RMS analysis

HRFU

RMS analysis

HRFU

Considering the new RMS systemIntroduced to HFRS recently and due to go live01 April.

Presented by HRFU March05

RMS analysis

HRFU

DefinitionThe Retained Management System is designed to:

•Ensure that stations are optimally manned

•Ensure that if a station is not manned then control is advised

•Audit Firefighters retained hours

It is important to note that the HRFU fully supports the above initiatives.

RMS analysis

HRFU

DefinitionSolution failingsOur concern is based on the actual

solution which is proposed.

If the proposal expects Firefighters to complete the RMS sheet outside of drill nights then this is in direct contravention of the grey book.

However……

RMS analysis

HRFU

DefinitionSolution failingsOur concern is based on the actual

solution which is proposed.

If the proposal does not expect firefighters to complete the form outside of duty hours, then apart from on drill nights, the system will be inaccurate and fail in its primary aims.

RMS analysis

HRFU

DefinitionSolution failingsOur concern is based on the actual

solution which is proposed.

In addition the forms which need completing are;

•Cumbersome

•Overly complicated

•Not user friendly

•Do not properly consider the handling of data (multiple handling)

RMS analysis

HRFU

DefinitionSolution failingsOur concern is based on the actual

solution which is proposed.

In addition, even after an apparent 12 months of trialling. After only a few weeks of being launched fundamental changes are being proposed in what is recorder on the forms and the colours used.

What sort of trial was this….?

RMS analysis

HRFU

DefinitionSolution failingsOur concern is based on the actual

solution which is proposed.

We commend HFRS for holding its hands up and admitting its failings, but really, should such a large scale project have been launched without the fundamental policies which underpin being established….

RMS analysis

HRFU

DefinitionSolution failingsIn conclusion

In conclusion HRFU identify the RMS as a poorly though through, clumsy system which fails to deliver on its most basic precepts.

But criticising is easy, so using the knowledge and skills of our members we have formulated a direction for a solution.

RMS analysis

HRFU

DefinitionSolution failingsRe-scope the project

If we reconsider the requirements of HRFU

•To audit the availability hours of its retained workforce (accountability)

•To ensure that stations advise control if they are not on the run (8/80)

RMS analysis

HRFU

DefinitionSolution failingsRe-scope the project

And consider the life styles of Retained Firefighters:

•Can have a very transient and unpredictable life/work

•Cannot/do not want to have to drive to their fire station to keep data source updated

•Are usually open to ways in which the fire cover to the area can be improved

RMS analysis

HRFU

DefinitionSolution failingsRe-scope the projectCosts

In considering the investment of the current RMS as a guide to accepted costs:

It is predicted that every firefighter takes 5 minutes to complete the RMS a week and there are 300 retained firefighters.

Cost: £275.00 a week

RMS analysis

HRFU

DefinitionSolution failingsRe-scope the projectCosts

In considering the investment of the current RMS as a guide to accepted costs:

It is predicted that every station officer takes an hour a week to complete the RMS and there are 45 retained stations.

Cost: £540.00 a week

Cost: £275.00 a week

RMS analysis

HRFU

DefinitionSolution failingsRe-scope the projectCosts

In considering the investment of the current RMS as a guide to accepted costs:

It is estimated that it takes the administrative staff one day to then process the information. Say 4 administrative staff at £9.00 an hour

Cost: £540.00 a week

Cost: £275.00 a week

Cost: £288.00 a week

RMS analysis

HRFU

DefinitionSolution failingsRe-scope the projectCosts

Therefore, without considering materials, other administration etc. The RMS is costing HFRS £1100.00 a week.

Cost: £540.00 a week

Cost: £275.00 a week

Cost: £288.00 a week

This would then mean that given just a three month pay back return on investment you could look for a system worth £13,000.00

RMS analysis

HRFU

DefinitionSolution failingsRe-scope the projectCostsProposal

Technology is the answer, but what does technology actually do?

We propose a digital portal which accepts various inputs from firefighters allowing them to update their own status in real time and possibly pre book time off ahead.

RMS analysis

HRFU

DefinitionSolution failingsRe-scope the projectCostsProposalDigital portal

Input from web Input from SMS Input from touch tone phone

Central Data System

RMS analysis

HRFU

DefinitionSolution failingsRe-scope the projectCostsProposalDigital portal

To be really affective the system should not be seen as a dumb receiver of information but an active real time availability monitor which reacts off the data it receives. E.g…

RMS analysis

HRFU

DefinitionSolution failingsRe-scope the projectCostsProposalDigital portal

Central Data System

•Advises Control of availability

•Advises station officer if numbers fall below threshold or appliance drivers not available

•Allows interrogation by station officers to see who is available

•Can provide forecast of availability

RMS analysis

HRFU

DefinitionSolution failingsRe-scope the projectCostsProposalDigital portalBenefits

Most importantly such a system will be easy to use and be seen as beneficial to local stations so buy in will be easy and Firefighters will be willing to use it.

In addition HFRS get real time, ACCURATE information which also can be used to monitor individuals availability by the minute!

RMS analysis

HRFU

DefinitionSolution failingsRe-scope the projectCostsProposalDigital portalBenefitsDemonstration

We have designed a simple RMS system which shows how a system can hold realtime information.

Note this system does not record availability….yet!

http://www.hrfu.org.uk/pages/demo/index.html