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When designing a control room, cable management is often overlooked until it's too late. But in mission-critical environments like 911 dispatch centers, transit control hubs, or security operations, poor cable planning can lead to clutter, inefficiency, and even safety hazards. Here’s how to get it right from the start.   1. Start the Conversation Early Cable management and power planning should begin at the earliest stages of your control room project. Ask key questions: Where is the power coming from—floor, wall, or ceiling? This affects how cables are routed and where access points are needed. Will you be using a raised floor system? How many CPUs, monitors, phones, and radios will be integrated into each console? Count every device since each one will need power and data connectivity. How will IT staff access internal components for maintenance? IT teams need to service equipment without disrupting operations. Plan for removable panels, slide-out trays, as well as front and rear access doors for your control consoles. These questions help define the infrastructure needed to support your technology and workflow.   2. Design for Power Efficiency and Accessibility Modern control room consoles, like those from Sustema, are designed with integrated heavy-duty power bars. These are strategically placed: Inside the wall system  (e.g., 6-outlet 120V 15A bars) Underneath the worksurface Inside compartments on top of the worksurface This setup ensures that all devices are powered safely and that standard cables can be used—reducing complexity and cost. Built-in raceways  and grommets keep cables out of sight and out of the way, reducing trip hazards and visual clutter.   3. Separate Critical and Non-Critical Circuits In 911 centers, separating critical and non-critical power circuits is essential. Sustema’s system allows each receptacle to represent a single circuit, enabling clear separation. These can be integrated directly into the console’s electrical raceways or wall structures. This setup should be discussed with your IT manager, electrical engineer, and facilities team to ensure the power distribution aligns with your operational priorities. Watch account manager, Mark Meschino explain how these circuits are used to source power inside a control console. 4. Leverage Raised Floors for Flexibility Raised access flooring offers several advantages: Cleaner Workspaces : Ideal for control rooms using external server rooms, reducing visible clutter. Easy Expansion : Modular flooring can be added or removed as your space evolves. Simplified Upgrades : New cables can be run by simply lifting floor panels—no need for major renovations. Cost-Effective : These systems are often reusable and portable, making them a smart investment for growing organizations.   5. Plan for Maintenance and Growth Your cable management system should evolve with your technology. Your system should allow for: Easy access for IT maintenance Integration of future technologies Minimal disruption during upgrades A well-organized cable infrastructure ensures your control room remains efficient, safe, and adaptable for years to come. Start Your Control Room Project with Us At Sustema, we understand that every control room is unique—and so are its power and cable management needs. Whether you're building a new 911 dispatch center , upgrading an existing operations hub, or planning for future growth, our team is here to help. Contact us  today to start building a control room that meets your exact requirements.

When it comes to designing a control room, bigger isn’t always better. Many organizations—especially in public safety, utilities, and transportation—operate in facilities where square footage is limited. But that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on performance, comfort, or functionality. In fact, with the right layout and furniture strategy, even the smallest control rooms can be transformed into efficient, ergonomic, and future-ready workspaces.  Here are some examples of control room layouts for small spaces to help you make the most of every square foot. 1. Linear Layout: Simple, Streamlined, and Space-Saving   A linear layout places all operator consoles in a single row, typically facing a shared video wall or bank of monitors. This setup is ideal for narrow rooms or facilities with limited depth.  Why it works:   Maximizes wall space for displays  Keeps cabling and infrastructure centralized  Easy to scale by adding more stations along the line Example Installation:   A row of operator consoles arranged side-by-side in a narrow control room, designed for efficient communication and visibility. Case Study: The goal in this project was to upgrade our client’s control room with modern dispatch consoles that met a comprehensive set of strict requirements, including the use of heavy-duty technical furniture specifically engineered for mission-critical environments, provided by vendors with at least 20 years of experience in the field. The project demanded full compliance with ANSI/BIFMA x5.5-2021 certification standards, robust support and servicing capabilities, and advanced cable management solutions to minimize downtime. Additionally, the consoles needed to feature height-adjustable work surfaces with safety stop collision sensors, ergonomic finishes with Greenguard-certified materials, and integrated storage solutions for both IT equipment and personal belongings. Learn more .    