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What is a dispatch workstation? Dispatch workstations, more commonly known as dispatch "consoles", are specialized furniture or desks made specifically for the needs of 911 emergency communication centers. Dispatch workstations are designed to handle multiple CPU monitors to support the work of 911 dispatchers who need to see their CAD software. GIS maps, and other data when assisting callers during emergencies. Dispatch workstations are made of highly resistant materials such as high-pressure laminated work surfaces and reinforced steel/aluminum structures to resist the wear and tear caused by 24/7 use. More often than not, dispatch consoles include ergonomic features such as height-adjustable surfaces for a sit/stand workflow, a personal climate control system, and integrated cable management systems to power the equipment used by operators (CPUs, radios, monitors, task lights). Pictures: Dispatch Workstations About Sustema Sustema has over 20 years of experience designing and manufacturing dispatch workstations for PSAPs in North America. Browse our dispatch furniture catalog or contact us by email at info@sustema for any questions or inquiries about our products. #911dispatchconsole #911dispatchworkstation #911dispatchfurniture #PSAP #meaning #definition #glossary #dictionary #whatis

PES-360: Personal Environmental System Improve Workforce Productivity & Operator Comfort At Sustema we believe comfort is one of the strongest factors in productivity. People working long hours, making critical decisions at their consoles deserve to customize it to their liking. PES 360 gives you that and much more. The Personal Environment System 360 is a user-friendly experience at your fingertips. The control is a touch screen built into the surface that is easily accessible from your sitting or standing position in one of our height adjustable consoles. Personalize your work experience It is known that 60% of office complaints are about temperature. In any control room, you will have a wide variety of people in size, morphology, and gender, and not everyone agrees on what is the perfect temperature to work. PES 360 is a personal environmental system designed to optimize the work environment of operators/dispatchers. The user-friendly touch screen interface enables 911 dispatch operators to set their preferred settings for heaters, fans, and lights at the single touch of a button. The PES 360 is designed to seamlessly integrate with Sustema's 911 dispatch consoles. How PES-360 Adds Value: Heaters: Mounted at the lower base of the console, users can adjust the blowers, intensity, and temperature directly from the touch interface. Fans: The fan speed is controlled by the touchscreen interface and is integrated directly into the console surface. Lighting: PES 360 offers dimming functionality to your task light to better adapt to the user's environment. Task lights can be attached to monitor arms, the console surface, or on a rail mounting system. Memory Settings: Provides for the settings of up to 3 people to be saved per console Touch Screen Interface: Heating, cooling, and lighting with one simple hand control. In a 24/7 critical environment, there are commonly multiple people using the same console at different shifts. Ergonomics and comfort is a common theme in all of our consoles and PES 360 is a good representation of both. Our PES 360 is on display at the Sustema showrooms in Montreal and Toronto. We would like to invite you for a virtual tour to find out more about PES 360 along with our exciting lines of consoles. For more information please contact one of our Console Specialists by clicking here. We look forward to connecting soon. #deskclimatecontrol #personalenvironmentalsystem #climatecontrol #fans #heater #temperature #smartcontrol #touchscreen #sustema #ergonomics #iam11 #911dispatcher #psap #publicsaferty #controlroomconsoles #dispatchconsoles

In this week's #NENATCTip, Leslie Whitham, ENP takes us In the Center to talk about #CTO Discretionary Override, and allowing trainees to Fail Forward! #NENATCTips#NENATrained #911dispatcher #psap #911emergencycommunicationscenter #publicsafety #dispatchconsoles

