EMS and fire agencies can access ImageTrend Elite in two ways. Some participate in a state repository Elite program, while others purchase a standalone Elite system directly from ImageTrend.
Both models use the same Elite platform. A state repository is a shared Elite environment coordinated through a state program. Standalone Elite is an agency-specific environment coordinated directly between the agency and ImageTrend.
These are different operating models—not different levels of the product. One is not a starter version, and the other is not an advanced version reserved for larger agencies. Agencies do not necessarily progress from a state repository to standalone as they grow.
The right fit depends on the capabilities available through the state program, the agency’s operational requirements and how the agency wants system decisions to be coordinated.
What is Elite?
ImageTrend Elite is a documentation and data management platform for EMS and fire agencies. It supports incident documentation, operational workflows, agency reporting and applicable state reporting requirements.
Elite EMS, Elite Fire, or Elite Rescue can be implemented within a state repository or as an agency-specific standalone system. The underlying platform is the same, although the products, workflows and configuration options included in a particular environment can vary.
State Repository and Standalone Elite at a Glance
Every state repository is structured differently, just as every standalone implementation is based on the agency’s selected products and requirements. The following comparison describes how the two models generally operate.
| Area | State Repository Elite | Standalone Elite |
| How Elite is provided | Through a participating state program | Through a direct relationship with ImageTrend |
| Environment | A shared environment structured for the state program | An agency-specific environment structured for the agency |
| Funding | Typically funded by the state | Purchased by the agency |
| Configuration | Managed within the Elite options and standards established for the state program | Managed within the Elite options and requirements established for the agency |
| State reporting | Coordinated through the state program’s reporting framework | Coordinated around the state requirements applicable to the agency |
| Products and integrations | Coordinated through the state program based on the capabilities available in that environment | Coordinated directly with ImageTrend based on the capabilities selected for that environment |
| EMS and fire workflows | Available according to the structure and capabilities of the state environment | Available according to the structure and capabilities of the agency environment |
| Onboarding and support | Provided according to the state program’s onboarding and support model | Provided directly by ImageTrend through its implementation and support model |
Neither model is inherently better or more capable. The model identifies how the Elite environment is organized and how decisions about that environment are coordinated.
How Does a State Repository Elite Program Work?
In a state repository model, participating agencies use a shared Elite environment established through the state program. The state coordinates systemwide decisions such as reporting structures, validation requirements and the Elite capabilities made available within the program.
A shared environment can support:
- A common documentation framework for participating agencies
- Alignment with statewide reporting requirements
- Consistent validation and data standards
- Coordinated systemwide decisions and updates
- State-program funding, onboarding and support
Depending on how the state structures its program, agencies may also have options for local forms, workflows or additional capabilities. Because those options differ among states, agencies should evaluate what is available within their particular repository rather than make assumptions based on the state repository model alone.
When the state environment supports an agency’s documentation, reporting and operational requirements, it can provide an effective way to use the full value of the Elite platform.
How Does Standalone Elite Work?
In a standalone model, an agency establishes its Elite environment directly with ImageTrend. The agency and ImageTrend coordinate decisions about the products, configuration options and workflows included in that specific implementation.
An agency-specific environment can support:
- A documentation framework established for the agency
- Alignment with applicable state and local reporting requirements
- Validation and data standards configured for the agency environment
- Decisions coordinated directly between the agency and ImageTrend
- ImageTrend-led onboarding, education and support
Standalone Elite changes how decisions are coordinated; it does not change the underlying Elite platform. The products and capabilities included depend on what the agency selects for its environment.
During implementation, ImageTrend works with the agency to understand its requirements, prepare the environment and support the transition through go-live. ImageTrend also provides standalone agencies with a version of their state’s validation rules in the Elite library to help establish a starting point for state-aligned documentation.
Does Standalone Elite Offer More Features?
Not inherently. State repository and standalone Elite use the same underlying platform.
The distinction concerns who coordinates the products, configuration options and system-level tools available within a specific Elite environment. In a state repository, those decisions are made through the state program. In a standalone system, they are coordinated directly between the agency and ImageTrend.
A state repository may provide the workflows and capabilities an agency needs. A standalone implementation does not automatically include every ImageTrend product, integration or configuration option. In both models, the relevant question is what has been made available within that particular environment.
Is Either Model Intended for a Particular Agency Size?
No. Agency size does not determine whether state repository or standalone Elite is the appropriate model.
A large agency may find that its state repository fully supports its requirements. A smaller agency may identify an operational reason to work directly with ImageTrend. The reverse can also be true.
Call volume, staffing and organizational size may inform an agency’s requirements, but they do not make one Elite model categorically more appropriate than the other. Agencies should compare the two based on their actual workflows, reporting obligations, available capabilities and preferred support structure.
How Do Onboarding and Support Differ?
Agencies using a state repository receive onboarding and support according to the structure of their state program. Standalone agencies work directly with ImageTrend throughout implementation and receive access to ImageTrend’s education and support resources.
The precise experience can vary because each state program and agency implementation is different. In either model, agencies should understand who provides onboarding, how questions are handled and what educational resources are available.
How Should an Agency Evaluate the Two Models?
The evaluation should begin with the agency’s current requirements and the specific capabilities available through its state.
Questions to consider include:
- What products, workflows and configuration options are available through our state repository?
- What products and capabilities would be included in a standalone environment?
- How would each model support our state and local reporting requirements?
- How are configuration decisions, onboarding and ongoing support coordinated in each model?
- Which approach best aligns with our operational priorities and funding structure?
These questions allow agencies to compare two ways of using Elite without assuming that one model represents a larger, more advanced or more capable type of organization.
Two Models Built on the Same Elite Platform
State repository and standalone Elite are two ways to structure access to the same core platform.
A state repository coordinates Elite through a shared statewide program. Standalone Elite coordinates the agency’s environment directly with ImageTrend. Either model can support agencies of different sizes, and either may be the right fit depending on the specific environment and the agency’s requirements.
If you are unsure what is available through your state or which Elite model best aligns with your workflows, connect with ImageTrend. Our team can help you understand the options and identify the right fit for your operations, priorities and goals.
