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How Far Can HDMI Cables Be Run While Still Maintaining High-Quality Images? This is a question we often get from our clients at Sustema when conducting a needs analysis for their operations center furniture. It can get tricky to connect your devices to your home TV, now imagine doing so for an operations center working 24/7 using a large format CCTV video wall display and multiple workstations each handling 4 to 6 LCD monitors. In this article, we will go over the best practices when running cables in the communications center and offer some alternatives in case you need your HDMI cable signal to reach further distances. HDMI HDMI, short for high definition multimedia interface has become today’s standard for transferring high-quality audio and video between devices. Its low price point and data transfer speeds between 2.25-10.2 Gbps depending on the brand makes it a preferred choice among consumers to run multiple television displays from a computer, streaming, and playing video games online. However, a major drawback is that whenever longer cables are used, users experience a considerable loss of the image quality and speed. This is mainly due to a power loss with longer cables resulting in lower definitions. Now the question remains, at what length does one get affected by lower image resolutions when using HDMI? According to the test conducted by the HDMI Authorized Testing Center (ATC Tests), HDMI cables of up to 45 feet long are considered reliable in terms of speed and image quality. Note that you can still buy 50, 100, and even 200-foot cables, however, these do not comply with industry quality standards and do not support all video size formats required by mission-critical communication centers. Therefore, whenever you need to use HDMI at distances greater than 50 ft there are other more reliable solutions to avoid the drawbacks mentioned previously. For instance, using amplifiers to compensate for high-frequency data losses over the increased length of the cable or ultra-high-performance cables with RedMere Technology utilizing chips in the cable heads to cut down thicker high-speed cables and maintain high-quality data transfer. The following list describes the different products available depending on the signal reach you need. Standard HDMI (20 Metres): Cables meeting the HDMI certification standard contain the required 19 cores of high-grade copper, plus varying degrees of shielding depending on the price point. More expensive cables can transfer higher resolutions over longer lengths and also work better with splitters and switches. HDMI cables in this category work better in a small distance and when routed from powered sources to displays. Boosted HDMI (40 Metres): The integrated HDMI booster functions using a 5v power rail from the HDMI signal to extend the reach of the signal without losing quality. This technology allows manufacturers to design longer and thinner cable runs offering more flexibility. However, while HDMI boosted cables are more expensive than their basic counterparts they are limited to delivering 1080p content due to the loss of bandwidth over longer distances. HDMI using Fibre Optics (45 Metres): Fibre Optic kits for HDMI are the most expensive solution but with good reason. The added benefit to this cable system is the flexibility it offers due to the smaller optical core when compared to Boosted HDMI cables while sill reaching similar distances. HDMI using CAT (50 Metres): HDMI can be integrated with Cat5/6 cables to extend an AV source for longer distances. However, due to bandwidth limitations, most CAT extenders support up to 1080p. Pricier versions can also transmit 3D images. A major drawback is the signal interference in heavily equipped IT applications. Another drawback is the complexity of installation compared to standard cable management systems. Note that some systems can use Ethernet-based LANs as a video and audio extension from a PC. HDMI over Wireless: While wireless HDMI technologies are widely available, they are known for reaching smaller distances. For instance, in an environment with the best conditions, it can reach up to 10 to 15 meters. However, if there are walls which are often the case, the signal distance falls to 5 to 8 meters. Note that most wireless technologies are limited in terms of bandwidth to 1080p. Therefore, running physical cables remains the best alternative when possible. In conclusion, HDMI cables measuring 50 feet or less in length will work efficiently. More affordable cables can still deliver 780p to 1080i, however, premium versions under 50 ft will effectively transmit 1080p without any interference. Note that even cables with high built quality can present lower definitions when including a larger distance variable. For simpler applications. HDMI cables between 3 and 6 feet in length will suffice to accommodate most situations. Contact us here if you wish to talk with a professional when designing your operations center. Sustema Inc.