"Cubicles have a superpower that open-plan offices do not, they can help stop germs from spreading and sickening workers. For the moment, and maybe for a long moment, that alone is likely to herald the return of the cubicle." - The Globe & Mail The COVID-19 pandemic brought a whole new set of challenges across almost every area in our lives. In just a matter of weeks, we learned how to adapt to our new way of life, from not going to school, shopping, seeing friends, and even working. At the time of the writing of this article, countries around the globe are gradually starting to reopen their economies. While many businesses learned that it was possible to keep their operations afloat by introducing remote work, doing so is not feasible for every industry such as 24/7 control room environments and command centers. This is why many businesses are starting to wonder how to make sure their workers are safe when they finally return to their desks. With the rise in popularity in the "silicon valley" startup workplace, using shared office spaces and common areas such as salad bars, games rooms, rooftop patios, and open lounges, many are questioning if this workplace model is still relevant in a post-pandemic reality. What About 24/7 Work Environments? With many businesses contemplating introducing radical changes to the workplace to keep their staff safe, cubicles and plexiglass protective partitions are making a strong come back in office spaces. Some firms are even considering remodeling their offices entirely to minimize the risk of a potential second wave of infections in the following months. However, while standard office spaces had the chance to adapt while everyone was away, 24/7 work environments such as control rooms, 911 dispatch centers, and command centers did not have such luxury as they are essential workers. In this article, we will go over why the cubicle workplace format is on route to becoming the new trend and we'll offer a few recommendations to help keep operators safe from spreading the virus in 24/7 work environments. The History Of The Cubicle Before getting into why the cubicle is on its way to becoming the new office trend in 2020, let's go back a few years to learn more about its origins. In the 1960s, the U.S. office furniture company Herman Miller created a new workplace concept called the "Action Office". The furniture system allowed companies to quickly create a workplace environment while having as many employees under one single roof to make the most out of their floor space. Over the years, the concept was introduced in office spaces across the world as they were a highly cost-effective option. However, by the 1990s, the cubicle became outdated, seen as uncool and boring it now represented everything wrong with the corporate world. Even the original designer at Herman Miller called what his idea has become, a “monolithic insanity”. The Rise Of The Open Space Office Fast-forward a few decades, and the open space format is now the new standard for most Forbes 500 companies. With the rise of Silicon Valley startups growing exponentially and their need to allocate employees in an office rapidly, companies realized that it was even cheaper to put everyone into a big open space and remove the walls altogether. In the beginning, the open space concept had many promises such as encouraging collaboration, sharing ideas, and improving communication. Unfortunately, working openly and collaboratively together did not often result in the great promise what it was expected to offer. For instance, "A 2020 study by iQ Office, a co-working company, found that as of 2020 close to 60 percent of Canadians said that distractions at work caused them to lose up to two hours of productivity every day, with nearly half of those surveyed blaming noisy open-concept offices for the distractions" (GlobeNewswire). Furthermore, a "2018 study by Harvard professors Ethan S. Bernstein and Stephen Turban that showed that open plan-offices result in 73 percent fewer face-to-face interactions and a 67-per-cent increase in e-mail interactions. Other studies have shown that open-concept offices lead to more staff turnover and more employee conflicts." (Bernstein S., Turban S) Meaning that in several cases, shared office spaces are doing the opposite of what they were meant to be. The Cubicle Is Back Understandably, many organizations are still hesitant to invest at scale to redesign their workplace in what may only be a temporary pandemic situation, on the other hand, it is a great time to take advantage of the situation and rethink the way in which we create our workspaces. Today, "companies are realizing a balance must be struck, with a return to the privacy and personal workspace without sacrificing the creative collaboration made possible through open-office design." (Inc.) In more real terms, this means integrating back the cubicle format without striving to put as many people in the same room. Giving employees their own space so they can focus on their work but still have a feeling of open space in the office with ergonomically designed furniture. At Sustema, we help our customers design their control room work environments to be as ergonomically as possible considering that these types of facilities need to operate 24/7 and help operators to remain alert at all times. We recently introduced the PES 360 which enables operators to set their preferred setting for the workstation including the temperature, lighting, height, and much more. Designing Control Rooms Post Covid-19 Here are a few recommendations on how to rethink the office workspace in order to better prepare to protect employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mid to Long Term New layouts in the space to help physical distancing feel more comfortable such as adding new elements to workstations, like glass or higher screens. New bleach-cleanable fabrics will be introduced. Travel is likely to be limited for some time which means the workplace needs to provide more and better options for videoconferencing. Change the design mentality from thinking in terms of density and costs need to shift, adaptability instead of permanence, fluid instead of fixed. Flexible layouts with breakout areas, more personal space, and ventilation systems that clean the air and kill pathogens. Short Term Moving desks apart and removing chairs Adding barriers, enhancing cleaning and safety measures, as well as supporting those who are working from home longer. Installing plexiglass or some other form of sneeze or cough guards to give additional insurance - a pandemic twist on the old cubicle model. Separating staff, half at the main center, and another half at the backup plant Leaving at least a seat of the distance between operators working close to each other Restricting access to the control room (No vendors or visitors) Providing disinfecting wipes and spray to clean the workstations Increasing the daily cleaning by the maintenance crew Wearing masks where social distancing is not possible Limiting access to the lunchroom Closing unnecessary rooms (gym, quiet room, etc) Limite the number of people in elevators and, with the canteen buffet off the menu, encourage staff to bring in their own food. While the changes may feel surreal at first, over time a new “normal” will emerge in the office workspace. Companies that will try to return to the way things were before COVID-19 will probably struggle to keep their staff feels safe which will inevitably affect productivity and turnover. Furthermore, now that we experimented working from home and learned that it was possible on a large scale, the role of the workplace in a post-COVID-19 world is more important than ever. In conclusion, we need to recognize that using the cubicle office format in terms of putting as many people together has severe drawbacks, the open office is also greatly suffering under its current minimalist design. There needs to be a balance between the two concepts as we reinvent the workplace and integrate more emerging technology to deliver employee safety and wellbeing. Sustema Inc. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email us at info@sustema.com or contact us directly by phone at 1-800-455-8450. Our representatives are also available on our live chat tool during business hours. Sources Bernstein S., Turban S. The impact of the ‘open’ workspace on human collaboration. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. 2018. http://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2017.0239

