have an activation key or an USB License Key you can click to start the application in Trial mode (full featured for 30 days). After 30 days you need to buy an activation key in order to use the application, or to request an hardware license.
PAY ATTENTION: Activation code will be sent to your email address at least two workdays after we receive your payment.USB key may require up to seven wordays to be delivered to the address you specify. Please make time consideration if you manage to buy an hardware license because after the 30 days trial expires there is no way to launch SMSServer in unlicensed mode.
If you decided to buy the software license and you received the activation code, you can enter it in the previous window.
If you decided to buy the hardware license, don’t mind to the activaton key requirements, when you plug the received USB SMSServer will recognize it and starts.
Once the program is started you need to configure the connection with CitectSCADA, GSM Modem and/or E-Mail server. Click on the Settings button on the left side of the main window. Next you need to click Modify in order to make changes to the settings. Go to Alarm Servers tab and click Add, the following window will appear:
Insert the cluster name of your CitectSCADA project.
If you are running CitectSCADA and SMSServer on the same PC check the Local connection option. If CitectSCADA is running on a different PC, enter the TCP/IP address.
Insert the Citect username and password (the same data you use to login in your CitectSCADA project during runtime).
Click OK.
If you need to enable SMS delivery then setup your COM port using the Serial Port tab and check Enable SMS delivery in SMS tab.
If you need to enable E-mail delivery check Enable e-mail delivery in E-mail tab and setup your SMTP server parameters.
Click Apply and restart SMSServer using the context menu of the tray icon: click on the tray icon with the right mouse button and select Close SMSServer. Restart SMSServer.
Now your system is up and running. You should see an active connection with CitectSCADA and the signal strength of your GSM Modem:
If SMS Connection is Inactive probably you need to change the Serial Port configuration.
If CitectSCADA is not connected and the CitectSCADA project is running you need to enable the CtAPI interface by insert in citect.ini file the following lines:
[CtAPI]
Remote=1
AllowLegacyConnections=1
Requirements and Compatibility
Hardware and Software Requirements
50MB free hard disk space at installation;
256MB RAM;
800 x 600 SVGA 256-color video display (1024 x 768 or higher recommended);
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 to 3.5.
Compatibile Windows versions:
Windows XP SP2
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows 8
Windows 8.1
Windows 10
Windows 11
Compatibile Citect versions:
Citect 5.20 Service Pack B
Citect 5.21 Service Pack G
Citect 5.40 Service Pack C
Citect 5.41 Service Pack B
Citect 5.42 Service Pack A
CitectSCADA 6.00 SP A
CitectSCADA 6.10 SP B
CitectSCADA 7.0 e successivi (ultima versione testata: Citect 8.4 - PlantSCADA 2023)
Modem: Compatibility and Downloads
SMSServer needs to be attached to a serial or a USB GSM Modem or mobile phone in order to send and receive SMS. Modems must support following AT+ commands to be fully compatible with SMSServer:
- AT – Establish connection with modem;
- AT+CPIN – Pin code setup;
- AT+CMGF – Text Mode setup;
- AT+CSQ – Signal level request;
- AT+CMGS – Send an SMS;
- AT+CPMS – Setup SMS Storage on phone memory (for ACK SMSs);
- AT+CMGR – Read an SMS from memory (for ACK SMSs);
- AT+CMGD – Delete an SMS from memory (for ACK SMSs).
Modems successfully tested with SMSServer:
TELTONIKA TRM240 – LTE / 3G / 2G
Download Manuals and Drivers
CINTERION PLS62T-W USB – LTE / 3G / 2G
Download Manuals and Drivers
GEMALTO EHS6T-USB – 3G Five Band + 2G Quad Band
Download Manuals and Drivers
Cinterion MC55i – 2G Quad Band
Download Manuals
Siemens TC35i – 2G Dual Band
Download Manuals
Buy the ideal modem for SMSServer directly from our website!
To ensure maximum compatibility and reliable performance, choose from the modems tested and certified by us. Explore our selection and purchase the perfect modem for your needs today.
FAQ
I installed SMSServer using CitectSCADA2015 option, but I can't connect to the alarm server. Why?
If your project has been converted from an older version (7.40 or older) to the version 2015, Citect users passwords have been crypted with the old method. In order to connect SMSServer it is necessary, only in this case, to recreate an user (delete and then create new), or to create a new user just for SMSServer connection.
What versions of Citect are compatible with SMSServer?
SMSServer is compatible with Citect 5.20 Service Pack B or newer and Vijeo Citect. The only requirement is a valid license for CTApi with Citect. In some cases Vijeo Citect License doesn’t contain CTApi support, so e.g. Vijeo Citect Lite license has no support for CTApi, it is considered as an extension to the base license and it is to buy separetly.
Is the fingerprint related to the PC hardware configuration?
The hardware fingerprint is bounded to hard disk, network card and CPU. We use the fingerprint to verify the PC identity. Different fingerprint means different PC. If you want to change any of PC hardware components listed above, you will need a new SMSServer software licence. If you want to avoid this, consider to buy an Hardware License instead (for SMSServer version since 3.1).
In case of PC formatting or operating system upgrading, does SMSServer license remain valid?
The SMSServer software licenses are based on hardware fingerprint, so if you don’t change the hardware your license will remain valid. If you bought an hardware USB license, you don’t have to mind: your USB Key contains the License, and it is valid with any PC you want to plug it into.
What is the maximum capability of SMSServer software?
There are no limits on alarm and user configuration. If you want to send multiple SMS at the same time, remember that they are queued and sent actually one at a time. That’s because you can use only one modem. The SMS througput is modem dependent and normally it’s one SMS per second.
