Mass notification systems are increasingly relevant in today’s technology landscape, offering a crucial way for integrators’ clients to disseminate critical information quickly during emergencies or other urgent situations. Unlike public address systems, which typically handle routine localized audio messages, mass notification systems can include multi-modal communication methods such as SMS alerts, emails, digital signage, PA announcements, sirens and mobile apps. These systems are designed to be intrusive and to deliver wide-scale reach.
Here, we summarize some of the key takeaways from Commercial Integrator’s recent Mass Notification Deep Dive report.
Tighter Client Alignment
Mass notification presents a significant opportunity for integrators looking to more tightly align with their clients, particularly in key verticals like education, healthcare, government and transportation. These systems enable schools, hospitals, government buildings and more to enhance their security and operational efficiency, and they offer an opportunity for integrators to play a constructive consultative role.
Key Vertical Markets
Let’s dive deeper into some key vertical markets that rely on and can benefit from mass notification systems.
- Education
Schools and campuses rely on notification systems to address threats like active shooters and weather emergencies, ensuring swift communication across multiple channels. Given that today’s students often wear earbuds or are otherwise prone to distraction, mass notification systems in this vertical must be particularly intrusive to capture their attention.
- Healthcare
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities require mass notification to manage emergency protocols while addressing unique challenges, such as the presence of hazardous materials. Critical infrastructure integration, such as nurse call systems and fire alarms, is key in these spaces.
- Government and Municipalities
Mass notification plays a pivotal role in military bases and public infrastructure by addressing scenarios like natural disasters and terrorist threats, or even just public safety announcements. These systems must comply with NFPA and FCC standards to ensure reliable, secure communication.
- Transportation Hubs
Facilities like airports and train stations use mass notification systems to manage emergencies and to facilitate day-to-day operations. These systems require integration with public-address systems and can utilize push notifications to provide real-time updates.
Technologies Enabling Mass Notification
Successful mass notification systems depend on seamless integration of multiple technologies. These can include the traditional systems that AV integrators deploy every day, including installed loudspeakers, intercom systems and digital signage, as well as cellular technology like SMS texts and push alerts.
Having a fully synchronized framework is essential to prevent gaps in communication and to maximize efficiency. For example, in an ideal scenario, a single action — for example, pulling an emergency alarm — can trigger messages across loudspeakers, digital signage and mobile devices. This not only ensures efficient dissemination of critical information but also serves to support unified messaging.
Mass Notification Enables Consultative Sales
In the Commercial Integrator Mass Notification Deep Dive report, we speak to several experts who know the mass notification market intimately. Our sources include Adam Winterton, global technology center (GTC) manager, Stone Security; Scott Lord, life safety solutions consultant, Electronic Contracting Company, and co-chair of the PASSK12.org Technical Committee; Jim Crumbley, president/CEO, Risk Response Team, a fellow co-chair of the PASSK12.org Technical Committee; Jason Thomas, executive director of system architecture and engineering, Risk Response Team; and Michael Cast, regional sales manager, Online Marketing, a manufacturer’s rep firm.
Together, they explain how mass notification systems provide a path for integrators to transition from selling isolated solutions to offering strategic consultation services. By developing a deeper level of expertise, integrators can guide clients in tailoring emergency communication systems to their needs. Ultimately, then, integrators can build stronger client relationships and capture more revenue.
Our interviewees emphasize, however, that providing a comprehensive mass notification solution requires familiarity with standards from the NFPA, FCC regulations and local codes applying in your jurisdiction.
Mass Notification: Best Practices and Challenges
Successfully implementing mass notification systems requires gathering detailed requirements for the application, mapping out notification plans and understanding vertical-specific challenges. And, once systems are deployed, regular testing and maintenance are critical to ensuring system reliability. This is especially crucial in mass notification, in which case lives can sometimes hang in the balance. Testing schedules vary by industry: A university, for example, might test systems each semester.
Challenges that integrators might face, such as liability, regulatory compliance and technical complexity, underline the high level of preparedness that integrators should have before entering this market. Consider reaching out to our Mass Notification Deep Dive interviewees if you’re looking for support as you delve into this category.
Why Mass Notification Matters More Than Ever
In light of an evolving threat landscape and the growing demand for real-time communication during emergencies, the need for robust mass notification systems is clear. Organizations across verticals are shifting focus to not only preventative measures but also effective reactive responses. The upfront investment in integration and training may be significant, but the long-term benefits for your clients (e.g., enhanced safety, streamlined communication) and for your business (tighter client relationships, a more consultative posture with the client) justify giving mass notification a closer look.
Integrators willing to upskill and explore partnerships will find a lucrative opportunity in mass notification. If you’d like to learn more, read our Mass Notification Deep Dive report by downloading the full document.
