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Future expansion in this case means updating the technical capacities of the control room, for example in the 911 dispatch world, the most influential technological expansion happened (and continues to happen) during the Next Generation 911 transition. This transition required supervisors to re-think how they designed their centers, so they could accommodate the growing demands for IT infrastructure and all the cables and wires and additional equipment it entails. Some centers might rely on cloud services and do not have that many IT equipment on the actual console, but for the most part, the reliability of control rooms comes from the fact that they integrate redundancy into their design. Which means being able to survive a blackout and continue to operate even if the power goes out. That is how backup 911 centers are designed to operate. Use heavy duty materials for durability Control rooms, especially 911 dispatch centers are not upgraded very often. Their lifespan oscillates between 10 to 15 years, but with heavy duty materials and the proper care and maintenance, this can be expanded. Today the best control room consoles are built using heavy duty materials that can endure daily wear and tear. Think of things like constant height adjustments, scratches, impacts, stains, and everything that might occur inside a mission critical environment. Sustema consoles are built using 12-gauge steel substructures and high-pressure laminated worksurfaces, to ensure that operators and their equipment stay supported all day long, all year round. Learn more about our products here. Modular components and capacity for changing accessories as needed The modern control console can support a plethora of accessories like task lamps and status lights, but it can also support the weight of multi-monitor layouts which can change year to year, as new software is added or removed from the setup. After more than 2000 thousand installations completed, we know that no 2 control rooms are identical. However, the one thing they do have in common is their capacity to adapt to the user’s needs. The components that you can add and remove throughout the year include lighting solutions, acoustic and visual panels, cable management options like power bars, and even the monitor mounting solutions. Having a versatile control console can be the difference between updating the all the control center and simply swapping in our out an accessory item. Easy access to IT equipment for cable management and maintenance Your IT specialist will thank you for choosing a vendor that designs easy access to the IT equipment without having to disassemble the entire console. Truly modern setups allow users to access the data and power cables running through the console to perform IT maintenance, and above all, without disrupting operations. For an example of a modern setup, you can review this case study in which the City of Terrebonne, updated their emergency center with Sustema consoles, specifically to future proof their control room. Taking internal foot traffic into consideration when drawing out the layout of the room The design of a control room includes the tangible elements that you can see and interact with like the shape of the control consoles, the accessories, and all the IT requirements. But there is also a lot of intangible factors that play an important role in designing a welcoming and professional layout. One of these factors is the foot traffic of all the people who will be walking around the center, for more information, you can review the guidelines for ergonomic clearances. Do you need help planning a future control room? We can help! Contact us and we will help you through every stage of planning and building your upcoming control room project. You can review one our case studies to give you an idea of what the whole process looks like or explore our catalog of consoles and ask for a quote.

A Security Operations Center can have the best cameras, access control tools, alarms, and analytics on the market, yet still lose time because the physical workspace does not support the work. Operators sit for long shifts, monitor multiple sources, respond to changing priorities, and coordinate with teams under pressure. The furniture around them shapes how well they can do that. Dispatch console furniture is more than a place to hold screens. In a well-designed SOC, consoles help reduce fatigue, organize technology, improve sightlines, and make collaboration easier during critical events. The result is a room that supports sharper decisions and faster response. A purpose-built SOC layout helps operators see, communicate, and act with less friction. Ergonomic design helps operators stay alert longer SOC work is physically and mentally demanding. Operators often sit for extended periods while reviewing video feeds, alarm data, maps, incident queues, and radio or chat communications. Poor posture, awkward monitor height, and cluttered surfaces can wear people down long before a shift ends. A well-built console gives operators control over their working position. That may include: Sit-stand height adjustment for shift variation and comfort Monitor arms that place screens at proper eye level Curved work surfaces that keep key tools within easy reach Task lighting that reduces eye strain without creating glare Footrests, wrist support, and adjustable accessories for long shifts Ergonomics directly affects efficiency. When operators do not need to fight the workspace, they can focus on the event in front of them. A small design issue, such as a screen placed too high or a radio mounted out of reach, can slow response when seconds matter. This is especially true in 24/7 centers. In public safety dispatch environments, for example, agencies often move from standard workstations to purpose-built consoles after