By Jeff Mathes
Software Engineer and Product Specialist, PURVIS Systems
Nowadays, an increasing number of fire and police units are turning to innovative technology to make their daily operations more organized and efficient. Many departments are stuck in the days of handwritten reports and rooms filled with bankers’ boxes, but a new wave of interest in supportive technology has key officials examining the best methods for improving their approach to daily tasks.
Of course, there is no innovation without resistance. Some of the finest officers have a strong aversion to technology, most likely due to a preference for personal methods for tackling daily routines that don’t necessarily require the incorporation of new hardware or software. Some host their own reservations about technology in general, believing that some solutions are too confusing, too expensive, or likely to create more problems. They look upon a new system with a certain level of skepticism, hesitant to approach technology in a realm that is qualified, first and foremost, by dedicated human effort.
But taking advantage of the new age for public safety is easier than many would think. There are plenty of technology solutions designed to not only be completely customizable to your department but also easy to learn and use. More often than not, the company providing the software will offer thorough, on-site training for any new programs or systems, so your staff can learn the ropes in very little time.
But certain questions remain: what do you do after the training sessions have ended? How do you prepare for change, and once you’re on your own, how do you keep everyone on track? When it comes to keeping yourself up to date and getting your employees or fellow officials to use a new system, the following is recommended:
1. Get Everyone Involved
When you’re deciding on new hardware, software or a totally new system, get your colleagues and employees involved in the buying process. Ask for their contributions and feedback on the ideal products. Try to address as many of their daily concerns as possible, and they’ll be more apt to put new technology to use.
2. Choose a Company with Excellent Customer Service
You can find any number of reviews and criticisms from customers online, and if those are sparse, ask around. See what fellow officials and departments have investigated or used in the past. Get their impressions and feedback so you can choose the most experienced, accessible provider.
3. Gather the Go-To’s
Before your chosen company’s tech support comes in to inform, pull together the top 2 or 3 individuals on your staff that other employees consider the “go-to” people. They are the most adept with technology, or they offer the most assistance to other employees, or they’re in the best position to provide support to others going forward. Get them heavily involved in the training process so that there isn’t only one person with all the know-how.
4. Prepare Beforehand
Prior to the tech support team’s arrival, try to get together all of the current and pertinent information for your department. Review what specific actions need to take place to transfer data out of your existing system so that it can be immediately integrated into the new. Also, by using real data to train instead of false information, you’re more likely to see immediate results and learn the software.
5. Be Understanding
There are plenty of dedicated workers out there who have personal methods that they consider efficient and effective. Aversion to technology is more about a resistance to change, so try to understand their concerns, and be reassuring. Explain that this system isn’t a punishment for inefficiency – it’s a solution to daily hindrances, meant to ease their time and assist with their tasks.
6. Keep the Dialogue Going
Don’t stop talking — keep discussing the new system or software and encourage your employees to voice their concerns. Don’t let them think the chance to ask questions has passed. If you keep conversation about the usefulness of the system active, you’re more likely to soften resistance and keep your employees excited about the new technology.
Once you and your employees have had the usefulness of your new technology demonstrated, you’ll be able to put the technology to the test for your daily purposes, and the benefits will be clear. Your department will run faster and more efficiently. Data organization and accessibility will be vastly improved. Instead of hand-writing reports, digging through storage boxes, or waiting any number of hours or days for critical information to be retrieved, your employees will now be able to spend their time doing what is most important: serving citizens and improving safety in your communities.
It is in this respect that your improvements will be most evident, and your employees will find reasons to approach technology with enthusiasm.
Put reservations to rest.
Jeff Mathes is a Software Engineer and Product Specialist for PURVIS Systems.
PURVIS Systems is an IT systems and service provider with proven expertise and user-validated performance in the public safety, emergency management and defense industries. For more than three decades, PURVIS Systems has been committed to delivering value-driven solutions for organizations seeking a customer-focused, flexible and accessible partner for their essential technology needs. Based in Middletown, RI, with offices in Phoenix, AZ and other locations nationwide, PURVIS Systems leverages its knowledge, experience and accountability to create enduring and highly-effective partnerships. PURVIS Systems clients include the New York City Fire Department, American Red Cross, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, the Surface Warfare Development Group and various other municipal and commercial emergency/public safety organizations. For more information, please visit www.purvis.com