Welcome To Our New Website! Sustema Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website "www.sustema.com". Featuring a brand new look, a fully responsive layout for all platforms, and more information on our interactive products catalog. Our goal is to provide our visitors with an easier and more intuitive way to learn about Sustema and to make information regarding our products and services easily accessible for our current and prospective clients. We will keep updating our content with current information on the latest industry trends in control room furniture design, company announcements, and client case studies in the blog section. You can also sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive news from us directly to your email. The new company website is part of the ongoing evolution of the Sustema brand, with over 20 years of experience designing and manufacturing technical furniture solutions for 24/7 mission-critical work environments, we stay committed to offering our clients the latest technology for their control rooms and command centers. We hope you’ll find it easier to navigate and find what you’re looking for quickly and efficiently! What’s New? User-Friendly Navigation Online Product Catalog Blog & News Live Chat Support Responsive Mobile Design Intelligent Search Bar For any questions or feedback, please let us know by e-mailing us. If you’d like to stay connected on social media, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Youtube!

What is ConsoleALERT®? ConsoleALERT® provides PSAP supervisors with instant insights on the work status and performance of their team through its personalized floor plan overview and advanced notification system. Learn more about ConsoleALERT® here. How Does ConsoleALERT® Promote Social Distancing in the PSAP? The unprecedented effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in our society are felt in many areas of our lives, including the way in which work is performed in the PSAP. 911 dispatch centers being an essential service for the safety of people in our cities, a negative impact on its performance could have detrimental effects on people's lives. 1. ConsoleALERT® enables PSAP supervisors to monitor the activities of operators without having to leave his/her position. This helps reduce the necessity of walking around the dispatch and reduces the risk of spreading airborne particles. 2. Furthermore, ConsoleALERT® enables operators to request assistance from PSAP supervisors directly from their console at the single touch of a button. Whenever help is requested, supervisors are instantly notified through the desktop application with a visual and sound alert. Supervisors can then quickly identify the source of the issue and take over the call. How does ConsoleALERT® work? 1. ConsoleALERT® is a software application powered by Sustema's dispatch consoles. Consoles are designed with a fixed or self-standing button which operators can press to request assistance from dispatch supervisors. 2. When operators request assistance, ConsoleALERT® can send both a digital notification to the supervisor's desktop and activate the status light to serve as a visual cue in the dispatch center. 3. ConsoleALERT® also provides information about operator work statuses such as being in a call, on the radio, and information about the console usage identifying when a position is available or not. Dispatch supervisors can later analyze the console usage data for training purposes and overall PSAP performance. Talk With A Representative Contact us by email, phone, or chat with us online if you have any questions regarding ConsoleALERT® or Sustema's control room and dispatch consoles. Email: info@sustema.com Phone: 1-800-455-8450

