EVAC Cloud: Real-Time Incident Notification and Remote Resolution for EN 54 Public Address and Voice Alarm Systems

Table of Contents

WHAT IS EVAC CLOUD?

EVAC Cloud is a complete solution that combines hardware and software to manage and monitor public address and voice alarm (PA/VA) systems remotely.

The hardware component, EVAC Core, acts as a secure bridge between LDA’s PA/VA systems and the cloud platform, ensuring real-time data transmission. With advanced security protocols and compliance with international standards, EVAC Cloud guarantees high levels of protection and reliability.

EVAC Core establishes a secure connection between the local area network (LAN), where the PA/VA systems are connected, and the wide area network (WAN) with Internet access. This design protects the LAN from cyber-attacks and ensures that all EN 54-certified functionalities remain operational within the local environment.

The software platform consists of three core modules:

1. evaccloud.com: provides an overview of system status, continuous monitoring, and email notifications, along with fleet and user management for EVAC Core devices.
2. EVAC Cloud Connect: enables secure remote access via virtual tunnels for advanced monitoring and configuration of EVAC Core and other connected systems.
3. NEO Configurator: facilitates remote configuration of NEO+ and NEO systems through the cloud, enabling complete system management as if operating on-site.

The EVAC Cloud platform offers intuitive use, remote access from anywhere, and seamless interoperability with LDA Audio Tech’s EN 54 systems, making it a versatile solution for various installation types.

THE THREE LAYERS OF EVAC CLOUD FUNCTIONALITY

EVAC Cloud integrates three modules that provide total control of the systems.

1. evaccloud.com:

Offers quick and intuitive monitoring of PA/VA systems, providing real-time status updates and email alerts. Administrators can manage fleets of EVAC Core devices, assign users to specific groups, and set access permissions based on user roles.

System status is indicated by four LEDs:

• Connection / Disconnection: indicates the connection status to the system.
• Disarming: indicates the existence of a disarmed zone in the system.
• Emergency: indicates that the system is in emergency status.
• Fault: indicates system failure.

2. EVAC Cloud Connect:

The EVAC Cloud Connect module facilitates direct connection from a remote PC to the local LAN of an EVAC Core by creating virtual tunnels. These tunnels are completely secure thanks to encryption and the latest gRPC bidirectional streaming technology that guarantees high communication speeds with very low latency. Thanks to this, administrators can manage systems from anywhere without compromising security and in real time.

The EVAC Cloud Connect module facilitates advanced monitoring and configuration by creating virtual tunnels for secure, remote connection over the LAN. This technology ensures that remote communication with local systems is completely secure through encryption.

This allows administrators to manage systems from anywhere without compromising security. For example, software updates can be performed, adjustments can be made and installations can be monitored in detail.

3. NEO Configurator:

This module, with its integration with the cloud platform, offers direct access to NEO+ and NEO systems for remote configuration. Administrators can adjust and customise the parameters of these systems centrally, optimising time and resources.

The systems can be installed more quickly, as initial configurations and adjustments can be made without the need for travel. Maintenance is also more agile and efficient, because all operations can be performed remotely, with lower costs and immediate response times.

In addition to these three modules, LDA plans to incorporate artificial intelligence-based functionalities to further anticipate any possible incidents and improve preventive maintenance of the systems.

SECURITY AND COMPLIANCE

Security has always been at the heart of EVAC Cloud’s development. The platform has been designed in accordance with international cybersecurity standards to ensure data integrity and protection of transmitted information.

Reference standards include:

• Euralarm/CoESS. Cybersecurity Framework.
• IEC 62443 Industrial Cybersecurity Standards:
  • IEC 62443-4-1:2018, on secure product development lifecycle requirements.
  • IEC 62443-4-2:2019, on technical security requirements for industrial automation and control system components (IACS).

All data transmissions use SSL ports (443 and 8443) by default and are encrypted using the TLS protocol, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality between devices and the cloud server.

LDA Audio Tech also works in compliance with the principles of ISO 27001, which establishes a comprehensive framework for information security management and strengthens our commitment to security best practices.

EVAC Cloud is fully compatible with public address and voice evacuation systems certified under EN 54. The integration of the platform does not affect its operability, as the security and reliability of critical functions are maintained. In addition, thanks to EVAC Core, which acts as a secure interface between the local network and the internet connection, the infrastructure is protected against cyber-attacks and ensures that all certified functions run in the local environment. EVAC Cloud complements these systems, providing a robust platform for remote management without compromising compliance.

The EVAC Cloud platform is designed with multiple layers of security to protect data integrity and ensure controlled access.

Communication between EVAC Core devices and the platform is encrypted to prevent sensitive data from being intercepted or tampered with. In addition, the platform uses strong authentication to ensure that only authorised users can access systems and manage configurations.

EVAC CLOUD APPLICATIONS

EVAC Cloud is suitable for a wide range of installations in demanding environments.

In shopping malls and airports, large, multi-area facilities, EVAC Cloud enables the status of public address and voice alarm systems to be monitored from a single point of control. Real-time alerts ensure a rapid response to any incident, improving the safety of thousands of people.

For hospitals and government buildings that require constant and accurate monitoring, EVAC Cloud facilitates management across multiple buildings or floors and enables remote configuration of each area without disrupting daily activities.

Features such as remote monitoring and access are critical in industrial facilities, logistics centres and factories. They ensure the safety of employees and help comply with regulatory requirements, as well as enabling managers to intervene quickly in the event of any event, reducing emergency response times.

It is also interesting to use EVAC Cloud in universities and educational campuses that often have several dispersed buildings. There, security managers can efficiently manage all PA/VA systems from a single platform, adjusting configurations and maintaining control without the need to physically travel.

In all these scenarios, EVAC Cloud provides comprehensive monitoring, resource optimization, and total remote control, enhancing both security and system performance.

EVAC Cloud transforms the management of PA/VA systems by providing real-time monitoring, remote access, and advanced configuration. Key benefits include ease of use, centralized management of multiple installations, optimized resource allocation, and full compliance with EN 54 standards. The platform ensures robust security through encryption and controlled access, enabling administrators to efficiently manage devices and users.

If you’d like to experience EVAC Cloud, contact our sales team to schedule a demo.