What are the most common resource tracking mistakes made during an emergency?

1 Lack of coordination

One of the biggest resource tracking mistakes is the lack of coordination among different agencies, jurisdictions, and sectors involved in the emergency response. Without proper coordination, there may be duplication, confusion, or gaps in the resource tracking and reporting process. For example, different entities may use different definitions, formats, or platforms for collecting and sharing resource data, leading to inconsistencies or errors. To avoid this mistake, it is important to establish clear roles and responsibilities, common terminology and standards, and effective communication channels for resource tracking and coordination.

2 Inadequate training

Another common resource tracking mistake is the inadequate training of the personnel involved in the resource tracking and reporting process. Without sufficient training, the personnel may not be familiar with the resource tracking systems, tools, or procedures, or may not be able to use them effectively or efficiently. For example, they may not know how to enter, update, or verify resource data, how to access or interpret resource reports, or how to troubleshoot or resolve resource issues. To avoid this mistake, it is important to provide regular and comprehensive training to the personnel on the resource tracking systems, tools, and procedures, and to monitor and evaluate their performance and feedback.

4 Ineffective use of technology

Another common resource tracking mistake is the ineffective use of technology for the resource tracking and reporting process. Without effective use of technology, the resource tracking and reporting process may not be efficient, secure, or scalable, and may not leverage the potential benefits of digital solutions. For example, the resource tracking and reporting process may rely on manual or paper-based methods, or may use outdated or incompatible systems or devices, or may not have adequate backup or security measures. To avoid this mistake, it is important to adopt and integrate appropriate and innovative technologies for the resource tracking and reporting process, and to ensure their functionality, compatibility, and accessibility.

5 Lack of feedback and improvement

Another common resource tracking mistake is the lack of feedback and improvement for the resource tracking and reporting process. Without feedback and improvement, the resource tracking and reporting process may not be responsive, adaptive, or effective, and may not address the emerging or changing needs or challenges of the emergency response. For example, the resource tracking and reporting process may not solicit or incorporate feedback from the users or stakeholders, or may not monitor or evaluate the outcomes or impacts of the resource tracking and reporting process, or may not implement or document the lessons learned or best practices. To avoid this mistake, it is important to establish and maintain a feedback and improvement loop for the resource tracking and reporting process, and to foster a culture of learning and innovation.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?