Automated Call-Out
From PCSAR
PCSAR is planning on implementing an automated call-out system, where a computer simultaneously dials the members and plays a message alerting them to the event.
Options
Two offers to piggy-back on existing systems have been made.
As part of the H2S Protocol, Shell has offered use of their system.
The Pincher Creek Community Emergency Management Agency (PCCEMA) is rolling out a system of their own to notify residents of major emergencies.
There was also a commercial option that Eric Bruder was looking at. Unfortunately, I don't have the details on which system that was.
| Feature | Shell | PCCEMA |
|---|---|---|
| Terms | ||
| Cost | free | one free usage per month; US$.15 per call thereafter (about CA$20 for a full call-out) |
| Advantage to partner | tests their system | tests their system; PCSAR callers could be asked to help with PCCEMA incident |
| Future | long term | PCCEMA is renegotiating with its supplier RapidFire in one year; may cause changes |
| Initiation | ||
| By phone | yes - call Shell | yes - call 24hr Customer Service |
| By computer | no | yes |
| Who is Contacted | ||
| Predefined lists | one | unlimited; e.g. each type of call |
| Merge lists | no | yes, but duplicates called multiple times |
| Select from within list | no | no |
| Call only those that haven't already been called | no | no |
| Try again | no | yes |
| Phone numbers per contact (list entry) | 2 | 3 |
| Dial an extension | no | no |
| Play person's name - who is being asked for? | no | no |
| Messages | ||
| Prerecorded messages | 1+test | unlimited |
| Record on the fly | no | yes |
| Caller ID displayed | Shell's phone number | Any phone number; Call Back # |
| Send text message | no | yes |
| Send email | no, but PCSAR provides | yes |
| Reports | ||
| verbal | yes? | no |
| yes? | no | |
| online | no | yes |
| who called | yes | yes |
| which numbers answered | yes? | yes |
| Response, I can come | yes | yes |
| Response, How long before I'm there | no | yes |
