iStation … Connecting Firefighters and Administration
The Firehouse culture is all about immediate response. It takes constant vigilance to keep the inner workings of a firehouse running at operational excellence. When firefighters are equipped with instant access to current information they’re better prepared. Performance improves. That’s why Buildingi created iStation, a web portal that connects firefighters and administration to complete and real-time firehouse operations information.
ExtinguishingConfusion
Many firehouses have a snarled mix of current and out-of-date information spread across multiple file shares, paper-based systems and third party applications. Without easy-to-use tools and policies for managing document changes and version controls, information ages away in various iterations and multiple files. Locating and sharing data is complicated when technologies don’t work together.
The iStation home page, designed to intuitively lead firefighters to the information, helps save time. Forms and policies are well catalogued in easy-to-access and logical repositories with search capability. Multiple calendars are merged to give users a complete view of the day. Third party applications (such as TeleStaff, Visinet and RMS) can all be accessed from one location. This means no more digging around trying to remember where information is stored.
SparkingCollaboration
In firehouses across the country, firefighters can become detached from critical station operations when needed content is siloed away in disparate systems, multiple shared drives, and hard to find online folders. Creating a central, searchable portal for information drives team collaboration and efficient communication which improves productivity and operational excellence.
Collaboration on policies, procedures, budgets and strategic plans are simplified and more organized. iStation features a document workspace that allows multiple, approved personnel to simultaneously collaborate on the editing of documents. An Apparatus Log and a Daily Log allow station shifts to communicate the day’s activities during a shift transition, enhancing collaboration by sharing views with all deputies and the Chief.
KindlingCommunication
Changing shifts and schedules make communicating with firefighters and coordinating logistics challenging. It’s not uncommon to hear the firefighters share concerns about trying to figure out what’s going on in other stations or at headquarters.
iStation automatically launches when the computer is “booted” up giving firefighters direct communication through the use of Alerts, Announcements and the Chief’s blog. An Apparatus List tracks the availability of critical equipment and pre-fire data, project status and meeting minutes are organized for easy retrieval keeping firefighters informed like never before.
On-timeOn-budget
Working with Buildingi to implement the iStation portal is a collaborative experience. A strategic envisioning process is used to ensure that the solution simplifies everyday operations and improves communication and collaboration. An innovative ‘show & tell’ development process reduces development time, keeps projects on budget, and ensures that results meet expectations.
