Immediate Notifications Alert Hanford Workforce of Potential Network Issues

RICHLAND, Wash. – EM Richland Operations Office (RL) contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS) recently launched a new method to quickly and easily alert Hanford Site computer users if an issue is affecting the Hanford Site network.

When activated, a pop-up alert will automatically display on the computers of all logged-in Hanford network users and prompt them to acknowledge it. The first use of the system came less than a week after it went live and sent a notification to about 5,000 users. More than half of the recipients acknowledged the alert within 15 minutes.

“Most of the Hanford workforce relies on technology in some way daily, increasing our need to distribute information quickly and efficiently,” said Mike Eddy, Hanford deputy chief information officer. “Notifying people of potential issues allows for continuity of operations where possible.”

The new computer pop-ups use the same software system as the Hanford Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to notify personnel of emergencies. Using this software, the EOC has made Hanford emergency notifications more streamlined and informative. HMIS emergency preparedness staff can use pre-drafted messages, quickly customizing each for immediate distribution to the workforce or community members who have the Hanford Mobile app.

“By sending standardized mass notifications like these pop-up alerts, the EOC and HMIS can reach thousands of people within minutes, and the cloud-based platform also puts those alerts directly on smart devices,” said Todd Eckman, HMIS vice president of Information Management Services. “Using the platform, operators can also access the system remotely.”