No matter what line of work you are in, you never quite know when Crisis might strike, and when that Crisis Management Plan that you have been putting together and tweaking for the last 5 years might need to be called upon.
You never really know what to expect with a crisis, and each crisis brings about its own set of challenges. It’s important that any Crisis Management plan can adapt to these situations.
One of the static variables in Crisis Management is the use of GPS technology.
It may sound like simple common sense, but management of Crisis in hostile situations in remote locations is massively aided by the use of Global Positioning Satellite technology.
Through the use of handheld tracking and communication devices, vehicle tracking devices , aircraft tracking devices and maritime tracking devices your central command post can monitor and advise from a safe distance with reliable intelligence to relay to troops on the ground.
For example, a group of soldiers on the ground might be trapped in a compound. Without GPS tracking they are totally blind and unaware of what is going on around them. With a GPS Crisis Management solution in place they can have eyes looking over them from afar, advising them of advancing enemy troops and hopefully finding them a passage to safety.
Another example of GPS tracking within a war zone is on a convoy. Convoys could be transporting anything from troops to food, and the enemy soldiers will do everything in their power to disrupt this. With a convoy-tracking device in place the central command post can ensure that the convoy keeps moving through a safe passage to its destination.
We tend to take GPS devices for granted these days, having satellite navigation technology in our phones and cars, but there is real, life saving value in these devices when it comes to hostile situations and managing crisis. It makes you wonder how wars were fought without it because it seems incomprehensible that troops on the ground would be out there operating, effectively blind to what is going on around them and where the enemy are positioned.
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Saturday, 13 March 2010
Crisis Management Tools for Remote Workers
Remote workers, such as military personnel or aid workers, are constantly putting their own lives in danger. Often working in a foreign environment it is imperative thaeepi these workers have the tools they need to manage high risk and crisis situations at all times.
So what is a crisis management tool? It is simply a device that allows remote workers to communicate back to a central command post. The tool may be a handheld device, or a piece of technology fitted to a vehicle (a truck, a plane or even a boat) that allows a central team to be able to monitor the location of, and communicate with personnel on the ground.
Crisis Management Systems are made up of a number of different platforms.
For example, the personnel need to have a device from which they can communicate both verbally and also in a positional sense. This information is then relayed back to the central base where it is interpreted by Crisis Management software. This software allows the central team to analyze the risk and make informed decisions to help manage the current situation.
One of the most important tools in a crisis management situation is the people. The people who use the Crisis Management tools in order to make decisions that can affect the outcome of the crisis. It is imperative that the personnel are all trained and made aware of the crisis management policies.
Investment in Crisis Management should be a number one priority, both in technology and training. Basically, to put it simply, all bases need to be covered and the personnel need to be able to adapt their training to real life situations as the crisis occurs.
A crisis is never a planned event, and so its important that training is given to help personnel adapt to any given situation. It’s all about making informed decisions that can help to save the lives of those on the ground. Through good training, reliable communication devices and a good software platform there is no reason why crisis management can not help diffuse a hostile situation and save lives.
So what is a crisis management tool? It is simply a device that allows remote workers to communicate back to a central command post. The tool may be a handheld device, or a piece of technology fitted to a vehicle (a truck, a plane or even a boat) that allows a central team to be able to monitor the location of, and communicate with personnel on the ground.
Crisis Management Systems are made up of a number of different platforms.
For example, the personnel need to have a device from which they can communicate both verbally and also in a positional sense. This information is then relayed back to the central base where it is interpreted by Crisis Management software. This software allows the central team to analyze the risk and make informed decisions to help manage the current situation.
One of the most important tools in a crisis management situation is the people. The people who use the Crisis Management tools in order to make decisions that can affect the outcome of the crisis. It is imperative that the personnel are all trained and made aware of the crisis management policies.
Investment in Crisis Management should be a number one priority, both in technology and training. Basically, to put it simply, all bases need to be covered and the personnel need to be able to adapt their training to real life situations as the crisis occurs.
