Quick Overview
- 1#1: ArborApps - Mobile-first app for creating, signing, and distributing digital ICS forms including full Incident Action Plans offline.
- 2#2: Everbridge WebEOC - Cloud-based emergency operations center platform with collaborative IAP builder, forms, and distribution features.
- 3#3: Hexagon E-Team - Comprehensive incident management software with IAP planning, resource allocation, and real-time situational awareness.
- 4#4: Veoci - No-code platform for building custom IAP workflows, forms, and dashboards for incident response teams.
- 5#5: Crises Control - Cloud incident management tool with IAP templates, notifications, and multi-agency collaboration capabilities.
- 6#6: Resolver - Enterprise risk and incident platform supporting structured IAP creation, tracking, and reporting.
- 7#7: Esri ArcGIS - GIS-integrated emergency management solution for mapping-enhanced IAP development and visualization.
- 8#8: ServiceNow - Workflow automation platform with emergency response apps for IAP management and integration.
- 9#9: Noggin - Integrated crisis management software featuring IAP planning tools and decision support.
- 10#10: Prepared Live - Virtual EOC platform for real-time IAP collaboration, editing, and sharing during incidents.
We ranked these tools based on critical factors: strength of IAP creation, collaboration, and tracking features; ease of use for teams across skill levels; reliability in high-stakes environments; and overall value, ensuring they deliver maximum impact for both enterprise and small-scale operations.
Comparison Table
This comparison table helps streamline the selection of incident action plan software, featuring tools like ArborApps, Everbridge WebEOC, Hexagon E-Team, Veoci, Crises Control and more. It explores key capabilities, usability, and operational fit to guide readers through critical features for emergency coordination or response workflows. By outlining how each tool performs across essential functions, it equips users to identify the best match for their specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ArborApps Mobile-first app for creating, signing, and distributing digital ICS forms including full Incident Action Plans offline. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Everbridge WebEOC Cloud-based emergency operations center platform with collaborative IAP builder, forms, and distribution features. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Hexagon E-Team Comprehensive incident management software with IAP planning, resource allocation, and real-time situational awareness. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Veoci No-code platform for building custom IAP workflows, forms, and dashboards for incident response teams. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Crises Control Cloud incident management tool with IAP templates, notifications, and multi-agency collaboration capabilities. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Resolver Enterprise risk and incident platform supporting structured IAP creation, tracking, and reporting. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 7 | Esri ArcGIS GIS-integrated emergency management solution for mapping-enhanced IAP development and visualization. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | ServiceNow Workflow automation platform with emergency response apps for IAP management and integration. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.4/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 9 | Noggin Integrated crisis management software featuring IAP planning tools and decision support. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Prepared Live Virtual EOC platform for real-time IAP collaboration, editing, and sharing during incidents. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.6/10 |
Mobile-first app for creating, signing, and distributing digital ICS forms including full Incident Action Plans offline.
Cloud-based emergency operations center platform with collaborative IAP builder, forms, and distribution features.
Comprehensive incident management software with IAP planning, resource allocation, and real-time situational awareness.
No-code platform for building custom IAP workflows, forms, and dashboards for incident response teams.
Cloud incident management tool with IAP templates, notifications, and multi-agency collaboration capabilities.
Enterprise risk and incident platform supporting structured IAP creation, tracking, and reporting.
GIS-integrated emergency management solution for mapping-enhanced IAP development and visualization.
Workflow automation platform with emergency response apps for IAP management and integration.
Integrated crisis management software featuring IAP planning tools and decision support.
Virtual EOC platform for real-time IAP collaboration, editing, and sharing during incidents.
ArborApps
specializedMobile-first app for creating, signing, and distributing digital ICS forms including full Incident Action Plans offline.
Complete offline IAP creation and editing on iOS/Android devices with automatic syncing when online
ArborApps' Arbor IAP is a specialized mobile-first software designed for wildland fire incident management, enabling users to create, edit, and share comprehensive Incident Action Plans (IAPs) offline on phones and tablets. It provides pre-built templates for all standard ICS forms (e.g., 204, 205, 206), automatic population of common fields, and seamless PDF exports for distribution. The platform ensures compliance with National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards while streamlining workflows for incident commanders and planning sections.
Pros
- Fully offline capability for field use without internet
- Comprehensive ICS form templates with auto-fill and validation
- Rapid IAP generation and easy PDF/email sharing
Cons
- Primarily optimized for wildland fire, less flexible for non-fire incidents
- Limited integrations with external mapping or weather APIs
- Advanced collaboration features require Pro subscription
Best For
Wildland fire incident management teams and Type 1/2 incident commanders needing fast, reliable digital IAPs in remote areas.
Pricing
Free tier for basic IAPs; Pro plan at $29/user/month or $290/year with unlimited forms, collaboration, and advanced editing.
Everbridge WebEOC
enterpriseCloud-based emergency operations center platform with collaborative IAP builder, forms, and distribution features.
