Brokerage+ safety checklist: SIM vs LIVE, max trades/day, and fast shutdown¶
Brokerage+ is powerful — and that’s exactly why you need guardrails. This page is about safe operation of software, not trade selection.
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What you’ll set up (high level)¶
- A default “SIM first” workflow
- A fast, boring shutdown routine
- Guardrails that reduce damage when something is misconfigured
Before you start¶
- If you haven’t built the base workflow yet, start here:
- Brokerage+ automation tutorial
- If your alerts are noisy, fix upstream before automating:
- Alert hygiene
Step 1 — Start in SIM (always)¶
Make SIM your default until you have repeatable behavior and you understand how each component behaves: - alert condition - lane filters - position sizing - order type + limit offset
Related: - Position sizing - Limit offset
Step 2 — Confirm what environment you’re in (SIM vs LIVE)¶
Train the habit: before you enable anything, verify: - the environment indicator (SIM/LIVE) - the connected broker/account
Step 3 — Use guardrails: time windows + max activity¶
Brokerage+ allows you to constrain behavior using time windows and other limits (varies by strategy type).
Use guardrails like: - only allow entries during your intended session - cap activity so a runaway condition doesn’t fire all day
Also consider upstream constraints: - Time of Day filter - Liquidity filters
Step 4 — Define a kill-switch ladder (not one panic button)¶
Use escalation levels so you don't overreact to noise or underreact to real failures:
- L1 Soft pause: pause new entries when execution quality drifts
- L2 Session halt: disable strategy for the day after repeated failures
- L3 Broker disconnect: cut transport when reject/error storms appear
- L4 Hard kill: stop all automation + require human review before restart
Related: Kill switch design guide
Step 5 — Know the fast shutdown path¶
You should know how to: - disable a strategy quickly - disconnect a broker quickly - stop sending orders
Your goal is not “perfect automation”. Your goal is “safe and predictable behavior”.
Troubleshooting¶
“Strategy is doing something I didn’t intend”¶
- Disable it first.
- Then inspect the alert window + filters it’s based on.
- Confirm symbol lists / exclusions (you might be trading names you never meant to scan).
Related: - Symbol Lists - Collaboration (copy filters)
FAQ¶
Is Brokerage+ safe to use?¶
It can be, if you use it with guardrails and start in SIM. Treat it like a system: define the lane, constrain the session, and have a fast shutdown routine.
Do I need Brokerage+ to use Trade Ideas?¶
No. Many people get great value from scanners and alerts alone. Brokerage+ is an optional layer once your scanning workflow is stable.
Next¶
Next step
Turn this into a repeatable workflow
If you only do one thing next, tighten your lane and reduce noise. That's how Trade Ideas becomes usable.
