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  • Custom Engineering Workstations - Case Study of state-of-the-art tech benches

    Installation No.24068 About the client: With over 30 years of innovation and a global presence, our client is redefining the cathodic protection and pipeline integrity monitoring industry. Serving over 200 organizations across North America and beyond, they have protected over 160,000 kilometers of pipeline assets. As part of their expansion project into their new Headquarters, Sustema was approached to design and manufacture specialized furniture that aligned with their budget and specifications. The Project: During the construction and expansion of their new Headquarters in Calgary, our client sought specialized furniture solutions for their engineers' workstations. The newly constructed 18,500-square-foot facility is a testament to their commitment to leading-edge manufacturing technologies, lean process flows, and sustainable practices. With our expertise in ergonomic design and state-of-the-art tech benches, we were the ideal partner to ensure increased efficiency, healthier margins, and an enhanced overall customer experience. Together, we created workstations that not only promote ergonomics but also elevate employee productivity and job satisfaction. The Solution: Our solution for the client involved the implementation of custom engineering workstations equipped with our state-of-the-art Tech-Bench , designed to serve as a versatile product assembly line for their new Headquarters. The setup included a set of 2 linked units and 8 Service Benches linked back to back units, providing ample workspace with a width of 72". To optimize productivity and user comfort, the workstations featured mechanically height-adjustable and high-pressure laminate worksurfaces, allowing for customization based on individual requirements. To maximize efficiency, an accessory rail was integrated, providing easy access to power and data. Additionally, height-adjustable laminated shelves were installed, supported by heavy-duty vertical beams, optimizing space utilization. With the inclusion of electrical raceways underneath the work surface, cable management was streamlined for a clean and organized workspace. The Result: The implementation of the state-of-the-art tech bench had a significant positive impact on our client's productivity and efficiency. By streamlining their assembly process, the new setup resulted in time savings and improved overall productivity. With increased service and support, manufacturing, warehouse space, as well as expanded office space for their growing engineering and administrative teams, our client experienced enhanced operational capabilities. The unique design of the manufacturing area allowed for easy reconfiguration based on demand, ensuring flexibility and adaptability. Our Integration System, specifically designed for high-data-intensive environments, proved to be the ideal solution for their technological needs. Its ergonomic and aesthetic features complemented the efficient workflow, resulting in an environment that fostered productivity and supported the demands of their operations. Conclusion: By integrating our custom-designed tech bench in their new Headquarters in Calgary, our client not only streamlined their assembly process, saving time and improving overall productivity but also demonstrated their commitment to quality and supply chain security. The addition of a state-of-the-art surface mount line further solidifies their position as an industry leader, offering enhanced quality control and supply chain resilience. At Sustema, we take pride in our ability to deliver customized solutions that not only enhance workflow and productivity but also provide long-term value and strategic advantages. As our client continues to thrive and grow, we stand ready to support their evolving needs and contribute to their continued success in the industry. Stay ahead of the curve and gain exclusive access to our portfolio of success stories. Every week, we provide invaluable insights into our case studies and the innovative solutions we have developed for organizations to achieve their goals and objectives in mission-critical environments. Don't miss out on the opportunity to optimize your workspace and elevate your operations. Follow us on LinkedIn today.