Dynamic IAP Boards that enable real-time, collaborative editing with automatic syncing from field reports and geospatial data
Everbridge WebEOC is a robust web-based emergency operations center platform that provides situational awareness, collaboration tools, and incident management capabilities for critical events. It excels in supporting Incident Action Plans (IAPs) through customizable templates, resource tracking, assignment matrices, and real-time updates integrated with GIS mapping. Designed for multi-agency coordination, it enables seamless sharing of plans, objectives, and safety messages across responders during emergencies.
Pros
- Comprehensive IAP tools with dynamic boards, templates, and real-time collaboration
- Strong GIS integration and geospatial resource tracking for enhanced situational awareness
- Scalable for large-scale, multi-agency incidents with proven use in government and enterprise settings
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization options
- Enterprise-level pricing may be prohibitive for small teams or organizations
- Interface can feel dated compared to more modern SaaS alternatives
Best For
Large public safety agencies, government emergency management teams, and enterprises needing advanced, scalable IAP coordination for complex incidents.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually based on users, modules, and deployment scale; quotes required.
Hexagon E-Team
enterpriseComprehensive incident management software with IAP planning, resource allocation, and real-time situational awareness.
Embedded geospatial intelligence with live mapping directly in IAPs for precise operational planning
Hexagon E-Team is a comprehensive browser-based incident management platform tailored for public safety agencies, enabling the creation, collaboration, and distribution of Incident Action Plans (IAPs) compliant with NIMS/ICS standards. It integrates real-time resource tracking, multi-agency coordination, and geospatial mapping to enhance situational awareness during emergencies. The software supports scalable operations from small incidents to large-scale disasters, with mobile access for field personnel.
Pros
- Deep integration with GIS and CAD systems for mapping-enhanced IAPs
- Real-time collaboration and automated IAP generation tools
- Scalable for enterprise-level multi-agency incidents
Cons
- Enterprise pricing can be prohibitive for small agencies
- Initial setup and training require significant time investment
- Customization often needs vendor support
Best For
Large public safety agencies and multi-jurisdictional teams handling complex, geography-dependent incidents.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing based on agency size and modules; typically starts at several thousand dollars annually, quote required.
Veoci
specializedNo-code platform for building custom IAP workflows, forms, and dashboards for incident response teams.
No-code app builder that allows instant creation of dynamic, interactive IAPs with automated workflows and real-time updates
Veoci is a no-code platform designed for emergency management and incident response, enabling users to build custom applications for creating and managing Incident Action Plans (IAPs). It supports key IAP components like operational periods, objectives, resource assignments, weather forecasts, and safety messages through configurable forms, workflows, and maps. The platform facilitates real-time collaboration, mobile access, and PDF exports for sharing IAPs during incidents.
Pros
- Highly customizable no-code builder for tailored IAP workflows
- Real-time collaboration and mobile-friendly interface for field use
- Strong GIS integration and dynamic mapping for incident visualization
Cons
- Learning curve for building complex IAP apps from scratch
- Pricing geared toward enterprises, less ideal for small teams
- Fewer pre-built IAP templates than dedicated niche tools
Best For
Mid-sized to large emergency management organizations requiring flexible, scalable IAP solutions integrated with broader response operations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting around $500/month for basic teams, scaling with users and features; free trial available.
Crises Control
specializedCloud incident management tool with IAP templates, notifications, and multi-agency collaboration capabilities.
ICS-specific IAP module with automated form generation and operational period handoffs
Crises Control is a cloud-based crisis management platform that specializes in incident response and action planning, enabling teams to create, share, and execute Incident Action Plans (IAPs) in real-time. It supports ICS structures with customizable templates for operational periods, objectives, and resource assignments, while facilitating multi-agency collaboration through task tracking and communication tools. The software also includes alerting via SMS, email, and voice, along with analytics for post-incident reviews.
Pros
- Robust ICS-compliant IAP builder with branching logic and form templates
- Strong real-time collaboration and multi-channel notifications
- Comprehensive reporting and audit trails for compliance
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization
- Higher pricing limits accessibility for small teams
- Limited native integrations with other emergency management tools
Best For
Mid-sized emergency response teams and organizations requiring structured IAPs for multi-agency incidents.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month for Pro plan; Enterprise custom pricing with volume discounts.
Resolver
enterpriseEnterprise risk and incident platform supporting structured IAP creation, tracking, and reporting.
Unified GRC platform that seamlessly blends incident action planning with enterprise risk intelligence
Resolver is an enterprise GRC platform with a dedicated incident management module that enables organizations to log, track, and resolve incidents while creating structured action plans with tasks, timelines, and assignments. It supports customizable workflows, real-time dashboards, and reporting to facilitate coordinated incident response in line with frameworks like ICS. Best suited for complex environments, it integrates incident handling with broader risk governance for holistic oversight.
Pros
- Comprehensive incident lifecycle management with workflow automation
- Strong integration with other GRC tools for unified risk oversight
- Robust reporting and analytics for action plan tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to enterprise complexity
- Pricing is opaque and geared toward large organizations
- Less specialized for tactical IAP needs like field-deployable ICS forms
Best For
Large enterprises and government agencies needing integrated incident management within a full GRC suite.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $10,000+ annually based on modules and users.
