Notifications and alerts
Smart notifications keep you informed without overwhelming you. From dashboard tiles that persist until addressed to proactive battery alerts that prevent automation failures, these automations ensure you never miss important information.
Why smart notifications?
Persistent Visibility - Dashboard tiles remind you until tasks are done
Proactive Alerts - Know about issues before they cause problems
Whole Household - Everyone sees the same information on dashboards
Reduced Notification Fatigue - Smart filtering shows only what matters
Actionable Information - Notifications that help you take action
Family Coordination - Reminders that work for everyone
Essential automations
Low battery alerts
Get notified before device batteries die to maintain reliable automation.
Status tiles instead of notifications
Persistent dashboard tiles that stay visible until addressed - better than fleeting phone notifications.
Garbage day reminder
A weekly reminder tile that lights up when it’s time to take out the trash.
Doorbell notification
Get notified when someone rings your doorbell, even if it’s not a smart doorbell.
Baby sleep mode
Automatically disable automations when baby is sleeping using power monitoring.
Package delivery detection
Get notified when packages are delivered to your door without needing a smart doorbell.
Pet feeding reminder
Never forget to feed your pets with automated feeding reminders and tracking.
Maintenance reminder dashboard
Wall-mounted tablet showing days remaining for filters, pool chemicals, and one-tap add to shopping list.
Dashboard basics
Wall-mounted tablets provide persistent visibility for your smart home status.
Choosing a tablet
Budget options:
- Amazon Fire tablets (most affordable)
- Older Android tablets
- Refurbished iPads
Premium options:
- iPad (best display)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab
- Google Pixel Tablet
Dashboard software
SharpTools:
- Works with SmartThings, Hubitat, Home Assistant
- Web-based builder
- Cross-platform access
Home Assistant Lovelace:
- Native dashboards
- Highly customizable
- Local control
Hubitat Dashboard:
- Built-in option
- Local network access
- Simple setup
Notification types
Dashboard tiles
- Status that needs attention (washer done, door open)
- Tasks that need completing (garbage day)
- Everyone sees them
- Can't be dismissed accidentally
Phone notifications
- Urgent alerts (security, fire, water leak)
- Time-sensitive information
- Personal reminders
- Only reaches one person
Voice announcements
- Immediate attention needed
- Hands-busy situations
- Whole-house awareness
- Use quiet hours appropriately
Common use cases
Maintenance alerts
- Low battery warnings
- Filter replacement reminders
- Smoke detector test reminders
- HVAC maintenance due
Family coordination
- Teeth brushing reminders
- School departure countdown
- Chore completion tracking
- Package delivery alerts
Home status
- Appliance completion (washer, dryer)
- Door/window open alerts
- Garage door status
- Security system state
Best practices
Reduce fatigue
- Consolidate similar alerts
- Use escalating severity levels
- Set appropriate quiet hours
- Filter by mode (home/away/night)
Dashboard design
- Most important items largest
- Group related items together
- Use consistent layout
- Apply meaningful colors
Color conventions
- Green: Good/off/complete
- Red: Attention needed/warning
- Yellow: Caution/transitional
- Blue: Informational
Quiet hours
- Visual only (no sounds) at night
- Emergency-only alerts audible
- Dashboard dims automatically
- Resume normal in morning