Top 7 Critical Event Management (CEM) Software

No organisation is immune to disruption. From cyberattacks and natural disasters to operational outages and security breaches, critical events can halt business continuity and damage reputation in minutes. Responding swiftly and effectively is therefore not optional — it’s essential.

Critical Event Management (CEM) software helps organisations detect, assess, and respond to such events in real time. It combines automated communication, situational awareness, and incident management tools in one centralised platform. With modern CEM systems, teams can coordinate across departments, ensure safety, and protect assets faster and more accurately than ever.

In this article, we explore what critical event management software is, the features you should prioritise, and the top platforms to consider in 2025.

What Is Critical Event Management (CEM) Software

Critical Event Management (CEM) software is a centralised solution designed to help organisations identify, monitor, and respond to disruptive events that could impact people, assets, or operations. It combines real-time threat intelligence, mass communication tools, and automated workflows to streamline response efforts.

The goal of CEM software is to minimise the time between event detection and resolution. It allows teams to monitor global threats, assess potential impact, and automatically trigger communication or action plans. For organisations operating in multiple regions or under regulatory obligations, CEM platforms ensure consistent, compliant, and coordinated responses.

Key Features of CEM Software You Should Look For

Choosing the right CEM tool means understanding which features are fundamental to an effective response strategy. Here are the essential ones.

Real-Time Threat Intelligence

Provides instant visibility into incidents such as weather alerts, cyber threats, or geopolitical risks. Enables proactive action before the event escalates.

Automated Incident Response

Allows pre-built workflows and rules to trigger notifications, escalations, and task assignments automatically, reducing manual coordination.

Mass Notification and Communication

Ensures rapid, multi-channel communication (SMS, email, voice, push notifications) to employees, responders, and stakeholders.

Location-Based Tracking

Uses GPS and geofencing to identify who or what might be affected by a specific event, enabling targeted alerts and support.

Situation Dashboards and Analytics

Centralises all event data, displaying incident progress, resource allocation, and outcomes to support decision-making and post-incident analysis.

Integration with Enterprise Systems

Seamlessly connects with HR, ITSM, or ERP systems for automated data flow and unified risk visibility across operations.

Compliance and Audit Trails

Records every communication and decision for post-event review, compliance reporting, and continuous improvement.

7 Best Critical Event Management (CEM) Software

1. Continuity2

Continuity2’s Meridian platform provides an industry-leading suite of tools for critical event management, business continuity, and operational resilience. Designed for regulated and multi-site organisations, Meridian centralises all response processes into one system. It enables teams to automate alerts, assess impact, and execute response playbooks in real time.

Key Features:

• Automated Workflow Engine: Streamlines response procedures and reduces manual coordination.
• Dynamic Impact Analysis: Provides a live view of affected assets and dependencies.
• Integrated Risk and Continuity Modules: Supports end-to-end resilience planning within one ecosystem.

Best for: Large or regulated enterprises seeking full integration between business continuity, risk, and critical event management.

2. Everbridge 360™

Everbridge 360™ is one of the most recognised CEM platforms globally, providing multi-channel communication and situational intelligence. It helps organisations manage everything from employee safety to IT outages and natural disasters.

Key Features:

• Global Threat Monitoring: Aggregates verified data sources for situational awareness.
• Automated Communication: Delivers alerts via SMS, email, voice, and mobile app.
• Incident Playbooks: Standardises responses for faster activation and resolution.

Best for: Enterprises with geographically dispersed operations needing robust global coverage.

3. AlertMedia Platform

AlertMedia offers an intuitive, two-way mass communication and threat intelligence solution. Its simplicity and speed make it suitable for mid-sized organisations aiming for reliable, real-time updates.

Key Features:

• Two-Way Messaging: Enables instant feedback from recipients.
• Threat Intelligence Feeds: Provides real-time insights for proactive decision-making.
• Mobile-First Interface: Ensures accessibility from any device.

Best for: Mid-market organisations prioritising usability and fast deployment.

4. Dataminr Pulse

Dataminr Pulse leverages AI to detect high-impact events globally from public data streams. It alerts organisations about emerging risks before they appear in mainstream media.

Key Features:

• AI-Driven Detection: Identifies early-stage incidents across social and open-source data.
• Customisable Alert Filters: Focuses alerts on relevant locations or business functions.
• Dashboard Integration: Presents intelligence directly into operational systems.

Best for: Organisations requiring early-warning intelligence and proactive risk management.

5. resilienceOS

resilienceOS offers modular crisis management, communication, and resilience analytics capabilities. It enables organisations to prepare, respond, and recover efficiently across different incident types.

Key Features:

• Scenario Planning: Supports simulations and training exercises.
• Response Automation: Automatically launches playbooks and assigns tasks.
• Impact Reporting: Tracks metrics and outcomes for continuous improvement.

Best for: Public-sector bodies or enterprises seeking a configurable, training-focused CEM system.

6. OnSolve Platform

OnSolve combines AI-powered threat intelligence with critical communications and incident management. The platform is widely used for corporate security, crisis response, and operational resilience.

Key Features:

• AI-Based Risk Intelligence: Provides predictive insights and risk scoring.
• Unified Communication Hub: Coordinates responses across departments.
• Geo-Targeted Alerts: Delivers messages to affected individuals by location.

Best for: Global enterprises seeking predictive, analytics-driven CEM solutions.

7. Crises Control

Crises Control is a UK-based platform offering emergency notification and incident management tools. It focuses on ease of use and cost efficiency without compromising functionality.

Key Features:

• Rapid Alerting: Sends notifications across multiple channels in seconds.
• Audit Trail and Reporting: Captures all actions for post-incident analysis.
• Integration with Existing Systems: Connects with HR and security applications.

Best for: SMEs and public organisations seeking reliable, easy-to-use CEM capabilities.

Benefits of CEM Software

Modern CEM platforms transform how organisations detect, communicate, and act during crises—reducing impact while strengthening overall resilience.

Faster Incident Response

Automating alerts and workflows significantly reduces the time to detect and act on critical events. This minimises downtime and operational disruption.

Improved Employee Safety

Location-based notifications and two-way communication help verify staff safety and direct them away from risk zones quickly.

Enhanced Decision-Making

Centralised dashboards provide real-time intelligence, allowing leadership to make informed decisions during high-pressure situations.

Compliance and Accountability

Every communication and action is logged, providing a complete audit trail for legal, regulatory, and internal review requirements.

Operational Resilience

By integrating risk, continuity, and event management, CEM software strengthens an organisation’s capacity to withstand and recover from disruption.

Strengthening Resilience Through Technology

CEM software is no longer an optional investment — it’s a fundamental component of modern resilience planning. Whether your organisation operates locally or across multiple jurisdictions, these tools provide the structure and intelligence to act decisively during a crisis.

Continuity2’s Meridian BCMS platform combines automated workflows, dynamic impact analysis, and centralised communications to deliver a comprehensive, unified approach to critical event management and business continuity. It enables faster decision-making, reduces operational downtime, and enhances organisational resilience across every level of your business.

Book a Demo with Continuity2 to see how Meridian can strengthen your organisation’s resilience and simplify the way you manage critical events.