A crisis is never a planned event, and so its important that training is given to help personnel adapt to any given situation. It’s all about making informed decisions that can help to save the lives of those on the ground. Through good training, reliable communication devices and a good software platform there is no reason why crisis management can not help diffuse a hostile situation and save lives.
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
The role of GPS Technology in war
Via a network of satellites that orbit about the Earth GPS, otherwise known as Global Positioning System, technology helps central communication bases to locate the exact positions of troops, convoys, aircrafts and maritime vessels on the ground. GPS devices that utilize the technology are the perfect companion for those working in areas of conflict, namely War zones, as a close eye can be kept on troops from a distance. GPS technology plays a major part in any crisis management situation.
GPS Technology can help to prevent crisis, and in the event of a crisis situation breaking out it helps to manage the crisis by advising the central comms base of the position of the forces on the ground and how they can quickly find their way to safety.
Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology isn’t new. In fact, it was in use back in the 1940’s during World War II. Nowadays GPS devices can be so small that they can be carried around on personnel, much like a pager or mobile phone device.
Most people commonly associate GPS technology with satellite navigation in their cars and they don’t often see past this and how the technology can be used to help save lifes in conflict situations.
Satellite technology plays a huge part in war. Not only through the tracking personnel and hardware but also through communication. A Satellite phone can help teams communicate even in the most remote of locations by using the earths orbiting satellites instead of standard cell towers. Satellite phones are ideal in war scenarios as they are often very sparse and open and there is very little to interfere with the satellite communication link (and they are very difficult to cut off as far as the enemy goes!)
In summary, GPS Technology now acts an as overseeing pair of eyes for the military. Without it the troops on the ground would essentially be blind (in modern day terms), but with the use of technology the central command point can now easily communicate with the troops whilst also monitoring their location and helping them avoid conflict and potential crisis. It has become an essential and very important tool that helps to save lives.
GPS Technology can help to prevent crisis, and in the event of a crisis situation breaking out it helps to manage the crisis by advising the central comms base of the position of the forces on the ground and how they can quickly find their way to safety.
Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology isn’t new. In fact, it was in use back in the 1940’s during World War II. Nowadays GPS devices can be so small that they can be carried around on personnel, much like a pager or mobile phone device.
Most people commonly associate GPS technology with satellite navigation in their cars and they don’t often see past this and how the technology can be used to help save lifes in conflict situations.
Satellite technology plays a huge part in war. Not only through the tracking personnel and hardware but also through communication. A Satellite phone can help teams communicate even in the most remote of locations by using the earths orbiting satellites instead of standard cell towers. Satellite phones are ideal in war scenarios as they are often very sparse and open and there is very little to interfere with the satellite communication link (and they are very difficult to cut off as far as the enemy goes!)
In summary, GPS Technology now acts an as overseeing pair of eyes for the military. Without it the troops on the ground would essentially be blind (in modern day terms), but with the use of technology the central command point can now easily communicate with the troops whilst also monitoring their location and helping them avoid conflict and potential crisis. It has become an essential and very important tool that helps to save lives.
Saturday, 6 March 2010
Managing Risk and Crisis Management
If you work in an environment that offers a high risk to personnel it’s important that you are aware of Risk Management and Crisis Management procedures within your organisation.
What is the difference between Risk management and Crisis Management?
Risk Management is the simple procedure of identifying where issues might arise and putting procedures in place to prevent them from happening. In the workplace this might be as simple as providing goggles or protective clothing to workers. In more extreme conditions, for example convoy tracking in foreign countries, it might be installing GPS tracking technology into vehicles to help avoid serious conflict situations.
Crisis Management is the plan of action that is put in place should Risk Management plans not work as effective as they should. Once a situation turns into a crisis, the Crisis Management plan kicks into place.
So what makes a good Crisis Management plan?
In any crisis communication is absolutely critical. Usually a designated team or individual will manage the crisis from a central point and its imperative that information is relayed to the crisis management team to enable them to asses the situation and quickly make decisions. The time of decision-making is paramount. A few seconds here and there could make the difference between saving or losing a human life.