recognizing that long call-taking shifts require stronger ergonomic support. The same principle applies to SOCs that monitor campuses, hospitals, airports, utilities, and enterprise facilities. Cable management reduces clutter and downtime Technology density is one of the biggest differences between a standard workspace and a SOC console. A single operator position may support several monitors, keyboards, radios, power supplies, KVM switches, network connections, charging docks, and control panels. Without proper cable management, that setup becomes hard to maintain. Loose cables create visual clutter, make cleaning difficult, and increase the risk of accidental disconnection. They also slow down technicians who need to troubleshoot or replace equipment. Specialized consoles solve this with built-in pathways and access points. Common features include: Rear cable raceways Removable access panels Separated power and data routing Ventilated equipment compartments Labeled connection points Service access that does not disrupt the operator Clean cable routing helps technical teams maintain SOC systems without disrupting operations. Casino surveillance rooms offer a clear real-world example. These environments depend on continuous camera coverage and quick review of many video feeds. When surveillance teams upgrade from improvised work surfaces to consoles with managed cabling and monitor support, the room becomes easier to service and less prone to cable-related interruptions. The operational gain is not flashy, but it matters every day. Modularity supports changing missions and growing teams SOCs rarely stay the same for long. New cameras are added. Access control systems change. Cyber and physical security teams may begin sharing a room. A facility may need more operator positions during major events, storms, or high-risk periods. Modular console systems help the room adapt without a full rebuild. Instead of treating furniture as fixed infrastructure, modular designs allow teams to add, remove, or reconfigure positions as needs change. Useful modular features include: Reconfigurable console sections Add-on monitor supports Swappable work surface components Adjustable equipment bays Scalable layouts for small and large SOCs This flexibility supports both daily operations and emergency response. A regional utility SOC, for instance, may use a normal staffing model during routine monitoring but bring in additional operators during severe weather. Modular furniture can support temporary team expansion while keeping sightlines, communication paths, and equipment access intact. The same pattern appears in university and healthcare security centers. As campuses add buildings, cameras, visitor management systems, and emergency notification tools, modular consoles give the SOC room to grow without creating a patchwork of mismatched stations. Modular furniture lets SOC layouts grow as monitoring needs change. Integrated technology turns the console into part of the system Modern SOC furniture often includes technology support built into the console itself. This can include power modules, USB charging, monitor mounting systems, radio mounts, speaker integration, environmental controls, and equipment ventilation. The goal is simple. Operators should have the tools they need in the right place, without crowding the work surface or blocking views. Integrated technology also improves consistency across the room. When every position has the same monitor arrangement, controls, lighting, and cable access, operators can move between stations with less adjustment. Supervisors also gain a cleaner view of team activity and screen status. Airport security operations show why this matters. These centers often watch video, alarms, access control, intercoms, and incident reports at the same time. A console that supports side-by-side systems, shared displays, and fast communication can help operators move from detection to coordination more smoothly. The furniture does not replace the technology, but it helps the technology work as intended. Better furniture improves collaboration during incidents A SOC is not just a row of individuals at screens. During an incident, operators need to share information quickly, confirm details, coordinate roles, and keep supervisors informed. Furniture layout plays a major role in that process. Console shape, spacing, and screen placement can either support teamwork or create barriers. Curved or pod-style layouts make it easier for operators to communicate without leaving their stations. Supervisor consoles placed with clear visibility can help leaders assess workload and step in when needed. Shared wall displays give everyone a common operating picture. The best SOC layouts reduce unnecessary movement and help teams communicate without breaking focus. Specialized furniture can also separate quiet monitoring areas from active response positions. That helps reduce noise and distraction during routine work while still allowing the room to shift into a coordinated response mode when needed. Shared sightlines help teams coordinate faster during active incidents. The workspace becomes a security tool The physical design of a SOC affects how quickly teams notice, interpret, and respond to events. Ergonomic consoles help operators stay comfortable and alert. Cable management keeps technology organized and serviceable. Modular layouts support future changes. Integrated technology keeps critical tools close at hand. Better sightlines and smarter room layouts improve team coordination. For security leaders planning a new SOC or upgrading an existing one, furniture should be part of the operational strategy from the start. The right consoles do not simply make the room look more professional. They help people work with less friction, make decisions faster, and respond with greater confidence when the situation demands it.

