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NGA Launches Public Safety Product Advisory Council

In a significant move to enhance public safety technology, NGA, a prominent provider of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) solutions, has introduced the Public Safety Product Advisory Council. This strategic group is dedicated to aligning NGA's technological advancements with the crucial demands of public safety agencies, both in the U.S. and abroad.

Understanding NG911

NG911 marks a vital transition from outdated analog systems to sophisticated digital infrastructures that can process text, video, and real-time data alongside traditional voice calls. As public safety agencies are increasingly pushed to perform efficiently amidst escalating demands for rapid response and reliability, these updates are paramount.

NGA's Council will combine insights from key leaders in product management, engineering, marketing, sales, and customer success, ensuring that the development of solutions is well-informed and cross-functional. This collaboration is aimed at embedding real-world dispatcher workflows and operational needs directly into product designs.

Voices Behind the Decisions

According to Don Ferguson, the CEO of NGA, the organization's product strategy prioritizes outcomes for those who rely heavily on 9-1-1 services. Ferguson explained, "With the Public Safety Product Council, we're shifting from traditional feedback mechanisms to a model where customer insights directly inform our design and planning processes."

Core Functions of the Council

The Council will play a pivotal role in:

• - Directing Development: Shaping the future of NGA’s product line by directing the development of innovative solutions and enhancements.
• - Evaluating Products: Identifying and phasing out features or products that do not meet performance expectations.
• - Integrating Feedback: Ensuring that customer feedback is central to product education, delivery, and planning.
• - Aligning Strategy: Connecting product development efforts with NGA's overarching mission of delivering dependable, resilient emergency communications.

Collaboration is a key tenet of the Council, which will work closely with Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) partners and communication professionals to gather ongoing feedback, feature requests, and insights into innovation. A dedicated Customer User Group will also be established, fostering further customer involvement in the development of new solutions.

Engagement Tracks

NGA's initiative includes two main engagement tracks: Customer Engagement and Engineering Immersion. These tracks are designed to ensure that all involved parties, including field teams, engineers, and product developers, gain first-hand knowledge of the operational environments of dispatchers. Activities will include live observations, post-incident reviews, and educational sessions led by dispatchers to enhance understanding.

Barbara Winn, NGA’s chief growth officer, echoed the Council’s philosophy: "Growth stems from our ability to listen proactively. By establishing a structured approach to incorporating customer feedback and leveraging internal expertise, we are not just improving our products; we are fostering a nimble, responsive innovation process that serves the entire public safety landscape."

Early Initiative Members

The Public Safety Product Council comprises representatives from various agencies, including those from Bakersfield, Fresno, Glendora, UC Irvine, and El Cajon in California; as well as Livingston Parish in Louisiana and Logan County in West Virginia. Membership is continuously expanding, indicating the growing interest and need for collaborative efforts in enhancing public safety technology.

NGA's commitment to this initiative reaffirms its long-term dedication to ensuring that the technology behind emergency calls is both responsive and future-ready, developed in partnership with the very individuals who rely on it.

To explore more about NGA and their offerings, visit nga911.com.