News Articles

Artificial Intelligence: White Paper

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:50:20 +0000

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence, known colloquially as AI, is increasingly becoming a vital tool in a variety of industries, including crisis management, due to its ability to process vast amounts of data quickly and accurately. Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence by machines, enabling them to perform tasks like decision-making, problem-solving, and language understanding. AI can revolutionize Crisis Information Management Systems (CIMS) by enhancing situational awareness, speeding up decision-making, and improving overall efficiency during emergencies or events. However, incorporating AI into CIMS requires an understanding of AI and careful consideration of its benefits, pitfalls, and best practices. That is the purpose of this paper. I hope you enjoy this introduction to AI and its potential uses in Crisis Information Management Systems (CIMS) and Event or Emergency Management.

What is AI?

So, what exactly is AI? That depends upon who you ask. Even as AI is taking off with rocket-ship speed, there is not one universally agreed upon definition of for AI. While AI is part data science, it is actually an entire field of study. In general, AI is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems, that can do specific tasks better or quicker than humans. With the onset of Chat GPT and other Large Language Models (LLM) that support Natural Language Processing (NLP), many associate AI with being a digital companion or a superpower assistant.

Built on neuro-networks, machine and deep learning, AI is a data driven, probabilistic and creative technology. AI can generate novel, original, or unexpected outputs that are not limited by the existing data, rules, or formulas but rather influenced by the goals, preferences, or emotions of the user or system.

Contrast this to traditional rule-based algorithms that are technically not AI. Traditional algorithms are static (deterministic), providing consistent repeatable results, whereas AI is dynamic. AI algorithms are creative, whereas traditional algorithms are mechanical and not creative. Traditional algorithms can only produce predictable, conventional, or expected outputs that are strictly determined by the input, rules, or formulas, without influence from the user or system. Unlike AI, these “expert” systems do not adapt or learn from new inputs but follow predefined logic. Be careful not to let unethical software vendors claim to be providing AI solutions when in fact their solutions do not meet the definition of Artificial Intelligence.

Types of AI

Modern AI systems are typically broken down into two categories – Generative AI and Predictive AI.

Generative AI is capable of creating content such as reports, summaries, or visualizations and is known for doing a reasonably good job of generating content. For example, Generative AI can draft emergency response plans, summarize data, or simulate crisis scenarios. With proper human oversight, Generative AI can provide significant benefits to Emergency or Event Managers.

Predictive AI, on the other hand, focuses on anticipating future events based on historical data, such as predicting weather patterns or traffic congestion. Unfortunately, the current state of predictive AI is known to be less than desired with high error rates; and many AI researchers caution strongly about utilizing predictive AI in life-safety domains such as Emergency or Event Management.

While Generative and Predictive AI are the two most common types of AI, you may have heard of AI being referred to as Narrow or General in scope. Narrow AI refers to a tool typically designed for specific tasks whereas General AI is deemed capable of performing any intellectual task that a human can. Most of today’s AI systems are Narrow and designed to perform certain tasks such as virtual assistants (e.g., Siri, Alexa). As AI systems continue to evolve, the hope of engineers is to create more capable General AI systems.

All current AI systems lack collaborative intelligence and don’t work or talk to each other. Individual AI systems can do one task well, but there is no way to bring together results from multiple AI systems. AI systems can't take initiative or coordinate real-world actions. Humans must spend time coordinating fragmented information from various AI systems. This is where Agentic AI comes into play. Agentic AI can understand a goal, take initiative, communicate between multiple AI systems, and accomplish actions to achieve a goal. And since Agentic AI uses persistent memory, it can learn and improve over time.

Agentic AI

Agentic AI refers to Artificial Intelligence systems that integrate with external tools (e.g., email, calendar, APIs, databases) and demonstrate autonomy, adaptability, and decision-making capabilities. Unlike simple single-purpose AI tools - which are programmed to complete predefined tasks, such as chatbots or automated data entry systems - Agentic AI can perceive, reason, plan, act and learn based on evolving circumstances. This makes it particularly valuable for fields requiring rapid responses and complex multi-step problem-solving, such as emergency management.

As stated earlier, traditional AI applications excel at narrow tasks, such as weather predictions, traffic monitoring, or incident reporting. However, they lack flexibility and context awareness. Agentic AI, on the other hand, continuously evaluates situations, adjusts its strategies, and autonomously initiates actions - without requiring constant human intervention. This level of sophistication enables Agentic AI to function as a trusted decision-making partner, not just an automated assistant.

The following table displays some of the differences between Agentic AI and traditional AI:

Traditional AI	Agentic AI
Predefined Tasks - Follows programmed instructions, handling specific tasks like language translation or image recognition.	Autonomy - Operates autonomously, assessing situations and making independent decisions.
Static Models - Often fixed in scope, meaning it requires retraining to improve performance.	Adaptability - Continuously learns and adapts based on real-time data, evolving its responses dynamically
Reactive Thinking - Responds to inputs but doesn’t anticipate future needs.	Proactive Thinking - Predicts outcomes, identifies patterns, and initiates proactive actions, making it especially useful in dynamic environments like emergency management.
Decision Making - Can analyze data and generate outputs.	Complex Decision Making - Capable of reasoning through uncertainties, prioritizing objectives, and even coordinating multiple systems and teams autonomously.
Single Tool – A single AI tool is developed to solve a specific task and works alone.	Multi-Agent – Multiple AI tools can work together to solve complex tasks and workflows.

As AI continues to evolve, Agentic AI will become indispensable in Event and Emergency Management, improving resilience and response effectiveness in disasters. This is why I believe that Agentic AI is the future.

Why Use AI

In the fast-paced world of Event and Emergency Management, where every second counts, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool to enhance efficiency, communication, and decision-making. While AI may seem complex, its applications are straightforward and can significantly benefit emergency managers in critical situations.

Potential for Increased Productivity: AI automates routine tasks, allowing Event or Emergency Managers to focus on high-priority decisions. Whether it's streamlining paperwork, managing logistics, or coordinating resources, AI can handle repetitive tasks with precision, freeing up valuable time for teams to concentrate on urgent needs.

Potential for Quicker Decision-Making: During emergencies, swift and informed decisions can save lives. AI processes vast amounts of information in seconds, providing insights that help Event or Emergency Managers act faster. For example, AI-driven simulations can predict the spread of natural disasters, allowing teams to allocate resources effectively before a situation escalates.

Analyzing Data and Spotting Patterns: AI excels at detecting patterns that humans might overlook. By analyzing weather reports, social media updates, and historical data, AI can identify trends and predict potential risks. This capability is invaluable for proactive planning, helping Emergency Managers anticipate and mitigate disasters before they occur.

Enhanced Communications: Clear communication is crucial in emergency response. AI-powered chatbots, automated alerts, and real-time language translation tools ensure vital information reaches the right people at the right time. This technology facilitates better coordination among emergency teams, government agencies, and the public, reducing confusion and improving response efforts.

Improved Data Analysis: Emergency Managers rely on data to make informed decisions. AI can analyze large datasets, highlighting key insights that might otherwise go unnoticed. Whether it’s tracking supply chains, monitoring evacuation routes, or assessing damage estimates, AI transforms raw data into actionable intelligence, enhancing the overall effectiveness of emergency response operations.

AI Uses in Emergency Management

Beyond the core benefits listed above, as AI continues to evolve, it has the potential to revolutionize emergency management in several other ways providing even more innovative solutions to protect lives and property.

Predictive Analytics for Disaster Preparedness: AI models can forecast potential disasters by analyzing historical data (past events), climate patterns, and real-time sensor inputs (current data). This allows emergency teams to forecast potential risks and prepare in advance thus minimizing damage.

Automated Resource Allocation: AI can optimize the distribution of emergency supplies, personnel, and medical aid based on real-time needs, ensuring efficient deployment.

AI-Powered Surveillance and Monitoring: AI systems can continuously monitor real-time data feeds from various sources (e.g., social media, sensors, satellites) to detect anomalies, wildfires, floods, and other hazards before they escalate enabling rapid response.

Public Health Crisis Management: AI assists in tracking disease outbreaks, predicting infection spread, and optimizing healthcare responses during pandemics.

AI-Assisted Recovery Efforts: AI can provide decision-makers with real-time insights and recommendations, helping them respond more effectively during a crisis. Artificial Intelligence can help assess damage, prioritize rebuilding efforts, and streamline insurance claims, accelerating post-disaster recovery

Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP capabilities can facilitate communication, such as translating languages or summarizing key information. NLP can be used to process and understand large volumes of text data, such as emergency reports and social media posts.

Automated Alerts: AI-driven systems can generate alerts based on predefined criteria, helping responders stay informed of emerging situations.