The Project: Faced with both an aging emergency communications center (PSAP) and increasing demand for quicker response times, a leading medical response organization decided to retire an old communications center and build a next-generation tech-savvy replacement. The 911 communications center is responsible for handling 24/7 emergency telephone responses and offering medical assistance to callers. Sustema was selected to undertake the project as the preferred supplier following a tendering process among major manufacturers. Installation: To assure maximum coordination, Sustema’s certified installers synchronized their work with a cabling company, electricians and IT technicians to optimize the time required to install the consoles. The modular design of the Transit Series facilitates access to the console components. The integration of IT equipment, cabling, storage units, and power distribution was done efficiently and rapidly. Solution: Sustema provided the client with design drawings based on specific requirements and delivered the customized consoles for the complex 24/7 communications center. For this PSAP project, Sustema installed the Transit Series C-300 console system with dual height adjustable surfaces and additional storage cabinets under the console. The consoles were configured in different clusters to group emergency call takers, first respondent dispatchers, and call center, supervisors. The wall structure is used for cable management storing both power and network cables to reduce clutter underneath the console. The cockpit shaped console is supported by four (4) heavy-duty actuators providing the workstation with superior stability. For this project, the client selected waterfall edges on the worksurfaces. Benefits: PSAP users working with the new, state-of-the-art consoles now receive more consistent and better results due to the advantages of the ergonomic workstations. Employees saw an improvement in acoustics which offered a more comfortable work environment. Each console is equipped with retractable outlets within the work surface to allow for easy access to the network and power supply. Churn rate has reduced considerably since the installation of ergonomic consoles making the Transit Series a valuable asset for employee retention. The consoles all come with a limited lifetime warranty. Obtain A Free Quote In 3 Easy Steps 1) Floor Plan Send us a top view of your room and your project requirements at info@sustema.com. 2) Web Meeting Discussion about your needs and presentation of our furniture solutions. 3) Drawings & Budgetary Quote You will receive customized drawings and pricing for your project.

And The Winner Is! We are pleased to announce that the official winner of our trade show contest at the APCO 2019 Baltimore Conference is …(drumroll) Brian Short!! Congratulations Brian, you will receive a $250 Amazon gift card from Sustema! Please contact us at info@sustema to claim your prize. We also want to thank all of the participants who entered our contest and everybody who stopped by our booth. Are You Planning To Renovate Your PSAP? Whether you are planning to invest in acquiring new consoles, technology conference tables, training workstations, or workbenches for your PSAP, contact us to request a free quote and preliminary design rendering. We have over 20 years of experience designing, manufacturing, and installing technical furniture for mission-critical 24/7 applications across North America. Get A Free Quote In 3 Easy Steps: 1) Floor Plan Send us a top view of your room and your project requirements at info@sustema.com. 2) Web Meeting Discussion about your needs and presentation of our furniture solutions. 3) Drawings & Budgetary Quote You will receive customized drawings and pricing for your project. In Case You Missed Our Booth At The APCO 2019: Learn why the Transit Series console is the ultimate workstation for 24/7 applications. Specifically designed for the needs of PSAP call takers and dispatcher, Derek Dugas, account manager at Sustema presents the features of the Transit Series and unveils the all-new ConsoleALERT® management software for PSAP.

All Sustema team wants to wish you a very Happy Holiday season and a peaceful and prosperous New Year. Please note that we will be closed from December 25th to January 2.

Dear customers, Please note that due to the Quebec National Holiday and National Day of Canada, we will be closed on Monday, June 26th, and Monday, July 3rd. Do not hesitate to contact us for any questions, On behalf of the entire team, Have a wonderful summer!

Since we have a lot of clients that require help choosing monitors for their consoles, where is a list of the Best Thin Monitors of 2017. Please note that all of them have VESA Mounts 75×75 or 100×100. Top Five of Thin Bezel Monitors

We would like to wish you all the best during this holiday season. Thank you for 2016 and looking forward to work with you in 2017! Sustema Team