Esri ArcGIS
enterpriseGIS-integrated emergency management solution for mapping-enhanced IAP development and visualization.
Real-time geospatial dashboards that dynamically embed IAP elements like resource tracking and hazard zones for enhanced situational awareness.
Esri ArcGIS is a comprehensive GIS platform with specialized tools for emergency management, including ArcGIS for Incident Response and templates for Incident Action Plans (IAPs). It excels in integrating geospatial data, real-time mapping, and situational awareness to visualize IAP components like objectives, resource assignments, and safety messages. While not a dedicated IAP form generator, it enhances planning through dynamic dashboards, field data collection via Survey123, and collaboration features for incident command teams.
Pros
- Unmatched geospatial visualization and real-time mapping for IAP overlays
- Robust integration with field apps, drones, and agency systems
- Scalable for large-scale incidents with multi-agency collaboration
Cons
- Steep learning curve for users without GIS experience
- High cost for full enterprise deployment
- Requires customization for core IAP form generation and branching logic
Best For
Large emergency management agencies or incident commands needing advanced mapping and spatial analysis integrated into their IAP workflows.
Pricing
Subscription-based; ArcGIS Online starts at ~$100/user/year for basic access, with enterprise licensing (ArcGIS Enterprise) custom-priced from $10,000+ annually depending on users and features.
ServiceNow
enterpriseWorkflow automation platform with emergency response apps for IAP management and integration.
Workflow automation with generative AI (Now Assist) for auto-generating action items and resolutions
ServiceNow is a comprehensive cloud-based platform primarily designed for IT service management (ITSM), offering robust incident management capabilities that can be adapted for creating and tracking Incident Action Plans (IAPs) through customizable workflows, tasks, and automation. It enables teams to log incidents, assign actions, set timelines, and monitor progress in real-time, with integrations to other enterprise tools. While powerful for enterprise-scale IT incidents, it requires configuration to fully support traditional emergency management IAPs like those in ICS structures.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows for detailed action planning
- Seamless integrations with CMDB and other enterprise systems
- Advanced analytics and AI-driven insights for incident resolution
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- Prohibitively expensive for small teams or non-enterprise use
- Primarily IT-focused, requiring customization for non-IT incidents
Best For
Large enterprises with complex IT operations needing scalable incident management that can extend to broader action planning.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing; ITSM modules typically start at $100-200/user/month, with additional costs for advanced features.
Noggin
enterpriseIntegrated crisis management software featuring IAP planning tools and decision support.
Dynamic IAPs that auto-update in real-time based on changing incident data and inputs from field teams
Noggin is an enterprise-grade resilience platform designed for crisis and incident management, featuring a dedicated Incident Action Plan (IAP) module that streamlines the creation, collaboration, and distribution of structured IAPs based on ICS standards. It enables teams to define objectives, assign resources, track progress, and generate safety messages in real-time during emergencies. The software integrates with communication tools and analytics for comprehensive incident response, making it suitable for complex, multi-agency operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive IAP builder with ICS-compliant templates and dynamic updates
- Strong real-time collaboration across distributed teams and agencies
- Integration with BI tools and mobile apps for field access
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users due to enterprise complexity
- Custom pricing lacks transparency and is expensive for smaller organizations
- Limited customization options compared to niche IAP specialists
Best For
Large enterprises, government agencies, and multi-jurisdictional teams handling high-stakes incidents requiring robust, scalable IAP management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing, typically starting at $20,000+ annually based on users and modules; no public tiers.
Prepared Live
specializedVirtual EOC platform for real-time IAP collaboration, editing, and sharing during incidents.
Live collaborative editing with instant syncing across web and mobile devices
Prepared Live is a cloud-based platform tailored for emergency management professionals to create, collaborate on, and distribute Incident Action Plans (IAPs) compliant with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS). It provides digital versions of standard ICS forms, enabling real-time editing, integration of maps, weather data, and attachments. The software supports web and mobile access for seamless sharing during active incidents, reducing reliance on paper-based processes.
Pros
- ICS-compliant digital forms with automation
- Real-time collaboration for multiple users
- Mobile app for field access and updates
Cons
- Limited advanced integrations with other tools
- Customization options feel basic for complex incidents
- Pricing scales up quickly for large teams
Best For
Small to mid-sized incident response teams focused on streamlined IAP creation without needing extensive enterprise features.
Pricing
Freemium model: Free Basic plan; Pro at $29/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
The review of incident action plan software revealed a spectrum of top-tier tools, with ArborApps leading as the best choice, thanks to its mobile-first design and offline functionality for effortless IAP creation and distribution. Everbridge WebEOC stood out as a strong alternative, offering cloud-based EOC collaboration and robust IAP building features, while Hexagon E-Team impressed with its comprehensive incident management and real-time situational awareness. Each tool brings unique strengths, ensuring teams find the perfect fit for their specific needs.
Begin streamlining your incident planning by trying ArborApps—its intuitive, mobile-driven approach to IAP management can elevate your response efficiency and readiness.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