The recent COVID-19 outbreak has completely changed the way we live our lives, from going to the grocery store, playing sports, seeing friends, and even the way we work! As the first wave of COVID-19 cases is passing, countries are slowly opening up their economies and businesses have had to adapt in many ways to safely receive employees and customers again. So, how are 24/7 work environments such as PSAPs and 911 dispatch centers adapting their workspace to fight against the spread of the virus? As you've probably seen when you go out these days, plexiglass is being installed almost everywhere as a means to protect against the spread of air particles. However, generic plexiglass panels may not be enough for the needs of PSAPs work environments where operators often work 10+ hours shifts and use highly specialized furniture making it hard to mount most of the plexiglass solutions found on the market. ConsoleSHIELD: Operator Protective Partitions With the increased need to find ways to protect employees against the spread of the virus, Sustema designed the ConsoleShield plexiglass partitions as a means to promote social distancing a reduce the spread of air particles in the PSAP. Plexiglass shields are entirely manufactured based on the needs and dimensions of your control room and 911 dispatch centers for optimal results. ConsoleShield is a high-quality and easy to clean partition system designed to serve as a barrier against particles released when coughing or sneezing. Here are the different plexiglass protector models available for control rooms and dispatch centers. Wall-Mounted Plexiglass Partitions ConsoleShield wall-mounted partitions are designed to seamlessly and securely integrate on the wall of your Sustema console system. Made with high-quality acrylic panels. ConsoleShield partitions can be customized in height and length for added protection in the control room. For other workstation/console manufacturers, the clamp plexiglass model is available to mount directly on the edge of the worksurface. Free-standing Plexiglass Separators ConsoleShield free-standing plexiglass partitions are easy to install and serve as a barrier for PSAP layouts where operators work close to each other. These plexiglass panels can be moved and adjusted easily to accommodate the needs of dispatchers and are custom made in terms of length and width based on the needs of the dispatch center. Floor Plexiglass Protectors ConsoleShield floor plexiglass panels serve as a barrier in the outer ends of workstations to protect against air particles in high-traffic areas. Floor plexiglass are free-standing and can be installed in different areas of the PSAP based on your needs. Features: Smooth Round Edges Temporary or Permanent Installation Available in Fixed & Self- Standing Formats Easy to Clean Acrylic Partition Custom Made Partitions Protection Against Airborne Particles Visually Promotes Social Distancing Easy to Install Solution About Sustema: Sustema is a leader in the design and manufacturing of control room and dispatch center work environments. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, Sustema has helped thousands of clients in North America to equip their mission-critical operations centers with customized furniture and console solutions. To learn more about ConsoleShield, download the brochure or contact us directly by phone 1-800-455-8450, email at info@sustema.com, or via chat to talk with one of our representatives directly!

Improved employee productivity tops the list of the many advantages with ergonomically enhanced workstations. This article speaks to the main examples of success when incorporating an ergonomic workstation for your PSAP. A workstation that has been optimized for the rigorous demands of the 9-1-1 dispatch is not only structurally sounds it has been designed to allow an operator to function at optimal efficiency over a 12-hour shift. Browse our console catalog to view Sustema's control room and dispatch consoles. Take for example a Sustema designed dual height workstations for mission-critical operations: Starting with the keyboard surface we have designed a height Variable of 22” from the floor to 48”. Ideal for the 5th percentile person’s height to the 95th percentile person’s height design for a very large range of user sizes. The monitor surface has an identical height variable, however, it is adjusted differently to accommodate for the optimal sightline as it relates to your monitor configuration. For example, when your standing and your eyes are looking forward at a slightly less than 90-degree angle providing the optimal sightline to avoid fatigue over extended periods of monitor time. An additional factor to consider is the operator distance from the monitor configuration. We have developed a rail-mounted focal shelf that easily allows the operator to change that distance by simply sliding the entire monitor configuration forward and back for optimal monitor distance. Another critical factor in ergonomics is the user reach zone. The reach zone is the area of the workstation that an operator can easily access when their upper arms are at rest alongside their body and with your elbows bent. The reach zone will vary depending on the size and configuration of the console but essentially the accessibility when an operator sweeps their forearms back and forth across their desk should be designed for easy access to monitors, keyboards, and phone systems without strain or breaking their elbow. The final criteria for an optimized ergonomic workstation are designed with ample leg space under the work surface for comfort and blood circulation. Sustema has designed its workstations following the American National Standards Institute: ANSI/HFES 100-2007: Human Factors Engineering of Computer Workstations. This technical standard specifies acceptable applications of human factors engineering principles and practices to the design and configuration of the human-hardware interfaces in computer workstations. I hope this article helps to illustrate the benefit of ergonomic workstations. Looking forward to hearing from you soon, thanks for reading! If you have any questions regarding ergonomic workstation consoles please contact us at info@sustema.com or through our online chat tool to speak with one of our representatives.

