An emergency operations center (EOC) is a central hub for coordinating the response and recovery efforts during a crisis. As an EOC leader, you need to leverage new technologies and tools to enhance your operations and capabilities. Here are some tips on how to integrate them effectively.
Before you adopt any new technology or tool, you need to assess your current situation and identify your needs and gaps. What are the objectives and functions of your EOC? What are the challenges and risks you face? What are the resources and capabilities you have? How can new technologies and tools help you improve your performance and efficiency? Conduct a gap analysis and prioritize your needs based on your EOC's mission and vision.
Another consideration must be your audience. Are you a coordination center? Do you support decision makers? Do you need active situational awareness or do you provide planning and courses of action? What data do you provide and what decisions do you need answered and in what format?
Part of the gap analysis should include and examination of your existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), CONOPs, Job Aids, etc., for workflows that technologies can enhance or facilitate. Technology should align and support those, not be deployed tangentially, which is often the case. Technology, including GIS, is a tool to improve EOC operations - but without careful planning, its deployment can be disruptive to existing processes.
GIS mapping is a proven tool to aid in identifying the emergency impact Zone and to locate response and staging areas and for post emergency assessments. Pre-work and testing with GIS helps responders visualize approach, resource availability and utilization.
In my experience, the folks who fund EOC projects may have no idea what challenges you're trying to face in a technology project. And, since there really is no such thing as "only" a technology project, be sure to include in your gap analysis perceived readiness to change.
Once you have a clear idea of what you need, you can research and evaluate the available options. There are many types of technologies and tools that can enhance your EOC operations and capabilities, such as communication systems, data platforms, mapping tools, simulation software, artificial intelligence, drones, and more. However, not all of them may be suitable or feasible for your EOC. You need to consider factors such as cost, usability, compatibility, security, reliability, scalability, and interoperability. Compare the pros and cons of different options and consult with your stakeholders and experts.
Before you implement any new technology or tool, you need to test and pilot it to ensure that it works as intended and meets your expectations. You can use a small-scale or simulated scenario to test the functionality, usability, and effectiveness of the technology or tool. You can also solicit feedback from your staff, partners, and beneficiaries. You need to identify and resolve any issues or problems that may arise during the testing and piloting phase. You also need to document and evaluate the results and lessons learned.
I've seen where a successful pilot project (drones) was used to grant-fund the real project. Be sure to keep your head on a swivel when looking at the value of pilot and test projects.
Once you decide to adopt a new technology or tool, you need to train and support your staff and partners on how to use it properly and safely. You need to provide clear and comprehensive guidance, manuals, and tutorials. You also need to ensure that your staff and partners have access to the technology or tool and the necessary equipment and infrastructure. You need to provide ongoing technical support and troubleshooting. You also need to monitor and measure the impact and outcomes of the technology or tool on your EOC operations and capabilities.
Finally, you need to adapt and improve your use of new technologies and tools as the situation evolves and new challenges and opportunities emerge. You need to review and update your policies, procedures, and protocols to align with the technology or tool. You also need to collect and analyze data and feedback to assess the performance, efficiency, and effectiveness of the technology or tool. You need to identify and implement best practices and lessons learned. You also need to explore and innovate new ways to use the technology or tool to enhance your EOC operations and capabilities.
I've always said "the human being is the most adaptable planet on the face of the earth." And, if they want a project to fail, no animal more adept and successful." Do not underestimate the power of peer-champions in your projects. That is, bring in the folks you think will support and some that you think won't to develop a rappoire with each of the three typical camps (those for the change, those opposed and working against the change, and the folks in the middle who, at the moment, don't care.
Having run enterprise-scale projects for Fortune 50 customers, I can't underestimate the question "why". Too often, executive vision and areas of success do not translate down to the project participants. Yes, you can dictate "how" and "what", but humans are inquisitive by nature, and also resist change. At all levels of an organization. Don't be afraid of asking the question "why", and answering it as well.