  • Empowering a city with a control room: a Case Study

    About the client, an energy company. The client is an energy company that monitors power transportation to ensure the grid is always operational. They are a leader in clean energy with over 75 years of experience in generating, transmitting and distributing power. The project, a high tech control room. The client needed at new telecommunications surveillance operations centre. They wanted a layout for the control room that allowed for a major technological upgrade to include oversized peripheral monitors, height adjustable work surfaces, and even specialized furniture for administrative functions. This meant the creation and installation of 26 control consoles for employees and supervisors. The mandate also included the manufacturing of custom service poles to allow proper management of ceiling cables. The solution, a 24/7 control room. The client chose our Focus C-200 for their 26 control consoles to create a 24/7 control room. While the focus is the underlying system, our clients chose different configurations for their layout: The first is one linear console to serve as the central workstation that can be used by four operators at the same time. Central linear console with service poles on the sides. The second is a 120-degree workstation with enough room to fit four operators each with their set of four monitors, all of them sitting side by side. Speaking of height, there is a 38 inches high wall and a 63 inches high wall featuring a taller slat wall to accommodate display panels. 120-degree control console with room for 4 operators. The third one, is a linear control console with space for two workstations placed side-by-side, with additional work surface area on both sides positioned in a five-degree angle. Linear control console with service poles and space for 2 operators. The fourth one is a U-shaped console in cockpit configuration with enough room for three operators working at the same time. Unlike the rest of the consoles in the room, this one is the only one with dual surface capabilities and a monument system directly on the worksurface rather than on the wall system. U-shaped console in cockpit configuration with service poles. Our client chose the Focus system for its flexibility, strength and durability. The basic structure of the system accommodates storage cabinets, shelves and office accessories. As discussed previously, the system can be arranged in a U shape as a single or multiple units back-to-back, concave or convex. With 5 to 180 degrees adjustment angles. Since the steel sub-structure is designed to maximize the weight capacity, all the monitors are anchored on the system’s slat wall, creating a clutter free setup. Here we also find divider panels in the tallest configurations to create a private space for the operator. Every console in the room houses its own CPUs inside an interior finishing panel that is installed under the workstation. The Focus system handles cable management thanks to its electrical raceways that keep power and data stored separately. This wall system provides easy access to equipment from the back of the workstation thanks to its removable panels. Operators also access power and data ports thanks to a monument system on the wall structure and on the work surface itself. Each console features a custom column to allow proper cable management, since the power and data are routed along the ceiling to every console in the room. The result, a future-proof control center. The Modernized Telecommunications Operations Centre is a high tech 24/7 surveillance centre that allows observation and analysis for all operations of the company's information network. More than 20 employees work at this council to daily at a time including operators and supervisors. The integration of steel substructures in the design of the consoles for the control centre was one of the key points that led our clients to choose our specialized. Furniture Solutions. They were looking for outstanding build quality and durability for their new project and we delivered. Their new room is designed for 24/7 operations and the increase in employee comfort has led to a significant decrease in complaints to the health. And safety department in addition to increasing the sense of belonging in the company. To achieve an organized, and secured control room, our furniture integrated advanced cable management solutions such as electrical raceways in the wall structure and enclosed CPU enclosures. As well as incorporating custom columns to accommodate the data and power cables coming from the ceiling, our control consoles are designed to fit and adapt to our clients' needs and specific requirements and not the other way around. Take the next step stores a secure and efficient control room by partnering with us. Contact our team of specialists and industrial designers to work together on empowering your organization towards the safe and productive future that puts you in control and ahead of the competition. To stay up to date with our latest case studies and developments, be sure to follow our social media .

  • Modernizing the control center of a convention center with more than 1 million visitors

    Installation No. 25091 “Working with Sustema has been a great experience. From the start of the project to the end, I was kept informed on the status of my order. You and your team were very thorough with the design and support. As a dealer this type of work is not only appreciated but highly valued as a Vendor we prefer to work with.” The Georgia World Congress Center receives more than 1 million visitors each year. About the client, a convention center with more than 1 million yearly visitors. Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, stands an iconic symbol of innovation and grandeur in the world of conventions – The Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC). With an impressive expanse encompassing over 3.9 million square feet of exquisite exhibition space, this illustrious venue annually welcomes a myriad of distinguished visitors, surpassing the one-million mark. Notably, the GWCC proudly boasts the esteemed title of being the globe's largest LEED-certified convention center, while also securing its position as the fourth-largest of its kind within the United States. The Project: The modernization of a dispatch control center for a convention center. The GWCC needed to renovate its control room with state-of-the-art control consoles for event management and security monitoring. For this project, they required 3 consoles, 2 were meant for dispatchers, and a third one was meant for the supervising operator. Upper view of the control center with consoles for the operators and the supervisor. Each console needed to house specialized IT equipment and multiple CPUs while maintaining easy access for maintenance that wouldn’t interrupt daily operations. Components of the operator's control console Beyond functionality, the consoles were also required to fulfill ergonomic needs, offering operators the ability to adjust the height of their workstations to ensure comfort during long and demanding shifts, effectively alleviating strain and fatigue. Also, having a clutter-free work surface was a key requirement of the client. Top view of the dual work surface of the supervisor's control console The two consoles meant for the operators, needed to support six central monitors, as shown below, and they were also required to be shaped in a cockpit configuration. Top view of the console meant for the operators The third dispatch control console which was dedicated to the supervisor, required dual monitor positions at opposite ends of the work surface, to easily glance over the other 2 operators. Front view of the control console for the supervisor. The solution: Custom dispatch control consoles to modernize the control center in a convention center. After carefully considering all of their needs and preferences, our client chose our Transit S console as the ideal solution for their new control center. Designed with durability, ergonomics, and versatility in mind, the Transit S console met all of the GWCC’s requirements and exceeded their expectations, ensuring a seamless and efficient operation of the convention center. Front view of the control console for the supervisor. The dual worksurface provides a clutter-free workspace with easy access to power and data thanks to the monument system. The cable chains and the steel substructure provide an elegant cable management solution for the IT equipment stored in the CPU enclosures which connect to the monitors mounted on the sturdy monitor arms. Front view the custom dispatch control console. The result: A modern control room with heavy-duty control consoles for a modern control center Presently, the GWCC stands adorned with an avant-garde dispatch control center that operates seamlessly, propelled by the durability of our Transit console system. The new center encompasses quality, durability, efficiency, and functionality, through the implementation of our Transit consoles. The supervisor control console during installation. The Transit consoles boast an array of ergonomic features designed to alleviate stress and fatigue for operators. The height-adjustable workstations and an extensive worksurface not only elevate operator well-being but also significantly amplify their workflow and productivity. Dispatcher control console after assembly and installation. In its entirety, the Transit console system has not only met but decidedly exceeded the GWCC's expectations, emerging as an instrumental asset in the center's triumphant modernization endeavor. Are you remodeling your control room? We can help. Our more than 25 years of experience in this field allowed us to deliver precisely what The Georgia World Congress Center needed to move forward with its modernization plans. We're proud of the work we've done with the GWCC and look forward to future opportunities to help organizations in the convention center industry achieve their goals. Every week, we provide invaluable insights into our case studies and the innovative solutions we have developed for organizations to achieve their goals and objectives in mission-critical environments. Don't miss out on the opportunity to optimize your workspace and elevate your operations, by setting a new standard. Follow us on LinkedIn today.