Chatbot Assistants: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can assist with public inquiries during emergencies, freeing up human resources for critical tasks.

Help Systems: AI-powered chatbots can assist users of CIMS in navigating, using, and maximizing the use of system features.

Training Simulations: AI can be used to create realistic crisis scenarios for training purposes, helping emergency responders prepare for a wide range of potential emergencies.

With proper implementation, AI can be a transformative tool for CIMS, aiding Emergency and Event management professionals in achieving faster, smarter, and more effective responses while ensuring ethical and secure practices. However, Emergency and Event Managers must remember that there is no magic wand that can do their job for them. There is no substitution for human knowledge and experience. Every incident is unique, presents with its own unique challenges, and requires a response unique to the challenges at hand.

How is AI Implemented

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are implemented across a wide spectrum of industries and applications; each tailored to solve specific challenges or automate complex tasks. AI can be implemented as a standalone tool or as an integrated tool built-in to other software solutions. Some of the most common implementations include:

Natural Language Processing (NLP): Used in chatbots, virtual assistants, and translation tools, NLP enables machines to understand, interpret, and generate human language. Applications range from customer service automation to real-time transcription.

Computer Vision: AI systems can analyze visual data - such as identifying objects in images or video, facial recognition, and medical image diagnostics. This technology is widely used in security, healthcare, and autonomous vehicles.

Predictive Analytics: AI analyzes patterns in data to forecast outcomes. It’s heavily used in finance for fraud detection, in retail for inventory optimization, and in marketing to anticipate customer behavior.

Machine Learning & Deep Learning Models: These algorithms learn from data and improve over time. They’re used in recommendation engines (like those on Netflix or Amazon), credit scoring, and scientific research.

Robotics and Automation: AI powers robots in manufacturing, warehousing, and even surgery. These systems can adapt to new conditions and operate autonomously, improving efficiency and precision.

How are AI Models Trained

Before we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Artificial Intelligence, it’s important to first understand how AI Models are trained.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) models are trained much like how people learn - from experience. But instead of classroom lessons or real-world practice, AI learns by analyzing large volumes of data. Frequently, publicly accessible data is utilized to train AI models. In some cases, specific proprietary data is required since the data required may not be publicly accessible.

Data Collection: The process begins with gathering lots of information. For instance, if you're training an AI to recognize patterns in emergency response reports, you'd feed it thousands of such documents.

Learning from Patterns: The AI scans this data to find patterns and relationships. For example, it might notice that certain keywords often appear in reports about flooding versus wildfires.

Training Algorithms: This is where machine learning comes in. The model uses algorithms (step-by-step instructions) to make predictions or decisions based on the patterns it detects. Each time it makes a mistake, it adjusts and tries again - over and over - until it becomes more accurate.

Evaluation & Fine-Tuning: Once trained, the model is tested with new data it hasn’t seen before. Developers check how well it performs, adjust settings if needed, and continue to refine it.

Deployment: After training and testing, the model is put to work—whether it’s providing situational awareness, scanning satellite images for damage, or forecasting risks.

This framework helps highlight a key insight: AI is only as good as the data it’s trained with. More on this in a moment.

Artificial Intelligence Strengths

Before we discuss some of the limitations or weaknesses of AI, I first want to reiterate some of the strengths of Artificial Intelligence.

Speed and Efficiency: Once trained, AI systems can process large volumes of data at a speed far beyond human capabilities. For Event or Emergency Managers, this means rapid analysis of weather patterns, social media signals, or logistical needs during a crisis.

Pattern Recognition: AI excels at identifying trends in complex data. For example, it can help detect early warning signs of disasters by recognizing correlations humans might miss, such as patterns in seismic activity or flooding risk.

Consistency: Unlike humans, AI doesn’t tire or get distracted. It can deliver consistent results 24/7, which is critical during extended emergencies or when decision-making needs to be uninterrupted.

Scalability: An AI system trained well can be applied across regions or departments, adapting to various scenarios without the need for individual retraining.

Data-Driven Decision Support: AI offers real-time insights and recommendations based on data analysis. It doesn’t replace human judgment - but it can augment it, giving Event or Emergency Managers valuable tools for faster, more informed responses.

Training Dataset Advantage: When AI is trained on high-quality, diverse, and well-labeled datasets, it becomes highly effective at its task. For instance, if it learns from emergency case studies across different regions and disaster types, it can become proficient at forecasting and response modeling in new scenarios.

Artificial Intelligence Weaknesses

While the use of Artificial Intelligence can certainly benefit Event or Emergency Managers, it’s imperative to understand the limitations that AI systems may have.

Bias and Inaccuracy: AI only learns what it’s shown. If the training dataset is incomplete, unbalanced, or biased, the model may develop blind spots. For instance, if historical data underrepresents certain communities, the AI might provide skewed recommendations in future events. Since most AI models are trained on data from the Internet, they'll always encode historical biases and may reproduce harmful content

Lack of Human Judgment: AI can’t replicate human intuition, empathy, or ethical reasoning. In high-stakes emergency scenarios, decisions often require a human touch - especially where lives and values are at stake. Simply put, human behavior is hard to predict.

Data Dependency: AI’s effectiveness hinges on the quality and quantity of its training data. Poor-quality data leads to poor results, often summarized as “garbage in, garbage out.” It's virtually impossible to regulate the content that Large Language Models are exposed to during training leading to bad or false information getting into AI models. Also, without a large amount of organization-specific data on prior disasters, AI Models may simply be incapable of providing the type of information Event or Emergency Managers expect or desire. Additionally, even if such data is available for AI training models, organizations frequently raise significant security concerns regarding providing such data to AI Models. This data gap may significantly limit the usefulness of using Artificial Intelligence in Emergency Management or potentially worsen emergency response.

Limited Adaptability in Novel Situations: AI models typically perform well in environments similar to their training data. However, in a truly unprecedented event - like a once-in-a-century disaster - it may struggle to adapt or respond appropriately. Also, since AI training is typically conducted at a point-in-time, AI models typically don’t have up-to-the-minute real-time data that might be necessary for making critical decisions. Similarly, stale or outdated information within an AI training model can result in AI providing incorrect information. Finally, AI may struggle to adapt to unpredictable disaster scenarios that require improvisation and real-world experience.

Transparency and Interpretability: Many AI models, especially deep learning systems, are “black boxes.” They make decisions without being able to clearly explain how. This lack of transparency can make it hard for Event or Emergency Managers to fully trust or justify AI-driven recommendations. AI-driven decisions can also raise concerns about accountability, especially in cases where lives are lost.

Technical and Infrastructure Requirements: Implementing AI tools requires strong digital infrastructure, continuous maintenance, and technical expertise - resources that may not be readily available in all emergency management settings. Since AI typically requires large cloud-based computing resources, disasters that impact access to such cloud-based computing resources could render AI useless. Similarly, software errors, power failures, or network disruptions could render AI useless in critical moments.

Hallucinations: One of the lesser known but critical weaknesses of AI is its tendency to "hallucinate." In this context, hallucination refers to when an AI system generates information that sounds plausible but is factually incorrect or entirely fabricated. This happens most often in generative AI models, like those used for writing, summarizing, or answering questions. These models are trained to predict the most likely next word or phrase based on patterns in their training data - not to verify facts. As a result, they can sometimes produce confident-sounding statements that are simply untrue. Hallucinations happen for a variety of reasons:

- Training Data Gaps: If the AI hasn’t seen accurate or complete information about a topic during training, it may "fill in the blanks" with guesses.
- Overconfidence in Language: AI is designed to sound fluent and authoritative, which can mask the fact that it’s making things up.

Prompt Sensitivity: The way a question is asked can influence whether the AI sticks to facts or veers into fiction. Leading or overly confident prompts can increase hallucination risk.

Fact Checking: AI systems lack the ability to fact check their responses and generate probable responses. When dealing with life and safety issues, Event or Emergency Managers need to be careful when relying on probabilistic responses that are not fact checked. If emergency responders trust AI blindly, they might ignore valuable human insights, leading to poor decision-making.

This kind of balanced view helps underscore an essential truth: AI is a tool - powerful, but not infallible. When used alongside experienced decision makers, it can be a real force multiplier. However, in high-stakes environments like disaster response, Event or Emergency Managers must tread lightly and carefully check the results of AI – something that time may not permit during a crisis. Human oversight is essential in high-stakes situations – especially when lives and public safety are on the line.

When it's Appropriate to Use AI

AI is most beneficial when tasks are repetitive, involve processing large volumes of data, identifying patterns, or generating timely insights - especially in situations where speed and consistency are critical. In emergency management, AI can support real-time situational awareness, resource allocation, threat modeling, and communication monitoring. When well-trained on accurate, diverse datasets, and overseen by human experts, AI becomes a powerful decision-support tool that enhances response efficiency and preparedness.

