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The control room is a high-stakes environment where operators monitor and control vital operational activities. They do so through their control room consoles, which are pieces of specialized furniture packed with ergonomic features and technology integrations. However, no 2 control rooms are the same so each instalation requires different accessories to help operators stay productive. Here are the essential accessories to include in your control room. Task light: Control rooms are often dark environments, where each workstation is individually lit using task lights. Operators prefer to work in dark rooms because it helps them to focus on the task at hand. However, on the long run this can be taxing on the eyes. To provide operators with the option to illuminate their workspace, control consoles can implement heavy-duty task ligths that offer good lighting thanks to extremely high lumen output, and most importantly they can be adjusted both in position and in intensity, to illuminate as much as the operator requires. Explore the best task lights  available for control rooms. Status light: In 911 dispatch control rooms, a status light can be attached to the console on top of a monitor post. These lights are not meant to provide lighting but instead to serve as indicators to supervisors and the rest of the staff. The light features as many colors as needed, for example white indicates that there is no one at the console, red indicates the operators requires assistance, green can indicate the operator is engaged in a call, and blue can indicate that there is someone at the console but they are waiting for a call to come through. These lights are integrated into our ConsoleALERT system . Retractable monuments: Control room and dispatch consoles are made in a way where electronic devices like CPUs, PDUs, and cables can be stored securely inside custom-designed CPU enclosures.  But ensure access to power and data directly on the worksurface, control room consoles integrate monument outlets into the worksurface. These monument systems  blend into the surface and can be hidden when they are not in use. The configuration of the outlets can be customized to meet the needs and requirements of the operator. Thermostatic fans: With all the energy used by CPUs and other IT equipment, the enclosure can overheat. To overcome this issue, we've integrated silent thermostatic fans to dissipate the hot air outside the enclosure. The thermostatic fans can be programmed to monitor the temperature inside the cabinet and release the hot air as needed to save energy. Powerbars: To improve cable management and improve efficienct in the control room, control consoles can integrate power bars underneath the worksurface, inside the wall structure or the CPU enclosures. These power bars make organizing cable easier by avoiding having too many cables going down the cable chains and hanging underneath the console. Console panels: To create a more private and comfortable workspace a plexiglass or glass panel can be fixed on each side of the surfaces, but it can also be an acoustic panel. These panels create a barrier between operators to offer better privacy and reduce noise levels. They can provide a sense of individual space for each operator in an otherwise busy and loud environment. Ergonomic chairs: Prolonged sitting can have serious consequences, thankfully ergonomic furniture like chairs can minimize these negative impacts. A good chair allows the adjustment of the height of the backrest, the height and width of the seat, it features a stable chair base and it dissipates the weight of the user to keep bloodf and oxygen flowing through the body. Mobile pedestals: Featuring drawers units mounted on wheels and available with 2 or 3 drawers for better organization, Sustema offers storage pieces that are sturdy and long lasting. They are highly adaptable and provide a secure storage for sensible equipment or supplies. Explore our different solutions of storage for control rooms . Monitor arms: In a control room, monitors can be installed horizontally, vertically and on multiple levels. Choosing the right monitor arm for a 911 dispatch center impacts efficiency, comfort, and safety. These accessories are designed for continuos use, for flexibility, to be compatible with modern VESA standards, and stable. Dive into the key considerations  for selecting a monitor arm. Ambient LED light: Control rooms are adding LED lighting strips to the wall system of control consoles, or under the worksurfaces to create a more comfortable and productive work environment. This use of indirect lighting helps with eye strain by reducing the contrast between bright screens and dark surroundings. Renewing your control room consoles?  We can help. Implementing these accessories in a control room can optimize your daily operations. But if you are renovating your control room consoles, we can help you throughout the process. Contact our team  of specialists and start working with us.