  • Ergonomics in Control Room Design: Protecting Your Team

    In high-pressure environments like Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), emergency dispatch centres, and security operations, every second counts. Operators must remain alert, responsive, and comfortable throughout long shifts. That’s why ergonomics in control room design isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Investing in ergonomic solutions protects your team’s health, enhances performance, and reduces long-term operational costs. The Cost of Poor Ergonomics Poor ergonomic design can lead to a host of issues: fatigue, musculoskeletal disorders, and diminished alertness. These problems don’t just affect individual operators—they compromise the entire operation. Slower response times, impaired decision-making, and low morale can ripple through a team, especially in high-stakes scenarios. Over time, these issues contribute to absenteeism, increased turnover, and even liability claims. For mission-critical environments, the cost of ignoring ergonomics is simply too high. Ergonomic Furniture Essentials Modern control rooms require furniture that adapts to the operator—not the other way around. Sit-stand consoles with programmable height settings allow operators to alternate between sitting and standing, reducing strain and improving circulation. Adjustable monitor arms ensure screens are positioned at optimal viewing angles, preventing neck and eye strain. Task lighting and anti-glare surfaces help reduce visual fatigue, while integrated cable management keeps workstations tidy and hazard-free. These features collectively support operator health and focus. Layout and Spatial Design Ergonomics extends beyond furniture—it’s about how the entire space functions. Efficient layout design considers reach zones, movement patterns, and sightlines. Operators should be able to access tools and collaborate without unnecessary strain or obstruction. Clear sightlines support supervision and teamwork, while thoughtful space planning ensures emergency egress routes are unobstructed. A well-designed control room layout enhances both safety and operational flow. Environmental Ergonomics The physical environment plays a critical role in operator wellbeing. Acoustic treatments help minimize noise fatigue, allowing operators to concentrate without distraction. Climate control systems maintain comfortable temperatures and protect sensitive equipment. Lighting design should support circadian rhythms, using adjustable brightness and colour temperatures to promote alertness during long shifts. These environmental factors contribute to a healthier, more productive workspace. Standards and Compliance Ergonomic design isn’t just best practice—it’s often a regulatory requirement. ADA and ISO guidelines provide frameworks for accessible and ergonomic workstations. Control rooms also face industry-specific standards that dictate layout, equipment, and environmental conditions. Sustema’s solutions are built to align with these benchmarks, ensuring compliance while delivering superior comfort and functionality. Real-World Benefits The impact of ergonomic design is measurable. Case studies from 911 centres and security operations show improvements in operator performance, satisfaction, and retention. Facilities that invest in ergonomic furniture report fewer injury claims and lower turnover rates. Operators feel valued and supported, which translates into better service and more resilient teams. We can help you build a control room Designing an ergonomic control room requires specialized expertise. Sustema brings years of experience in crafting mission-critical furniture tailored to unique operational needs. From custom console configurations to integrated technology solutions, our team works closely with clients to deliver environments that support both people and performance. Ergonomics is more than comfort—it’s a strategic investment in your team’s wellbeing and your organization's success. By prioritizing ergonomic design, you protect your operators, enhance performance, and future-proof your control room. Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation with Sustema or complete our console survey  to evaluate your current setup.

