Single-Point Versus Multipoint Resource Ordering

Single-Point Resource Ordering: The concept of single-point resource ordering is that the burden of finding the requested resources is placed on the responsible jurisdiction/agency dispatch/ordering center and not on the incident organization.

Single-point resource ordering (i.e., ordering all resources through one dispatch/ordering center) is usually the preferred method.

The Operations Section, Planning Section, Finance/Admin Section, and Command staff all flow into the Logistics Section. Command approval is required. At that point it can them move to the Agency/Multiagency Ordering Point.

However, single-point resource ordering may not be feasible when:

The dispatch/ordering center becomes overloaded with other activity and is unable to handle new requests in a timely manner.
Assisting agencies at the incident have policies that require all resource orders be made through their respective dispatch/ordering centers.
Special situations relating to the order necessitate that personnel at the incident discuss the details of the request directly with an off-site agency or private-sector provider.

Multipoint Resource Ordering: Multipoint ordering is when the incident orders resources from several different ordering points and/or the private sector. Multipoint off-incident resource ordering should be done only when necessary.

Organizational chart on multipoint ordering. Operations Section, Planning Section, Finance/Admin Section, and Command Staff point towards Logistics Section. Logistics section has a connection to the Command Approval and points up to Agency 1, Agency 2, and Agency 3 ordering point.

Multipoint ordering places a heavier load on incident personnel by requiring them to place orders through two or more ordering points. This method of ordering also requires tremendous coordination between and among ordering points, and increases the chances of lost or duplicated orders.