Computer and IT equipment storage options are a key element to consider in the process of acquiring consoles for control room or command center environments. In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the right computer storage that best fits your needs. Computers come in various shapes; only a few years ago, full/mid-size towers were the norm and used almost exclusively in command center environments. Fast-forward a few years, CPU units are now made smaller and smaller every year, which is why you might find Small Form Factor as well as Thin Client in IT-intensive work environments. However, while smaller CPUs require less storage space, the cable management needed to power and access the device still remains an issue as it hasn't changed much with a lot of bulky solutions in the market. Option 1. Swing-Out CPU Enclosures The first critical step in identifying the right console is to know what type of CPU and how many will be used for each workstation. For instance, the make, size, model, and power requirements. In the Focus Series, the CPU enclosures are attached to the rear wall section of the console. CPU swing-out enclosures are a great option to store your computers aesthetically, cable clutter-free, and with easy access to the computers for troubleshooting. Swing-out enclosures also give users plenty of space with nearly 10-inch-deep (made to store your CPU sideways) and the width varies as per the rear wall section width. To give a concrete example, if you have a 72’’ wide console, you will be looking at approximately 60’’ W x 10’’D x 24’’ H storage enclosures, which is perfect to house 2 Full/mid-size towers. This enclosure can also be doubled or positioned at the rear or front of the wall, depending on your storage need and room layout. CPU enclosures include a lockable feature for an extra layer of security. Option 2. Transit Series Cabinet The Transit series cabinets are perfect to house multiple CPUs under one single console. With front and rear access for your CPU’s (on the Transit S models), this cabinet is offered in various formats, with widths ranging from 16’’ to 24’’ allowing you to store one or two desktop computers side by side in each cabinet. Thanks to the sliding shelf, it is easy to access the computer when connecting to a new device. Option 3. CPU holders / Thin Client support A very cost-effective solution to house your computer remains the CPU holder, most of the models come with a rail system so you can slightly adjust the position of your CPU underneath your desk. Since the rail is simply screwed underneath the surface, you can add/remove it easily as well as modify it’s positioning with ease. Although the cabling will never be fully hidden, it remains a good option if you intend to use an extra CPU for a certain time. We are seeing more thin clients being used in control centers, there is also the possibility of fixing the thin client between the monitor and the VESA plate of your LCD arm. This allows you to shorten the cables run and hides the CPU cleanly for the console operator. On the last note, if you happen to use rackmount equipment’s such as for DVR’s and others, it is entirely possible to add a rackmount support kit to the option 1 and 2 described above. Get in contact with your Sustema representative to learn more today. Contact Information: Toll-free: 1-800-455-8450 Email: info@sustema.com We're Online, chat with us!

Urethane Edge The perfect balance between durability, comfort, and its wide variety of colors has made urethane edge a popular choice among consumers in heavy use applications including control rooms, 911 dispatch centers, healthcare, and hospitality. Additionally, urethane edges offer anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and UV resistant properties to help reduce the spread of infections. However, while the bonded seams do not allow liquids or dust to seep inside the laminate and the edge, polyurethane can still get dirty over time due to normal wear and tear. In this article, we will go over the different ways to clean urethane edges. How Do You Clean Urethane Edges? Polyurethane edges are known for being resistant to most staining agents including food condiments and other compounds. However, bacteriostatic agents such as iodine which is found in betadine, seafood, and other dairy products can cause permanent stains that may only be partially removed. Therefore, care should be exercised to avoid exposing these products to the urethane edge. Do's - Soiled Edges: Normal tear and wear can cause the urethane edge to get soiled over time. These types of smaller stains can be cleaned using a damp cloth or sponge and applying Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner, Formula 409®, or other dishwashing detergent mixed with warm water. - Stains: For deeper and larger stains, you may use a soft bristle scrub brush in order to prevent scratching or damaging the surface permanently. If the stain requires multiple passes, you may use a soft bristle brush and 70% isopropyl alcohol mixed with warm water. Dont's - Recommendations: DO NOT use abrasive cleaners, bleach, sharp metal objects, hard bristle brushes or sandpaper to remove stains as they will cause permanent damage to the urethane edge and the work surface. If the stain does not disappear after trying the first two methods, please contact your supplier for more guidance. About Sustema Sustema Inc. is a leading technical furniture manufacturer helping mission-critical work environments across North America to increase productivity in their control rooms and communications centers. Contact us for any questions or inquiries on our control room and dispatch console solutions.

The health and safety of our employees, customers, business partners, and community are of utmost importance to us. Following the recommendations of competent health authorities, Sustema has implemented measures in its workplace to help prevent the spread of the virus. These measures include but are not limited to, the regular disinfection of high-traffic areas, allowing for remote work, the compulsory wear of masks, scheduled hours for lunch, and the introduction of plexiglass partitions in our office spaces. We will continue to provide regular updates and instructions to our employees, clients, and suppliers about the steps we are taking to mitigate the risks associated with the current public health concern. Please contact your representative for any questions or inquiries. You can also reach us through our main line at 1-800-455-8450 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm EST.

Are you planning to renovate your PSAP? 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 C-300 console and unveils the all-new ConsoleALERT® management software for PSAP. Whether you are planning to invest in acquiring new dispatch consoles, technology meeting tables, trading desks 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. Contact Us