How It Works

Beacon Logotype

Beacon was designed to allow response agencies to alert, coordinate and track their responders on any mobile device.

Whether you utilize a traditional CAD system or are building your own dispatch infrastructure from scratch, Beacon’s cloud-based platform and 24/7 support provides solutions for all response agencies using readily-available mobile phone technologies – with or without Internet. 

SAMPLE BEACON CONFIGURATIONS

DIRECT ASSIGNMENT – Just like a traditional CADs, Beacon allows dispatchers to select specific responders to assign to an incident.

Dispatch Type Assignment Icon IMG 1

BROADCAST ALERTS – If you’re not sure who’s closest, Beacon allows dispatcher to crowdsource the nearest responders by sending broadcast alerts to groups, and then automates their assignment to incidents through customizable parameters.

Dispatch Type Broadcast Alert Icon IMG 1

HYBRID DISPATCH – Beacon also gives you the best of both worlds, allowing dispatchers to assign a specific response unit while also crowdsourcing additional responders from a larger group.

Dispatch Type Hybrid Icon IMG 1

MOBILE DISPATCH – Don’t have a formal call center or computer? Dispatchers can use the Beacon mobile app to create new incidents and monitor progress on-the-go.

Dispatch Type Mobile Dispatch Icon IMG 1

CAD INTEGRATION – Beacon easily plugs into an existing CAD to automate alerts sent out from formal emergency communications centers (e.g., 911, 112, 988 etc.)

Dispatch Type CAD Integration Icon IMG 1

SMS DISPATCH – Don’t have Internet? Beacon can send out SMS alerts to responders who can also reply via SMS to ensure on-going monitoring when connectivity is limited.

Dispatch Type SMS Dispatch Icon IMG 1

More About Beacon

Beacon accounts are priced on usage according to:

MONTHLY COSTS

  • Number of responders (per device)
  • Number of dispatchers (per named seat)
  • Number of incidents per month
  • Messaging service (SMS and/or mobile app)

ONE-TIME COSTS

Charged on an hourly basis

  • Integrations (e.g., with CADs, 3rd party software applications, messaging services)
  • Customizations

Discounts for non-profit organizations available.

Contact us for more info on pricing.

BEACON DISPATCHER

Web Platform

Single Internet-connected computer using Firefox or Google Chrome web browser

Safari, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Opera, smartphone web browser not supported

BEACON RESPONDER

SMS & Mobile App Interfaces

SMS works on any mobile phone though a local SMS Gateway may be required

Mobile app requires Android (v5.0 or later) or iOS (v15.0 or later) smartphone

Beacon Platform Features

Beacon’s scalable design and easy-to-use interface allows any organization to be ready to scale their own emergency dispatching system in 30 minutes or less.
Web Application
Mobile Application
SMS Messaging
User Types Administrators and Dispatchers Dispatchers and/or Responders Responders
Account Creation
Manage Responders
Edit Maps
Create Emergency Incidents
Respond to Incidents
Track Responders
Chat Messaging
Reports
HIPAA-Compliant Case Reports

Beacon Platform Features

Beacon’s scalable design and easy-to-use interface allows any organization to be ready to scale their own emergency dispatching system in 30 minutes or less.
Web Application

Administrators and Dispatchers

Account Creation

Manage Responders

Edit Maps

Create Emergency Incidents

Respond to Incidents

Track Responders

Chat Messaging

Reports

Mobile Application

Dispatchers and/or Responders

Account Creation

Manage Responders

Edit Maps

Create Emergency Incidents

Respond to Incidents

Track Responders

Chat Messaging

Reports

SMS Messaging

Responders

Account Creation

Manage Responders

Edit Maps

Create Emergency Incidents

Respond to Incidents

Track Responders

Chat Messaging

Reports

Beacon Lantern Logo w r

Who Can Use Beacon?

Whether you want to plug Beacon into your existing CAD or build out a call center from scratch, we can help you send the right responders where and when they’re needed.

Emergency Services

Beacon is used by ambulance services, fire departments, disaster response and search and rescue teams to coordinate response operations in more than 20 countries.

Crisis Response Organizations

Crisis Responders Icon IMG

Beacon is used by alternative response networks to coordinate community responders during mental health emergencies, domestic violence crises, substance abuse overdoses and gang-related violence.

Get Started with Beacon in 4 Easy Steps

How is emergency response made easy? Check out these steps to get going!

1

Create Free
Agency Account

Sign Up as a dispatcher to create an Agency Account on the Beacon platform.

2

Add
Responders

Create responders in the web application and have them easily respond to incidents.

3

Download Mobile App

After setting up your dispatcher account, invite responders to download and install the Beacon mobile app on their devices.

Download our app

4

Create Incidents & Respond

Create emergency incidents for your responders to be alerted to via the web, mobile and sms platforms.

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