allstop

Allstop (often styled as AllStop or ALLSTOP) is a term used in technology, manufacturing, and safety contexts to denote an immediate halt of ongoing actions. Because it is not standardized, its exact meaning varies by system, organization, or industry, but it generally implies interrupting activity to prevent harm, avoid damage, or switch to a safe state.

In industrial automation and control engineering, an allstop command commonly accompanies emergency stop devices or interlocks. Activation may halt machinery, suspend conveyors, and place equipment in safe mode. Some systems require deliberate confirmation or a controlled sequence to prevent unintended shutdowns, and the term is typically embedded in safety procedures and risk management protocols.

In software and distributed systems, allstop can refer to a global shutdown or barrier that halts all tasks or services, allowing maintenance, updates, or recovery. Implementations vary: some use centralized orchestration to coordinate quiescence, while others rely on distributed coordination mechanisms to achieve a consistent halt.

Beyond technical uses, Allstop has been used as a brand, product name, or model designation by various companies. Because the term is generic, there is no single canonical entity associated with it.