2. Cockpit Layout: Immersive and Operator-Centric   The cockpit layout places consoles in a U or corner configuration, wrapping around the operator. This design is ideal for single-user or dual-user control rooms where multitasking and quick access to multiple systems are critical.  Why it works:   Reduces operator movement  Enhances situational awareness  Makes use of corner space efficiently  Example Installation: Caption: A compact control room using a corner-based cockpit layout, allowing the operator to access multiple systems with minimal movement. Case Study: In a notable case study, our team successfully executed a comprehensive project aimed at revolutionizing the Public Safety Communications Center (PSCC). The initiative involved the conceptualization, design, and manufacturing of a cutting-edge PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) center. Central to the design were five robust consoles, meticulously crafted to seamlessly integrate cable management solutions while boasting dual worksurfaces with adjustable heights to accommodate a diverse range of body sizes and operator preferences. Learn more .    Need help maximizing your existing space for a control room? Contact us.   Small control rooms come with big challenges—but also big opportunities. With the right layout and furniture strategy, you can create a space that’s not only functional but also future-proof. At Sustema, we specialize in designing control room furniture for mission-critical environments of all sizes. Whether you're working with 100 square feet or 1,000, we can help you maximize your space without compromising on performance.  Want to see more examples? Contact us  to request a portfolio of small-space control room installations.

Laminate peeling is a common issue in traditional office furniture, especially in high-use environments. But why does it happen, and more importantly, why doesn’t it happen with our control room consoles? The Problem With Ordinary Laminate Desks Laminate, often referred to as “fake wood,” is a synthetic material used to create a thin, decorative surface on furniture. While it’s popular in commercial office settings for being easy to clean and resistant to stains and warping, it has a major drawback: it peels . This peeling typically starts at the edges, especially on desks with sharp, right-angled edges where chair arms or users’ bodies frequently rub against the surface. Over time, this friction causes the laminate to lift, exposing the underlying material. Lower-quality desks made from chipboard or particle board are particularly vulnerable, especially when paired with thin or poorly bonded laminate layers. Why Our Consoles Don’t Peel Our control room consoles are engineered for durability and performance in 24/7 environments. Here’s how we prevent laminate issues: 1. Heavy-Duty Materials Unlike ordinary desks, our consoles use high-pressure laminate  bonded to MDF or steel-reinforced surfaces , ensuring a much stronger bond and resistance to wear. These materials are designed to withstand the weight and heat of IT equipment, as well as constant human interaction. Example of one of our control room consoles equipped with multiple monitor arms. 2. Urethane Edge Protection We incorporate a urethane edge  around our worksurfaces. This not only cushions the surface from bumps and scratches caused by chairs, doors, or passing operators, it also protects the laminate from peeling. The urethane edge is especially important at touchpoints where operators rest their arms or move equipment. 3. Ergonomic and Rounded Design Our consoles feature rounded edges , reducing the friction that typically causes laminate to peel. This design consideration enhances both durability and user comfort. 4. Built for Load and Longevity Our consoles are built to support significant weight. For example, the Transit console  can handle over 900 pounds across its surfaces, thanks to six 1200N actuators. This means the structure isn’t strained under the weight of monitors, arms, radios, and other equipment, reducing stress on the laminate and frame. 5. Lifetime Warranty While most office furniture comes with a short-term warranty, our consoles are backed by lifetime warranties , reflecting the confidence we have in our materials and construction. Are you renovating your control room? We can help you build a durable work environment. Laminate peeling is a symptom of furniture not designed for demanding environments. Our control room consoles are different. They’re not just desks, they’re technical furniture  built for mission-critical operations, combining ergonomic design, industrial-grade materials, and long-term reliability. If you're tired of replacing peeling desks or dealing with maintenance issues, it might be time to upgrade to a solution built for mission critical environments. Contact us  to know how we can help you.