I upgraded SMSServer from an older version. It doesn't seem to work!
Probably you are trying to launch SMS Server with an old version of smsserver.ini file, because the uninstall procedure didn’t delete it.
You can backup your current smsserver.ini file renaming it in smsserver_old.ini and launch the program again.
SMS Server will create a new smsserver.ini file, compatible with the latest version.
Later you can manually import the previous configuration values (COM settings, IP settings, etc.) from the smsserver_old.ini file.
Could you provide a Citect sample project?
You can try SMSServer with any Citect project, even “CSV_Example” project delivered with Citect. Be sure to have a valid license for CTApi and to have configured the CtAPI interface properly (see below).
Is SMSServer compatible with Windows Server 2008 and/or Windows Server 2012?
Yes it is, but Data Execution Prevention (DEP) technology prevents it to run, if you have the software license version.
Follow these steps to treat SMSServer executable file as a DEP exception.
1. Locate SMSServer executable file (SMSServer.exe) in your computer and take note of the full path. Default SMS Server installation folder is “C:\Program Files\CP Sistemi\SMS Server\”.
2. Open Windows Start menu, right click on “Computer” and choose “Properties”. A “Computer” icon may be available on the desktop too. A “System” window will appear.
3. Open the “Advanced system settings” tab.
4. Look for the section called “Performance” and click the button “Settings…”. A “Performace Options” window will appear.
5. Select the “Data Execution Prevention” tab.
6. Select the “Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select:” option.
7. Click the “Add” button and a standard “Open File” window will appear. Navigate to the SMSServer exetutable file (SMSServer.exe) and select it.
8. Click the Open button. The window will close and the SMSServer.exe file will now be visible in the DEP exception list. Click the “Apply” button and close all the open windows. DEP will ignore the SMSServer executable file.
9. Run SMSServer!
I need multiple SMServer licences. Any discount available?
For any commercial question please contact info@smsserverweb.com
I need technical support. What can I do?
For any technical question please contact support@smsserverweb.com
Which data do I have to supply in order to get a fast and efficient support?
Following system data may be very useful:
- Windows version and installed service pack;
- CitectSCADA version and installed service pack;
You even have to send us SMSServer specific configuration and log files. If you have SMSServer 3.1 or newer just make a configuration export and send us all the exported files, otherwise these are files you have to manually copy to obtain support:
- smsserver.ini file (you can find it in Windows folder);
- citect.ini file, related to Citect (you can find it in Windows folder or in Citect’s config directory depending on CitectSCADA version);
- SMSServerCOM.dll file version (you can find it in the SMSServer installation folder);
- SMSServer log files, named mm_yyyy.log and mm_yyyy.exception.log, where mm is the month and yyyy is the year (you can find them in the SMSServer installation folder);
- MessageLog.csv and AckLog.csv files (you can find them in the SMSServer installation folder);
- agenda.mdb file (you can find it in the SMSServer installation folder).
I have downloaded new SMSServer installer and I don't know what kind of license to select.
Select Hardware License option only if you have the Hardware USB Key containing license, otherwise select the Software license option. Upgrading SMSServer your license won’t be lost.
Local connection between SMSServer and CitectSCADA (or Vijeo Citect) doesn't work.
SMSServer uses CtApi in order to communicate with CitectSCADA. Be sure to enable CtAPI in citect.ini file, adding the “Remote” and “AllowLegacyConnection” properties:
[CtAPI]
Remote=1
AllowLegacyConnections=1
You can verify the use of CtAPI executing in the command prompt:
netstat -an
and searching for TCP port 2073 in LISTENING mode (it’s the default CtAPI port).
The CtAPI interface may be license-based in your Citect software: check the “Max CtAPI” field in the Citect kernel general window.
Which one is the correct communication port between SMSServer and CitectScada (or Vijeo Citect)?
The standard communication port is the 2073 (it’s the default CtAPI port), but if you don’t change this number in Citect configuration you must not specify this port on SMSServer Cluster configuration.
I need to send different alarms to different groups at the same time. How could I do this?
The groups are referencing time periods, persons are referencing alarms filters.
The best practice is to create an “always available” group and set this group in calendar for always availability.
Then you can create persons for this group and set, for each person, one or more alarm filters (area and/or category).
It’s not possibile to configure more than one group per time period, but you can configure the persons in the group with different alarms filters.
Is it possible to export SMSServer configuration from my computer to another (e.g. to a customer computer)?
Yes, it is. For SMSServer versions 3.1 and newer simply export configuration from source computer and import it in the destination one. For older versions copy “C:\Windows\smsserver.ini” and “C:\Program Files\CP Sistemi\SMS Server\agenda.mdb” files from your computer to the customer computer.
Is it possible to include the actual value of a Citect tag in SMS details?
You can include the tag value in the Alarm Description.
Is it possible to customize the order of details included in SMS?
No, it isn’t. Sorry!
I can't understand the meaning of "alarm area."
Alarm area is an extended property of Citect alarms: you can access it by pressing F2 in Citect Explorer meanwhile you are editing an Alarm.
Search for “Alarm properties” in CitectSCADA Help and you will find:
[…]
Extended forms fields
The following fields are implemented with extended forms (press F2).
[…]
Area
The area to which the alarm belongs (maximum of 16 characters). If an operator does not have access to an area, the alarm is not visible on the alarm display. For example, if you enter Area 1 here, operators must have access to Area 1 (plus any required privileges) to acknowledge or disable this alarm.
[…]