Internet of Things (IoT) Adds Value to Emergency Messaging Solution

Advances in technology are making it easier than ever to connect devices using the internet. Thermostats, doorbells, refrigerators and even wind turbines are all examples of devices and machines that can report on their status and health using a simple internet connection. As of 2008, there were more internet-connected devices than there were people in the world. Cisco estimates that by 2020 there will be as many as 50 billion devices connected to the Internet of Things. Nearly every industry leverages these advancements and emergency communications stands at the forefront of this trend.

The latest generation of LED emergency messaging displays can connect to text messaging providers automatically, eliminating the need to maintain traditional PCs and servers. This direct, automatic connection provides a highly visible messaging display and a constant connection to the emergency text messaging provider - with no human interaction required. Additionally, these modern IoT appliances can notify network managers when internet connections are dropped, when messages are delivered and when maintenance may be needed.

Automating the message retrieval process frees up emergency managers to address the emergency at hand, and enables them to send alerts through a single point of entry, eliminating repetitive message entry in times of crisis. These tools make emergency management much easier - let's look at a few reasons why.

1. Faster and broader messaging
In an emergency, it's critical to spread key information as quickly and as widely as possible. Every member of an organization needs to see or hear the communication - and without delay. Now, as so many companies operate across devices and through various internet connections, it's ineffective to send alerts directly through devices. By connecting a highly visible, LED digital display to an automated emergency messaging protocol, organizations can send alerts and instructions to every employee at a moment's notice.

2. Streamlined messaging process
If managers are tasked with making tough decisions during a tense situation, they need as few distractions as possible. But they also need to know their employees have heard the alert and are following the protocol. The IoT allows managers to automate certain parts of the emergency response effort - in particular by sending alerts through a consolidated channel. Instead of writing out the same message for multiple locations or departments, these managers can push through their message just once and return to solving the crisis. That saves valuable time and mitigates confusion.

3. Better connectivity reporting
Internet connections are not always a guarantee - generally and during emergencies. IoT-connected LED emergency messaging displays have the ability to alert managers in the event of a lost connection, which can help those individuals determine how effectively the message is spreading and potentially pinpoint the area or cause of an emergency. Not only that, those same devices notify managers of maintenance needs and when messages have been delivered successfully. All of that plays a part in emergency communication and gives network managers a better idea about what's going on at all times. But even for non-emergency situations, those attributes can come in handy. Anytime a connection is lost, productivity suffers - it's a good idea to locate the malfunction and address the issue as quickly as possible.

4. Less redundant technology
Finally, by having an alert system dedicated solely to communication, organizations don't have to rely on legacy tech overburdened by several other processes to function at a high level during an emergency. Instead, these IoT-capable devices have a specific use: disseminating important alerts and keeping management in the loop on outages and message retrieval.

Managers shouldn't leave something as important as emergency notifications up to an outdated system that isn't optimized for the modern company. LED signs for emergency messaging that leverage the IoT are the best solution for today's organizations.