Futureproofing Fire Services With Panasonic TOUGHBOOK Mobile-IT As-A-Service

Having reliable, fit-for-purpose rugged devices is crucial for fire services. However, they need far more than technology to function effectively. As a result, they’re transitioning to subscription-based procurement models to deal with the demands of frontline operations.

written by: Will Holmes, Business Manager (Public Sector), Panasonic TOUGHBOOK

Fire and rescue services face rising pressure to cut response times amid shrinking budgets and ageing systems. Mobile platforms are kept long past their intended lifespan, with uncertain funding hindering long-term planning. Meanwhile, IT teams struggle with complex procurement and management processes that delay new technology deployment.

At the same time, fire services are expected to do more with less. There is rising demand for greater agency collaboration and public expectations for digital resilience. Additionally, challenges such as managing software updates, maintenance, accidental damage, and secure connectivity add further complexity for IT teams.

It’s no wonder many fire services are reassessing how they acquire and manage their technology. They need flexible and scalable solutions that are aligned with their objectives.

From Cost to Capability

The traditional CAPEX approach of purchasing rugged mobile technology outright, and running it for as long as possible. This significant upfront investment can be hard to justify. During long procurement cycles, devices age to the point where they cannot keep up with modern software. Repairs become more frequent and expensive, with IT teams spending more time resolving technological problems instead of supporting crews in the field.

An agile, as-a-service subscription-based model presents a smarter way forward for fire services. As with so many consumer services – such as mobile phone contracts, streaming, and vehicle leasing – this presents the desired flexibility for a fixed monthly fee.

Adopting an subscription-based OPEX model, such as Panasonic’s end-to-end Mobile-IT As-a-Service (MaaS) offering, provides fire services with hardware, software, and connectivity support, for devices such as the TOUGHBOOK 33 or G2 2-in-1 tablets – popularly used by fire services as MDTs. This reshapes how fire services deploy and manage mission-critical technology, providing the scalability and peace-of-mind that fire services need that enables them to focus on the job in hand.

The Benefits of MaaS for Fire Services

Available as a self-service, hybrid, or completely outsourced option, Panasonic’s MaaS solution bundles elements such as rugged hardware, in-vehicle installation, image creation, deployment, and endpoint security into a single monthly subscription. This gives fire services 24/7 access to rugged technology that’s always fit for purpose, ready to perform, protected, and built around operational needs – regardless of their budgets and needs.

With fully integrated, pre-configured technology that’s always ready to deploy fire services can respond to incidents faster, scale operations effortlessly, and respond quickly to differing operational requirements.

The flexible MaaS model provides fire services with a competitive advantage, revolutionising how they manage technology, unlock adaptability, and streamline budgets. This allows them to focus on what matters most: saving lives.

For more information on MaaS, click here.

Futureproofing Fire Services With Panasonic TOUGHBOOK Mobile-IT As-A-Service

From Cost to Capability

The Benefits of MaaS for Fire Services

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