Digital Transformation and Modernization for Detroit Fire Department
Background Summary
Outdated inventory systems can delay response times and compromise readiness for first responders.
Shipcom’s smart inventory solutions bring real-time visibility, automated tracking, and seamless management of critical supplies and gear—empowering fire departments, EMS teams, and emergency services to respond faster, safer, and with greater confidence.
Challenge
- No official existing infrastructure for tracking and managing inventory (covering daily usage consumables, personnel gear and expensive assets).
- Time-consuming manual paper processes for logging and reporting.
- Inadequate visibility into resource allocation across different firehouse squads and EMS units, leading to uneven distribution.
- Difficulties in tracking equipment usage and personnel assignments in real time.
- Lack of alerting capabilities to determine re-ordering/restocking items and assets
Shipcom's Solution
The Shipcom Catamaran NextGen™ platform was customized and implemented to meet the unique needs of DFD and EMS:
- Implemented location/bin barcode labeling and materials (item and assets) labeling across the warehouse to enable, scan, & capture information
- Worked with Detroit Fire team to conduct data cleansing, preparation, and loading into the new digital inventory software (from spreadsheets and personnel knowledge)
- Deployed an advanced Inventory management solution to provide live inventory counts, precise location and details of all inventories in the main warehouse and other sites
- Provided simplified workflows to capture movement of inventory via transactions such as Receiving, Putaway, Picking and Adjustments on handheld scanners and tablets
- Detailed cycle count workflow, from setup to mobile transactions, including review and approval flows
- Provided a self-sustaining Datasheet and Admin tools functionality for long-term configurability
- Presented customizable reporting and dashboards to provide AI-augmented analytics
- Deployed initial data setup services to get a rapid start to adopting the new Catamaran NextGen™ inventory management solution
- Introduced a more detailed Request module (with approval workflow), ordering rules, and a “Request tracker” to provide visibility and accountability of internal orders (requests)
- Introduced a streamlined, single-screen mobile app solution for effortless inventory bin swaps, enhancing efficiency and accuracy
Process & Deployment
- Implementation of the Catamaran™ mobile and desktop applications for all staff, facilitating easy access to inventory levels and resource locations
- Deployed mobile handheld and tablet scanners while implementing a comprehensive labeling system for material, equipment, and assets across all firehouses and EMS stations
- Implemented a label printing solution to enable self-sustained labeling for both bins and materials across the warehouse
- In-depth training sessions for DFD and EMS staff on effectively navigating and utilizing the new inventory management platform
Software
Shipcom’s Catamaran NextGen™ IMS Application
Operational teams get real-time inventory insights through this intuitive app. Catamaran NextGen™ IMS automates reporting, triggers alerts, & streamlines workflows—eliminating manual tracking and ensuring critical supplies are always available. Its user-friendly interface features an Order Request Module, like an Amazon’s shopping cart, simplifying fulfillment.
End-to-end warehouse life cycle from receiving to order requests
IMS System Benefits for DFD & EMS
Perform inventory processes on mobile devices & tablets augmented by QR/RFID scanning.
Implementation Outcomes and KPIs
- Drastic reduction in time required for inventory checks and asset/material management.
- Enhanced ability to track and allocate resources equitably among firehouse squads and EMS units.
- Significant decrease in paper usage and manual entry errors, leading to greater accuracy, efficiency, and faster emergency response.
- Substantially minimized stock-outs, eliminated any excess inventory, and enabled proactive identification of obsolete and expired stock.
Customer delight from the team at Detroit Fire Department!
Captain Chris Barbour
Fire/EMS Logistics Lead
The best way to predict the future is to create it, and Shipcom helps create it! Their cool, easy-to-use platform has streamlined our processes here at the Fire Department the support has been nothing short of remarkable.
SLED (State, Local & Education)
Warehouse / Inventory Management
