Purpose Statement
The Unit Update workflow allows agencies to modify the operational assignments of two apparatus, including their dispatch IDs, physical locations, operational statuses, Primary/Reserve designations, and apparatus groups, without transferring equipment, inventory, or asset kits.
Unit Updates help agencies maintain accurate apparatus information as operational needs change, whether replacing an apparatus, updating dispatch assignments, relocating vehicles, or reorganizing apparatus groups.
Unlike an Apparatus Swap, a Unit Update modifies operational information while keeping equipment, inventory, and kits assigned to their original apparatus.
Background Information
The Unit Update workflow provides agencies with a flexible way to manage apparatus assignments without transferring equipment or inventory between vehicles.
Unit Updates can modify the following attributes for each selected apparatus:
- Dispatch ID: The dispatch identifier associated with the apparatus.
- Physical Location: The station or location assigned to the apparatus.
- Operational Status: Whether the apparatus is In Service or Out of Service.
- Primary/Reserve Designation: Whether the apparatus is designated as Primary or Reserve.
- Apparatus Group: The group associated with the apparatus, which can be modified when needed.
Common Use Cases
- Replacing an Apparatus: Take an apparatus out of service for maintenance and assign a fully equipped backup apparatus to its operational role.
- Updating Dispatch IDs: Modify dispatch identifiers to reflect current operational deployment or changes in apparatus assignments.
- Changing Apparatus Groups: Reassign the apparatus groups associated with two vehicles to improve organization and streamline the end-user experience within Apparatus Overview.
- Relocating Apparatus: Update the physical locations of apparatus to reflect changes in station assignments or operational deployment.
Important Note:
A Unit Update does not require an apparatus to be placed Out of Service or designated as Reserve. Agencies can modify dispatch IDs, locations, and apparatus groups while maintaining existing operational statuses.
All equipment, inventory, and asset kits remain associated with their original apparatus.
Required Permissions
To perform a Unit Update, users must have the following permission enabled under the Apparatus permissions section:
- Perform an apparatus swap: Set to Allow.
Additional permissions associated with managing Unit Updates include:
- View all apparatus swaps: Allows users to view swap and Unit Update records.
- Reverse an active swap: Allows users to reverse an existing Unit Update.
- Close an active swap: Allows users to close an active Unit Update record.
- Update swap list: Associated with managing swap configuration options.
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Initiate a Unit Update
A Unit Update can be initiated from multiple locations within First Due. Each method opens the Unit Update workflow.
Option 1: From Apparatus Overview
- Navigate to Assets â Apparatus Overview.
- Locate the apparatus within Fleet Overview.
- Select Unit Update to open the Unit Update workflow.
Option 2: From the Out of Service Workflow
- Navigate to Assets â Apparatus Overview.
- Locate the apparatus you want to modify.
- Toggle the apparatus Out of Service.
- Select Unit Update from the available workflow options.
Warning:
If the Enable Apparatus Reason/Comment for In/Out of Service toggle is enabled in Setup, users will be required to select a reason and enter any applicable comments when changing an apparatus's status to In Service or Out of Service during a Unit Update.
Option 3: From Unit Updates
- Navigate to Assets â Swap History.
- Select Unit Updates.
- Select + Unit Update to initiate the workflow.
2. Select the First Apparatus
- In the Unit Update window, select the first apparatus whose operational information needs to be modified.
- Review the apparatus's current assignments, including:
- Dispatch ID
- Physical Location
- Apparatus Group
- Primary/Reserve designation
- In Service/Out of Service status
- Modify any applicable fields to reflect the apparatus's intended operational assignment.
- Leave any fields unchanged if no modifications are needed.
Tip:
Example: An apparatus currently assigned to Station 21 can have its physical location updated to another station or maintenance facility without changing its dispatch ID or operational status.
Warning:
If the Enable Apparatus Reason/Comment for In/Out of Service toggle is enabled in Setup, users will be required to select a reason and enter any applicable comments when changing an apparatus's status to In Service or Out of Service during a Unit Update.
3. Select the Second Apparatus
- Select the second apparatus involved in the Unit Update.
- Review its current operational assignments.
