Dispatch software for the 21st century demands the highest of standards to meet the needs of those requiring records management, computer-aided dispatching (CAD), and corresponding mobile technologies. Dispatching software available through 10-8 Systems serves as a host of clients and can be customized for any organization with a staff that responds to calls. From traditional public safety such as police, fire, EMS, and security, to tow truck companies, utility providers, delivery services, and anyone with personnel in the field, modern dispatching software is a necessity.
Through the use of cloud-based CAD technologies, the need for on-site servers is virtually eliminated as is the often expensive I.T. support and maintenance down time. Privacy concerns are addressed with SSL encryption to keep information securely stored and accessible to only authorized users. System administrators can easily control access by individual, job category, or other forms of customized classifications. Regulatory and legal security measures are met through HIPPA and CJIS compliant servers.
Dispatch Software Improves Call for Service Productivity
Service dispatching software begins its observable benefits the moment a call is received in a dispatch center. The location of the caller is immediately displayed through integrated mapping technology. The display can include the physical address, pinpointed GPS coordinates, and cross street references. While some of these features have been available in 911 dispatch centers for years, other service providers, such as private security, can also benefit from mapping programs. Through security dispatch software, the location of a call within a particular building, subdivision, or other protected areas can be readily available to dispatchers and field units.
Computer-aided dispatch software can identify real-time data and the appropriate unit for response based on factors including location, traffic considerations, and services needed. Fire departments and emergency medical services (EMS) have long enjoyed this type of clarification in unit assignment. An advanced life support ambulance, for example, may be required at a scene even though it is not the closet unit. CAD system software evaluates the need and makes the appropriate recommendations for response. This same technology can easily convert to the private sector. A tow truck company’s dispatcher, for instance, can quickly determine the size and rating of the truck needed for a particular call and identify the closest available unit with the required capabilities.
Historical data is an invaluable tool to first responders. Records management systems and CAD for law enforcement can notify officers if a subject has had violent encounters during previous incidents. Also, location specific security alerts are vital to responding units in potential threat identification. Current information about wanted subjects, missing persons, or stolen vehicles, for example, can also be easily accessed by units through mobile technologies as part of dispatching software.
Computer-Aided Dispatch Software Links Responders and Enhances Data Exchange
In addition to initial response recommendations, computer-aided dispatch software can help identify appropriate back-up units or others needed to assist at a call for service. This is especially beneficial for 911 dispatching centers that manage several public safety agencies. As incident details are added to the CAD system software, either manually or as part of the automated process, a multi-agency response is easily coordinated. When law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS are all part of the same call for service, each can be provided with information they need as individual components and as part of the shared response.
Private sector partners are also benefiting from the multi-organizational communication and data exchange process. Being able to coordinate communication between power, water, and other utility services, especially as part of a disaster response, enhances the service businesses are able to provide. Dispatch services for other entities such as traffic engineering, state transportation departments, and public transportation, can also be included into joint efforts to increase service.
The AgencyLink feature from 10-8 Systems lets both government and business dispatching centers interface with computer-aided dispatch software. The amount and duration of access is completely at the discretion of the AgencyLink client. For instance, if a security provider is managing safety and access control for an outdoor concert event, they can partner with taxi and other transportation providers to use CAD software and arrange pick-up and drop off services. They can also link with local law enforcement to share data, evaluate traffic conditions, and coordinate mutual responses.
Versatility in Dispatching Software Benefits any Service Provider
Computer-aided dispatch software and its mobile features allow seamless data exchange and analysis through any internet connected device. During a major incident, standing up a command post is part of most organization’s procedural plans. Regardless of whether an agency is using a 35-foot customized RV with a bank of computers or an individual patrol supervisor is utilizing his or her smartphone from their squad car, vital information will be available.
Integrated chat features allow for customized access levels to chat conversations based on a participant’s role in an event. All chat messages are incorporated into the records management system and become a permanent part of the incident record. This can be beneficial for members on-site or in remote locations as there is no need to hand write important information. Forgot the suspect’s clothing description? Need to verify the numerical address? Want to find out the location of the command post? If the answers to these or similar questions were part of the chat dialogue, the user, from any mobile device, can quickly search or scan the conversation to find the needed information.
All activities related to an incident are time stamped by the computer-aided dispatch system. Regardless of how or when an incident started, the second an organization is notified, each detail is memorialized. This includes the identification of units assigned, personnel actions, incoming and outgoing information, and additional data related to each aspect of an event, large or small. This can be used by administrators for a multitude of reasons including after action reports, future planning/budgeting, and liability protection.
When evaluating an organization’s response, 10-8 Systems dispatch software, records management system, and mobile components combine with cloud-native technology to offer service providers the most accurate measure of performance available.