Five Signs You Need a New Mobile Data (MDT/MDC) Solution
1) You Are Not Utilizing Available Technology
No one likes change; however, if you are still using pen and paper solutions for your preplanning and incident response, it is time for your department to upgrade to high-quality mobile response software solutions. While you are probably not stuck quite that far in the dark ages of response technology, if your systems are not integrating and working together to raise situational awareness, it is time for your department to explore better solutions.
2) Your Incident Pre-Planning is Inadequate or Not Integrated
Incident pre-planning software should not merely grab building information from the internet without allowing you to thoroughly vet the information and plan your incident response. A better solution is for your pre-planning software to include the most up-to-date information available and the ability to customize it with firsthand data. In addition, it needs to integrate with all the other features of your response software so all the information is accessible in one place. Streetwise’s Preplan Wizard is a fast and easy-to-use solution during a pre-planning site visit, followed by automated distribution to all devices. Our system employs NFPA 1620 guidelines to help ensure that you get the most out of your response software.
3) Your Mobile Data Terminal is Designed with Police Response in Mind
Many mobile data terminal solutions were designed with a response to police emergencies in mind. Without accounting for the specific needs of fire departments and EMS, such as preplans, occupancy hazards, availability of fire hydrants, command and control functions, and integrated vehicle tracking, your mobile software might leave you feeling “left out”.
One of the primary goals of fire and EMS response technology is to raise situational awareness for everyone from dispatch to firefighters and paramedics on the scene. If you are stuck using something that was not designed specifically for firefighters and paramedics, it is time to upgrade your mobile data terminal solution.
4) Your Mobile Data Terminal is Aging
Maybe your department is using a mobile data solution that is several years old. Some are stuck with software and hardware that is no longer being updated or supported, or the company that sold it is not even operating anymore. Technology changes rapidly and can become obsolete quickly. If it has been some time since you have evaluated your mobile data terminal solution, it’s time to talk to the pros to determine whether an upgrade is warranted. It’s also vital to utilize solutions from quality providers who will work with your department to ensure you keep up with the latest advances in technology.
Many departments are using hardware that was state-of-the-art when it was purchased but is so expensive to replace that it becomes slow and clunky or won’t run current products. Today, there are consumer-grade products that are rugged enough to bounce around in a 12-year-old’s backpack. Even fully ruggedized, military spec tablets are available for under $1,000. If your response software won’t run on modern, affordable hardware, it’s time to move on.
5) You Believe Your Department is Too Small for The Best Technology
Every department serves people who deserve the best. As mobile data terminal solutions continue to evolve, they also often become more affordable. You may be surprised how affordable today’s mobile data solutions can be.
And if you’re so small that you can’t afford a computer-aided dispatch system (CAD) for your mobile software to integrate with, our CADuceus lightweight CAD system might be the answer you’ve been waiting for.. But don’t be fooled. This new web-based, two-screen solution for telecommunicators integrates fully with all StreetWise® products to bring enterprise-level features to smaller communities and regions at a fraction of the price.
Streetwise Mobile Data Terminal Solution
Streetwise provides mobile data solutions for firefighters and paramedics throughout the country. If your department is ready to improve response to emergencies, it may be time for you to upgrade your mobile data response terminal technology. Streetwise is your answer. StreetWise CADlink is real software for departments that are serious about getting the most from tablet computers or replacing clunky and expensive laptops. Use it as a standalone MDT, integrate it into your Emergency Reporting® NFIRS report, and we even have bi-directional interfaces available for sharing AVL and status buttons back to many CAD systems.
Our team is here to help you answer questions about whether your department is ready to upgrade to the most up-to-date mobile data terminal solutions. Whether you need more information or are ready to take the leap to the new standard for improving situational awareness during incident response, contact Streetwise today.