Installation No. 25428 About the client Our client is a pivotal organization dedicated to managing and coordinating multi-agency responses to emergencies and disasters within their jurisdiction. They play a crucial role in alerting and notifying appropriate agencies when disaster strikes, ensuring that resources are available and mobilized during large-scale incidents. Their responsibilities include developing comprehensive preparedness plans and procedures for effective response and recovery, as well as providing essential materials to the public to enhance community readiness. Additionally, they oversee the Emergency Operations Center, a facility that ensures coordinated emergency response during significant incidents, and maintain a strong partnership with state-level emergency management. Their support extends to local emergency management, emergency medical services, law enforcement, and fire agencies, making them an indispensable asset in times of crisis. About the project The project involved the construction of a backup 9-1-1 communications center designed to enhance operational efficiency and privacy for telecommunicators. This facility required 21 ergonomic workstations, ensuring comfort and productivity for each operator. The design prioritized ease of IT maintenance, allowing for seamless updates and troubleshooting without disrupting critical emergency services. Additionally, the layout fostered a sense of privacy for telecommunicators, enabling them to perform their duties with minimal distractions. This comprehensive approach aimed to support the client's mission of providing reliable and effective emergency communication services. About the solution Our client chose our FOCUS control console, because it met their specific requirements for their new backup 9-1-1 communications center. The 21 ergonomic workstations would be arranged in six groups of three linear consoles and three single standing stationary consoles. Each workstation needed to be equipped with height-adjustable worksurfaces, retractable integrated monuments, raised and lockable CPU enclosures with front and rear access, and LCD monitor arms mounted on the surface. The heavy-duty construction ensures mission-critical 24/7 operation, with safety features such as smooth edges and cutting-free parts. The workstations are designed with high-density particle board surfaces covered with high-pressure laminate and reinforced with a heavy-duty substructure for durability. The frames are made from cold-rolled steel and aluminum extrusions, capable of supporting up to 1200 lbs. The lifting system includes HD motors with anti-collision features, adjustable height, and an LED keypad for easy adjustments. CPU storage units are integrated into the frame, providing ample knee and leg room, ventilated bases, and programmable fans for optimal air circulation. Cable management is integrated throughout the system, with chains to protect cables during height adjustments and provisions for managing excess cable lengths. Separator panels made of frosted glass or plexiglass provide privacy, while monitor arms support multiple monitors with adjustable, rotating, and tilting capabilities, ensuring maximum flexibility and clutter-free cabling. This comprehensive solution not only meets the client's operational needs but also enhances the efficiency, safety, and comfort of telecommunicators in the backup 9-1-1 communications center. Conference table Our client also required a technology conference table, which incorporated the same technology integrations as the dispatcher consoles. The proposed conference table for the backup 9-1-1 communications center is designed to accommodate eight users and match the color and finishes of the console workstations. Measuring 106” x 48”, the table features a high-density particle board worksurface covered with high-pressure laminate and equipped with urethane edging for durability and safety. The frame is constructed from 10 gauge cold-rolled steel with a charcoal powder coat finish or aluminum extrusions, ensuring a weight load capacity of 750 lbs. The table includes a retractable integrated dual-sided monument and an advanced cable management system, providing lateral and vertical cable management capabilities. Hinged doors on both sides and ventilated shelves ensure efficient IT equipment ventilation. The heavy-duty construction is designed for mission-critical 24/7 operation, with smooth edges to prevent any sharp or cutting parts, ensuring user safety. Storage solution The custom storage solution includes an IT storage credenza and conference room file storage credenzas tailored to the specific needs of the users. The IT storage credenza measures 120” W x 24” D x 29” H and is designed to support documentation and IT servicing equipment, featuring four sliding drawers and four open shelves. It matches the surface and base colors of the consoles. Additionally, four conference room file storage credenzas, each measuring 36” W x 24” D x 29” H, are required to support training documentation. These credenzas include two pull-out drawers and are designed to match the surface and base colors of the conference table and consoles, ensuring a cohesive and functional workspace. About the result The installation of our control room furniture has significantly enhanced the working environment for both the staff and the organization. The ergonomic workstations, equipped with height-adjustable surfaces and retractable integrated monuments, provide comfort and flexibility, reducing physical strain and promoting better posture. This leads to increased productivity and less burnout among operators, as they can adjust their workstations to suit their individual needs throughout their shifts. The heavy-duty construction and thoughtful design ensure that the workstations are safe and durable, free from sharp edges and cutting parts, which contributes to a safer work environment. The integrated cable management system and organized CPU storage units help maintain a clutter-free workspace, allowing operators to focus on their tasks without distractions. The privacy panels and adjustable monitor arms create a sense of personal space, enabling operators to work more efficiently and with greater concentration. The conference table and custom storage solutions further support the organization by providing dedicated spaces for documentation, IT equipment, and training materials, ensuring that everything is easily accessible and well-organized. Overall, the new control room furniture meets all the requirements and provides tangible benefits such as enhanced comfort, improved productivity, reduced burnout, and a more organized and efficient workspace for the operators. This comprehensive approach not only supports the staff in performing their duties effectively but also contributes to the overall mission of the organization in managing and coordinating emergency responses. Transform Your Control Room with Our Expertise Experience the benefits of a well-designed control room that enhances comfort, productivity, and efficiency. Our ergonomic workstations, advanced cable management systems, and custom storage solutions create an organized and safe environment for your operators. Let us help you build a control room that meets your unique needs and supports your mission. Reach out to us today to start designing your ideal workspace.