A CAD system can involve various integrations such as:
Reliable Personnel Location - Integration with an agency's portable and mobile radios is critical to a faster and more coordinated response. Seeing radio locations within an agency's CAD Mapping application allows for smarter resource allocation and safer outcomes.

Console Integration - When CAD systems are connected and integrated to an agency's consoles, it allows your dispatch operations to simplify their workflow and eliminate the need to switch between applications in order to dispatch a call.

Robust GIS Intelligence - Integrating robust GIS components into your CAD Mapping gives your agency the opportunity to provide a centralized spatial database that allows for faster back-up and response. GIS can become an active part of your agency’s operations, accurately depict location of callers, incidents, and resources.

When evaluating the best CAD solution for your agency, one important factor to consider is system availability. As you evaluate a CAD system, look for providers that can provide a “five-nine” uptime or 99.999% availability. With five nine availability, you can expect your system to perform at peak performance with minimal system downtime.

If your agency is looking for a new CAD solution, it is important to look for a solution that can help make dispatch more efficient and responders safer with incident-based talk groups, a singular, real-time view of 9-1-1 data and locations of callers and first responders. Some questions to ask your vendor include:

1. Will this CAD system meet the technology needs of my agency?
2. Can this CAD interface with other external navigation systems and adapt response route recommendations based on current traffic conditions?
3. Does this system provide two-way communications between dispatch and first responders?
4. Are you updated on NG9-1-1 and do you plan to adapt to NG9-1-1 functionality? If so, is there a cost for these upgrades?

As you evaluate your CAD system, you should be aware of the supplemental and system-enhancing technologies that help your CAD system operate to its highest potential.

NG9-1-1 Call Control - Is your CAD system able to handle next next-generation calls, texts and multimedia directly within the platform? As NG9-1-1 technology continues to evolve, it is important to have a CAD system that allows call takers and dispatchers to have access to 911 and CAD controls from one application, enabling them to answer a call, create an incident, dispatch and release a call as quickly as possible.

Cloud CAD - It is important that your CAD system is able to capture real-time distribution of mission-critical information to ensure the most efficient and safest response. By combining the mission-critical security and deployment capabilities of the cloud with your robust CAD System, Cloud CAD allows agencies to benefit from accelerated responses, improved incident outcomes and a simplified workflow.

For more in-depth guidance on how to approach buying a CAD system for your agency, download our How to Buy Guide for CAD.

Dispatchers are specialists in handling emergency calls, assessing resources and communicating with responders in the field. They use specialized call-taking and police dispatch software to keep their communities and responders safe.

Command Line - Most dispatchers will memorize single or double key commands to save time and enter them in the command line to create, dispatch and release an incident as quickly as possible.

Work Area - Dispatch software is intended to provide context and speed decision-making capabilities during critical moments. Dispatchers will rely on software to automatically present call location information and display specific questions to better assess the incident, in the correct order, while simultaneously coordinating and communicating with responders.

Status Monitor - Many dispatchers rely on a status monitor window to keep track of the status and location of responders in the field.

Maps - Maps help dispatchers view resources including available police, EMS and Fire units during an emergency. Maps may also help dispatchers view traffic, construction, weather and even access camera feeds in order to help improve situational awareness.

Dispatchers have a difficult and stressful job. But the right software can help coordinate a quicker response, maximize collaboration and keep officers and citizens safe..