  • How to Optimize Workflow in Modern Control Rooms

    In today’s high-stakes environments—whether in emergency response centres, PSAPs, or security operations—the control room is the nerve centre of decision-making. As the complexity of operations increases, so does the need for a space that supports speed, accuracy, and seamless coordination. At Sustema, we’ve helped organizations across North America design control rooms that not only meet operational demands but also empower operators to perform at their best. Here’s how to optimize workflow in a modern control room, based on proven strategies and real-world experience.   Understand the Operational Flow Before any design decisions are made, it’s essential to understand how your team works. We begin every project by conducting a comprehensive workflow audit—mapping out daily routines, emergency protocols, and shift transitions. This includes interviewing dispatchers, supervisors, and IT staff to uncover hidden inefficiencies. For example, in a recent PSAP upgrade, we discovered that operators were walking across the room to access shared resources multiple times per shift. By repositioning equipment and reconfiguring zones, we reduced unnecessary movement and improved response times. Understanding the operational flow ensures that the space is built around the people who use it—not the other way around.   Design with Workflow in Mind Layout is more than aesthetics—it’s a strategic tool. We design control rooms with functional zoning, placing dispatchers, analysts, and supervisors in proximity to the resources and collaborators they need most. Modular furniture systems allow for flexibility as teams grow or shift roles. In one transportation control centre, we implemented mobile storage and reconfigurable consoles that allowed operators to adapt their stations based on the nature of the incident. This not only improved collaboration but also reduced clutter and confusion. A well-designed layout supports visibility, proximity, and flow—key ingredients for operational success.   Leverage Technology for Automation and Clarity Technology should simplify, not complicate. We integrate dispatch software like ConsoleAlert , video walls, and occupancy sensors directly into the furniture and room layout to ensure seamless transitions between digital tools and physical space. In a recent 911 emergency communications center, we automated status boards and incident tracking with our ConsoleAlert solution, eliminating the need for manual updates and reducing human error. Shared displays positioned strategically throughout the room allow all operators to stay informed in real time, like they do in trading floors. These integrations improve situational awareness and allow teams to respond faster and more confidently.   Improve Communication Channels Clear communication is critical in mission-critical environments. We design control rooms with open sightlines and acoustic treatments that reduce noise and prevent miscommunication. In one emergency response centre, supervisor consoles were positioned to allow oversight without micromanagement, fostering trust and autonomy. These design choices create a space where information flows freely and accurately—especially during high-stress events.   Prioritize Ergonomics to Reduce Operator Fatigue Operators often work long shifts under intense pressure. That’s why we prioritize ergonomics in every control room we build. Sit-stand desks, adjustable monitor arms, and personal environmental systems help operators stay comfortable and focused. In a recent utility control room, we introduced ambient lighting and worksurfaces with urethane edging to reduce eye strain and physical fatigue. These features not only improve health and safety but also enhance performance and reduce errors. A calm, controlled environment supports better decision-making and operator well-being.   Train for Workflow Efficiency Training is a critical yet often overlooked component of control room workflow optimization. Once the physical space and technology are in place, teams must be equipped to use them effectively. It is recommended that organizations implement ongoing training programmes that include simulations, drills, and hands-on sessions with new systems and layouts. These exercises help operators build muscle memory, reinforce protocols, and adapt to changes in their environment with confidence. Additionally, creating a structured feedback loop—where operators can report friction points or suggest improvements—can lead to meaningful refinements in both layout and procedures. This not only empowers staff but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement. For 911 centres and other mission-critical environments, such training ensures that the control room functions as a cohesive, responsive unit, even under pressure. When operators are well-trained and engaged, the result is fewer errors, faster response times, and a more resilient operation.   Measure and Iterate Workflow optimization is not a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process. It is recommended to establish KPIs such as response time, error rates, and handoff efficiency to monitor performance. For example, implementing quarterly reviews with human factors specialists to assess layout effectiveness and technology integration is helpful. These reviews lead to targeted upgrades that improve coordination and reduce downtime. By measuring and iterating, organizations can ensure their control room evolves with their operational needs.   Ready to design a control room that works as hard as your team does?   Optimizing workflow in a control room is about more than furniture—it’s about creating an environment where operators can thrive. From layout and technology to training and ergonomics, every element should support clarity, speed, and resilience. At Sustema, we bring decades of experience across industries to help you build a control room that meets today’s demands and tomorrow’s challenges. Contact our specialists to start planning a space that enhances performance, reduces fatigue, and supports mission-critical operations.

