BARB (Box-area Automated Run-card Builder):

BARB is a one-of-a-kind software application for automating the building of static run-cards, or pick lists. BARB expertly handles the building of station orders and unit orders as based on the type of dispatch system at a given department. With BARB, run cards can be created “on the fly” to reflect changes in the field—station/unit relocation, station/unit addition, or station/unit closure, for example.

BARB quickly generates recommendations for road and network-based running routes to every street address. This process eliminates the time and tedium in constructing run orders for every unit which could possibly respond to an incident within a given dispatch grid. The process considers changes in road networks—road closures and openings, bridge closures, or special events, for example—as well as unit types and their capabilities. BARB also offers built-in Q&A tools for checking road quality in the network map being used. In addition, BARB can serve as an electronic back-up in the event of CAD failure. 

BARB can work independently or interface with any CAD.

CAD systems traditionally operate as depicted above, storing run cards for each dispatch grid in the service area and assigning incidents to specific grids as based on the incident address. The CAD system determines the types of units needed for a response as derived from the department’s plan—incident type, risk, and so forth. Finally, the CAD system looks up the run card table for the units needed and, based on their current status, determines which to dispatch for the incident.

Why are Dispatch Grids/Run Cards needed?

• Specify pick lists 
• Ensure that the right units are dispatched
• Incorporate them in the Backup Book

Field Operations can—

• “Own” their dispatch grids
• Work on running routes within a dispatch grid
• Factor the hydrants within a dispatch grid