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About the client The Kingston Central Ambulance Communications Centre (CACC)  is a critical hub for emergency medical services in Ontario. Covering a vast jurisdiction of 20,200 square kilometers , the center serves a population of approximately 523,787 residents . As the primary dispatch point for ambulance services in the region, Kingston CACC plays a vital role in ensuring timely and efficient emergency response across urban and rural communities. About the project To accommodate growing operational needs, Kingston CACC initiated an expansion of their existing control room setup. Previously equipped with two Sustema consoles , the center required additional workstations and structural modifications to optimize workflow and meet updated health and safety standards. The project involved: Adding six new consoles : One dedicated to the supervisor role and five configured as dispatcher workstations . Integrating a new wall section  into the existing pod of four consoles to create a defined separation between work areas. Ensuring pandemic-era spacing requirements can be met if needed , with consoles strategically spread apart to maintain safe distancing without compromising communication efficiency. This expansion reinforces Kingston CACC’s commitment to providing a modern, ergonomic, and resilient workspace for its emergency response team.   About the solution To meet Kingston CACC’s operational and ergonomic requirements, Sustema provided Transit Dispatcher Consoles in a cockpit configuration , specifically designed for Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP)  and 24/7 mission-critical environments. These consoles deliver the flexibility, durability, and comfort essential for Ambulance Communication Officers (ACOs) managing high-pressure emergency calls. Each workstation was engineered to support both the operator and the complex technology required for effective dispatching. Key features include: Ergonomic Design : Adjustable surfaces powered by high-capacity actuators  and Linak modern controls with memory and display , allowing operators to customize their workspace for comfort and efficiency. Heavy-Duty Construction : Built with steel frames , high-pressure laminate surfaces , and urethane molding edging  for long-lasting durability. Personal Environment System : Integrated fans and heaters  to maintain operator comfort during extended shifts. Technology Integration : Each console accommodates up to six monitors , multiple keyboards and mice, restricted and backup radio systems , secure phone lines, and backup telephony. Cable & Power Management : Equipped with power bars , USB charging ports , and CPU enclosures with thermostatic fans  for optimal cooling and organization. Supervisor Console : A dedicated station with the same advanced features, tailored for oversight and coordination. This solution ensures Kingston CACC’s dispatch team operates in a safe, ergonomic, and technologically advanced environment , supporting their critical role in emergency response.   About the result The project resulted in a fully expanded dispatch control room designed for efficiency, comfort, and resilience. The new layout features: Eight dispatcher consoles  strategically arranged into two pods of four  and two additional consoles positioned in the corners  for optimal workflow and supervision. A modernized Operations area (“the floor”)  equipped with advanced technology running 24/7 , ensuring uninterrupted emergency response capabilities. Each Ambulance Communication Officer (ACO) now has the tools to monitor, manage, and direct critical operations from a single workstation , supported by ergonomic design and integrated technology. This enhanced environment empowers ACOs to perform their demanding roles, requiring exceptional multitasking, focus, and composure under pressure, with greater efficiency and comfort. Kingston CACC now operates in a state-of-the-art control room  that meets today’s operational challenges and anticipates future needs.   Ready to Upgrade Your Dispatch Center? Experience the difference a purpose-built control room can make. Our ergonomic dispatcher consoles , advanced cable management systems , and custom storage solutions are designed to create a safe, organized, and high-performance environment for your team. Whether you’re expanding your operations or building a new center, we’ll help you design a workspace that supports 24/7 mission-critical work and enhances operator comfort and productivity.   Let’s build your ideal control room together. 👉  Contact us today  to start your project and discover how Sustema can transform your dispatch operations.   Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1. What is a PSAP console? A Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) console  is a specialized workstation designed for emergency dispatch centers. It provides ergonomic features, integrated technology, and durability to support 24/7 mission-critical operations.   2. Why are ergonomic dispatcher consoles important? Dispatchers work long shifts in high-pressure environments. Ergonomic consoles  reduce fatigue, improve posture, and enhance operator comfort, which leads to better focus and faster response times during emergencies.   3. Can Sustema customize consoles for my control room? Yes! Sustema specializes in custom control room furniture solutions . We tailor console configurations, technology integration, and spacing to meet your operational requirements and health & safety standards.   4. What technology can be integrated into these consoles (in this case)? Our consoles support: Up to six monitors Multiple keyboards and mice Restricted and backup radio systems Secure phone systems and backup telephony Advanced cable and power management 5. How do these consoles support 24/7 operations? Sustema consoles are built with heavy-duty steel frames , high-capacity actuators , and personal environment systems  (fans and heaters) to withstand continuous use while keeping operators comfortable.   6. Do you provide solutions for pandemic-era spacing requirements? Absolutely. We design layouts that maintain safe distancing  without compromising communication efficiency, ensuring compliance with health and safety guidelines.   7. How can I start designing my dispatch center? Simply contact Sustema today . Our team will guide you through the process, from layout planning to console customization, ensuring your control room meets your unique needs.