Are you tired of uncomfortable workstations and limited team collaboration in your command center? Look no further! In this case study, we will dive into how we transformed the OPP command center with our innovative control room furniture. Our team worked closely with the Ontario Provincial Police to design and manufacture a control room that not only meets their needs but exceeds them. From ergonomic consoles to improved communication capabilities, our control room furniture has revolutionized the way the OPP operates. Keep reading to learn more about this exciting project and how it can benefit your own command center. Inside of the OPP Communications Centre in London, Ont. The picture was provided by OPP. About our client, the Ontario Provincial Police As Ontario's largest police force covering more than 170,000 square kilometers and serving nearly a million residents, the OPP requires ergonomic consoles to support their 137 operators working 24/7 at the communications center. Control Console photographed during the assembly of the control room. About the project, problems and pain points encountered by the OPP The project aimed to provide modern infrastructure and support to dedicated officers and specialized units, enabling them to handle emergency and non-emergency calls effectively. It prioritized high environmental standards, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and accessibility. The project also considered new challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to combat new online criminal activity. Additionally, supervisors wanted an intuitive console setup that would allow them to quickly assess the situation at a glance, accompanied by audible alerts for crises. The solution Sustema offered for the OPP’s control room furniture In order to enhance the working environment for both OPP officers and civilian members, a team of architects was hired by OPP to meticulously evaluate and analyze the existing space. The thorough assessment resulted in over 100 pages of comprehensive criteria. Our team gave careful attention to every detail of the console design and produced a detailed 200-page response. Through collaboration with OPP, we elevated our standard console model to the next level, integrating software and creating Console Alert. OPP control room after installation. How our solution was implemented in the OPP control room Once our team at Sustema had thoroughly analyzed the needs and requirements of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and developed a detailed response to their criteria, it was time to implement our solution and transform the OPP command center. Our solution was meticulously implemented to ensure that every aspect of the control room was optimized for the comfort and productivity of the operators. The console design included multiple innovative features to address the pain points encountered by the OPP. To create a clutter-free and organized workspace, we incorporated a dual worksurface that accommodated operators of varying height percentiles. This allowed for individual adjustments and ensured that each operator could work in a position that was ergonomically suitable for them. The dual worksurface also provided ample space for multiple keyboards, a mouse, and a desktop telecommunication headset, without requiring side-to-side movement from the user. Top view of dual worksurfaces of control console To support the intense concentration required in the rapid-paced environment of the command center, we equipped the console with a monitor support system. This system allowed for the fitting of four vertical displays and an additional monitor, ensuring that operators had access to all the information they needed at their fingertips. An early version of the control console with monitors The heavy-duty materials used in the console's construction ensured its durability and operational capability 24/7. To further enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the control room, we implemented an effective cable management system. This included cable chains for vertical cable management, separate data and power cable management, and perforated metal monitor covers to conceal and secure all cables. Cable chains secure cables during motion The console design also incorporated various features to enhance accessibility and comfort. These included quiet actuators for smooth and uninterrupted movement of the worksurfaces, safety sensor bars to prevent damage, rounded edging to prevent stress-related injuries, and ample knee and toe clearance to provide comfort and personal space for operators. Each actuator has a lift capacity of 250 lbs The implementation process was carried out with careful attention to detail and a commitment to providing the best working environment for the OPP operators. The end result was a control room that not only met the needs of the operators but exceeded their expectations in terms of functionality, accessibility, and overall design. How we created our proprietary solution, Console Alert to help supervisors manage crises and help operators Our team at Sustema developed an effective crisis management system in the OPP command center, which led us to create our proprietary solution, ConsoleALERT . This innovative system is designed to help supervisors efficiently manage crises and provide support to operators in real time. With the push of a button, the ConsoleALERT system is activated, triggering a series of actions. The status light on the console starts blinking and emitting an audible alert, immediately catching the attention of the supervisor. Simultaneously, the system notifies the supervisor on their end, alerting them to the incoming call and providing them with the necessary information. The supervisor can take quick action, ensuring a swift response to any crisis. Once the crisis is resolved, the supervisor can easily switch off the alert system at the control