Organizations must be vigilant about threats on various fronts. Today we’re seeing everything from a rise in cyber-attacks and workplace violence to an increase in natural disasters and public health emergencies like COVID-19. As a result, it’s become nearly impossible for security personnel to stay on top of everything without help from critical event management (CEM) technology.
A CEM platform augments your security team, enabling it to detect incidents before they turn into full-blown crises. AI-powered risk intelligence monitors tens of thousands of data sources and filters out the noise to identify only those threats that pose a risk to your people, places and property.
When risk intelligence is paired with critical communications capabilities within a CEM platform, teams can rapidly send out alerts to all their stakeholders to keep them safe. And with a system that offers a complete audit trail, your analysts can evaluate the actions taken and use the lessons learned to improve future response plans.
When choosing a CEM platform, look for technology that is powered by AI, scalable, mobile-ready and flexible. Equally important, though, is choosing the right provider, one that offers the following three essential services:
#1: World-Class Support Team
A world-class support team helps your organization maintain business operations before, during and after any emergency. Look for a partner that offers:
- Glowing customer reviews: Examine online reviews and analyst reports and ask current customers for their opinions.
- Guaranteed uptime: Choose a provider that includes such a guarantee in its contract and is transparent about its uptime track record.
- Cloud-based: Select a partner that offers a cloud-based platform that automatically manages all software updates and can troubleshoot issues without a field technician having to visit your office.
- Triple-modular redundancy: If one server or data center goes offline, two or more backup platforms in different geographical regions kick in to maintain system operations.
- 24/7 technical support: Because your CEM platform is essential before, during and after an emergency, you’ll want to work with a partner that offers round-the-clock support from knowledgeable support engineers.
#2: Industry Expertise
Be wary of startups that offer deals that seem too good to be true. With so much on the line, you don’t want to rely on a company without a track record. Service providers that have been around for years have evolved and refined their CEM platforms. If your CEM platform fails when you need it most, it could cost your organization far more than if you had partnered with an established provider.
It’s also wise to select a CEM technology partner that has experience working with customers in your industry. The impacts of threats vary from one industry to the next. A partner staffed with people who understand your business is better prepared to help you safeguard your organization in a crisis.
#3: Emergency Management Resources
Your team needs proper training on how to use the technology most effectively. A reliable partner offers training and emergency management resources to help you realize the full power of the CEM platform. Additionally, such a partner will regularly update your team with training as the software evolves.
Finally, it’s helpful when a provider offers online resources on maintaining business continuity and building emergency response plans. Look for a provider with thought leaders on staff from the fields of corporate security or emergency management who will gladly and proactively share their expertise.
Learn How CEM Platforms Protect Organizations from Today’s Threats
Want to find out more about minimizing risks and combating threats to your organization? View our webinar series: “Building a Proactive and Resilient Organization with the OnSolve Platform for Critical Event Management.”
