Public safety agencies are undergoing the process of modernization. Next-gen technologies are reshaping workflows while digital tools are evolving what (and where) it means to work. At the same time, organizations are being challenged to address evolving pressures and scenarios, build stronger community trust and engagement, and foster future-ready workforces.
It’s a lot to manage, and in response, public agencies are quickly realizing they need to invest in digital technology. The question is: how and with whom?
Here are some considerations.
- Experience counts
Purchasing new technology isn’t enough. Agencies require training, service, and support to unlock full value from their investments. New technology companies enter the marketplace frequently, but most are gone in a number of years. That’s why selecting a vendor with decades of experience and a large customer base offers some assurance that they won’t disappear after the sale or before implementation.
“What agencies are wanting and expecting from their digital transformation or modernization journey is a vendor that’s going to be able to support them throughout the journey,” says John Whitehead, a 25-year public safety veteran and current vice president at Hexagon.
- Platform ecosystem
It’s important to avoid spending significant amounts of money on a new system only to make it look, feel, and act like the system that you’re trying to replace.
Adds Whitehead: “Newer technology provides tools to be more efficient and safer and saves money by enhancing responses and sending the proper equipment and resources to an incident. It is an investment.”
For this reason, agencies are beginning to recognize the value of a modern, advanced, and integrated public safety platform that is built for users and highly configurable. Flexibility when it comes to on-premises versus cloud implementation is also critical as agencies begin exploring cloud options.
Partnership mindset
A technology provider should be more than just a vendor; agencies need a partner and advisor who can be counted on in all situations. A true partnership enables agencies to succeed by providing unique client enablement tools combined with a consultative, relationship-driven approach.
“They shouldn’t have to worry about the technology,” Whitehead notes. “They need to know they’re covered when there is an issue by simply picking up the phone.”
A true partner values customer support and works hard for agencies to succeed by offering training and staying engaged with agencies at regular intervals – not just if there is an issue.
- People
No matter how “magical” a new piece of technology is, it’s the people behind the machine that make the difference. Agencies need a technology provider with experts; that means people who not only understand the specific challenges of the public safety industry but also the unique needs of each customer.
“A successful digital transformation takes place over time and through the hard work of the people involved, and building relationships and trust are key in a successful partnership,” adds Whitehead.
Let Hexagon be your trusted advisor in public safety. Learn more about the Hexagon public safety platform today.