  • Beyond the Call: The Tools That Keep Dispatchers in Control

    The Unsung Heroes of Coordination Do you have strong listening skills and a good memory for details? Can you be calm and clear under pressure? Do you like coordinating others? Then a career as a dispatcher may be calling you! In all seriousness, aside from their grit and their skills, dispatchers require specialized tools to carry out their jobs. This means they don’t just need desks; they need dispatch control consoles that can handle all the equipment that is plugged in and running 24/7. Depending on what type of dispatcher someone is, they are responsible for telling workers about weather conditions, traffic hazards and anything else they may need to know related to the job. The Tools of a Dispatcher: More Than Just Screens Dispatchers work in a variety of places, including taxi companies, delivery services, trucking companies, alarm companies, emergency services, and in healthcare. However no 2 control rooms are the same, so both their layouts and their setup will vary. Here are the most common tools used by dispatchers in a control room: Multi-monitor setups  (often 3 or more): 1 single row, 2 rows of monitors, up to 4 monitors in a single row. Monitors are mounted on adjustable monitor arms which are in turn mounted on arms poles or directly mounted on a slat wall. But this depends on the desired functionality of each workstation. In some cases, workstations can be equipped with a focal adjustment system that allows operators to change the depth of the monitor array. Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems: Emergency responders in the field can receive messages initiated by CAD systems via their mobile data terminals (MDTs), radios, and cell phones. CAD systems may also interface with a geographic information system (GIS), an automatic vehicle location (AVL) system, a caller identification (ID) system, logging recorders, and various databases. A unified CAD (UCAD) system interfaces with multiple agencies and/or computer systems that serve law enforcement, fire, and EMS and provides communication across multiple agencies and jurisdictions. ( Source : SAVER Technote, Homeland Security) Ergonomic seating and adjustable desks: control consoles made from heavy duty materials, steel substructure and high pressure laminate. To support all the equipment and other tools. Cable management ensures uninterrupted operations. A good chair can be adjusted precisely to fit the needs of each user. Check out the different options available for control rooms. Lighting and acoustic control: Task lights, status lights and ambient lighting are integrated into the dispatch control console, along with soundproofing with an acoustic panel. The Role of Specialised Furniture in Dispatcher Efficiency Heavy duty materials like steel substructure prevents the work surfaces from bending over time. The steel CPU enclosures and the substructure can be used to route cables through the console, from the work surface into the CPU. Passing through cable chains and can be kept separated according to voltage. The work surfaces are scratch resistant, stain resistant and anti-static which makes them hypoallergenic meaning that no dust sticks to it. Easy to clean. Also, thanks to the urethane edging the users can rest their arms on a more comfortable edge compared to a regular work surface edging. Mention how your furniture solutions are tailored for high-stress, high-performance environments  like 911 dispatch centres. In control centers, cable management helps to keep operations up and running even through IT maintenance periods. With easy access panels, the IT department can perform maintenance tasks without interfering with dispatchers. Why Experience Matters in Designing Control Room Furniture We have designed and built control rooms for large emergency centres with hundreds of workstations as well as smaller centers with as little as two workstations. Thanks to our experience of working with public safety professionals, we have adapted our products with new features like our PES system (to integrate heaters and cooling fans) as well as our ConsoleALERT crisis management solution (to help supervisors manage their operators in large centers). We understand that some dispatchers like to work while standing up and others prefer to remain seated. That’s why we offer dispatch consoles with height adjustability features. But also because this allows a single console to adapt to many types of body sizes. Supporting Those Who Support Us Dispatchers work in many fields. They have strong listening skills and a good memory for details. Calm and clear under pressure. They like to coordinate with others. But aside from their personality and their skills, dispatchers require special tools to carry out their job. And to support all of it, they use specialized furniture. Contact us to start building your next control room and empower your operators.