When it's Not Appropriate to Use AI

AI should be avoided in scenarios requiring moral judgment, empathy, cultural nuance, or interpretation of ambiguous information. It's also inappropriate to rely on AI when training data is outdated, biased, or lacking, as this can lead to inaccurate or inequitable outcomes. In high-stakes decisions - like issuing evacuation orders or making life-and-death calls - AI may inform the process, but human oversight and final judgment must remain firmly in place.

When Best Practices & Considerations for Implementing AI in CIMS & Emergency Management

Successfully integrating AI into Emergency Management requires thoughtful planning, responsible data handling, and ongoing oversight. Here are some key best practices and considerations:

Define Clear Goals: Establish the intended specific, measurable outcomes for AI integration, such as faster response times, accelerating damage assessments, enhancing risk forecasting, or optimizing resource allocation. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What are repetitive tasks that might benefit from AI?
- Are there any tasks that could benefit from summarization?
- Are there any tasks that could benefit from classification?
- Are there any tasks that could benefit from generative AI?
- Are there any tasks that could benefit from reformatting/editing?
- What are your biggest pain points?
- Would an AI tool be better if integrated into your existing systems or as a standalone service?
- Which tools or processes provide the simplest opportunities for AI integration?

Provide Quality Inputs: The effectiveness of AI depends on high-quality data and well-structured prompts to generate accurate outputs. The strength of any AI system depends on the data it's trained with. Ensure datasets reflect diverse populations, geographic areas, and disaster scenarios to prevent biased outputs and improve generalizability.

Collaborate with Experts: Partner with AI specialists and domain experts to ensure proper system design and deployment.

Monitor for Bias: Regular audits and testing should be conducted to identify and rectify bias in AI systems. Output from AI systems is only as good as the information upon which the AI Model was trained. Ensure high-quality, unbiased data is collected and utilized.

Combine AI with Human Expertise: Integrating AI with human decision-making ensures a balanced, ethical, and reliable approach.

Think Security: Implement robust security measures to protect AI systems. Emergency Management often involves sensitive information - consider what internal data sources can be shared to train and operate AI Models. Use secure systems and follow regulatory best practices to ensure data integrity and protect individuals’ privacy.

Purpose-built Tools: Focus on deploying individual purpose-built tools instead of trying to create a single tool that does a lot of things poorly. Individual task-oriented tools are easier and cheaper to implement, utilize, and maintain.

Ethical Concerns, Accountability and Transparency: Address ethical concerns through the development of clear policies and guidelines. Identify who is accountable when AI fails and who is responsible for data governance within your organization. Maintain transparency and explainability in AI models. Choose AI tools that offer explainable results where possible. When using “black box” models, document how decisions are made, and provide fallback strategies if outputs are unclear or flawed.

Plan for Training and Adoption: Emergency personnel need basic training on how to use and interpret AI tools. Foster a culture of digital literacy to maximize the technology’s potential while minimizing reliance on it.

Test and Simulate Before Deployment: Before using AI during an active crisis, simulate use cases to ensure reliability. Incorporate real-world conditions, edge cases, and failure scenarios into testing environments.

Stay Flexible and Continuously Evaluate: AI systems must evolve as new data becomes available and as emergency landscapes change. Establish regular evaluation checkpoints to update models and assess their relevance.

Maintain Human Oversight: Balance AI use with human oversight and decision-making. AI should support - not replace - decision-makers. Experts must validate AI-generated outputs, especially in critical, life-or-death situations. Do not delegate critical decisions to AI!

Conclusion

Artificial Intelligence presents both a promising frontier and a complex challenge in emergency and event management. As this paper has outlined, AI can significantly improve decision-making, situational awareness, and operational efficiency. Yet, it is not a magic solution. It requires accurate data, thoughtful design, human oversight, and ethical implementation to fulfill its potential. Event or Emergency Managers who approach AI with a clear understanding of its capabilities and limitations will be best positioned to use it responsibly - leveraging it not as a replacement for human expertise, but as a powerful complement to it. By adopting best practices and maintaining a balance between innovation and caution, Emergency Management Professionals can ensure that AI enhances resilience, responsiveness, and effectiveness in times of crisis.

Why BCG?

BCG has extensive experience helping governments and municipalities build workflows to manage the actively changing Asylum Seeker needs. Designed to support emergency management and response efforts, our solutions make us well-suited to ensure that critical data is organized, accessible, and secure, for more effective outcomes.

Download the Full White Paper

Click the Request a Demo + button to schedule a demo of the Crisis Information Management Tools with a BCG subject matter expert.

Radar Simulation for the Web

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 18:55:40 +0000

Buffalo Computer Graphics (BCG) Inc. can now offer web-based radar simulation to maritime schools allowing for remote student radar operator training. Based on BCG’s proven simulated navigation software, BCG migrated our desktop radar simulator to a web enabled application, WebSim. Utilizing our PCBME radar user interface, the web radar offers realistic radar images, ARPA functionality, and AIS support through a web browser. Additional supported features include changing range scale/pulse width, range rings, head up/north up/course up presentation modes, acquisition zones (annular/polygonal), electronic bearing lines (EBL), variable range markers (VRM), trails, true/relative vessel motion, gain/sea/rain video filters, and more.

This radar simulator runs training scenarios created by the training facility using our MaST software tool. During the simulation session the student can Start / Pause / Stop / Restart their training, and through a separate virtual panel integrated into the radar’s user interface, control the motion of the ownship using rudder and throttle (single or dual) controls. The training scenarios may also be fast forwarded to a specific moment in time which is useful for students that cannot finish in a single attempt or must take a break, thus not requiring them to start all over.

WebSim is offered as a service hosted on the web, or our application can be hosted by the school as part of their existing on-line training program. BCG will also assist the user with integration of WebSim into their training environment. BCG plans to add additional tools which allow the training facility to allow student log-in, keep operation metrics, and produce post training files that can be used for student evaluation.

WebSim is currently designed and tested to run only on desktop and laptop devices. In addition, the supported web browsers are Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. This can be expanded to more devices (tablets/smartphones) and more browsers in the future if the desire is warranted.

BCG has begun implementing an electronic charting application to supplement the radar / ship controls for a more complete web-based ship navigation training environment. For additional information on this product please contact BCG at 716-822-8668. For our other Maritime Simulation products visit our website – https://www.buffalocomputergraphics.com/maritime-simulation-solutions

ASTERIX for Radar Simulation

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 18:57:00 +0000

=Buffalo Computer Graphics (BCG) Inc. announces it has expanded our ASTERIX radar interface capabilities for our line of radar simulators. With many prominent radar manufacturers now implementing an ASTERIX based interface between the turning unit and the radar display, BCG expanded our capability to support simulated radar video into the display using this network data protocol.

ASTERIX is a data messaging protocol used to communicate information between radar system components using an internationally established specification. BCG has developed and successfully delivered our ASTERIXSim application that sends and receives predefined ASTERIX category message packets. ASTERIXSim is currently being used to display simulated video on a radar display and as radar overlay on an ECDIS.

The primary data message is the CAT240 packet which provides the uncompressed radar video data. This video message uses an 8-bit video signal amplitude resolution for each video cell. In addition, all video data within each message is of the same pixel resolution; resulting in two possible CAT240 messages per sweep, one for the hi-res data portion and one for the low-res data portion. CAT034 which is structured to contain the transmission of our radar simulator’s service messages to a radar system. It supports the sending of north marker messages which supply the antenna rotation period as well as sector crossing messages for the active transmitting sector number. CAT048 messages are utilized for relaying target information to the radar system. Each target track generates this data in a separate CAT048 message. Every message stores the target’s unique reference ID number, along with its speed, heading, and relative distance and bearing from the own-ship. Lastly, there is a proprietary message defined by CAT253. Any features that are not supported by the predefined ASTERIX categories can be defined here; whether it be radar filter settings, sector blanking, changing range scale, or controlling the transmitter’s power state. BCG has implemented a Kelvin Hughes version (Hensoldt) of the CAT253, and can customize CAT253 messages as required by a particular radar or ECDIS manufacturer.

BCG offers a turn-key, standalone ASTERIXSim radar simulator complete with our operator control software, MaST, and our proven radar simulation engine software. We also can offer a software-only package for installation on a customer computer. All elements are fully integrated into a Windows computer for plug-and-play use. For customers that already have a BCG radar simulator, an ASTERIXSim capability can be added.

