Why use email for the management of IS213 message forms?

       Better Message Control! Accountability!  Better information! Less manpower! 
Fewer Errors! More Disaster proof! More secure! Real time! Flexible! 
       (Outlook Express is used as the example other email clients are similar. Click blue links for further information)

• Familiar interface, minimizes training (easy to embed help, easy @ home training for volunteers), minimizes resistance 
• Cross platform enabled (send/receive email form any email capable device, tablet, cell phone, desktop, laptop, Apple, Windows, Android, Linux, doesn't matter)
• email is designed to manage messaging:
      Auto date/time stamping
      Auto read receipt (and ability to facilitate suspense tickler file on priority messages)
      Auto logging ( inbox folder, sent folder custom folders), also auto tracks routing (TO:, CC: )
      Auto distribution controls: group emails, cc & bcc fields
      Built in prioritization flags (3 levels)
      Forms support (create a template as "stationary")
      Ability to encrypt for sensitive off site communications
      Can incorporate source authentication  (server and individual, "I am who I say I am")
• No need for EOC floor "runners" reduces congestion/confusion, manpower in EOC, 
• Minimizes "illegibility" problems with "hand written" 213's (alpha/numeric issues too)
• Ability to send TXT (SMS) messages to cell phones ( www.txtdrop.com ) 
• Ability to communicate in real time with outside agencies (everybody has email today) CC State DEM without needing a separate action 
• Ability to attach files and documents to messages (photos, ICS forms, scanned documents, maps, Smartboard scribbles, even videos). "Cut and Paste-able" insert text, pics in body
• Ability to embed live (click and go) hyperlinks (point someone to an online resource, local file or collaboration point i.e. Google Docs or a cloud folder)
• Simple archival processes (save messages [from files], by operational period [create operational period based folders and move messages to the op period folder at end of period] , by addressee i.e. operations@eocweb.net (substitute your domain email), auto route to Documentation Unit with i.e. docunit@eocweb.net email address, automatic off site storage with web mail interface [your mail box folders are on their server i.e. Gmail, many options). 
• Ability to encrypt for sensitive off site communications
• Most dispatch centers have email capability built into their consoles
• Ability to host entirely locally (intranet)
• Ability to use 3G/4G "Cellular Hotspot" technology to function when land internet lines are down