Five Signs It's Time to Upgrade Your Mass Notification System
by Kat Wilkerson, Senior Content Marketing Specialist, Alertus Technologies
In today's fast-paced world, rapid and effective emergency communication is more critical than ever. Although your current mass notification system (MNS) may be adequate, technology, safety, and security demands are constantly changing.
We've identified five indicators suggesting your organization might benefit from a more comprehensive and modern MNS.
1. You Struggle to Reach Everyone, Everywhere
In an emergency, relying on one communication channel can be a dangerous oversight. A modern MNS—such as the Alertus System—ensures extensive notification coverage through various delivery channels. This allows it to reach individuals throughout a facility, including those without technology access and those with disabilities.
These multi-channel solutions offer facility-based communication through a variety of audible and visual alerts, including the Alert Beacon®, desktop notifications, mobile app alerts, and wide-area outdoor speakers. If your current system can't reach everyone, whether they are in a noisy manufacturing facility, an office building with poor cell signal, or off-site, it's a clear sign it's time to upgrade.
2. Your Activation Process is Complicated
Having to go through multiple steps to activate your MNS, such as logging into various platforms or requiring manual input, can significantly delay response times. This can lead to confusion and, critically, endanger lives.
With the Alertus Console and the AlertAware® Mobile App, authorized users can rapidly deploy alerts using pre-set templates or custom messages. This single point of activation ensures critical information is disseminated in seconds, not minutes.
3. Your System Lacks Integration Capabilities
Outdated mass notification systems often lack seamless integration with existing infrastructure, which can hinder the effectiveness of an emergency strategy.
The Alertus System features a modern design that allows for integration with various platforms, including fire alarm control panels, access control systems, VoIP phones, digital signage, and business communication tools such as Microsoft Teams and Slack. This interoperability allows for a unified and redundant alerting approach, leveraging your existing investments and providing a more cohesive response.
4. You're Not Meeting Modern Compliance Standards
A mass notification system that cannot deliver both visual and audible alerts, or struggles to reach individuals with varying needs, may not meet essential compliance standards.
Adhering to regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) is critical for effective, equally accessible emergency communication. Our solutions ensure your organization not only meets but surpasses these standards by offering strong audible-visual alerting devices and adaptable communication methods, ensuring everyone is accounted for during an emergency.
5. Your System Isn't Scalable
As organizations grow, so do their communication requirements. If your current MNS isn't easily scalable to accommodate an increasing number of employees, new facilities, or evolving threat landscapes, you'll soon find yourself with an inadequate solution.
An MNS that offers scalable solutions and can extend coverage without major disruptions ensures your investment today will continue to protect your organization tomorrow.
Investing in a comprehensive, integrated, and scalable solution can significantly enhance your emergency preparedness, protect your personnel, and ensure business continuity. Contact Alertus today to learn more!