Every day, more people are realizing that the best approach to a solid notification and alerting plan is the "system-of-systems" route. Not one single system, but a number of them working in concert. A system-of-system concept requires a different thought process from the get-go. The answer is not simply buying a notification solution from a vendor, going through training, and expecting success to occur. Instead, the mission must be approached as a managed program.
Success of a managed program is largely dependent upon understanding, design, control, and promotion of the system-of-systems. It must be properly built and managed - accomplished only after a good understanding is developed. Then, once in place, it must be "sold" both internally and externally. This means a specific process with five definitive steps. Once the process and steps are known, it's a matter of implementing the process and following the steps.
First, an Assessment must be conducted. It is followed by development of a Business Case, a document and exercise that serves as a guide for going forward and a means for winning buy-in. Design, management, and promotion are next.
The level of effort will depend on the organization (or organizations) involved. Large, complex organizations will naturally require more effort. Smaller organizations would be well-served to follow the process, even if the level of effort is low.
With these five things properly done, a notification/alert/warning program will be successful.
NOTE: Excerpted from Galain Solutions, Inc. white paper, "Notifications, Alerts, Warnings: The Next Generation". Complete copy available by emailing info@galainsolutions.com.