Risk Management and Crisis management should never be taken lightly. Many organisations have a dedicated team that constantly look at ways to prevent crisis, or manage crisis in the unfortunate event of it happening. The use of technology (hand held Radios, GPS tracking etc) has made Crisis Management very effective over the last few years. If you work with remote workers, aid workers or have convoy travelling on foreign land you should ensure that you are using the latest technology.
Although the price of Crisis Management technology has come down significantly over the last few years it might still be considered expensive. But then what is the cost of human life? Think about it.
What is the difference between Risk management and Crisis Management?
Risk Management is the simple procedure of identifying where issues might arise and putting procedures in place to prevent them from happening. In the workplace this might be as simple as providing goggles or protective clothing to workers. In more extreme conditions, for example convoy tracking in foreign countries, it might be installing GPS tracking technology into vehicles to help avoid serious conflict situations.
Crisis Management is the plan of action that is put in place should Risk Management plans not work as effective as they should. Once a situation turns into a crisis, the Crisis Management plan kicks into place.
So what makes a good Crisis Management plan?
In any crisis communication is absolutely critical. Usually a designated team or individual will manage the crisis from a central point and its imperative that information is relayed to the crisis management team to enable them to asses the situation and quickly make decisions. The time of decision-making is paramount. A few seconds here and there could make the difference between saving or losing a human life.
Risk Management and Crisis management should never be taken lightly. Many organisations have a dedicated team that constantly look at ways to prevent crisis, or manage crisis in the unfortunate event of it happening. The use of technology (hand held Radios, GPS tracking etc) has made Crisis Management very effective over the last few years. If you work with remote workers, aid workers or have convoy travelling on foreign land you should ensure that you are using the latest technology.
Although the price of Crisis Management technology has come down significantly over the last few years it might still be considered expensive. But then what is the cost of human life? Think about it.
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Track24 features in Times article
Track24 has recently featured in a Times article which explores the increasing risks facing companies that are involved in emerging global markets.
Companies are increasingly looking for sustainable methods of stand-off security (SSOS) to safeguard their personnel from the risks that are inherent from working in such markets. As a result the use of security tracking and risk management solutions has become an essential tool for companies operating in these regions.
The Times
January 6, 2010
When the job puts your life on the line
Emily Ford
…As the case of Peter Moore, the IT consultant released last week after being held hostage in Iraq for two and a half years demonstrated, it is not only high-profile political targets or VIPs worth millions who are at risk of being abducted, but ordinary executives.
Many companies eager to move into emerging markets send employees into hostile environments, from oil and gas companies exploring the Niger Delta to retail banks setting up in Kosovo. Threats can change almost daily: while the security situation in Colombia has improved dramatically, Venezuela is increasingly unstable, Mr Bullivant says. Meanwhile, the growing telecoms industry in North Africa is having to deal with heightened terrorist activity.
A burgeoning corporate security industry is springing up to meet the demand. Revenues at Track24, a company that provides high-tech panic alarms and satellite tracking devices for corporate executives, governments and NGOs working in hostile environments, have risen steadily over the past six years.
Tim Grant, chief executive of Track24, says: “Companies are globalising, looking for contracts in new places that are often either unfamiliar or there is an element of threat. As an executive, you are an obvious target.”
His clients have encountered extortion, abduction and low level criminality such as theft, a big issue in emerging economies. While companies understand the risks, they often do not know how to deal with them, Mr Grant says. “They hand out a mobile phone and say ‘call in once a day’.” This can prove problematic. Often no one realises that an employee is missing until he or she fails to turn up at the embassy the next day….
To view the complete version of this article, please click here.
Companies are increasingly looking for sustainable methods of stand-off security (SSOS) to safeguard their personnel from the risks that are inherent from working in such markets. As a result the use of security tracking and risk management solutions has become an essential tool for companies operating in these regions.
