Core Public Safety
Member
CAD Software Suggestions
- Thread starter Core Public Safety
- Start date
Jarred J.
Lifetime VIP Donor
Core Public Safety
Member
Thanks, I found that first one but it didn't really answer my question. The second one seems to be quite a bit more in depth. It's 4 years old so maybe there are other options out there now too? Also if anyone has estimates as to cost that would be incredibly helpful as well.
Last edited by a moderator:
Define.
I really just replied because I wanted to tune in to this thread. The question dies to be answered, though.
Last edited by a moderator:
Steve0625
Member
Impact sucks from a field user point of view - remember that I was a senior dispatcher in a top 911 center for nearly 30 years so I kinda know a bit about CAD. The dispatchers tell me it's not much fun on their end either.
TritonBoulder47
Member
We just got a new system... We went live on June 16th... We are using LIVE One Solusion CAD from SunGuard OSSI... We absolutely LOVE it... Very easy to use, and easily expanded/built-up...
Steve0625
Member
After you define a small agency, how about defining "affordable?"
The problem here is that what looks like a bargain for the upfront purchase can become a financial nightmare over the long haul. If you have have to pay big bucks for what the vendor calls "upgrades and advancements" that are really charging the customer for fixing (or tryng to fix) their own poor packages, how much of a bargain was it?
Then there is the issue of how comphrensive the product is at the start. If you buy a Police CAD only and then have to purchase EMS and Fire modules later on, are you really getting a bargain? How about adding in a Utilities or Tow Truck module? Oh, you need a Towed Vehicle module? How about system wide messaging? Paging? Data terminals in the field units? Don't even get me started on EMD, EFD, or EPD! And then there is the Records Management system to consider.
What about all the data you'll have to supply to make the CAD do what it is intended to do? If one package that is cheaper wants a lot more data input up front, it is really saving you any money? Geofiles, response files, unit files, and a lot more all have to be created, or ported over, before the CAD can work for you?
How about training? How much training and other on-site start-up service is the vendor going to provide?
IMHO, the best thing any dispatch agency can do is to find some one who understands CAD to help them evaluate the various offerings. It should be a real "been there, done that" kind of person who can cut through the vendor BS and make it into a true apples and apples comparison.
Core Public Safety
Member
It's for a security company. Two dispatchers on any shift, and anywhere from 10 to 20 personnel. We don't need station alerting or anything like that, we're talking about something more geared for law enforcement than fire. We currently use 911Cad (used to be E911 pro) and while it works it really hasn't learned any new tricks in the last 10 years. I guess the biggest thing I would like to see is something that has MDT and smartphone capabilities so that we can get information to users in the field. I have no clue what the budget is; it's not something we can spend a hundred grand on but something we can throw some money at.
I've been playing with an open source software called TicketsCad on a development server. It is by no means an end-all be-all solution but it is very interesting and fairly functional. It's tailored for FD\EMS use and while I doubt it would work for most departments it might something to consider for small departments who have little or no budget or as a backup\emergency deployment system. Of course there are pitfalls with OSS, like the developer disappearing or having potentially no tech support so that's always something to consider to. Just putting it out there for those of you who might be in the same boat.
I've been playing with an open source software called TicketsCad on a development server. It is by no means an end-all be-all solution but it is very interesting and fairly functional. It's tailored for FD\EMS use and while I doubt it would work for most departments it might something to consider for small departments who have little or no budget or as a backup\emergency deployment system. Of course there are pitfalls with OSS, like the developer disappearing or having potentially no tech support so that's always something to consider to. Just putting it out there for those of you who might be in the same boat.
Last edited by a moderator:
tsquale
Lifetime VIP Donor
The healthcare security that I work in uses Competitive Edge and Report Exec (by Competitive Edge). The software works great for us! I don't know if it has MDT capabilities since we don't need that. It is tailored to LE use, IMO.
My paid agency uses spillman in conjunction with the county spillman system. I really like the system, however, this may not be what you're looking for.
FireEMSPolice
Member
We just started using ARMS. The jury is still out since I have limited experience with it.
http://www.arms.com/
http://www.arms.com/
hawkspringsfire
Member
http://www.sunridgesystems.com/index.php
This is the CAD system we use. I really like it. Not only do they have a CAD for dispatch they have a CAD for Jails/Prisons too.
This is the CAD system we use. I really like it. Not only do they have a CAD for dispatch they have a CAD for Jails/Prisons too.
julietbravosierra
Member
When I dispatched for a university PD they used ARMS and I was actually the database admin. It works ok but I think there are much better solutions out there. Though I only test drove the demo version, I kinda liked the CAD offered by CrimeStar.
Matthew
Sparky_911
Supporting Donor
Tossing my 2 pennies in....We used to use HTE CAD (DOS based) until 2006 when we switched over to New World Systems CAD (windows based). Lots of background admin settings to set up and security settings out the whazoo (security meaning you can decide who gets to see what, not geared towards security work). If you have the server power it runs great. They also have add ons for JAIL, RECORDS (RMS), the only gripe I have is if you want to modify components to fit your dept. they won't allow the mod unless another agency they service wants the same mod/upgrade.
We have 7-10 dispatchers on at a time 24-7 running fire, ems, and police functions so it gets boggy but I think that's not a software issue.
We have 7-10 dispatchers on at a time 24-7 running fire, ems, and police functions so it gets boggy but I think that's not a software issue.
Last edited by a moderator:
FireEMSPolice
Member
I think ours was rushed in without alot of research because the CAD we had would not work with Windows 7 so they had to come up with something before the update. Its not bad, but the database admin will not unlock some features for dispatchers to use and it limits its potential. It does what it needs to do. The report writing end of it could be better also.
Skippy
Member
It works, but has limitations.
There are basic features I've requested and told are on the roadmap for 6-7 years (screen resizing for example) and the mobile sync piece has been causing headaches lately.
Our last update wasn't smooth, causing lots of extra work on my team's end and their response was basically "oops, my bad"
Skippy
Member
we can take this to PM or email if you prefer, but what kind of things are you locked out of? Just curious to compare to our settings.
FireEMSPolice
Member
PTRJason
Member
http://www.destinypatrolsoftware.com/602-03.php
Destiny is what a security company used when I worked there. We had MDCs in the car, with Verizon HotSpots or 3G USB cards. Worked great but we did not use half of the features that were there. But it is geared towards security and will email client reports, and has towing violations and all that.
The Sheriff's Office I work at now uses Spillman. We don't have computers in the vehicle, unless we put on it, and they do not have any additional licenses for other computers then what we have, so we don't use it for CAD, beyond the office.
We use it for reports and jail, it is easy if you didn't use anything else before, but the deputies that have been there hate it because they are used to the old reports.
Also google ALIER and check that out, its free, and you can pay for extra options.
Destiny is what a security company used when I worked there. We had MDCs in the car, with Verizon HotSpots or 3G USB cards. Worked great but we did not use half of the features that were there. But it is geared towards security and will email client reports, and has towing violations and all that.
The Sheriff's Office I work at now uses Spillman. We don't have computers in the vehicle, unless we put on it, and they do not have any additional licenses for other computers then what we have, so we don't use it for CAD, beyond the office.
We use it for reports and jail, it is easy if you didn't use anything else before, but the deputies that have been there hate it because they are used to the old reports.
Also google ALIER and check that out, its free, and you can pay for extra options.
Turd Ferguson
Member
tsquale
Lifetime VIP Donor
Well, in the new dispatching job we use RightCad by RescueNet with integrated ProQA. It is SLICK! A big improvement to what I am used to.