Communication Tools
For Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)

Use Sentinel to securely store and share files and digital documents with members - business plans, project timelines, emergency response plans.

Built-in functionality ensures your critical files can be accessed anytime, anywhere, without the need for internet connectivity.

• Share your files with ease - use broadcasting and chat channels to share key files with all members or select groups in a few quick clicks.
  
  
• Deliver key documents to the right person at the right time - member distribution groups ensure you share the right files with select individuals.
  
  
• Ensure critical files are available anytime, anywhere - Sentinel supports mobile app and web browser access. Allowing your BID team and levy-paying members to view key files and documents from any location on desktop, tablet or smartphone devices.
  
  
• Only provide the latest documents - changes to digital documents are automatically downloaded to devices. Ensuring only up-to-date information is available. You can also create time-sensitive files with expiration dates, made inaccessible after a set period to prevent misinformation.
  
  
• Secure sensitive files - identity access controls and 256-bit encryption protect your sensitive information from being accessed by the wrong people.

Instantly connect your BID team, security personnel, and key stakeholders in a secure video conference. Whether responding to incidents, coordinating safety measures, or managing large-scale events, Sentinel’s Video Crisis Rooms provide a rapid, reliable, and highly secure communication channel.

• Seamless crisis coordination – Launch a secure video conference in seconds, ensuring key decision-makers can collaborate in real time. Ideal for emergency response, major event planning, or discussing urgent issues affecting your BID area.
  
  
• Fast, friction-free access – No need for PINs or external apps. Participants receive a direct invite and can join instantly from their preferred device, ensuring swift and hassle-free communication.
  
  
• Real-time situational awareness – Enhance your BID’s incident response with screen sharing, live video feeds, and recorded updates. Share key information instantly to make informed decisions on the ground.
  
  
• Secure and compliant – Video Crisis Rooms provide encrypted, audit-ready recordings stored on your dedicated Sentinel platform, ensuring compliance with data protection and security best practices.
  
  
• Always available – Accessible via mobile, desktop, and VOIP, Sentinel ensures your BID has a resilient communication network, even during major disruptions.

A branded mobile app for your BID offers a community hub for your valued members.

Create a space where BID members can connect, access key resources and receive trusted communications. With gated access to deliver exclusivity and security.

• Create a community hub - your branded mobile app delivers a space for members to view all things BID-related.
  
  
• Send branded communications that build trust - push notifications delivered through your app arrive with your branding. So, members know it's a communication they can trust.
  
  
• Access a new communication channel - a mobile app lets you send targeted messaging to members through mobile app push notifications.
  
  
• Deliver key files available offline and always up-to-date - an app lets you extend the functionality of Sentinel file sharing. Documents can be downloaded for anytime access, with push functionality to ensure local device documents show only the latest version.
  
  
• Share a directory of key contacts - the app supports a contacts directory for members who wish to opt in and share their contact information.
  
  
• Available on any device - your branded mobile app can be built to be available on iOS, Android and Windows.

Chat Channels offers your BID the capability to support instant messaging groups that are both secure and GDPR-compliant, unlike WhatsApp.

Create a channel for Security teams to connect and exchange vital information. Or, deliver a safe community space where members can discuss local initiatives, network and share BID-related news.

• Create custom groups - invite-only functionality lets you curate instant messaging groups by teams, streets, buildings, industry and more.
  
  
• Connect the right people and control access - simple-to-use admin functions make it easy to add and remove Chat Channel participants.
  
  
• Live chat access anytime, anywhere - Chat Channels can be accessed from any mobile device with iOS and Android available apps. Allowing security teams or members to connect anytime, anywhere.
  
  
• Maintain complete oversight - this self-contained tool gives you complete visibility of all messages sent, files shared, and decisions made. Preventing abuse and offering a detailed audit trail if needed.
  
  
• GDPR-compliant for peace of mind - unlike WhatsApp and other mainstream messaging tools, Chat Channels offers a group instant messaging service that complies with EU GDPR legislation.

Hotline lets you create fully automated phone lines to answer calls, deliver voice updates, collect and distribute voicemails.

Ideal for delivering information updates or collecting feedback from members on BID projects and local events. Hotline can also help keep the community safe and informed in the event of a local emergency or disruption.

• Deliver accurate information updates to build member trust - convert pre-approved text into voice messages and deliver accurate information updates to members.
  
  
• Ensure vital updates are always available to members - Hotline can handle 1000s of simultaneous calls. Ensuring members can always access information updates and never hear an engaged ringtone.
  
  
• Instantly provide members with new updates - members can subscribe to Hotlines and will immediately receive an automated text alert when a new information update is broadcast.
  
  
• Improve the inbound flow of information from members - receive voicemails from your member community to collect feedback or important information. Simple tools let you assign voicemails to specific team members, mark them for follow-up or set them as complete.
  
  
• Protect sensitive information - pin protect your Hotlines to control access and prevent sensitive information from being leaked.