  • Case Study: Desjardins Securities

    Installation No. 24081 About the client, a company specializing in securities brokerage Desjardins Securities (DS) is a Desjardins Group subsidiary specializing in securities brokerage. It offers a wide range of products and investment services to individuals, institutional investors, and corporations. Over one hundred brokers work in its offices in Montreal’s Windsor Complex. Desjardins Securities, which is located in a four-story atrium, wanted to create an environment in compliance with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) regulations from the U.S. Green Council. For this important project, DS required specialized furniture that would meet the brokers’ needs while complying with the environmental values of the corporation. Following a tendering process among the major manufacturers, Sustema was selected to undertake the project, largely because of the competitiveness of its products and its cutting-edge expertise. The project: Retrofitting a heritage building into a modern workspace for traders and brokers This very complex project had strict deadline requirements in spite of requiring the close collaboration of its several players, including Sustema’s own designers, designer architects, air conditioning engineers, and project managers. The technical consoles also had to be designed to match the ultra-modern architecture of the interior space and integrate with a new concept for the atrium’s air conditioning system. The project consisted of designing a dense trading floor for more than 150 traders and brokers The Solution: Cutting-edge trading desks designed for IT-intensive environments The Access console series – technical furniture designed for spaces that are high-density technologically and specially designed for securities professionals. This completely innovative product allows the passage of cool air directly into the consoles themselves. It also permits multiple configurations and works perfectly with the sophisticated and upscale look of the surrounding architecture. The Result: An award-winning, modern, elegant, and green workspace in the heart of Montreal Desiardins Securities retrofitted the building into an ultra-modern workspace with a dense trading floor for its more than 150 traders and brokers. The Access series offers three console models: open-concept workstations without privacy screening; partially open-concept workstations with a central low wall; and closed workstations with higher central walls. All three models allow the installation of lateral screens between the workstations, depending on the height desired. The product rests on a rectangular metallic structure, welded and sealed, to which the work surface is attached. This structure allows the installation of large lighting fixtures that provide the desired level of ambient light in the atrium. Another original concept: air from the ground cools the computers located inside the sealed structure. The air is then expelled to the outside by means of a central ventilation grid specially created for the purpose. The product’s central grid, the access doors on the work surface, and the integrated lighting system create a unique character and an aesthetic appeal that works brilliantly with the surrounding architecture. The work surfaces are configured according to the client’s specific needs. The surfaces are equipped with a grooved aluminum panel to which the screens are attached and a special opening through which all the computer cabling can be run for easy installation. The raceways-type power supply is located in the upper central part of the structure. Special accessories are designed for the installation of data, telephone, and coaxial cables. The inside of the structure is easily accessed from either side thanks to cleverly designed sliding doors. The computer stands allow air circulation and space where cables can be run, which ensures efficient management of the network from the ground up. Are you remodeling your trading floor? We can help. Our more than 25 years of experience in this field allowed us to deliver precisely what Desjardins Securities needed to move forward with its modernization plans. We're proud of the work we've done at Montreal's Windsor Complex and look forward to future opportunities to help organizations in the convention center industry achieve their goals. Every week, we provide invaluable insights into our case studies and the innovative solutions we have developed for organizations to achieve their goals and objectives in mission-critical environments. Don't miss out on the opportunity to optimize your workspace and elevate your operations, by setting a new standard. Follow us on LinkedIn today.

  • Building an engineering laboratory control room for Kinectrics

    Installation No. 24214 Focus Series C-200 | Control Room Console The Project: The distribution and asset management division of Kinectrics was tasked with creating a lab control room to execute a variety of customer applications. The new control room is a collaborative space where the engineers from Kinectrics can work directly with the end-users on their projects. “We had used Sustema for the fit-out and installation of the furniture for our lab workstations. This happened during the COVID pandemic and the work required a bit of coordination and multiple deliveries. I found the support and communication from Sustema to be extremely quick, thorough and helpful. This included follow-ups on documentation associated with the equipment, as well as accounting for every screw and cable management part. We’re very happy with the end result.” - Donal Murray, Senior Engineer Our Solution: Control Room Floor Layout Design We were approached by Kinectrics to design a technical furniture solution for 6 people within a small room roughly the size of a shipping container. In our introductory meeting we were made aware of the following challenges and needs: Integrate height-adjustable work stations The comfort of the engineers and the adaptability of the work stations was a key decision factor Warranty and durability of the work stations were a key need Cable Management was required CPU Storage was required Personal Storage was required Access to power was requested on the surface Seating options were also requested Once the needs were uncovered we met with our design to come up with a solution and drawing. We concluded that our height-adjustable Focus Series C-200 console could meet the needs of the client. The Focus was perfect for this application as it gives us flexibility and is specifically designed for IT critical environments just like the Kinectrics control room. The Result: Kinectrics | Focus Series C-200 Console Through collaboration with Nick and Garreth and serious consideration of multiple designs, we arrived at the perfect solution. What made our client feel confident was the fact we offered a lifetime warranty, made the consoles fit the room, and provided flexible and professional installation at the height Covid-19 pandemic. Here is what our client had to say about us directly a year after we installed this project. “Mark was fantastic to work with. We had some changing requirements that came up through project execution and also needed a visit to the showroom to try out the chairs in COVID. Mark was most accommodating of it all. Sustema is excellent to work with. Would definitely recommend them and Mark.” - Garreth Coelho, Business Area Director, Distribution & Asset Management About the Author Mark Meschino Account Manager | Sustema Inc. mark.meschino@sustema.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmeschino/

