Adapting MS Teams for Crisis Information Management
Jun 14, 2022
auto_awesome
Experts Chris Mcintosh, Carrie Tropasso, and Sheena Connelly discuss using MS Teams and ArcGIS for crisis management. They explore remote work benefits, collaboration, file storage advantages, integration challenges, and strategies for implementing new technology. They also highlight the importance of mapping integration in incident management software for effective disaster management.
The integration of Microsoft Teams and Esri ArcGIS can improve crisis information management by providing a single platform for collaboration, communication, and decision-making based on shared situational awareness.
By centralizing communication and coordination, Microsoft Teams has streamlined emergency response operations, eliminating the challenges of managing information across multiple mediums and facilitating real-time information sharing and rapid decision-making.
Deep dives
Leveraging Existing Technologies for Emergency Management
Many organizations have migrated to collaboration software, specifically Microsoft Teams, for their operations and coordination in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, these organizations also have robust geospatial investments, primarily in Esri's ArcGIS, to support decision-making and gain situational awareness. However, Teams and ArcGIS have not been working together, hindering their effectiveness. The integration of these technologies is essential for efficient crisis information management, allowing organizations to bring decision-makers together in a single platform, collaborate, and communicate based on shared situational awareness.
Benefits of Microsoft Teams for Emergency Response Centers
Microsoft Teams has provided a streamlined platform for communication and coordination during emergency response operations. The use of Teams has eliminated the challenges of managing information across multiple mediums, such as Skype instant messenger, emails, phone calls, and handwritten notes. By centralizing communication, Teams has improved coordination between field workers and office staff, allowing for real-time information sharing and rapid decision-making. Additionally, the integration of other Microsoft tools, like SharePoint, has facilitated efficient file storage, reducing the need for multiple folders and drives.
Integrating ArcGIS and Microsoft Teams for Dynamic Situational Awareness
The combination of ArcGIS and Microsoft Teams platforms offers dynamic situational awareness for emergency operations. Through integration, organizations can visualize real-time information, utilize maps, and gain comprehensive situational awareness. The collaboration and coordination features of Microsoft Teams, coupled with the geospatial capabilities of ArcGIS, provide personnel with the ability to communicate, analyze data, and make informed decisions in a single software environment. This integration improves command and control, enhances communication, and enables rapid decision-making.
Maximizing the Use of Existing Technologies for Emergency Management
The integration of Microsoft Teams and ArcGIS maximizes the return on investment for organizations that have made substantial investments in these technologies. By fully understanding and implementing the capabilities of these tools, organizations can streamline their operations, improve coordination, and make effective use of available resources. This integration empowers organizations to operate in a timely manner, regardless of physical location, and supports continuity of government and regular operations. The combination of Teams and ArcGIS offers flexibility, remote accessibility, and improved decision-making capabilities, making it a valuable choice for emergency management.
One of the innovations coming out of the response to the COVID Pandemic is the use of Microsoft Teams as a platform for managing a remote response to the event. MS Teams can combine with the power of Esri ArcGIS to provide the mapping function which was a winning combination for some jurisdictions and companies. Chris Mcintosh, Bent Ear Solutions is my guest, along with Carrie Tropasso, Director of Technology for Bent Ear Solutions and Sheena Connelly, Emergency Management Preparedness and Logistics for EverSource Energy Together in this podcast we explore the advantages of using existing technologies already being used within an organization to optimize their ability to manage a disaster response and recovery. I was impressed with the ability of the software to capture all the documentation that is needed.
This episode is sponsored by Bent Ear Solutions which offers comprehensive capabilities and deep industry knowledge necessary to help you solve the most complex issues of your organization. We advise public and private organizations on an all-inclusive approach to disaster preparedness that addresses governance, planning, operational procedures, technology implementation, training, and exercises in order to achieve a successful and sustainable program.Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode