As we approach the end of 2020, some projections can be made as to what we can expect from the emergency communications industry in the new year. Certainly, technological advances and new ways of addressing critical events will top the list.
1. Artificial Intelligence Gains Traction
The use of artificial intelligence has been widely applied across various industries and the Emergency Notification Systems market will be no exception. Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems can help prevent critical incidents and manage the data tsunami faced by safety teams and first responders in emergency situations. The technology can also be used to automatically segment groups based on critical information collected, such as the location of those at greatest risk.
2. Technology to Prevent Gun Violence
While the pandemic may have superseded active shooter events and mass shootings in the media, gun violence has certainly not gone away. Despite a decrease in mass gatherings, deaths due to gun violence are on the rise. In fact, there have been over 41,000 deaths attributed to guns so far this year in the U.S., which far surpasses years prior. Software that integrates with existing security systems, such video surveillance cameras, will begin to see greater adoption by organizations, schools, and other institutions in an effort to proactively protect their people.
Omnilert Gun Detect reliably and rapidly recognizes firearms and immediately triggers multi-channel alerts and automated pre-defined safety protocols. Existing gunshot detection technologies only work after incidents have escalated and provide vague details on the approximate location of the sound. In comparison, this new gun detection technology will give emergency response teams advance warning before shots are fired, and deliver precise information on the location and visuals of the potential shooter.
3. Data Privacy a Priority
As the Emergency Mass Notification Systems market continues to evolve into other areas, such as prevention, two-way communication, critical event management, and business continuity, concerns regarding data privacy will also grow. As with any industry, emergency communications solution providers will need to develop and adhere to transparent data privacy and security policies. Additionally, they will be most effective if subscribers voluntarily share critical information, such as their location.
Estimates suggest only 7% of subscribers actually download traditional emergency notification native apps. Furthermore, widely touted geofencing capabilities become irrelevant as only 10% of users enable “always on” location services due to privacy concerns. Omnilert has developed a way to close the app adoption gap for good. The “100% installed” Omnilert Instant App (also available as a conventional native app in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store) provides the complete app experience to users without requiring them to download or install anything. It ensures the rich functionality of a mobile app can always be accessed by subscribers, equating to 100% user adoption and limited privacy concerns.
To learn more about gun violence prevention or safety app user adoption, click here to schedule a demo.