You can have the best ergonomic set up at your desk with a great monitor arm, keyboard support, and chair, it still does not help the fact that we are sitting too much and doing little physical activity when it comes to the workplace.  We were made to move, not sit at a desk for 8-10 hours a day.  Sitting all day increases our risk for obesity and puts us at risk for back pain, headaches, poor posture, leg cramps, tense muscles, heart disease and makes us less productive.  Many think that we need a lot of time to exercise, so we invariably put it off or don’t engage at all.  Exercise is simply the act of keeping your body busy, using muscles and bones while the heart keeps pumping.  Here is a list of 6 easy exercises to do in your own workspace. Phone walking: Using a headset, every time your phone rings stand up and walk around your office.  It’s good for increasing your daily steps. Leg raises: While sitting at your desk or turned around, straighten both your legs (or do one at a time) in front of you and hold for 10 seconds.  Lower them almost to the floor then raise again and hold.  Repeat 10 times.  Great for working the abs. Standing calf raises: While standing behind your chair with your hands on the back, feet together, rise up on your toes and hold for 10 seconds.  Slowly release and repeat 10 times.  A good exercise for circulation while strengthening the calf muscles. Knee lifts: Stand up away from your desk and lift your knee up in front and put your arms down.  Do 20 reps each leg.  This is a great exercise to wake up the hip flexors and quadriceps. Toe Touches: With feet positioned at hip distance, slowly bend down reaching for your toes.  Go as down as far as you can, when you feel tightness, count to 5 then reach some more.  Do 10 times and feel the release in the hamstrings and lower back. Desk pushups: Place your hands on the edge of the desk, shoulder-width apart, legs out behind at 45 degrees.  Push off with as much force as you can repeat 10 times.  Good for your arms and shoulders.

