Dispatch Consoles Need to be Compatible, Customizable & Scalable

In any public service sector or field service industry, no matter what the size of the organization is, communication with your remote employees is key. Especially if you’re managing huge operations. You will need to have a command center and mobile configuration that has reliable radio communication channels. This is where a properly configured dispatch radio console provides hefty advantages.

For you to ensure that all teams are well-coordinated, your dispatch systems must be developed for you to communicate across different radio systems, frequencies, cellular networks and more traditional VoIP networks.

The Basic Components of an Ideal Dispatch System

For a dispatch system to work smoothly, it must have the following basic components:

Console. This is the core component of your system because they are equipped with facilities to control either one or multiple remote stations.

Two-way radios. For quicker and more direct communication, digital mobile radios with PTT capabilities are essential. It allows users to bypass the console operator or command center when necessary.

IP Gateway and the LAN or WAN networks you can tap into.

The Advantages of a Dispatch System

There's a several good reasons why public safety organizations who have mission-critical communication centers rely on a high quality dispatch radio console system.

Police, fire, ambulance, transportation, electric or utility workers require a single point of contact since there are many moving parts to public service that needs to be orchestrated by someone with a cool head. Often the person voicing the need initiates a call request by telephone. Emergencies then need to be put through a verification and triage process to validate and prioritize the need before remote units closest to the scene can be dispatched. The operator uses an IP-based dispatch console that may have to interface with all types of legacy analog radios, digital P25 radios, a VoIP telephone network and data applications. Not all dispatch consoles offer a seamless experience for the end-user.

Changing Communication Needs

While a dispatch system, in its most fundamental form, is superior to not having a single point of contact, it’s best to invest in a system that can accommodate your changing communication needs. Especially when it comes to the console, which is the core component of your system.  Your radio dispatch system should be customizable and scalable. It should be compatible with all mobile devices you already have deployed plus flexibility to accommodate newer devices that you may purchase over the next ten years.

Therefore, you have to identify your current and future equipment needs. How is the equipment being used? Who will be utilizing it? What are your organization’s future goals -- and how can your equipment be used to help achieve those goals? Which features are most suitable to your demands?

Of course, you also have to consider what your budget is. Consider a dispatch radio console system that is within your financial reach. For you to get the most value from your money, you have to choose the best two-way radio dispatch equipment that has longevity. Choose a supplier that offers radio interoperability solutions that align with your current resources. This way, you can guarantee that they can supply a dispatch system that can be customized and scaled according to your current and future needs.