Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service selects Infographics’ FireWatch cloud software as a new integrated Fire Service resource management platform

Infographics is delighted to announce Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service as its latest FRS client to select the FireWatch platform – to deliver a management suite and complete, connected picture of human resources and assets.

Joining a user community of around 20 fire and rescue services across the UK, Cumbria is investing in its business transformation and digitisation programme in parallel with its recent move from being part of the County Council to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC).

Brian Steadman, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, said:

“Following Local Government Reorganisation within Cumbria, the Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner is now responsible for the governance of Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service (CFRS). The change in governance also involves a review of legacy County Council ICT infrastructure and the disaggregation of corporate systems. This project aims to take into account all CFRS systems and actively seek opportunities to rationalise and reduce the number of standalone systems by implementing scalable, modular, and integrated solutions that create efficiencies and eliminate the duplication of effort and inconsistent recording of information.

“This project can be seen as the first step in the CFRS Digital Transformation Programme. It will, therefore, strive to make the best use of modern-day technology and digital solutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the workforce and delivery of services.”

FireWatch is a specialised fire and rescue resource planning and management solution delivered via a Software as a Service (SaaS) model and hosted in Microsoft Azure Cloud.

It provides an integrated suite that supports SMT Planning, HMICFRS reporting, Actionable Dashboards, Human Resources, Time and Attendance, Operational Availability, Training and Development, Asset and Fleet Management and Health and Safety. The system can be accessed via the multi-platform Mobile App, M365 integrations and Web to deliver workforce self-service and streamlined digital processes.

Cumbria’s transfer from the County Council to the PFCC allowed the Service to review its current separate ‘on-premise’ solutions across various departments and areas.

The initial phase of the FireWatch project will focus on deploying new, integrated modules for HR, Health & Safety, the Mobile App and Payroll integration. Other modules and areas will follow in the subsequent phases. The cloud-based solution integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, including calendars, email, tasks/to-do lists, OneDrive for document storage and Single Sign On.

Although not part of Cumbria’s current planned phases, Infographics also provide their complimentary Prevent + Protect solution to FRS customers, which offers an integrated solution for Prevention, Protection, Operational Risk and Hydrant Management.

Russell Wood, Commercial Manager at Infographics, said:

”We are delighted to announce Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service as our latest client and look forward to helping them transition to our specialist, fully integrated, cloud-hosted FireWatch suite.

“FireWatch provides secure, high-availability, ‘anytime, anywhere’ access via Web, App and M365 integrations. The platform will move key FRS systems to the Azure Cloud, transform current disconnected processes and data, and ultimately enable modernised services and processes to be delivered to FRS users – whilst improving service delivery for the public.”

This latest deal cements the FireWatch software suite’s position as the market’s leading fire and rescue management solution.

“We expect and look forward to announcing additional new clients in 2024,” he added.