how to send non-Email/SMS alert to IOS device???

Is there a way to send a non-Email/SMS alert programmatically to an IOS device?

What I was after:
* Way to send myself alerts from my system/server to my iPhone, but not via SMS or Email where I'm left with SMS/emails to clean up (e.g. delete) later.
* Would like to (a) play custom tone when it receives alert, (b) way for me to see at a glance & dismiss. No need to jump in further to delete/clean up. (so perhaps IOS notifications is what I'm after unless there is an easier way?)
* I happen to be running an automation system using LUA code (currently it's sending emails but would like to change this)

Any advice/ideas re easiest way to meet the above?

 

looks very promising...I'll look into it...thanks