Reading (UK) / Munich, 29 February 2024
The BCI has released this year’s Emergency & Crisis Communications Report, sponsored by F24. This report seeks to help organizations benchmark their tools, plans and procedures, but also to incentivise debate and showcase best practice for the design and implementation of crisis management plans.
The Evolution of Emergency Communications: Embracing Mobile Solutions and Training
In today’s dynamic work environment, where remote and hybrid working models have become the norm, the management of emergency communications has undergone a significant transformation. A recent report highlights the pivotal role that mobile phones now play in crisis situations, alongside the challenges and opportunities that organizations face in ensuring effective communication during emergencies.
- Mobile Phones: The Cornerstone of Crisis Management
With the ever-expanding functionalities of mobile phones and the availability of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions, mobile devices have emerged as the preferred tool for managing emergency communications. The convenience, accessibility, and versatility of mobile phones make them invaluable assets in crisis situations. Moreover, software developers are increasingly optimizing their solutions for mobile platforms, recognizing the dominance of these devices in everyday life and emergency scenarios alike.
- Adapting to Economic Realities
In light of the challenging economic climate, organizations are seeking cost-effective alternatives to investing in new crisis management tools. The decline in investment over the past year underscores the need for pragmatic solutions that balance organizational requirements with financial constraints. Many organizations are turning to hybrid solutions, integrating existing on-site technologies with new SaaS offerings to maximize efficiency while minimizing costs.
- Addressing Dissatisfaction and Complexity
Despite the growing reliance on mobile solutions, levels of dissatisfaction with emergency communication tools have reached an all-time high. This dissatisfaction is primarily driven by the lack of integration with realistic alerting scenarios and the limited functionality of certain tools. As organizations prioritize cost-efficiency or delay upgrades, dissatisfaction may persist unless addressed proactively.
- Human Factor: A Key Challenge
Despite advancements in technology, the human element remains a primary factor in the failure of emergency communication plans. The absence of response from recipients, lack of staff contact information, and a general lack of understanding about crisis protocols are among the top reasons cited for communication breakdowns. This highlights the importance of ongoing training and education to ensure that staff are fully prepared to respond effectively during emergencies.
- Prioritizing Training and Preparedness
Encouragingly, the report indicates a historic high in the number of organizations undertaking regular training of their emergency communication procedures. Recognizing the importance of preparedness, nearly 80% of organizations now have scheduled training programs in place. Moreover, the trend of reserving training for annual events is waning, with many organizations opting for more frequent training sessions throughout the year.
Conclusion
The landscape of emergency communications is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, economic realities, and the imperative to ensure effective crisis response. Mobile phones have emerged as indispensable tools in managing emergencies, while organizations navigate the complexities of integrating new technologies, addressing dissatisfaction, and mitigating vulnerabilities. As we move forward, prioritizing ongoing training and preparedness will be essential in empowering organizations to respond swiftly and effectively to crises, safeguarding both lives and livelihoods.
Press contact:
F24
Dr. Stefanie Hauer
Senior Vice President Marketing & Communication
presse@f24.com
Questions?
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About the BCI
Founded in 1994 with the aim of promoting a more resilient world, the Business Continuity Institute (BCI) has established itself as the world’s leading Institute for business continuity and resilience. The BCI has become the membership and certifying organization of choice for business continuity and resilience professionals globally with over 9,000 members in more than 100 countries, working in an estimated 3,000 organizations in the private, public and third sectors.
About F24
F24 is Europe’s leading Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider for resilience. More than 5,500 customers worldwide rely on F24’s digital solutions, which support companies and organisations through all areas of resilience. Solutions cover business messaging and service notification, emergency and mass notification, incident and crisis management, as well as governance, risk and compliance.
F24 supports customers in virtually every sector ranging from energy, healthcare, industry, finance, IT, tourism and aviation to a wide variety of public organisations. Many years of international experience have made F24 experts in improving resilience with digital solutions.