For additional information on this product or any of BCG’s Maritime Simulation Products, please contact BCG at 716-822-8668 or through our website – https://www.buffalocomputergraphics.com/maritime-simulation-solutions

Canadian Immigration & Asylum Seekers

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 17:52:04 +0000

As of June 2023, Canada is experiencing ongoing challenges from a sustained influx of individuals and families seeking asylum. Their search for aid and protection and aid from persecution, violence, political instability, and economic hardship in their home countries, has created local shortages in resources in local host communities in Canada. These shortages cause Canadian cities to seek help from their home or neighboring provinces, to find temporary placements for asylum seekers until further accommodations can be made.

Tracking & Allocating Resources

• Interim Housing

• Health Services

• Legal Aid

• Social Services

• Education

• Settlement & Integration Services

Situational Awareness

• ArcGIS Online Integration

• Custom Forms & Reports

• Customized Dashboards & Visualizations

• Mobile Capabilities

• Projections & Planning

• Notifications

A Solution is Needed.

Having a partner with data management solutions like BCG is critical. This allows for the efficient organization and management of the significant amount of data involved in supporting a large number of individuals seeking aid. With a proper system in place, personnel can quickly and easily access and report on various situations including: housing availability, health partners, social services partners; and allow for tracking of scarce supplies, and staffing shortages and provide informed projections so appropriate decisions can be made and communicated to partners and other levels of government.

Why BCG?

Download Asylum Seekers Canada Slick

Click the Request a Demo + button to schedule a demo of the Asylum Seeker tools with a BCG subject matter expert.

BCG Welcomes Laura James: Director of Strategic Engagement & Sales

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 16:11:54 +0000

Laura began her career with the Province of Ontario working in planning and policy related to public land conservation in Northern Ontario. From there she moved to boots on the ground work with Conservation Authorities, coordinating a multitude of programs to support flood risk management, environmental assessment, as well as public education and emergency preparedness.

Laura officially brought this knowledge and skill into emergency management in 2014 with a move to the Office of Emergency Management in the City of Toronto. She was the lead on a number of essential portfolios, including critical infrastructure, exercises, and training (Provincially certified trainer). She supported numerous EOC activations in leaderships roles as either the EOC Director or Planning Section Chief. Laura was the Program Manager for the implementation of DisasterLAN Incident Management software system for the City in 2014, from the RFP through to training and implementation just in time for the 2015 PanAm Games. She developed and implemented training, performance metrics, and on-going system development through to 2019.

In 2019, Laura began a Program Manager role within York Region Emergency Management specializing in training, exercises, and public education support for the Northern Six municipalities which includes the towns of Newmarket, Aurora, King, Stouffville, East Gwillimbury and Georgina. Laura had an immediate positive impact on the emergency management programs with her strategic vision - maintaining compliance, initiating programs far beyond compliance, and guiding the municipal emergency management control groups and senior leadership teams towards successful emergency management & annual compliance.

At the onset of the COVID19 pandemic, Laura transitioned to the EOC Liaison role within the Regional Emergency Operations Centre and provided essential coordination & communications to each of the 9 respective municipalities in York Region; this included coordinating and supporting municipally lead mass vaccination centres. Laura wore multiple hats during the pandemic; and continued to support and champion the local Emergency Management programs, facilitate training, exercises, workshops, Council updates, and provided guidance and direction to the municipal Community Emergency Management Coordinators throughout the pandemic.

Laura is thrilled to be joining the BCG team - bringing her wealth of emergency management knowledge and experience, as well as her expertise and DLAN experience to our partners and customers.

Meeting Challenges: Immigration/Asylum Seeker Tools

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 14:51:08 +0000

As of May 2023, the United States is experiencing ongoing immigration challenges from a sustained influx of individuals and families seeking asylum. Their search for aid and protection and aid from persecution, violence, political instability, and economic hardship in their home countries, has created local shortages in resources in local host communities in the U.S. These shortages cause U.S. cities to seek help from their home or neighboring counties, to find temporary placements for asylum seekers until further accommodations can be made.

Tracking & Allocating Resources

• Food
• Staffing
• Medical Care
• Housing Logistics
• Services Provided
• Family Reunification
• Projects and Planning

Situational Awareness

• ArcGIS Online Integration
• Custom Forms
• Mass Care
• Notifications
• Customized Dashboards
• Mobile Capabilities
• Custom Reports & Visualizations

A Solution is Needed.

Having a partner with data management solutions like BCG is critical. This allows for the efficient organization and management of the significant amount of data involved in supporting a large number of individuals seeking aid. With a proper system in place, personnel can quickly and easily access and report on various situations including: family reunification, housing logistics, services provided, scarce supplies, and staffing shortages: allowing for informed projections and decisions to be made on resource allocation.

Why BCG?

BCG has extensive experience helping municipalities build workflows to manage the actively changing Asylum Seeker Mission needs. Designed to support emergency management and response efforts, our solutions make us well-suited to ensure that critical data is organized, accessible, and secure, for more effective outcomes.

Download Asylum Seekers Slick

H5N1 Avian Influenza Preparedness, Prevention, and Response

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 13:49:23 +0000

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) website, avian influenza normally spreads in birds but can also infect humans. Human infections are primarily acquired through direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments. While recently-identified avian influenza viruses do not currently transmit easily from person to person, the ongoing circulation of these viruses in poultry is concerning, as these viruses cause severe disease in humans and have the potential to mutate to become more contagious between people. WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme therefore monitors human cases of avian influenza on an ongoing basis.

The avian flu outbreak, which began early last year, is the biggest in US history, affecting more than 58 million farmed birds in 47 states, as well as birds in the wild. It has already spilled over into mammals, such as mink, foxes, raccoons and bears, raising fears that the virus that causes it, known as H5N1, could mutate and start spreading more easily among people.

Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.), say the risk of a pandemic is low. However, in the United States, the C.D.C., in partnership with state and local public health departments, is monitoring people who are exposed to H5N1. As of last week, the CDC reported the information above on their website.
At the same time, officials at the federal Agriculture Department, which is responsible for the health of farm animals, say they have begun testing potential poultry vaccines and initiated discussions with industry leaders about a large-scale avian flu vaccination program for poultry, which would be a first for the United States.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has advided the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) that the presence of N5H1 highly pathogenic avian influenza is present in Canada in estimated numbers represented in the table below. Stats as per inspection.canada.ca are updated once per week.

Province	Number of infected premises (current IPs)	Number of previously infected premises (released IPs)	Estimated number of birds impacted (as of 2023-07-21)
Alberta	10	51	1,400,000
British Columbia	4	100	3,677,000
Manitoba	0	21	287,000
New Brunswick	1	1	Under 100
Newfoundland and Labrador	0	2	400
Nova Scotia	2	4	12,000
Ontario	2	45	849,000
Quebec	3	44	948,000
Saskatchewan	3	29	495,000
Total	25	297	7,668,000

Solution: DLAN’s Custom Mobile Forms and Dashboards

DLAN is a secure, web-based emergency management system that provides tools for shared situational awareness, workflow-based information management, and real-time communication. For Avian Flu tracking, preparedness, response, and mitigation, DLAN utilizes custom data collection forms, which can include photos, electronic signatures, and GPS tracking. Information on current conditions can be entered and tracked regardless of their location, using the Mobile Responder App.

All this information can be tracked in aggregate to view which facilities/communities are at risk and which require attention. All information can be displayed in custom dashboards for improved situational awareness

Benefits of Using DLAN to help combat Avian Influenza

• Quickly deployable and cost effective App

• Real-time data collection / availability

• Integration with mass alerting

• Automated graphical statistical reporting via Operational Dashboards

• Executive Dashboards

• Customizable data collection form meets rapidly changing needs such as equipment & personnel tracking, field reports, culling & disposal

• Patient tracking, symptom tracking and community reporting

• Collect photos, electronic signatures, and GPS locations

• Centralized data collection / storage / exportable into Excel / CSV

• Secure web-based data access to only authorized roles

• Ability to track expenditures and running totals

Why you need a dedicated emergency management solution

Tue, 30 May 2023 15:02:09 +0000

This article was originally published in the November 2022 IAEM Bulletin.

The Right Software for the Job Improves Outcomes and Security

Introduction

There are many emergency management agencies who currently use an array of different apps designed for normal office operations for their emergency operations. They believe the tools they already use (email, chat, document sharing etc..) will be “good enough” for emergency operations.

Most of these agencies likely know that this isn’t the best way to handle complex, life safety tasks, but their staff members don’t want to learn new software and executives don’t want to pay for it. However, a dedicated solution is an important investment that will improve an emergency response and simplify your day-to-day operations.

Emergency management software will make staff members jobs easier by implementing standardized workflows, minimizing duplicate data entry, and giving staff access to just the tools and information they need to perform their jobs. From an executive standpoint, dedicated software improves oversight, protects from legal liabilities, and improves decision making and outcomes.

