A system of systems approach in responding to events and addressing public health needs

Abstract

Technological advances in recent decades have made it possible to leverage customized systems to manage most aspects of modern public services. Specialized systems manage healthcare, traffic, security, energy, etc. and all work in isolation. Each system has its own protocols and modes of operation, generating large volumes of data in different formats. In this paper, we outline an Intelligent Operations Center (IOC) architecture that acts as a system of systems, leveraging data from various systems and accommodating multiple risk assessment and crisis response scenarios in a systematic way. We also describe a successful application of IOC in the public health domain, working in conjunction with the Ministry of Health of one of the largest countries in Asia. © 2013 Taylor & Francis Group.