5 Hidden Costs to Watch Out for When Buying Control Room Furniture

When it comes to outfitting a control room—whether for a 911 dispatch center, security operations center, or utility monitoring hub—most decision-makers focus on the obvious: price tags, lead times, and aesthetics. But what often gets overlooked are the hidden costs that can quietly drain your budget and compromise performance over time. 

If you're planning a control room upgrade or building one from scratch, here are five hidden costs you should be aware of—and how to avoid them. 

1. Inadequate Ergonomics = Long-Term Health Costs 

Control room operators often work 8, 12, or even 24-hour shifts. If the furniture isn’t ergonomically designed, it can lead to chronic fatigue, musculoskeletal disorders, and increased absenteeism. These health issues not only affect employee well-being but also lead to higher insurance claims and reduced productivity. 

What to watch for: 

• Consoles that don’t support sit-stand functionality 

• Chairs not rated for 24/7 use 

• Lack of adjustability in monitor arms or work surfaces 

Pro tip: Look for furniture that complies with ANSI/HFES 100 standards and is specifically engineered for mission-critical environments. 

2. Limited Customization = Workflow Disruptions 

Every control room is unique. A one-size-fits-all solution might seem cost-effective at first, but it can lead to inefficiencies in daily operations. If your team has to work around the furniture instead of with it, you’ll likely face workflow bottlenecks and frustration. 

What to watch for: 

• Consoles that can’t be reconfigured as your team grows 

• Lack of integration with your existing technology or equipment 

• Poor sightlines between operators and video walls 

Pro tip: Choose a vendor that offers modular, scalable designs and provides layout planning services to ensure the furniture supports your operational flow. Our consoles feature modular designs to future proof your control center. 

3. Poor Cable Management = Downtime & Maintenance Costs 

In a mission-critical environment, downtime is not an option. Yet, poor cable management can lead to overheating, accidental disconnections, and time-consuming troubleshooting. It also creates safety hazards and makes future upgrades more difficult. 

What to watch for: 

• Consoles without integrated cable raceways or access panels 

• Exposed wiring that’s vulnerable to damage 

• No separation between power and data lines 

Pro tip: Ask for a demo of the cable management system before you buy. Well-designed consoles will have hidden, organized pathways that make maintenance easy and safe. We can give you a virtual showroom tour so you can see how our consoles handle cable management. 

4. Cheap Materials = Shorter Lifespan 

Furniture that looks good on day one may not hold up under the demands of a 24/7 environment. Low-cost materials can warp, chip, or degrade quickly, leading to frequent repairs or full replacements—costing you more in the long run. 

What to watch for: 

• Melamine or particleboard surfaces instead of high-pressure laminate (HPL) 

• Weak structural frames or plastic components 

• Short or limited warranties 

Pro tip: Always ask about the materials used and request durability testing data. A slightly higher upfront investment in quality materials can save thousands over the furniture’s lifecycle. We manufacture our consoles using heavy-duty materials to resist the constant wear and tear of a mission critical environment. 

5. Installation & Shipping Surprises 

It’s not uncommon for vendors to quote a base price that doesn’t include delivery, installation, or on-site adjustments. These “extras” can add up quickly—especially if your facility has special access requirements or needs after-hours installation. 

What to watch for: 

• Quotes that don’t include freight or handling 

• No mention of white-glove installation or technician support 

• Hidden fees for on-site modifications or delays 

Pro tip: Request a fully itemized quote that includes shipping, installation, and any potential contingencies. Clarify whether the vendor handles everything or if you’ll need to coordinate with third-party installers. 

We can help you plan your next control room project. 

Buying control room furniture is a significant investment—not just in dollars, but in the performance and well-being of your team. By understanding and planning for these hidden costs, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure your control room is built to last. 

At Sustema, we specialize in high-performance control room furniture designed for 24/7 environments. Want to make sure you're asking the right questions? Contact one of our design specialists to get started with your project.