An emergency management solution will improve operations by: formalizing processes and workflows; collecting information in a single, interconnected solution; enhancing security & minimizing liability; and accessing dedicated support from emergency management experts.

Processes and Workflows

Using a hodgepodge of email, chat, and document sharing, team members choose who they think they should share information with, what method they think they should use, and how this information should be retained. Various types of information come into multiple apps without any clear indication of priority or urgency. Information ends up all over the place and gets dealt with in various ways with no overarching process. This may work for normal tasks, but when things get more complex or during an emergency information will get missed, lost, or miscommunicated. This will lead to poor decision-making and outcomes.

A dedicated role-based product will have the benefit of only showing users the information they need to perform their jobs. With emergency management software, tasks can be easily divided up and assigned to those who need to do the work. Executives can look at dashboards, allowing them to see the big picture without being inundated with information. They can also drill down into the summary data when necessary to get the information they need.

Another benefit of emergency management software is that it follows industry standards, such as the Incident Command System (ICS). It also benefits from being used by other emergency management agencies, who have already vetted the processes, and successful utilized them.

Although some training will likely be necessary, this tends to be minimal. Most commercially available products follow the same data entry methods used in email, instant messaging, and other mass market applications. Also, since the software guides users through proper information flows, there is less training needed to teach staff processes and procedures and a decreased risk of mistakes. The software will always make sure the right information is collected and get it to the right people. After the initial learning curve, most users find dedicated software is easier to use, reduces data entry overall, and reduces information overload.

Single Interconnected Solution

Another drawback of using multiple apps and programs, is that critical information is in multiple locations and there is no single place to check on the most up-to-date information. This leads to information not getting to the right people quickly during an emergency. It also makes it very difficult to audit information afterwards.

A major benefit of emergency management software is that it collects all information in a singular solution. All of the tasks a user needs to perform, every communication thread, every critical update are all in one place. The information is interconnected and accessible for different tasks, reducing duplicate data entry and simplifying tasks. The information is also always current for improved oversight and decision-making.

While using the software already in use for day-to-day operations may seem easier at the moment, when it comes time for after-action reporting it can become difficult, if not impossible, to collect all the information. This can lead to legal liabilities, especially if your team can’t properly respond to a FOIL request or fails to comply with a government audit.

Many staff members are unaware of the data retention policies of the applications they use every day. This means that even if you knew where the data was, it might not still be there when you need it. A dedicated solution will have more robust data storage policies, ensuring the information is kept beyond any legally mandatory timeframes.

Having all of the information in one single, interconnected system simplifies tasks, improves information sharing, provides overarching situational awareness, and prepares your team for after-action reporting.

Robust Security

Your standard office software is just not meant to collect the mission critical and often sensitive information that is shared during an emergency event. This means sensitive data can be shared with unauthorized staff within an organization and can easily be sent outside of the organization. This could mean unvetted data being shared to the public and personal data being leaked.

A dedicated emergency management solution is specifically designed to share this type of information and includes much more robust security features than other types of products. Most emergency management products follow a principle of least privilege. Users are only provided the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job functions. By preventing users from accessing data in the system that they have not been granted rights to see, data is protected.

Cloud hosting for emergency management software also tends to meet a higher standard than hosting for products designed for daily operations. In addition to providing secure hosting facilities, most emergency management software providers also take the extra steps to ensure that their organization meet the highest security standards. Many are ISO certified or have other types of security certificates.

A dedicated emergency management solution is designed to be more secure than other mass market products. It will minimize the likelihood of sensitive or unvetted information being leaked. It will also provide more secure and robust data storage and hosting.

Dedicated Support

Another major benefits of purchasing a dedicated emergency management solution is that it comes with dedicated emergency management support.

The support available from your vendor will exceed support from a company whose focus is not emergency management. This is especially true if you are working with third-party templates that you have customized to try to fit your emergency management process. Even if they can help you get the tool itself working, they will not be able to give you the subject matter advice you need to fix or improve your process.

Your vendor will also be subject matter experts in emergency management with years of experience working with other clients. They will leverage this knowledge and experience to improve your templates and workflows based on best practices.

An additional benefit is outsourcing tasks currently being performed by your IT department to a third-party vendor. This frees up more of their time for other tasks while also ensuring that you are a top priority during an emergency.

Conclusion

A dedicated emergency management solution is one tool that can replace many others, creating a unified platform for task management and situational awareness.

Using a dedicated solution can enforce processes through step-by-step guided information entry, automated task assignment, and other workflow tools. The learning curve will be minimal, and staff will find the solution makes their jobs easier and more efficient.

A dedicated solution will also store all of your information in one secure location. This means users always have access to all the information they need and allows executives to view dashboards, reports, and other summary data to get an overall picture of the situation. Having all the data in one place also prepares you for after-action reports, audits, and FOIL requests.

Security is a top priority for any emergency management solution. A dedicated system ensures that all data is securely and persistently stored, that sensitive information is locked down to only users that need it, and provides more robust data storage and hosting.

An emergency management software vendor will be able to provide support for the software and provide subject matter expertise. They will have the experience and knowledge necessary to help improve your current processes and give you access to the insights provided through their network of emergency managers.

It may seem easier to just keep doing what you have always done but when an emergency strikes, you’ll be glad you took the time and energy to get the right tool for the job. A good emergency management solution will go far beyond just improving response efforts, it will improve day-to-day processes and overall operations.

Cynthia Weeden, President, FutureShield Inc.

Cynthia has over 15 years of experience in implementing various emergency operations center systems. Her clients include government and critical infrastructure. Her tenure spans from early 1st generation installed applications, to current hosted systems used for mission-critical unplanned, planned, and daily events.

The Todd DeVoe Podcast is Available now!

Thu, 18 May 2023 20:18:51 +0000

The Todd DeVoe Podcast will Feature Members of the DLAN Community

BCG is proud to sponsor The Todd DeVoe Show this Fall. The Todd DeVoe Show is a weekly podcast dedicated to exploring leadership challenges, ideas, and principles with thought leaders, thinkers, writers, policymakers, and those that make things happen.

A number of DLAN Customers, as well as some BCG staff, will be featured during the podcast. Check out the lineup and listen live at 12pm EST on the following dates (or check back here for recordings of each episode):

October 13th - The Importance of Process in Emergency Management

Brian Head – Buffalo Computer Graphics

Listen
Watch on YouTube

October 27th - Emergency Management During Super Bowl LVI

Jeffrey Keith Snoddy – City of Inglewood Office of Emergency Services and Public Safety

Listen
Watch on YouTube

November 10th – Exercise Design and Emergency Management

Mark Gillan - Emergency Solutions International
Listen

Watch on YouTube

December 1st – Exploring New Case Management Tools for Human Services

Vincent Aarts - Oregon Department of Human Services

Listen
Watch on YouTube

December 8th – DisasterLAN (DLAN) Webinar

Tim Masterson - Buffalo Computer Graphics

Watch on YouTube

DLAN 14.1 Now Available

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 19:57:32 +0000

Introducing DLAN 14.1

BCG is excited to announce that DLAN version 14.1 is now available. Our newest release includes updates to the Phonebook, Reference Library, Chat, and Status Board. For more information please read the full release notes.

Status Board Notifications

Phonebook & Reference Library

As part of our continuing efforts to help organizations implement FEMA’s National Qualification System (NQS), we have added more robust reporting options for skills and training. This includes the ability to filter records by specific trainings and/or skills and the ability to filter records by the completion and/or expiration of a training class. Additionally, the completion and expiration times for a training record can now be included as columns in reports. With these options reports can be created including staff with specific skills/trainings, staff without specific skills/trainings, and staff with trainings completed/expired in a certain time frame. These features help you identify staff that meet qualification requirements and ensure that those trainings are up-to-date.

BCG has also added documentation for NQS in the Reference Library for easy access.

Chat

Chat has been revised to better notify users of unread messages. Notifications can now be sent when a user is offline and receives a new chat message. Unread chats will also be displayed as alert bubbles in the Chat History report and menu.

Status Board

The ability to display notification bubbles has also been added to the Status Board link bar. Users can setup a main menu link or status board as the target of a Status Board link bar item. Once this has been set up, the link bar will show the number of unread items on the linked page or board. This is especially useful for organizations that use status boards as landing pages instead of using a traditional menu setup.

Check out all DLAN has to offer – Schedule a Free Demo Today.

New DLAN 14 Features Fully Revamped GIS Platform

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 19:13:54 +0000

BCG is excited to announce the release of DLAN 14. Our newest release includes updates to the Phonebook, Assets, Communication Center, and Ticket Manager. However, the star of this release is the all new GIS Premium.

