Channels provides planners, consultants, enterprise architects with the most efficient framework available for creating information sharing plans and communication procedures for homeland security, emergency preparedness, business continuity, and operational risk management. These procedures detail what information needs to be sent and received so multiple organizations or business units can operate jointly.

Channels is the first software that allows information sharing procedures to be built in a rigorous and scalable manner, and can automatically detect information sharing issues and opportunities for improvement. Channels provides the ability to transform risk management from a single-agency orientation to a collaborative effort between inter-dependent organizations.  The Channels method of representing information sharing makes it the first system that can generate information flow maps and communication procedures that can be extended and “scale” across any type or number of organizations and scenarios. The Channels software system is based on a methodology piloted successfully for the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security in 2006.

Information sharing and communication activities are typically subject to a variety of legal and regulatory requirements and controls. Channels enables organizations to assess procedures from the perspective of compliance with legal guidance, government regulation, and standards and to develop governance processes.

Features

• Use forms to rapidly profile the information that needs to be sent and received
• Visualize the flow of information between roles
• Create information sharing plans and documented procedures to enhance governance and preparedness
• View, print, and export information flow maps, procedures, and resource directories
• Automatically identify problems in the current or planned flow of information – gaps, delays, unreliable connections, and potentially non-compliant communication flows

Benefits

• Increases the speed and reduces the cost of developing and exercising emergency communication procedures
• Enables groups to mitigate risk and respond more effectively in an emergency
• Enhances organizational resilience and operational performance
• Supports “mission integration” and lowers the risk of communication problems impeding joint efforts to save lives and reduce damages in a disaster
• Fosters insight into the inter-dependencies been organizations in ways that inform strategic planning and decision-making
• Minimizes knowledge loss after personnel turnover