S'il est vrai que le coût élevé des blessures au travail justifie en partie l’investissement nécessaire à l’adoption des surfaces de travail à hauteur ajustable, il n’en demeure pas moins que l’argumentaire en leur faveur ne s’arrête pas là. En tant que fournisseur de mobilier spécialisé ergonomique, j’ai souvent l’impression de prêcher à des convertis lorsque je me trouve en présence de professionnels de santé et sécurité au travail.  Ceux-ci apprécient déjà les avantages des consoles à hauteur ajustable. Si cela ne tenait qu’à eux, tous les utilisateurs de centres de contrôle seraient obligés de travailler dans un environnement ergonomique. Les travailleurs de la construction portent un casque sur le chantier, les travailleurs d’usine portent des lunettes de sécurité, pourquoi leurs utilisateurs n’auraient pas le même souci de réduction des risques de blessures? Historiquement, les professionnels de santé et sécurité ont encouragé les efforts en ce sens, soulignant le coût élevé des blessures liées au travail. La preuve n’est plus à faire; les environnements de travail réussis réduisent les blessures déclarées et accélèrent les retours au travail. Peu d’organisations recueillent ce type de données ou font le lien entre les employés en bonne santé et la productivité de l’entreprise. Sans compter que le coût réel d’un accident de travail n’est pas toujours évident à calculer lorsque les coûts des blessures sont pris en charge par les compagnies d’assurance. Pour influencer les décisions au niveau du mobilier, afin d’assurer le confort des employés, les professionnels de santé et sécurité avertis ont appris à faire des recommandations dans un langage que les décideurs d’entreprises allaient instantanément apprécier. Ces derniers veulent non seulement entendre parler de retour sur investissement et de prévention des blessures, mais aussi d’impacts positifs concrets et observables. Dans cette perspective, une étude basée sur une organisation ayant une centaine d’opérateurs de consoles nous apparait pertinente. L’entreprise en question envisage l’achat d’un poste de travail ajustable qui va augmenter le coût unitaire des stations à hauteur fixe de 1000 $. Les exemples qui suivent montrent une série d’hypothèses sur le revenu des employés, le taux de mobilité, les frais de recrutement, autant de facteurs qui concernent vos collègues. Des hypothèses qui sont, bien entendues, sujettes à modifications, au besoin. Augmentation du temps de tâche En assumant que les employés travaillant dans un environnement ergonomique vont augmenter leur niveau de confort et ainsi accroître leur productivité, quel serait donc le coût réel des pertes de productivité dues à l’inconfort? En admettant que les postes de travail confortables permettent aux employés de travailler environ 2 % plus longtemps à leur poste, à chaque jour (soit 10 minutes dans une journée de 8 heures), ce gain modeste se traduirait par un gain annuel de cinq jours ouvrables (2 % des 250 jours de travail annuels). De quoi amplement justifier le coût plus élevé d’un poste de travail réglable. De façon concrète, les stations réglables utilisées par des employés qui gagnent en moyenne 50 000 $ par année permettraient à l’organisation de “gagner” 1000 $ en productivité par station (2 % de 50 000 $). Le retour sur investissement (ROI) peut ainsi se faire en 12 mois (1000 $ / 1000 $). Réduction du taux de roulement des employés Quel est le coût d’attraction et de rétention du personnel? Est-ce qu’un poste de travail confortable peut réduire le roulement d’employés? Dans l’optique d’attirer et de retenir les employés talentueux et qualifiés, on voit de plus en plus d’organisations promouvoir un environnement de travail ergonomique, voire esthétiquement impressionnant. Avec des travailleurs qui passent de longues heures devant l’ordinateur, le confort devient un véritable enjeu. S’il en coûte 5 000 $ pour recruter, embaucher et former chaque nouvel employé, et que des postes de travail réglables peuvent ralentir le taux de roulement de 20 % à 15 %, imaginez les économies! Dans notre exemple, les postes de travail réglables nous permettent de gagner 25 000 $ par an en coûts de ressources humaines (20 % – 15 % = 5% sur 100 employés = 5 employés x 5 000 $ = 25 000 $) ou 250 $ par station. Le retour sur investissement se fait donc en quatre ans (1 000 $ / 250 $). Installer plus de gens, plus fréquemment Quel est le coût relié aux modifications de mobilier pour le service des immeubles de votre entreprise? Un mobilier confortable ne pourra pas retenir les employés infiniment. En moyenne, les employés sont réaffectés, promus, ou remerciés à tous les trois ans. Avec la popularité croissante des horaires flexibles, il se peut que plusieurs personnes soient appelées à partager un même poste de travail. De plus, ces postes peuvent aisément devoir accommoder de 3 à 6 occupants pendant leur vie active (estimée entre 10 et 20 ans), et se voir déplacés ou reconfigurés tout aussi souvent. Si la politique de santé et sécurité du service des immeubles exige que les surfaces de travail correspondent aux besoins des employés, les efforts d’ajustements manuels requis augmenteront nécessairement le coût à long terme des postes de travail inflexibles. Les utilisateurs qui peuvent aisément modifier leur surface de travail contribuent donc à réduire les coûts de service des installations. En supposant qu’à chaque année, environ 40 postes de travail doivent être déplacés, reconfigurés ou ajustés à la hauteur des nouveaux usagers, et qu’un coût approximatif de 200 $ par station est à prévoir, on en arrive à un coût total de 8000 $ par année (40 x 200 $) ou 80 $ par poste. Le ROI se ferait donc en 13 ans (1000 $ / 80 $). La réduction des coûts dus aux blessures Proposons qu’une réclamation moyenne se situe à 11 000 $ et qu’une organisation donnée reçoit 4 demandes par année liées à une mauvaise posture et aux mouvements répétitifs. Si les postes de travail réglables réduisent les blessures d’environ 50 %, les revendications annuelles chuteraient de 4 à 2, passant ainsi de 44 000 $ à seulement 22 000 $. Les économies par station seraient ainsi de 354 $ par année et le ROI se fait en 2 ans et des poussières (1000 $ / 354 $). Passer de « Bof » à « WOW! » La plupart des organisations compartimentent leurs budgets, et si l’investissement en tables ajustables semble rentable pour un département, il n’en sera pas nécéssairement pour autant du point de vue d’un autre. Par exemple, le département des achats pourrait rechigner devant le coût d’acquisition d’un poste de travail ajustable en hauteur, même si ce poste minimise les coûts d’autres départements. Qu’à cela ne tienne, l’acquisition d’un poste de travail ergonomique bien conçu est l’un des investissements les plus sûrs aujourd’hui. De plus en plus d’organisations comprennent l’importance d’adopter une approche plus holistique à ce niveau, de par le ROI assez impressionnant de la solution proposée. Sans contexte, les économies individuelles suscitent peu d’intérêt, voire quelques bâillements, mais dans une perspective d’ensemble, comme nous l’avons démontré, les économies annuelles cumulées s’élèveraient à 1 684 $ par station, un retour sur investissement d’environ 7 mois (1 000 $ / 1 684 $)! Résumé La question ne devrait donc pas être “comment allons-nous faire pour payer des surfaces à hauteur ajustables?”, mais plutôt “est-ce que l’on peut se permettre de continuer à payer le prix de postes de travail inadéquats?”. Suffit d’identifier les faits démontrant qu’il nous en coûte plus cher de travailler dans un environnement de travail déficient, et le tour est joué!

