if you’ve seen one ops center, then you’ve seen one ops center
Let’s be honest—when organizations face complex operational challenges, the instinct is often to reach for an “out-of-the-box” solution. Whether it’s crisis management software, situational awareness tools, or command center platforms, the idea of a ready-made fix is appealing. But here’s the problem: those standard tools often fall short when it comes to adapting to the real-world needs of diverse Operations Centers.
Speaking from experience—both as Chief of Operations for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and Director of Public Safety at Esri—I’ve seen this across the board. Agencies at every level of government, and many in the private sector, invest in powerful systems only to run into roadblocks when they try to make them work within their own unique environments. The result? Frustration, inefficiency, and solutions that don’t quite solve the problem.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Each Operations Center operates in its own way, shaped by its mission, its environment, and its team. One center might focus on asset management, another on crisis response, and yet another on long-term continuity planning. Sure, their objectives might overlap—but their workflows, technology stacks, data needs, and day-to-day operations often look completely different. That’s why the idea of a single, universal solution just doesn’t work.
What we see far too often is organizations implementing systems that sound good on paper, only to find themselves patching together workarounds later—or worse, having to bend their own workflows to fit the software, rather than the other way around.
Our Process in Action
We recently worked with a municipal emergency management agency that had invested in a crisis management tool. On the surface, it seemed like a smart move. But the system didn’t integrate with their GIS platform, official data sources, or their emergency communications system. Instead of simplifying operations, it added complexity, siloed information, and created more work for the team.
That’s when we stepped in.
At Bent Ear Solutions (BES), we partnered with them to get a complete picture of their challenges, goals, and existing technology. Turns out, they already had everything they needed—they just weren’t using it in the right way. By helping them organize, streamline, and connect the tools they already owned, we created a smooth, integrated, and cost-effective environment that actually supported their mission.
No extra purchases. Just a smarter use of what they had.
Tailored Solutions, Not Templates
Helping Operations Centers operate at their best—that’s our mission at BES. And we know from experience that this isn’t just about plugging in new software. It’s about truly understanding each center’s environment, workflows, and needs. Our team brings that operational insight to the table, combining technical know-how with boots-on-the-ground understanding.
The truth is, switching from one generic system to another rarely delivers long-term success. What really works is a thoughtful, tailored approach that starts with asking the right questions.
Build from the Inside Out
We always encourage organizations to begin by involving their teams. Staff know the real-world challenges better than anyone, and when they’re part of the solution from the start, adoption goes up, integration improves, and things run smoother overall.
When you take the time to map out workflows, define what success looks like, and choose technology that fits into those needs (rather than forcing a fit), the results speak for themselves. Platforms like Esri’s ArcGIS or Microsoft 365 have incredible capabilities—hundreds of tools, many of which you’re probably already paying for—but most organizations only tap into a small fraction of them.
That’s where we come in. BES helps unlock that potential, configuring your existing platforms to do exactly what you need, where you need it, when you need it. The end result? A more efficient operation, time saved, and fewer costs.
Let’s Build the Right Fit
At Bent Ear Solutions, we understand that no two challenges are the same, and that’s precisely why we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all answers. Our job is to help you build a solution that is as unique as your mission. Let’s figure it out together.
