Just a few points on this, my opinion...
- The M1 combined with some kind of supporting system is a very powerful combination. The M1 gives you "bulletproof" reliability partly, I think, because it has a distinct and limited role. What it does, it does superbly, and the features it lacks are rather readily compensated for by even a modest supplemental system. And there are many such systems with M1 drivers and support that can cover virtually any requirement. The M1 "ASCII Interface" allows for an astonishing level of interaction with and control over the M1.
- The trick is to know which capabilites to vest in the M1 and which to implement outside, and this entails some degree of "art" and judgment. In situations similar to yours, I have my M1 notify me by SMS and email of critical conditions, but I use an external system coupled to the M1 to provide the details, trends, history, etc.
- This arrangement also allows me to keep the M1 completely away from direct outside-world access, as it is fully hidden behind the firewall.
- At one time I thought that the M1 should be able to do (for example) analog voltage measurements, but with no math capability and no storage, what's the point? It excels as a security system, event manager, scheduler and controller, and I have never been disappointed with these functions.