console. But ConsoleALERT doesn't stop there. The system also includes comprehensive statistics and a log to keep track of how and when the system is used. This data can be invaluable for training purposes, analyzing response times, and identifying areas for improvement in crisis management. It provides a streamlined and efficient process for supervisors to handle emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of both the operators and the public they serve. Results for the Ontario Provincial Police Operators are required to work in an almost constant state of sitting as they are restricted to their workstations when taking calls or dispatching. This can lead to discomfort and reduced productivity over time. However, with our innovative control room furniture, we were able to address these pain points and provide measurable outcomes for the OPP. One of the key outcomes was improved accessibility. Our height-adjustable consoles gave operators the option to work while standing, promoting movement and reducing the negative effects of prolonged sitting. This not only enhanced operator comfort but also contributed to their overall well-being and productivity. Control console during installation Additionally, the heavy-duty materials used in the construction of the console ensured its durability and operational capability 24/7, 365 days a year. This meant that the OPP command center could rely on the furniture to withstand the demands of their high-pressure environment without compromising accessibility or functionality. By incorporating dual work surfaces that moved independently, we were able to accommodate operators of varying height percentiles. This adaptability allowed for personalized adjustments, ensuring that each operator could work in a position that was ergonomically suitable for them. This not only improved comfort but also minimized the risk of work-related injuries. Overall, the measurable outcomes for the OPP included increased operator comfort, enhanced productivity, and improved overall well-being. The accessibility and functionality of the control room furniture played a crucial role in achieving these outcomes, making a significant positive impact on the daily operations of the OPP command center. If you are currently renovating your control center, our team of specialists can provide assistance and support. The transformation of the OPP command center with our innovative control room furniture has been a resounding success. As we look to the future, we are excited to continue our partnership with the OPP and support their ongoing needs. Our experience with the OPP is a testament to the positive impact that ergonomic design and durable control room furniture can have on both operators and the organization as a whole. So, if you're ready to take your control room to the next level, we invite you to explore our range of innovative solutions and contact us to discuss your specific requirements. Together, we can create a control room that not only meets your needs but also exceeds your expectations. Let us help you transform your control room into a hub of efficiency, productivity, and comfort.

Is your budget for your control room ready? Now is the perfect time for 911 directors and supervisors to start planning their budget for the upcoming year. Upgrading your control room in 2025 can help address common issues faced by 911 centers, such as outdated consoles, ergonomic problems, and inefficient layouts. Thes issues lead to missed opportunities, and increase frustration among the staff. However, it can be difficult to identify every problem and issue that needs fixing, without going completely over budget. This is why we recommend you start planning for next year right now. That way, you can get valuable feedback from key stakeholders in your organization, and most importantly, you won’t be missing out on the ergonomic features that will have a positive impact on your center. At Sustema, we're here to guide you through the process, offering expert assistance with designs, budgeting, and every detail needed to evaluate what's working and what's not in your control room. In this article we will discuss the reasons why you should upgrade your center, and what are the common issues control rooms are facing. Common reasons to upgrade a control center We get it. The decision to upgrade your control center isn't just about staying up to date with the latest trends in control console design; it's about making your workspace work better for you, your team, and your mission. That means that as you plan your budget for the next year, every element needs to add up to the proper allocation of resources available to your organization, including financial, human, and material resources. Here are some reasons why 911 centers , utilities, and other mission-critical environments should be upgraded: Organize and Enhance Ergonomics : Is your workspace feeling cramped and chaotic with an endless pile of notes, and pens, and those 2 already empty cups of coffee just sitting on your station because you simply don’t have enough space? An upgrade can declutter your worksurface area, optimize your room layout, and make everything more ergonomic for the user. After all, a clutter-free, comfortable workspace can significantly improve the daily experience and reduce operator burnout. Modernization Matters: Perhaps your current installations and furniture have seen better days. Maybe the furniture is not suitable for the current needs of your team. Or, it might just be that the consoles aren’t flexible enough for the changes you are looking to implement. This is when a makeover allows you to remodel and modernize your setup with durable, high-tech furniture that not only looks great but also performs exceptionally well. NG911 Integration: Keeping up with the latest technology is crucial for any control room. By modernizing your center, you can fully integrate