Watch Video

The new GIS platform improves speed and performance, adds advanced drawing tools, and generally gives you more control of how you view, work with, and report on geospatial data. The map includes all of the features previously available and a number of new features, including more robust searching, enhanced drawing tools and improved icon use.

In general, users can choose exactly what they view and how they view it. Users can choose between light and dark modes or even fully customize the display color scheme. Panels can be pinned/unpinned and moved around. New robust search tools allow users to filter down to just the information they need, including the ability to search within the content of a feed.

DLAN GIS Premium

The new GIS platform also adds and improves integration with other DLAN modules. It streamlines the ability to add/edit tickets from the map and adds the ability to do the same with assets. In the Status Board, interactive maps will filter to information selected in other status board panels. For example, if you select a ticket in a ticket report, the map will also zoom to that ticket location.

Learn more about DLAN 14's new features and see how these new features can improve your disaster response. Contact us for more information.

DLAN Integrates with Ontario 511 for Improved Traffic Monitoring

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 17:52:59 +0000

We have recently completed integration with Ontario 511 video services to provide additional streaming traffic camera options within our DLAN Incident Management Software. The integration allows Canadian users to view Ontario 511 cameras within video dashboards and on our GIS map.

Ontario 511 Cameras on DLAN Streaming Video Dashboard

Ontario 511 includes over 1,000 traffic cameras with North, South, East, West views for complete situational awareness. Cameras are organized into folders by region for simplified filtering. Cameras can be viewed in our new and improved Streaming Video module, which includes customizable dashboards. They can also be viewed directly in our GIS map as a layer alongside other situational awareness data.

Contact us to learn more about these and other streaming video services

Rockland County New York Utilizes DisasterLAN for EOC Exercise

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 19:03:42 +0000

Buffalo Computer Graphics (BCG) recently worked with Rockland County (New York) Fire and Emergency Services to run a full-scale emergency management exercise. The exercise scenario focused on a flooding event caused by heavy rain which lead to a dam breach and utilized BCG’s DisasterLAN (DLAN) software to respond to the incident.

BCG staff wrote the scenario, injects, and other materials to create a realistic incident. DLAN’s Ticket Manager was used to log, assign, and manage mock tasks and to view situational awareness information. DLAN’s Status Board and Communication Center were also used as part of the exercise to provide realistic elements to help participants with decision making and planning. BCG provided just-in-time training and other technical support for the DLAN software. BCG also assisted with after-action reporting on the exercise.

BCG Facilitates EOC Exercise

The exercise helped Rockland County staff prepare for an emergency activation, refamiliarizing them with both their response plans and the DLAN software. By using a realistic scenario, staff were able to gain hands on experience and knowledge of the particular role they would fill during a real activation.

“The team at Buffalo Computer Graphics did an exceptional job at preparing and facilitating our exercise. The team worked closely with the participants in solving issues and strengthening their skill sets.” Christopher Jensen – Program Coordinator

Overall, the exercise successfully prepared staff to respond to an emergency incident utilizing their DLAN system.

Contact us to learn more about our exercise support programs

DLAN’s GIS Mapping Integrates with Robust Power Outage Notification Tools

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 14:41:56 +0000

BCG’s DLAN Incident Management Software now integrates with Gridmetrics’ Power Event Notification System (PENS)

We have partnered with Gridmetrics^TM to offer advanced power grid notifications within DLAN. Gridmetrics’ Power Event Notification System (PENS) works in conjunction with DLAN’s integrated GIS mapping, allowing users to easily visualize real-time power outage information.

Gridmetrics’ unique dataset provides real-time, hyperlocal insights into the availability and quality of power from the local electrical grid. Gridmetrics accesses over 300,000 PENS sensors embedded in the network equipment servicing the last mile of communications delivery. Gridmetrics users can now access a uniform real-time view of the local power grid with 1 km² resolution, spanning utility service area and local town borders, a dramatic increase in transparency and ease of use compared to legacy utility systems.

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Gridmetrics PENS helps pinpoint local power conditions for faster, targeted emergency response

By integrating Gridmetrics PENS data into DLAN, users can benefit from the robust GIS toolset in DLAN’s software. PENS data can be toggled on and off as a layer on the GIS map, marked up, and included in dashboards and reports. Users can access up to 18 months of historical outage data at 5-minute time resolution, supporting powerful after-action reports and planning exercises.

DLAN allows information from multiple external and internal sources to be viewed together in maps and dashboards along with real-time DLAN incident management data. Gridmetrics’ PENS adds another robust dataset to DLAN, improving overall situational awareness and decision making.

In addition to a visual representation of power outages integrated in DLAN’s GIS mapping, Gridmetrics provides Email alerts based on an area of interest, event threshold, or potential impact on power-sensitive populations or critical facilities.

Check out all DLAN has to offer – Schedule a Free Demo Today.

Gridmetrics

Gridmetrics measures, monitors, and tracks the availability and stability of the distribution portion of the power grid. By providing an out-of-band measurement of the quality and consistency of the power grid, Gridmetrics data can be leveraged for outage detection, power restoration, grid safety, and voltage variability. Gridmetrics is a small business that was incubated at CableLabs^®, the leading innovation and R&D lab for the cable broadband industry.

White Paper: DLAN Tools for Daily Use

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 14:48:56 +0000

DisasterLAN (DLAN) is primarily used for emergency management, but also includes a number of tools for daily operations. By utilizing DLAN daily, you will not only keep your staff prepared for emergency operations, but will also get more out of your software investment.

There are many ways DLAN can be used to optimize daily operations; here are our top 5:

Read the full white paper for additional details and examples from our current DLAN customers.

White Paper: DLAN Tools for Daily Use

Buffalo Computer Graphics (BCG) Achieves ISO 27001:2013 Certification

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 18:29:39 +0000

Buffalo Computer Graphics, Inc. (BCG) takes threats to the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of our clients' information seriously. As such, BCG has been identified as an ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certified provider whose Information Security Management System (ISMS) has received third-party accreditation from the International Standards Organization.

ISO 27001:2013 is an information security standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the world’s largest developer of voluntary international standards, and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

BCG’s certification was issued by A-lign based on BCG’s successful completion of a formal audit process. A-lign is a US based, ISO / IEC 27001 certification body, that is accredited by the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) to perform ISMS 27001 certifications.

A-lign found BCG to have technical controls in place as well as required IT Security policies and procedures. BCG has implemented several security measures and countermeasures that protect it from unauthorized access or compromise and IT personnel were found to be conscientious and knowledgeable in best practices.

Compliance with this internationally recognized standard confirms that BCG’s security management program is comprehensive and follows leading practices. The scope of our ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification is to appropriately preserve confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) of BCG’s information assets. The Information Security Management System (ISMS) framework serves as BCG’s mechanism to appropriately identify, select, maintain, and improve information security controls that are critical to its clients and business.

This certification demonstrates BCG’s continued commitment to information security at every level and ensures you that the security of your data and information has been addressed and properly controlled in all areas of our organization.

Contact Us to Learn More About Our Products & Services

DLAN Year in Review: 2021

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 15:58:13 +0000

As we close out 2021, we would like to take some time to look back on all we have accomplished with the help of our DLAN community.

In 2021, we developed 4 major DLAN releases, added several members to the DLAN team, and increased our DLAN footprint, including adding a number of new West Coast clients.

Below are a few highlights from our new feature list.

Fresh Design for Ticket Manager, Watch Command, and Phonebook Premium Modules

The Ticket Manager, Watch Command, and Phonebook Premium (which includes Assessments) modules were enhanced with new responsive interfaces that better support mobile usage, powerful new report generators with advanced filtering options, and new alert settings that make it easier to see changes that impact your role.

Ticket Manager

Ticket Manager Simple Form Entry

In addition to the new design and report generator, we also added the ability to create new tickets using a form, speeding up the form entry process. For example, instead of creating a damage assessment ticket and then adding a damage assessment form, a user can just fill in a damage assessment form and a new ticket will automatically be generated and added to reports etc.

Communication Center Rule Engine

The Communication Center Rule Engine helps users quickly triage important emails. It allows users to setup rules keyed to particular senders or embedded with particular content. Once created, these rules define how content of that type will be handled when posted to a ticket, including allowing for matching emails to be automatically posted to particular incidents, routings, and ticket types. These capabilities give watch centers, duty officers, and other staff a better way to deal with the deluge of intelligence that is received on a daily basis.

Communication Center Email Rule Engine

Improved Mapping Capabilities

DLAN now includes even more ways to view information from within the system as layers on maps, including automatically creating GIS layers based on system driven reports for modules such as Ticket Manager, Asset Tracking, and Phonebook. Additional AERIS Weather premium content is now available for use within GIS Premium.

