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Email Setup

Anava can send email notifications when detections occur. This guide covers email configuration, templates, and alert routing.

Email Capabilities

FeatureDescription
Immediate AlertsEmail sent within seconds of detection
Digest SummariesHourly/daily digest of events
Custom TemplatesBranded email content
Image AttachmentsInclude detection snapshots
Recipient RoutingRoute by detection type/location

Configuring Email

Step 1: Enable Email Notifications

  1. Navigate to SettingsNotificationsEmail
  2. Toggle Enable Email Notifications
  3. Configure provider settings (below)

Email Provider Options

Use Anava's built-in email service:

Option 2: Custom SMTP

Use your own mail server:

SettingDescriptionExample
SMTP HostMail server addresssmtp.company.com
PortSMTP port587 (TLS) or 465 (SSL)
UsernameSMTP authenticationalerts@company.com
PasswordSMTP password********
From AddressSender emailanava@company.com
From NameSender display nameAnava Security

Option 3: SendGrid

For high-volume, reliable delivery:

  1. Create SendGrid account
  2. Generate API key
  3. Enter API key in Anava settings

Step 2: Configure Recipients

Static Recipients

Add email addresses that receive all alerts:

  1. Go to Recipients tab
  2. Click + Add Recipient
  3. Enter email address
  4. Configure alert preferences

Dynamic Routing

Route alerts based on detection properties:

ConditionRecipients
Group = "High Security"security-team@company.com
Object = "Weapon"security@, police-liaison@
Time = After Hoursnight-watch@company.com

Step 3: Configure Alert Triggers

Choose which detections trigger emails:

By Object Type

ObjectEmail?Rationale
WeaponAlwaysCritical threat
Person (after hours)YesPotential intrusion
Person (business hours)Digest onlyToo frequent
VehicleDigest onlyRoutine

By Confidence

Set minimum confidence threshold:

  • Critical alerts: 80%+ confidence
  • Standard alerts: 90%+ confidence
  • Digest: All detections

By Schedule

Time-based email rules:

  • Immediate: Outside business hours
  • Delayed/Digest: During business hours

Email Templates

Default Template

Anava includes a professional default template with:

  • Detection summary
  • Camera and location
  • Timestamp
  • Snapshot image
  • Link to session

Custom Templates

Create branded templates:

  1. Go to SettingsNotificationsTemplates
  2. Click + Create Template
  3. Design using HTML/CSS
  4. Add dynamic variables

Available Variables

<!-- Detection Info -->
{{detection.summary}}
{{detection.timestamp}}
{{detection.confidence}}

<!-- Camera Info -->
{{camera.name}}
{{camera.group}}
{{camera.location}}

<!-- Objects -->
{{#each objects}}
{{this.name}}: {{this.confidence}}%
{{/each}}

<!-- Questions -->
{{#each questions}}
{{this.text}}: {{this.answer}}
{{/each}}

<!-- Links -->
{{session.url}}
{{image.url}}

Example Custom Template

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
.header { background: #1a1a2e; color: white; padding: 20px; }
.content { padding: 20px; }
.alert { background: #fee2e2; border-left: 4px solid #ef4444; padding: 15px; }
.image { max-width: 100%; border: 1px solid #ddd; }
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div class="header">
<h1>🚨 Security Alert - {{camera.group}}</h1>
</div>

<div class="content">
<div class="alert">
<strong>{{detection.summary}}</strong>
</div>

<p><strong>Camera:</strong> {{camera.name}}</p>
<p><strong>Time:</strong> {{detection.timestamp}}</p>
<p><strong>Confidence:</strong> {{detection.confidence}}%</p>

<h3>Detection Image</h3>
<img class="image" src="{{image.url}}" alt="Detection snapshot">

<p>
<a href="{{session.url}}">View Full Session Details →</a>
</p>
</div>
</body>
</html>

Digest Emails

Configure Digest Schedule

  1. Go to SettingsNotificationsDigests
  2. Configure schedule:
    • Hourly: Every hour summary
    • Daily: End-of-day summary
    • Weekly: Weekly report

Digest Content

Digests include:

  • Total detections by type
  • Detection trend charts
  • Top cameras by activity
  • Notable events summary

Testing Email

Send Test Email

  1. Go to SettingsNotificationsEmail
  2. Click Send Test Email
  3. Verify delivery to your inbox

Test with Real Detection

  1. Trigger a detection (walk in front of camera)
  2. Check email delivery
  3. Verify content and images

Troubleshooting

Emails Not Arriving

  1. Check spam folder

    • Add anava.ai to safe senders
  2. Verify recipient address

    • Check for typos
    • Confirm inbox exists
  3. Check SMTP settings (custom SMTP)

    • Test connection
    • Verify credentials
  4. Check notification rules

    • Ensure detection matches trigger criteria
    • Check schedule constraints

Images Not Loading

  1. Check email client

    • Enable image loading
    • Check blocked content
  2. Image URL expired

    • Links expire after 7 days
    • View session directly for archived images

Delayed Emails

  1. Check rate limits

    • High-frequency detections may queue
  2. Check SMTP server

    • Verify server health
    • Check queue status

Best Practices

Avoid Alert Fatigue

  1. Be selective

    • Only email for actionable events
    • Use digests for routine monitoring
  2. Route appropriately

    • Security team for threats
    • Operations for routine events
  3. Set thresholds

    • High confidence for immediate
    • Include context for review

Email Security

  1. Use TLS

    • SMTP over TLS (port 587)
    • Never plain SMTP
  2. Secure credentials

    • Use app passwords
    • Rotate regularly
  3. Monitor for abuse

    • Track send volumes
    • Alert on anomalies

Template Best Practices

  1. Mobile-friendly

    • Responsive design
    • Clear, readable text
  2. Quick scanning

    • Summary at top
    • Clear visual hierarchy
  3. Actionable

    • Direct links to sessions
    • Clear next steps