Purpose Statement
The Unit Update workflow allows agencies to update a unit’s dispatch ID, physical location, operational status, and apparatus group assignment without transferring equipment, inventory, or asset kits.
This streamlined process is designed for agencies that frequently reassign apparatus between stations or operate with generic dispatch identifiers (for example, “Engine 1” representing whichever apparatus is assigned to Station 1). A Unit Update ensures operational information is updated quickly while keeping all equipment and inventory tied to the original apparatus.
Background Information
Unit Updates provide flexibility for departments that manage apparatus assignments dynamically. Unlike an Apparatus Swap, which transfers equipment, inventory, and kits between vehicles, a Unit Update only changes operational attributes of a unit.
A Unit Update modifies the following information:
Dispatch ID
Physical Location (Station)
Operational Status (In Service / Out of Service)
Primary or Reserve designation
Apparatus Group (optional)
Equipment, inventory, and kits remain assigned to their original apparatus.
Unit Updates can be initiated from three locations in the system:
Fleet Overview (Assets → Apparatus Overview)
Start a Unit Update directly from the fleet list.
Out of Service Workflow
When toggling an apparatus Out of Service, you can select Unit Update.
Unit Updates Page (Assets → Swap → Unit Updates)
Select Initiate to begin a new Unit Update.
All entry points launch the same Unit Update workflow.
Common use cases include:
Assigning a reserve apparatus to a frontline dispatch ID
Moving apparatus between stations
Updating apparatus availability status
Reassigning units while keeping equipment and inventory attached to the physical apparatus
Prerequisites:
User must have permission to Perform an apparatus swap
Understanding of your agency’s dispatch naming conventions
Awareness of current apparatus status and station assignments
Required Permissions
To perform a Unit Update, users must have the following permission enabled under the Apparatus section:
Perform an apparatus swap – Set to Allow
Additional related permissions may include:
View all apparatus swaps – Allows users to view swap and unit update history
Reverse an active swap – Allows users to undo a Unit Update
Close an active swap – Allows closing swap records
Update swap list – Allows configuration changes to swap options
Permission availability depends on agency configuration.
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
Start a Unit Update
A Unit Update can be initiated from three locations, but each option launches the same workflow.
Option 1: From Fleet Overview
Navigate to Assets → Apparatus Overview.
Locate the apparatus within the Fleet Overview.
Select the Unit Update option for the apparatus.
Option 2: When Placing an Apparatus Out of Service
Navigate to Assets → Apparatus Overview.
Select the apparatus you want to modify.
Toggle the apparatus Out of Service.
In the Out of Service workflow, select Unit Update.
Option 3: From the Unit Updates Page
Navigate to Assets → Swap.
Select Unit Updates.
Click Initiate to begin a new Unit Update.
All options will open the Unit Update workflow.
Select the Unit Coming Out of Service
Choose the apparatus that is being removed from service or reassigned.
Review the displayed information, including:
Dispatch Unit
Current Location
Apparatus Group
Operational Status
Primary or Reserve designation
Update these fields if necessary.
Example:
An apparatus assigned as Engine 12 may be toggled Out of Service or changed to Reserve.
Select the Unit Coming Into Service
Choose the apparatus that will replace the outgoing unit.
Update the following information as needed:
Dispatch ID
Station / Physical Location
Operational Status (In Service / Out of Service)
Primary or Reserve designation
Apparatus Group (optional)
Example:
A reserve apparatus may be assigned the dispatch ID of Engine 17, moved to the same station, and set to In Service.Review all changes carefully.
Select Save to apply the Unit Update.
The system will immediately update the apparatus information across the platform.
Best Practices
Do
Verify the dispatch ID, station, and operational status before saving.
Establish clear naming conventions for dispatch units within your agency.
Train personnel on the difference between Unit Updates and Apparatus Swaps.
Coordinate with dispatch when changing apparatus status.
Review swap history regularly to monitor apparatus assignments.
Don’t
Use Unit Update when equipment or inventory needs to be transferred.
Rush through the update process without confirming station or status changes.
Assume equipment will move with a Unit Update—it will not.
Change apparatus groups without understanding organizational implications.
Common mistakes to avoid:
Confusing Unit Updates with Apparatus Swaps
Forgetting to update location when moving apparatus between stations
Incorrectly assigning dispatch identifiers
Not verifying apparatus status settings
Troubleshooting & FAQs
What is the difference between a Unit Update and an Apparatus Swap?
A Unit Update modifies the dispatch ID, location, operational status, and apparatus group only. An Apparatus Swap transfers equipment, inventory, and kits between apparatus.
Can I undo a Unit Update?
Yes. Navigate to Assets → Swap History, locate the Unit Update, and select the Reverse icon. This restores the previous dispatch ID, location, status, and group settings. This requires the Reverse an active swap permission.
Will equipment and inventory transfer during a Unit Update?
No. Equipment, inventory, and kits remain assigned to their original apparatus.
Does a Unit Update change the apparatus’s physical location?
Yes. When a station is selected during the workflow, the system updates the apparatus’s physical location.
What operational statuses can be set during a Unit Update?
Units can be set as:
In Service
Out of Service
Primary
Reserve
Where can I view Unit Update history?
Navigate to Assets → Swap History and filter for Unit Updates.
Will a Unit Update affect active incidents?
Unit Updates modify dispatch ID and availability but do not alter existing incident records. Coordination with dispatch is recommended when updating units during active responses.