NG911 hardware, implement better cable management solutions, ensure easy access to IT equipment, and keep your critical systems secure, reducing downtime and enhancing your center's reliability. Atmosphere and Morale: Your workspace design and room layout directly impact your team's morale and efficiency. Tangible factors like electrical wiring, ventilation, and data sources are obviously important when planning your control room layout. On the other hand, intangible elements such as noise, lighting, colors in the room, the grouping of people, and the overall feel and atmosphere of the room are often overlooked during this process. An improved room atmosphere and working environment can work wonders to boost morale, streamline operations, and create a more pleasant and productive workplace that attracts and retains new talent. So, whether it's about decluttering, modernizing, staying technologically advanced, or simply creating a better work atmosphere, upgrading your control center is about making it work better for you and your team. Elements that are hurting your control center right now: An aging control room plagued by several issues hampers operations and staff well-being, making a renovation of the center essential. Below we discuss how each issue adds up to the detriment of a control room and its impacts on the operators who work there. Difficulty in Hiring: Between 2019 and 2022, one in four jobs at public safety communications centers were vacant, according to a recent report from the National Association of State 911 Administrators and the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. Finding and retaining skilled staff can be made easier when the center itself looks and feels like a place that has a clear direction, good leadership, and resources to support its employees in what is already a stressful job. Suboptimal Working Conditions: When new employees find themselves in a workplace that is constantly ramping up stress levels with poor design choices, bad ventilation which causes poor air quality, deficient heating which impedes concentration, and insufficient lighting that causes physical discomfort, new recruits will not think twice to find greener pastures elsewhere. Ergonomic problems in the design of the furniture: Consoles that do not adapt to the operator’s needs and requirements are a detriment to the productivity of the organization as a whole. A console that is used by different people throughout the day will require the staff to adapt to it, instead of the other way around. Different people of different heights will have to adopt uncomfortable postures that will result in fatigue and injuries. Consoles without height-adjustable worksurfaces, adaptable lighting, personal environmental systems, flexible monitor arrays, and even rounded edges on the worksurface, all can contribute to work-related injuries. Outdated Consoles: Old consoles may no longer meet the needs of your operators, or perhaps they never did. This will impact their performance and can lead to burnout, which fuels the staffing crisis many organizations in mission-critical environments are facing nowadays. Cleanliness Concerns: Dirty consoles create a working environment that lowers morale. If it is not easy to clean the furniture without disturbing the operators, it can lead to a continuous decline in the overall hygiene of the control room, exacerbating the existing challenges and affecting staff productivity. Cable Management Woes: Poor cable management can result in prolonged downtime. Older consoles that were designed to look pretty, instead of being functional increase the overall time and effort that it takes to make minor adjustments and daily maintenance of critical IT equipment at the consoles. After all, the information passing through those cables is critical data, like a bus's location, an airplane’s status, the current pressure on the electrical grid of your city, or someone’s 911 call. Noise Disturbances: Noise is one of those intangible factors that are often overlooked during the design process. But in a workplace that is famous for always having something going on, the lack of acoustic panels can make your workspace noisier than it already is and hinder the operator’s concentration. Excessive noise levels will contribute to the stress of the job, which will also contribute to the burnout cycle. Inflexible Layout: A non-reconfigurable control center layout may not adapt to your organization's evolving needs. For example, during the process of PSAP consolidation (a process that is already complicated on its own), accommodating more people and more equipment can pose difficulties. However, rigidity can hinder the seamless integration of new resources, disrupt operational efficiency, and impede the successful execution of PSAP consolidation efforts. Storage and Accessibility Problems: Insufficient storage and inconvenient device placement can lead to the staff being uncomfortable, as well as create a chaotic and cluttered workspace. When operators lack separate spaces for their personal effects and their professional tools, these will often become mixed, making it challenging to locate necessary items quickly, leading to frustration and delays in completing tasks, ultimately affecting the overall productivity and morale of the center. Therefore, addressing storage and accessibility issues is crucial for creating a well-organized, safe, and efficient control room. At Sustema, we offer comprehensive solutions for upgrading your control room. Our services encompass technical drawings, in-depth needs analysis, budget planning, and more. We specialize in designing and manufacturing specialized furniture tailored to your specific needs, addressing the very issues that are holding your control center back. We're here to help you create a control room that not only overcomes these challenges but also enhances your team's efficiency, comfort, and morale.