ArcGIS Online has been further integrated into DLAN and information can be viewed on both the map and dashboards. DLAN also includes additional support for ArcGIS Experience Builder apps in the Status Board.

AGO Sharing

Streaming Video Custom Dashboards and Skyline Support

Streaming Video now includes new custom dashboard tools, including the ability to hide buttons and labels. Additionally, Streaming Video now has built-in support for Skyline Webcams. This integration adds numerous live video streams from around the globe to DLAN’s already robust video streaming services.

Incident Action Plan Automation and ICS Form Builder

DLAN now automatically syncs information between The Organization Assignment List (ICS 203) and Communications List (ICS 205a). Changes made to the staffing positions in the ICS 203 form will now automatically propagate over to the ICS 205A form. Similarly, updates made on the 205A will also be copied back onto the 203 where possible.

DLAN also includes the ability to fill in a single ICS form from within the IAP module, as opposed to including them in a full IAP.

ICS Form Builder

We could not have accomplished all of this without the feedback and contributions of the DLAN community. We would like to thank all of our customers for their continued support. We would also like to thank the DLAN Team for all their hard work this year.

We hope that 2022 will be an even better year. We will soon be unveiling major enhancements to our GIS, Mass Alerting, and Chat modules, as well as introducing new short-term housing/sheltering features. We look forward to sharing these new features with you.

See What’s New in DLAN - Schedule a Free Demo Today!

DLAN 12.4 Enhances Task Management, AGO Integrations, and Multi-Jurisdictional Use

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 15:58:47 +0000

BCG is proud to announce that DLAN version 12.4 is available for installation. DLAN 12.4 features improvements to the Ticket Manager, including the ability to create a ticket directly from a form. It also extends AGO sharing abilities in the Ticket Manager, Assets, and Phonebook Premium Assessments. Additionally, Incident Action Plans now include the ability to create single ICS forms as well as full IAPs, expediting the process. Finally, DLAN 12.4 includes a number of new security features to enhance multi-jurisdictional use.

Ticket Manager Enhancements

DLAN 12.4 brings users exciting new Ticket Manager features. Workflow enhancements simplify the process of filling out forms from the field by allowing users to create tickets directly from a form. Also, page loading times in the Ticket Manager have been substantial improved.

AGO Sharing Abilities

The new release allows ESRI experience builder applications to be embedded in DLAN pages. This gives users another powerful way to visualize Ticket Manager, Asset, and Assessment data in real-time using the power of ArcGIS Online.

DLAN - AGO Sharing

The combination of these toolset will allow DLAN users to have a simpler yet more powerful toolset when working with Dynamic Forms, Resource Tracking, Risk Assessments and other processes.

Expedited ICS forms through Incident Action Plan module

ICS forms can now use all the same functionality available in the IAP builder, including templates. This expediates the ICS form process.

Regional Security Engine

Also included in DLAN 12.4 is a brand-new Regional Security engine that allows multi-jurisdictional customers to break out the administration of users, groups, and roles to the jurisdictions that make up the users on the system. These tools allow administrators to create new security items that are managed by their locality or agency, to be used by other sets of users on the system.

Combined with improvements in Single Sign On, Two Factor Authentication, and Incident Ownership, the new regional security improvements make it much easier for multiple agencies to work together in a shared environment.

Check out all DLAN has to offer – Schedule a Free Demo Toda y

DLAN Provides Emergency Management to The Los Angeles Operational Area

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 17:56:03 +0000

Buffalo Computer Graphics (BCG) was recently selected to provide DisasterLAN (DLAN) emergency management software to the 88 cities within the Los Angeles Operational Area.

In late 2020, the cities within the LA Operational Area worked together to procure emergency management software for the region. The project was spearheaded by Randal Collins, the City of El Segundo Emergency Management Coordinator. He, along with fellow colleagues, saw the need for a coordinated, integrated common operation picture that spanned the entire County and connected all the emergency managers and other stakeholders onto one platform.

City of El Segundo

The Los Angeles Operational Area wanted a system that would provide elected officials, city managers, department directors, operational managers, and other partners with situational awareness of incidents and events. They needed a system that would allow all of the municipalities to manage situations within their jurisdictions and also to coordinate with each other on multi-jurisdictional emergencies. The goal was a system where all stakeholders could share information and resources, as well as view important information in maps and dashboards.

After a competitive RFP process, BCG’s DLAN software was selected. One of the main reasons DLAN was chosen is that the system does not include individual user licenses. This means that various partners across municipalities could be added to one system quickly and easily. The intuitive user interface meant new users can also be added with minimal training. This makes it easy to bring in all necessary parties during a crisis.

The Los Angeles Operational Area liked DLAN’s flexible and modular design that allowed them to add on features as needed. DLAN’s system is also fully configurable, so the system could be setup to fully meet the exact needs of the area. Collins notes “You don’t get that level of customization with other products.” He also remarked that the in-depth implementation process really helped the cities work through the various processes and workflows necessary to make a cross jurisdictional system work for all involved.

BCG’s commitment to customer support set it apart from its competitors during the bidding process and has been very beneficial to involved stakeholders during the implementation process. Collins commended the BCG team on their responsiveness throughout the process and even noted that the team proactively pushed the project forward.

“BCG really took the reins and guided us through the entire process. They were relentless in scheduling meetings and making sure forward progress kept happening... BCG’s commitment to project management really took the burden off of the emergency management staff and saved them a lot of time.” Randal Collins – City of El Segundo

A full roll out of the system is planned for the Fall, but the operational area is already seeing the benefits of DLAN. The City of El Segundo is utilizing the system for their own emergency operations and for creating Incident Action Plans. The system will be used for Super Bowl 2022, which will be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. As other municipalities are onboarded the vision of real-time multi-jurisdictional situational awareness and collaboration will be fulfilled.

See how DLAN can help your team manage multi-jurisdictional emegerencies –
Schedule a Free Demo Today.

Buffalo Computer Graphics, Inc.

DLAN is engineered by BCG, a veteran owned small business that has over 35 years of experience in Maritime Simulation Solutions, Incident Management Systems, and custom hardware & software engineering.

City of El Segundo

The City of El Segundo is ideally located on the Santa Monica Bay encompassing over five square miles, spanning from Los Angeles International Airport on the north, the City of Manhattan Beach on the south, the Pacific Ocean on the west and the unincorporated area of Del Aire and the City of Hawthorne east of Aviation Boulevard.

El Segundo is home to the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Air Force Base and dozens of Fortune 500 companies. Recognized as the aerospace capital of the world, the city’s vibrant economy includes leaders in the aerospace and defense, bioscience, information technology, energy, real estate, and creative media.

Trinidad Rancheria Implemented DLAN to Improve Emergency Response and Communications

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 18:32:10 +0000

Buffalo Computer Graphics (BCG) is pleased to announce that the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria (Trinidad Rancheria) has implemented DisasterLAN (DLAN) for emergency management and daily operations.

Trinidad Rancheria is made up of four geographically distinct parcels of land in Northern California. The area deals with all types of weather events and natural disasters, including earthquakes, wild fires, and tsunamis. Power outages are also a main concern for the tribe. When COVID-19 hit it became apparent that Trinidad Rancheria needed to ramp up their emergency management efforts and increase its capability to effectively respond to and confront the COVID- 19 initial and follow-on waves while responding to critical and day to day events as they maintain the health and safety of tribal members. The tribe worked with an outside consultant who recommended DLAN to meet their needs.

Trinidad Rancheria DLAN Landing Board

Trinidad Rancheria needed real-time communication and coordination, especially as Covid forced staff members to work remotely. Trinidad Rancheria does not have a dedicated Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team so response falls into the hand of tribal staff members whose main expertise is in other fields. For example, Leslie Sanders, Director of Transportation and Land Use, took over much of the response operations while also performing her main job functions.

Because everyone is wearing multiple hats, it was important to get a software product that was very intuitive. Sanders notes, “DLAN has been very easy to use. I have never been a huge fan of computers…however every time I have gone into DLAN I have realized how user-friendly it really is.” This ease of use was essential to getting the tribe quickly trained and using the software.

Power outages and other connectivity issues can also be a problem. DLAN’s Mobile Responder App allows the tribe to stay connected and input data even when offline. The system automatically syncs information as soon as a connection is reestablished, allowing staff to continue working regardless of the situation.

As the tribe continues to build out their emergency response capabilities, DLAN will be essential to their success. Sanders notes, “The capabilities it will provide us, whether it be for an emergency or just an incident that we all need to be aware of, is amazing” She believes DLAN will be able to do much more than just improve their response efforts, it will also improve overall communication among tribal leaders.