  • Case Study: City of Springfield Emergency Communications Center

    Installation No. 24150 Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi, Deputy Chief of Staff Services David A. Wells, Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood, and Chief Administrative and Financial Officer (CAFO) TJ Plante announce the new consolidated centralized dispatch center. About the client, Springfield Emergency Communications Center As the designated 911 Communications center for the City of Springfield, Massachusetts, Springfield Emergency Communications (SEC) plays a crucial role in police and fire emergency response. The highly skilled and committed SEC dispatchers work tirelessly to identify the caller's location and the nature of the emergency to dispatch the appropriate resources promptly. Their core duties include providing public safety responses, coordinating and supporting communication for all public safety activities, and initiating public safety services. At SEC, they prioritize delivering the most effective emergency communications possible by attracting, training, and retaining highly qualified personnel who possess the necessary expertise to provide these critical services. The Project, Upgrading and Centralizing Emergency Dispatch Services The main challenge faced by SEC was the process of upgrading the radio and emergency equipment systems and centralizing Fire & Police emergency response under one roof. The Dispatch Center’s location was previously serving the Springfield Fire Emergency Services. The new centralized dispatch center renovation project included the complete teardown and rebuild of the emergency communications center and moving the Police dispatch and Fire under the same roof. “Having both the Fire and Police dispatchers under one roof will better serve the citizens of Springfield and increase the safety of our Firefighters and Police Officers.” - Fire Commissioner Calvi The renovation project consisted of, installing new center floors and ceilings, updated bathrooms, new lockers, upgrades to the radio and emergency equipment systems, and installing the new fully customized Dispatch Consoles. After several discussions (Phone, email, and Web) around meeting technical, comfort, and performance requirements we came to a design & budget that SEC presented to the City of Springfield Mayor for budget approval. In the review meeting with the Mayor and Procurement team, the City of Springfield decided to go to public bid and invite companies to an onsite to bid on the contract. 14 different companies showed up onsite and Sustema was the chosen vendor to build the Custom Dispatch Consoles. The evaluation was based on meeting all the technical and ergonomic requirements while respecting the budget and offering value beyond the price. The Solution, Providing Comprehensive, Ergonomic Design Solutions with Sustema Dispatch Center Consoles The Sustema design team met all of the technical elements and created ergonomically enhanced consoles that fit within the parameters of the room and maintain ADA compliance. No easy task but the final design resulted in a heavy-duty highly functional dispatch center with a very impressive and empowering visual aesthetic. Some of the key design elements were the future-proofed Monitor columns and arms supporting current and future needs, the soft yet durable edging, secure CPU enclosures, and personal climate control at the console. “This was a team effort from the Mayor to 911 Dispatchers and everyone in between. Special thanks too, City Facilities, Springfield Fire Repair Division, City IT & Fire and Police IT, State911, the Men & Women of the Fire & Police Departments and Sustema, the maker of our consoles. A personal Thank You to my team, job well done!” - Deputy Chief Of Staff Services Wells The Installation, Successful Sustema Installation Enhances Dispatch Facility, and Service Delivery The Sustema installation partners did an excellent job with both the installation and day-to-day communication resulting in an excellent customer experience. The success of this project was very much a Sustema team effort. Starting from the initial conversation with the sales team, followed by internal design meetings to create a product to elevate Sustema over the competition to the operations team who built and tested the product to bring the designs to life. Source* Official Facebook page of Springfield Emergency Communications (SEC), the primary public safety answering point for the City of Springfield, Massachusetts. “The new consolidated dispatch facility will greatly enhance our SPD’s ability to respond and serve and protect our residents. I want to thank the brave and dedicated women and men in Blue for their continued efforts in making this important transition happen.” - Police Commissioner Clapprood Contact Information Sustema has over 25 years in the technical furniture and dispatch console furniture manufacturing industry with thousands of active installations in North America . For more information or any inquiries, please contact us at info@sustema.com .

  • Case Study: Cauca

    Installation No. 24016 Transit C-300 - Model M About CAUCA The Centrale des Appels d'Urgence Chaudière-Appalaches (CAUCA) is a nonprofit organization specialized in managing emergency calls for fire, medical, and municipal services. CAUCA provides services for over 1.7 million citizens, covering over 560 municipalities across the province of Quebec, Canada. CAUCA has recently opened a new 911 center in the region of Mont-Tremblant, bringing the organization to a total of 150 employees, including 95 dispatchers. Sustema supplies fifteen (15) consoles in the Mont-Tremblant Emergency Center for Centrale des Appels d'Urgence Chaudière-Appalaches. The Project CAUCA decided to open a second call center with the objective to increase its operational capacity by adding more flexibility in the case of extreme climate events while also pursuing the expansion of their services. When the decision was made to move forward with this project, Sustema was selected as the console provider among multiple manufacturers. The timeline to deliver this project was respected and delivered on time as agreed by both parties. CAUCA’s desire to improve the work environment by optimizing the consoles footprint and increasing user comfort were imperatives for the success of the project. Each console station had to support as many as six (6) 24” monitors, be configure in wors of three (3) workstations, while using minimal footprint to allow for future expansion. Increased comfort for users meant moving towards a lighter, neater, and more streamlined console. A console offering electric height-adjustability capable of adapting to the user’s morphology in just a matter of seconds. Due to pandemic restrictions, Sustema was tasked to develop custom plexiglass protective shields to provide a safe environment for operators. The protective panels had to be transparent in order to promote collaboration and also be easily removable for when restrictions will be lifted. Moreover, the workstations had to be easily accessible for IT personnel to reach the CPUs and electronic equipment underneath the console while also offering maximum foot clearance for dispatchers. The Console Design: With the help of Sustema’s team of industrial designers, multiple layouts and configurations were drawn, evaluated, and discussed with CAUCA to find the optimal solution. The chosen model was a Linear Transit M console . The dual height-adjustable surfaces on the Transit M console combined with the heavy-duty steel base provide the required sturdiness to last multiple years while also enhancing ergonomics for the users. The workstation is attached to a wall system providing cable management capabilities to store power and data cables, offering extra support, and enhancing the overall design of the console. Manufacturing: Once the final design was signed and approved, the manufacturing process began and consoles were sent into production. Before shipping consoles to the client's facility, each part and component was preinstalled and tested for quality assurance at our manufacturing facility. Installation: Once consoles were ready, Sustemas team of certified installers did the whole installation over the course of two days. Today, the site is fully operational and is an example of a success story where Functionality, Design, Technology, and Synergy meet. About Sustema Sustema Inc. has 25 years of experience designing and manufacturing technical furniture for 24/7 mission-critical and IT-intensive work environments. Started as a cable integration company, Sustema now offers a wide variety of custom technical furniture products such as control room consoles , dispatch consoles , technology tables , technical workbenches , training desks , and trading workstations . Let us know how we can help with your next project!

