Softscape Launches New Rapid Response Emergency Management System; Integrated Web-Based Platform Used by Government Agencies to Manage Both Citizens & Agency Workers to Ensure Disaster Victims Receive Rapid Assistance

Business Wire, Nov 14, 2005

WAYLAND, Mass. -- Softscape, the industry pioneer in intelligent people management, today announced its new Softscape CaseOne(TM) for Rapid Response Emergency Management. Softscape's solution supports Homeland Security initiatives by enabling government agencies and first response service providers to track and manage vital information in order to prepare for and expedite safe responses to disasters of any kind. The web-based system provides a secure and centralized data repository of case information that improves identification and management of victims, and eliminates redundant data that impedes the flow of care to citizens. E[acute accent]Government agencies at all levels are constantly evaluating disaster readiness plans and assessing their ability to respond in times of crisis. With Softscape's people management platform, agencies can manage the preparation of case workers, as well as the response to citizens from one single system. E[acute accent]"Too often, disaster planning only focuses on how to move people out of the affected area, coordinate recovery, and build a bridge toward the rebuilding phase," said Dave Watkins, founder and CEO, Softscape. "The unfortunate reality of the recent events in the Southern United States spotlights a secondary crisis, the vast displacement of humanity and the short and long-term assistance required before recovery can begin. Softscape's Emergency Management solution helps solve these major challenges, while better preparing agencies for future crisises."

E[acute accent]Victim Management

E[acute accent]Softscape provides all levels of government with a complete case management system to monitor relocated individuals and families, help find available shelter, coordinate service delivery and ensure they receive the state and federal assistance available to them. Softscape CaseOne enables organizations to intake key victim information and refers citizens to available services more rapidly. Agencies are able to immediately begin identifying those in need, enter them into the system to coordinate care, and ensure that each citizen has access to the network of services mobilized to meet their immediate needs. Softscape CaseOne also enables remote field managers, emergency response staff, and service providers to gain access to critical data through PDAs, web-enabled cell phones, or laptops with cell modems. In addition, data can be automatically backed-up and stored offsite and accessed via Softscape's Secure Hosting Facility service.

E[acute accent]Intake & Eligibility Processing

E[acute accent]--Guides case manager through the intake, eligibility, and screening processes, and provides validation checks to ensure eligibility.

E[acute accent]Housing & Shelter Inventory

E[acute accent]--Track shelters and available inventory, including emergency supplies, food, and water.

E[acute accent]Shelter Management

E[acute accent]--Manage available shelter space to assist displaced citizens. Designated emergency shelters can include Department of Social Services, mental health agencies, police, hospitals, schools, community services, universities, family/friends, churches, self-referrals, and other sources.

E[acute accent]Transportation Manifest

E[acute accent]--Track and inventory available transportation means to displaced citizens during an emergency event. The system can log vehicles, certified drivers, and emergency routes and their availability.

E[acute accent]Emergency Funds Tracking & Distribution Management

E[acute accent]--Track program payments rendered and remaining funds available to be allocated in the event of an emergency.

E[acute accent]Incident Tracking

E[acute accent]--Track and report incidents that occur and determine procedure for resolving incidents.

E[acute accent]Waiting Lists

E[acute accent]--Establish waiting lists for services based on a variety of criteria including available shelters or funds to provide services.

E[acute accent]Disaster Relief Outcomes & Measurements

E[acute accent]--Maintain service provider information and track service activities linked to programs.

E[acute accent]Personnel Management

E[acute accent]In addition, Softscape CaseOne incorporates best-practices functionality from Softscape's award-winning human capital management platform to ensure personnel have the skills and resources needed, certifications are current, and a succession plan is in place for each role. The web-based system includes workforce planning, recruiting, goal management, skill management, learning management, and succession planning for emergency readiness and disaster planning. Like all Softscape solutions, the system is highly configurable and can be rapidly deployed around the world.

E[acute accent]Goal Management

E[acute accent]--Enables emergency plan goals and objectives to be aligned and cascaded across multiple agencies.

E[acute accent]Skills Management

E[acute accent]--Enables organizations to create a library of staff skills and identify any necessary training. By developing competencies and success metrics, organizations are able to identify education and training programs to fill critical needs.