BCG will continue to work with Trinidad Rancheria to improve their emergency management response efforts and to expand its use in daily operations for inventory management and general communication. DLAN will help Trinidad Rancheria respond to current events and prepare for the future.

Check out all DLAN has to offer – Schedule a Free Demo Today.

Cher-Ae Heights Community of the Trinidad Rancheria

The mission of the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria is to preserve and promote their cultural and traditional beliefs; improve quality of life and self-sufficiency; uphold tribal sovereignty; create positive partnerships; and protect the environment in order to provide a healthy community, honor their elders, and guide their youth.

DLAN 12.3 Features GIS, Phonebook, and IAP Enhancements

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 19:02:19 +0000

DLAN 12.3 expands Phonebook & GIS integration, improves mini-map performance & functionality, and automates additional IAP functions. Together these enhancements make DLAN even easier to use and speed up data entry.

Expanded Phonebook & GIS Integration

Phonebook reports can now be set as permanent feature layers in ArcGIS. Feature layers will automatically synchronize with updated Phonebook data. GIS admins can see these new sharing options in the sharing tab on the report editors.

Improved Mini-Map Performance & Functionality

With 12.3, mini-maps in tickets, incidents, and other parts of DLAN now use the latest 4.X ArcGIS library. With this update, mini-map performance is greatly improved and map drawing is simpler to do with redesigned drawing tools.

DLAN 12.3 Mini-Map

Automated Additional IAP Functions

The Organization Assignment List (ICS 203) and Communications List (ICS 205a) now automatically sync information with one another. Changes made to the staffing positions in the ICS 203 form will now automatically propagate over to the ICS 205A form. Similarly, updates made on the 205A will also be copied back onto the 203 where possible.

Check out all DLAN has to offer – Schedule a Free Demo Today.

DLAN 12.2 New Features

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 13:51:55 +0000

DLAN developers have created new features and improved current functionality throughout the system. DLAN’s 12.2 releases include exciting updates to our Asset Reports, GIS Premium, Ticket Manager, and Bed Tracking modules. These include new reporting and customization features, as well as features to improve speed and ease of use throughout the system.

Asset Reports

We've added the ability to share asset reports as permanent feature layers in ArcGIS. These new sharing options are visible to GIS administrators in the sharing tab of the report editor. Feature layers will now automatically synchronize with updated asset data. The ability to filter asset reports on incidents has been also been added. Additionally, assets can now be assigned to Tickets in any active incident, rather than just those in the user's current incident, which makes managing assets even faster.

GIS Premium Restyled

The GIS Premium map header, and header and ribbon have been restyled with a new look and feel. Commonly used features such as the markup/drawing tools and the legend have been moved to their own dedicated menu buttons, for a more pleasant user experience.

Bed Tracking

A new filtering option has been added to the Bed Tracking reports which allows for searching on the Hospital Name and Organization Name fields, which is handy for organizing searches in large hospital networks.

Check out all DLAN has to offer – Schedule a Free Demo Today.

DLAN Point of Distribution and Dispensing: Broome County Use Case

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 17:50:11 +0000

Our latest Case Study focuses on Broome County's successful implementation of our new set of tools for Point of Distribution and Dispensing (POD) management. Broome County is now using DLAN to track operations at PODS, fulfill supply/resource requests from PODS, and create COVID-19 vaccination reports for New York State. Read the full Case Study below.

Download Case Study

Check out all DLAN has to offer – Schedule a Free Demo Today.

BCG integrates OnSolve Critical Coms into DLAN

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 17:47:23 +0000

Buffalo Computer Graphics (BCG) today announces a partnership with OnSolve, a leading critical event management provider for enterprises, small to medium sized organizations, and government entities, to provide access to the company’s flagship OnSolve Critical Communications and OnSolve Risk Intelligence products, through BCG’s DLAN Emergency Management Software, a web-based, mobile friendly emergency management system for shared situational awareness.

“BCG is proud to announce a partnership with OnSolve that will integrate Onsolve’s risk intelligence and critical communications tools with the DLAN Incident Management System. The pairing of these industry leading tools will allow emergency managers to more quickly identify and communicate risks with the staff and communities that they serve, allowing them to more easily prepare for, respond to, and recover from incidents.” Tim Masterson, Executive Director of Products, BCG.

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Notification Types

AI-Powered Risk Intelligence

As part of the partnership, BCG will expand its existing integrations with the OnSolve Platform for Critical Event Management, to allow the DLAN platform users to take advantage of OnSolve’s enterprise-class, AI-powered OnSolve Risk Intelligence. OnSolve Risk Intelligence, part of the OnSolve Platform for Critical Event Management, is driven by artificial intelligence and can continuously monitor thousands of data sources to programmatically identify specific disasters, determine if those events will impact an organization’s people, places or property, and then communicate the details of that critical event to those who need to make informed decisions.

Enhanced Critical Communications

Additionally, BCG will continue to expand its integrations with OnSolve Critical Communications that offers comprehensive on-demand alerting capabilities to enable crisis response, with a global reach in 190+ countries and 29 languages, precision geo-targeting and multiple modalities for message send, and over 60 combined years of proven support to both the public and private sectors, including being trusted by nearly half of the Fortune 500.

DLAN users can now access OnSolve Critical Communications products from directly within the DLAN platform and will soon be able to access OnSolve Risk Intelligence. These enhancements will give DLAN users more choice on how to send notifications from within the DLAN system, and will create a unified response portal that simplifies the user experience.

“We are proud to partner with another technology leader in incident management,” Matt Bradley, Vice President of Global Security Solutions, Alliances and Channels, OnSolve. “Our market-leading risk intelligence product and time-tested critical communications, coupled with BCG’s advanced emergency management system will help us keep people safe, informed, assured and productive when it matters most.”

The partnership with OnSolve and integration with OnSolve Risk Intelligence and OnSolve Critical Communications will enhance DLAN’s already robust feature set, adding additional services for intelligence, alerting, and reporting.

Cynthia Weeden, President of FutureShield, says “I am so pleased to have two of FutureShield’s vendor partners come together to provide best in class enterprise level end-to-end management of incidents and emergencies.” BCG will continue to work with OnSolve to create innovative and market-leading integrations within the DLAN system. Existing integrations with OnSolve services are available today and additional OnSolve services will continue to roll out to DLAN users over the course of the year.

Check out all DLAN has to offer – Schedule a Free Demo Today.

OnSolve

With billions of alerts sent annually and over 60 combined years of proven support to both the public and private sectors, OnSolve delivers critical event management capabilities backed by unmatched industry expertise, which keeps our customers safe, informed, assured and productive when it matters most. We do that through a SaaS-based global portfolio that delivers scalable, easy-to-deploy-and-use solutions for the rapid and secure exchange of vital information and coordination among organizations, people, devices and partners, regardless of the situation or level of need. For more information, visit onsolve.com.

FutureShield

FutureShield Inc. was founded in Toronto, Canada in 2005 to provide expertise in integrating software solutions for security, emergency management, and critical infrastructure protection. FutureShield is an authorized provider of Onsolve and BCG in Canada. For more information, visit futureshield.com.

DLAN helps Algonquin College Prepare the Next Generation of Emergency Managers

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 18:27:31 +0000

BCG is pleased to announce that Algonquin College will be utilizing our DLAN software for their Bachelor of Public Safety degree program this year. The software was donated by BCG to help train students on Emergency Management best practices.

Students will be able to use the system to create full emergency scenarios. They will be able to create ICS/IMS forms, Incident Action Plans, and Situation Reports; collaborate on scenario missions and tasks, and track scenario resources. They will also be able to view scenario information on dashboards and maps. This will help prepare them for real-world events.

“Recent emergency events have demonstrated that having robust technologies to support emergency managers is important, but not enough. It is critical for first response organizations to be able to rapidly deploy and effectively leverage these tools! You cannot learn to manage the technology or software during the event. Our objective is to develop emergency managers and operators with the knowledge and expertise to use these systems from the outset.” - Major (Retired) Graham Newbold, PhD, Program Coordinator, Bachelor of Public Safety

BCG believes it is important to train future emergency managers using the tools they will see in the field. We are happy to be able to donate our software to educational institutions to help prepare the next generation of emergency managers.

Check out all DLAN has to offer – Schedule a Free Demo Today.

Algonquin College

The mission of Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology is to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success. Algonquin College, an Ontario (Canada) public sector community college, does this by offering hands-on, digitally connected, experiential learning in more than 340 programs. Based in the Ottawa Valley, Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario.

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Check out all DLAN has to offer – Schedule a Free Demo Toda y

See how DLAN can help your team manage multi-jurisdictional emegerencies –
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