When a crisis strikes with little notice, business leaders and dedicated staff members must be ready to deliver vital information about the threats to keep people safe. Mass-notification technology gives staff the ability to broadcast information across networked devices and to interpret data coming in from sensors, locks, cameras, and other smart devices.
More and more organizations rely on mass-notification tools to coordinate communications during an emergency, and that’s why CBTS builds these capabilities into our cloud-based Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS). By integrating InformaCast Fusion from Singlewire Software into UCaaS, CBTS delivers a portfolio of mass notification tools used for sending relevant and precise alerts to employees as a crisis unfolds.
How companies benefit from mass-alerting technologies
Organizations have long relied on sophisticated messaging systems to conduct business, coordinate operations within and between departments, and communicate with clients and partners. Mass-alerting tools bring these capabilities up a level by unifying crisis communications under a single alerting platform during an emergency.
The advantages of mass-notification technology for crisis communications include:
- Centralized dashboard. As a hosted cloud communications technology, gives users a standard communications interface across all of their devices: PCs, tablets, and smartphones. Managers send specific messages and alerts directly to phones, conference rooms, digital signage, IP speakers, and even road signs and billboards, along with any other connected devices.
- Multiple media formats. Designated personnel can deliver live audio or recorded messages. Formats include e-mail, SMS text, VoIP and standard phone calls, push notifications, and updates via Facebook and Twitter.
- Delivery, reading, and responses. Managers can confirm messages are delivered and read, and individuals can respond to determine availability or direct what to do next. If individuals need help, the application can send rescuers directly to the scene.
- Escalation. First-round alerts often have low reading and response rates because the recipients aren’t aware of the severity of an emergency. In such cases, managers can escalate their alerts to clarify the level of the crisis. The escalation may include informing news media if necessary.
- Geographic location. Smartphones with built-in GPS help emergency communications managers determine the location of individuals. Managers can target alerts to people within specific areas or create a virtual perimeter by directing people away from a dangerous area.
Do you have a clear communications plan for the next crisis?Download our e-book for seven tips for providing clear communications during a crisis.
Common events for mass notifications
Organizations must clearly communicate with appropriate teams during an emergency and coordinate activities. Emergency communications managers are required to address threats such as:
- Natural disasters. Any natural threat such as violent storms, tornados, earthquakes, sinkholes, or volcanic eruptions may require messaging or alerts with employees at all levels.
- Traffic issues. Multi-car accidents on area highways can cause massive delays. A train derailment, toxic gas leak, chemical spill, or other emergencies can endanger individuals across an expansive geographic area.
- Public unrest. Protests can turn violent. Scuffles can break out after a sporting event or music festival. Employees need to be informed about these issues so they can avoid specific areas and reduce their risk while in transit during work hours.
By integrating the right mass-messaging tools into your network, emergency communications managers can deliver the necessary information to protect employees when a crisis occurs.
Prioritizing safety
During uncertain times or when an unexpected crisis arises, it’s unfortunate some UCaaS providers don’t provide mass-notification technology as standard in their offering. Here at CBTS, we believe mass-notification capabilities are crucial to the security and safety of employees and critical to business resiliency.
The mass-notification tools built into our UCaaS system ensure you can communicate effectively with team members throughout an emergency. Whether individuals use a PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone, or desktop phone, in a crisis—when seconds count—timely alerts can make all the difference.
To find out more about CBTS UCaaS and our mass notification capabilities, contact our experts.