The Times
January 6, 2010
When the job puts your life on the line
Emily Ford
…As the case of Peter Moore, the IT consultant released last week after being held hostage in Iraq for two and a half years demonstrated, it is not only high-profile political targets or VIPs worth millions who are at risk of being abducted, but ordinary executives.
Many companies eager to move into emerging markets send employees into hostile environments, from oil and gas companies exploring the Niger Delta to retail banks setting up in Kosovo. Threats can change almost daily: while the security situation in Colombia has improved dramatically, Venezuela is increasingly unstable, Mr Bullivant says. Meanwhile, the growing telecoms industry in North Africa is having to deal with heightened terrorist activity.
A burgeoning corporate security industry is springing up to meet the demand. Revenues at Track24, a company that provides high-tech panic alarms and satellite tracking devices for corporate executives, governments and NGOs working in hostile environments, have risen steadily over the past six years.
Tim Grant, chief executive of Track24, says: “Companies are globalising, looking for contracts in new places that are often either unfamiliar or there is an element of threat. As an executive, you are an obvious target.”
His clients have encountered extortion, abduction and low level criminality such as theft, a big issue in emerging economies. While companies understand the risks, they often do not know how to deal with them, Mr Grant says. “They hand out a mobile phone and say ‘call in once a day’.” This can prove problematic. Often no one realises that an employee is missing until he or she fails to turn up at the embassy the next day….
To view the complete version of this article, please click here.
Crisis Management - Are you ready to take action?
Crisis Management is something that alot of us hope we never have to do, but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't take the time out to plan and train for the unfortunate eventuality that it might happen.
Crisis Management often sits along side risk management when it comes to the health and safety of our workers, troops or colleagues. Whilst risk management identifies the potential threats presented by an environment in every day life, Crisis Management is the operation in picking up the pieces should the worst happen.
A crisis management plan should be easy to execute with the right tools on hand. For example, communications infrastructures need to be in place and if required GPS tracking facilities might be needed depending on your environment.
A central base or command post should be readily available to act as a communications point where instructions are send to the teams on the ground (or in the air).
Well planned, thought out Crisis Management can make or break a hostile situation.
Crisis Management often sits along side risk management when it comes to the health and safety of our workers, troops or colleagues. Whilst risk management identifies the potential threats presented by an environment in every day life, Crisis Management is the operation in picking up the pieces should the worst happen.
A crisis management plan should be easy to execute with the right tools on hand. For example, communications infrastructures need to be in place and if required GPS tracking facilities might be needed depending on your environment.
A central base or command post should be readily available to act as a communications point where instructions are send to the teams on the ground (or in the air).
Well planned, thought out Crisis Management can make or break a hostile situation.
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
The difference between Crisis Management and Risk Management
Many people often ask what the difference is between crisis management and risk management.
Crisis Management is the term that describes a process, or collection of processes that are put in place to handle an unexpected event that threatens to harm an organisation, a business, an operation or an individual / group of people. A crisis normally occurs without prior warning, and therefore it is paramount that plans are put in place that can be executed swiftly to either a) put actions in place to remedy the situation or b) decrease the impact of the crisis so that normality can be restored over a short period of time.
In contrast, risk management is an ongoing process in which potential threats are highlighted and solutions are put in place to avoid these risks. Risk Management tends to be more proactive, where as Crisis Management is reactive.
Unfortunately, no matter how good your risk management procedures are, there is always a requirement for any business, military group or organisation to have a crisis management plan put in place.
Crisis Management is the term that describes a process, or collection of processes that are put in place to handle an unexpected event that threatens to harm an organisation, a business, an operation or an individual / group of people. A crisis normally occurs without prior warning, and therefore it is paramount that plans are put in place that can be executed swiftly to either a) put actions in place to remedy the situation or b) decrease the impact of the crisis so that normality can be restored over a short period of time.
In contrast, risk management is an ongoing process in which potential threats are highlighted and solutions are put in place to avoid these risks. Risk Management tends to be more proactive, where as Crisis Management is reactive.
Unfortunately, no matter how good your risk management procedures are, there is always a requirement for any business, military group or organisation to have a crisis management plan put in place.
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