- Modify the applicable fields as needed:
- Dispatch ID: Assign the appropriate dispatch identifier.
- Physical Location: Select the correct station or location.
- Apparatus Group: Update the associated group if needed.
- Primary/Reserve: Select the appropriate designation.
- In Service/Out of Service: Set the appropriate operational status.
- Confirm that the updated information accurately reflects the intended operational deployment.
Tip:
Example: When replacing an apparatus for maintenance, a backup apparatus can be assigned the original apparatus's dispatch ID and station, designated as Primary, and placed In Service.
Alternatively, when reorganizing apparatus assignments, both apparatus can remain In Service while their dispatch IDs, physical locations, or apparatus groups are updated.
4. Save the Unit Update
- Review the operational assignments for both apparatus.
- Verify that all dispatch IDs, physical locations, apparatus groups, designations, and statuses are correct.
- Select Save to complete the Unit Update.
- The system updates the operational information associated with the selected apparatus.
Info:
See the article Swap: Reverse and Close a Unit Update to learn more about reverting apparatus back to their original status.
Best Practices
- Verify Operational Assignments: Review dispatch IDs, physical locations, apparatus groups, Primary/Reserve designations, and service statuses before saving.
- Use Unit Updates for Operational Changes: Use the workflow when modifying apparatus assignments without transferring equipment, inventory, or kits.
- Select the Appropriate Workflow: If equipment, inventory, or asset kits must move between apparatus, use the appropriate Apparatus Swap workflow instead.
- Maintain Consistent Dispatch IDs: Follow agency naming conventions when updating dispatch identifiers to ensure accurate unit identification.
- Coordinate Operational Changes: Communicate dispatch ID, location, or availability changes with the appropriate personnel to maintain operational awareness.
- Review Apparatus Group Assignments: Verify that apparatus are assigned to the intended groups to maintain an organized Apparatus Overview experience.
- Confirm Both Apparatus: Review the operational information for both selected apparatus, even if changes are only needed for certain fields.
- Review Unit Update History: Use Unit Update records to track operational changes and reverse updates when necessary.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
What is the difference between a Unit Update and an Apparatus Swap?
A Unit Update modifies operational assignments, including dispatch IDs, locations, apparatus groups, Primary/Reserve designations, and service statuses. An Apparatus Swap transfers equipment, inventory, and kits between apparatus.
Do I have to take an apparatus Out of Service to perform a Unit Update?
No. A Unit Update can be performed without changing the operational status of either apparatus. You can update dispatch IDs, physical locations, or apparatus groups while leaving the existing statuses unchanged.
Do I have to change the Primary/Reserve designation during a Unit Update?
No. Primary/Reserve designations can remain unchanged if the Unit Update does not require modifying them.
Can I update the dispatch IDs of two apparatus without changing their locations?
Yes. Dispatch IDs can be modified independently of physical locations, operational statuses, and apparatus group assignments.
Can I change the apparatus groups associated with two apparatus?
Yes. The Unit Update workflow allows you to modify the apparatus group assignments for the selected vehicles.
Will equipment, inventory, or asset kits transfer during a Unit Update?
No. Equipment, inventory, and asset kits remain assigned to their original apparatus.
Can I relocate apparatus without changing their operational statuses?
Yes. You can update the physical locations of the selected apparatus while maintaining their existing operational statuses.
Why can't I initiate a Unit Update?
Verify that your user role has the Perform an apparatus swap permission set to Allow. If the option is unavailable, contact your agency administrator to review your assigned permissions.
Why can't I reverse a Unit Update?
Verify that your user role has the Reverse an active swap permission. The available actions may also depend on the Unit Update record's current state.
How do I reverse a Unit Update?
Navigate to Assets â Swap History â Unit Updates, locate the applicable record, and select the Reverse action. Confirm the reversal in the Revert Unit Update window to restore the previous operational assignments.
Where can I view previously completed Unit Updates?
Navigate to Assets â Swap History â Unit Updates to review Unit Update records.
Will a Unit Update change existing incident records?
The Unit Update workflow is intended to modify apparatus operational assignments, not edit historical incident records. Coordinate changes affecting active dispatch operations with the appropriate personnel. The exact behavior of active incidents should be verified before publication.