There are many resource-tracking systems, ranging from simple status sheets to sophisticated computer-based systems.
Information management systems enhance resource status information flow by providing real-time data to jurisdictions, incident personnel, and their affiliated organizations.
Information management systems used to support resource management include location-enabled situational awareness and decision support tools with resource tracking that links to the entity’s resource inventory(s).
Regardless of the system used, it must:
- Account for the overall status of resources at the incident.
- Track movement of Operations personnel into and out of the incident tactical operations area.
- Be able to handle day-to-day resource tracking, and also be flexible enough to track large numbers of multidisciplinary resources that may respond to a large, rapidly expanding incident.
- Have a backup mechanism in the event on-scene tracking breaks down.
The more hazardous the tactics being implemented on the incident, the more important it is to maintain accurate resource status information.