Technology is advancing really fast in the Healthcare field.  So fast in fact, that sometimes the virtual world takes over the real world.  Adaptability is an important factor to consider when installing technology in Healthcare facilities.  We may tend to forget that technology has to be used by human beings.  As an example, let’s take Katie, the chief nurse in the ICU.  She’s a small woman with her 5 feet 2 inches.  Last year she injured her neck.  Now she struggles finishing her shifts without pain.  She‘s a very dedicated nurse and she would like to be able to offer the best care to patients whose lives depend on her.  She‘s the eyes and the arms of the medical team ultimately saving lives on an everyday basis.  We could help her a lot by improving her workspace not only for her but also for her colleagues.  It cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution.  We must think that many members of the medical team will be using the same workplaces.  I had the opportunity to visit an ICU unit in a small town’s hospital.  Although everyone was so passionate about giving their absolute best to the patients, you could see the discomfort in their eyes after an eventful weekend. Telemetry tools allow them to facilitate continuous surveillance of numerous critically ill patients all at once.  The monitor panel is the main focus in the ICU unit and must be adapted to different uses.  The most relevant information must be readily available 24-7, and easy to access in emergency situations in which the response of the health worker is critical in life and death situations. One of the key elements in designing control centers for healthcare cannot only rely on the elements connected to the patient and on technology to save lives.  It should encompass all health professionals using them and provide them with the best tools and height-adjustable tables with ergonomics applications. Often, 24-7 telemetry have to be followed closely by a single nurse who also single-handedly manages multiple patients. These mission-critical control center are heavy duty workstations meant to provide comfort throughout the 10-12 hours shifts with maximum adaptability for the women’s 5th Percentile (4’10’’ Height) all the way to the men’s 95th percentile (6’3’’ Height). Feel free to reach us if you need any help designing emergency, telemetry or any ergonomic station that will improve your day to day work.

In recent years, we have all increasingly sought to adopt a healthy lifestyle and have exercised to improve our health and lifestyle. We have carefully selected our food at the grocery store and checked their calorie intake. You may have heard the expression: “Sitting is the new smoking”; Indeed, although the percentage of smokers in the population is declining year after year, a trend is emerging to the effect that the adverse effects of the use of tobacco products seem to have changed and are now in our too sedentary life, especially in our workplaces. According to a study by the “American Medical Association” (AMA), we estimate the time at which we are in position sitting day to 7.7 hours. This statistic may even go up to 15 hours for some individuals. A simple and increasing way to reduce the time in which we are sitting is by using a height-adjustable workstation. Indeed, statistics show that standing past an hour, compared to sitting, will burn fifty additional calories.[i] Remaining sitting during long periods of time also makes us more vulnerable to develop diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases.[ii] According to the latest study by Alan Hedge, the optimal solution is shown in the matrix below, a period of 30 minutes of work should be distributed as follows; 20 minutes sitting, standing 8 minutes and 2 minutes where we’re moving and stretching.

Focus Flex®, the Revolution in Training Rooms Focus Flex® is basically a computer desk that can transform itself into a multifunctional desk when needed, in a few seconds. Yes, it’s that easy! This desk is equipped with an internal actuator (an electric mechanism) that supports either one or two monitors. It offers the possibility to raise the LCD screens up when their use is required and to hide them back again with the simple push of a button. The LCD monitor can be positioned at the desired height, in order to adapt to the user’s height and it can also be used by people with disabilities. The computers can either be hidden inside the structure or supported under the work surface (as per the picture). A tray under the LCD screen has been conceived to store the keyboard and mouse. Also, when in a closed position, the door can be locked to secure the IT equipment and therefore protect the material from damage and theft. This model is offered in various sizes from 48’’ to 72’’ wide and a depth that varies from 30’’ to 40’’, depending on the user’s needs. All Focus Flex® desks are built to order and can be customized as desired. With today’s growing needs for flexibility, the Focus Flex® is the ideal solution for any computer lab, training and education environment, lobby, reception, or even your personal workstation. Day to day usage reduces the need for new buildings and increases the return on investment in the facilities. It optimizes floor space, secures the IT equipment, offers a multipurpose platform, and increases ergonomics. How much does this beauty cost, then? Even though it is equipped with a state of the art electric actuator and controller, a high-pressure laminate work surface, a 14 gauge Steel structure, and CPU supports, these desks can be acquired for as low as between 1000$ and 2000$, depending on the configuration. The Focus Flex® also comes with a lifetime warranty, while the actuator system is covered for a period of two years. For more information, feel free to contact us at 1-800-455-8450.