As we wrap up 2025, we want to take a moment to say something simple and sincere: thank you . Your trust in Sustema means the world to us. We are truly grateful that you continue to choose our team year over year. Working with you allows us to create solutions we’re proud of, and we deeply appreciate the relationships we’ve built throughout the year. As we head into 2026, our commitment remains the same , designing spaces that work for you, made out of durable quality materials, and integrate seamlessly with your technology. From our team to yours, we wish you a holiday season filled with rest, joy, and good health. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead and the continued partnership we value so much! Holiday Closure Dates: Thursday, December 25 – Closed Friday, December 26 – Closed Thursday, January 1 – Closed Warm wishes, The Sustema Team

Control room consoles are essential components in many high-stakes operational environments. This guide explains what they are, their key features, and why they're crucial for various industries. Control Console Definition Control room consoles are specialized furniture designed for mission-critical command centers. It serves as a workstation where operators monitor and control vital operational activities. These consoles are engineered to meet four essential requirements that standard office furniture cannot : IT Equipment Support: Control consoles are built to accommodate and support a large quantity of IT equipment, including multiple monitors, CPUs, and specialized hardware. 24/7 Durability: Constructed with high-quality materials, these consoles are designed to withstand continuous use in round-the-clock operations without degradation. Cable Management: They feature integrated cable management systems, providing sufficient space and organization for the complex network of wires and cables required in control room environments. Ergonomic Design: Control consoles prioritize operator health by incorporating ergonomic principles, such as adjustable heights, optimal viewing angles, and comfortable seating arrangements. Unlike standard office desks, control room consoles are tailored for demanding 24/7 applications in the following industries: Emergency Services (911 call centers) Security and Surveillance Process Control in Manufacturing Energy and Utilities Management Transportation and Traffic Control Military and Defense Operations Air Traffic Control Broadcasting and Media Production Essential Features of Control Consoles Control consoles incorporate features that empower operators in mission critical environments. These improve functionality, comfort and durability in the control room. Below are the main features of modern control consoles: Ergonomic R e ach Zone : Reach zone refers to the work surface area in which the frequently used items can be reached easily. A console that is designed ergonomically will allow users to do so by simply extending the arm across the surface and avoiding them to have to stand up or stretch out. Top view of a control console with a corner configuration and a focal adjustment system. Electric Height Adjustability : Allows sitting or standing positions. For console operators who tend to work long hours in high-stress environments, being able to change from a sitting position to a standing position with the push of a button helps to create a more comfortable environment. Integrated Cable Management: Keeps wires organized and accessible. A modern control console integrates cable management into its design, meaning that the underlying structure is used for organization and makes it easy to carry out IT maintenance without causing disruption. CPU Enclosures for Control Room Consoles: Secures and protects essential computing hardware. In a mission critical environment where resiliency is key, a secured CPU enclosure adds a layer of protection so that only authorized personnel can access the IT equipment. Power and Data Outlets: Provides easy access to necessary connections. Consoles also feature built in power and data outlets in the form of monument systems so that the operator has network access or can power other devices. Multi-Mo n itor Support: Accommodates multiple screens for comprehensive monitoring. With a good understanding of how many monitors are needed in each control console, operators can integrate as many monitor arms are required, in the configuration that best suits their needs. Task Lights for Control Room Consoles: Reduces eye strain in low-light environments. Control consoles integrates task lights design for continuous use in mission critical environments that allow for precise adjustments in the intensity and direction of the light. Acoustic treatments : Minimizes distracting noise. Noise is a major concern in all control rooms and one way to address it is by implementing acoustic panels to help reduce distractions and dampen the sound throughout the room.   Why Control Room Consoles Matter Control consoles play a crucial role in maintaining operational efficiency and safety in high-pressure environments. They enable operators to: Respond quickly to emergencies Monitor complex systems effectively Maintain situational awareness Reduce fatigue during long shifts Enhance overall workplace productivity   FAQs About Control Room Consoles How do control consoles differ from regular office desks? A control console integrates cable management and smart technology into its structure. The use of electrical raceways to separate data and power prevents electro-magnetic interference. The implementation of cable chains, grommet holes and monuments with data and power outlets further solidifies the difference between a control console and a desk. Can control consoles be customized for specific industries? Yes, for example depending on the purpose of the console and the room it is in the placing and the amount of monitors  will be different, modern 911 dispatch consoles use a big 55 inch screen at the center of the monitor array, and another two 24 inch monitors placed at each side. But in an air traffic control center a single row of 4 monitors might be preferred. The amount of monitors needed will influence the final shape of the worksurfaces. What ergonomic benefits do control consoles offer? Integrating ergonomic features in the control room helps employees to avoid stress-related injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome by implementing urethane edging, alleviate stress in the neck thanks to adjustable work-surfaces and versatile monitor arms, as well as promoting movement throughout the day thanks to the height adjustability of the consoles. How do control consoles improve operator focus and efficiency? Each tool has a predetermined place within reach in a control console. Since the furniture takes on the role of organizing the tools for the operator to use and store efficiently, they can benefit from an increased alertness, concentration and memory retention. About Sustema Inc. With over 30 years of experience designing modular and ergonomic control room consoles, we’ve manufactured thousands of ergonomic control room consoles for control centers across North America. We’ve learned to integrate ergonomic standards by considering human factors in every project including the control room layout. Contact us to start building your control room.