  • Case Study: Robotics Mission Control Center - Canadian Space Agency

    Installation No. 12-409 Focus C-200 Console at the Robotic Mission Control Center About the Client The Robotics Mission Control Centre of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is located at CSA headquarters in Saint-Hubert, Quebec. The ground team uses this facility to plan, monitor, and control more than half of all Canadarm2 and Dextre operations unfolding aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Robotics Mission Control Centre is designed to function in the same way as NASA Mission Control in Houston. The CSA's centre features the same: Ability to send commands Ability to receive data from the ISS, Canadarm2, and Dextre Voice communications systems Video communications systems The Project Hadfield, on the end of the shuttle's Canadarm, deploys Canadarm2 on April 22, 2001. (Credit: NASA) The Robotics Mission Control Center has been operational for many years and at the time the CSA approached Sustema, the facility was going through a system upgrade. Moving from bulky computer systems to lighter and more advanced ones also meant an upgrade of the furniture in which these systems were installed. Furthermore, the previous consoles did not meet ergonomic requirements with operators complaining about the leg space and overall comfort of the control center. These factors created distraction and fatigue issues among operators. Note that CSA operators can work over 8-hour shifts monitoring and controlling multi-million dollar equipment, meaning that designing ergonomic consoles to increase their focus, comfort, and attention was of the utmost importance for Sustema. Another requirement when designing the control room floor layout was the consideration of providing operators with an optimal view of the video wall system to monitor operations. The Solution After a thorough supplier selection process, Sustema was selected by the CSA to design, manufacture, and install the Focus C-200 console at the Robotics Mission Control Center. Sustema was chosen as the preferred supplier due to its ability to design versatile and ergonomic consoles capable of integrating all the technology required to run the CSA operations. The consoles were custom-made to fit the space requirements of the room while giving maximum flexibility to operators to work with multiple monitors simultaneously. The line of sight for the video wall was respected to avoid operator eye fatigue. The Result Sustema designed and manufactured custom Focus C-200 consoles to meet the technical and ergonomic requirements of the Robotics Mission Control Center. The Focus C-200 systems enable operators to work on large worksurfaces and move freely from one station to the other for easy access to data and control systems. Conclusion Sustema's team of control room consultants and industrial designers took into account all the space, ergonomic, and technology requirements of the Robotics Mission Control Center to create a custom console solution. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding our products and services.

  • Case Study: SITA Command Center

    Installation No. 09-222 About the Client "At every step of the passenger experience, from check-in to baggage tracking, the SITA Command Center works around the clock, in Montreal and Singapore, to ensure there are no hitches throughout the journey." - APEX Originally known as the "Société Internationale de Télécommunications Aéronautiques", SITA was founded in 1949 as a cooperative by 11 European and U.S. airlines to build a communications network for the aviation industry. Today, SITA supports about 55,000 airport check-in kiosks, in addition to providing communications networks for Airbus SE and Boeing Co., the world’s two largest commercial jet-makers (Montréal Gazette). About the Project When SITA first approached Sustema, they wanted to create a distinctive, enjoyable, and inspiring environment for its employees and customers all around the world. In order to handle the worldwide telecommunication networks, the new network command center needed to support over 100 agents with each work area having specialized console workstations ergonomically designed to minimize user fatigue, discomfort and to eliminate desktop clutter.  Workstations needed to have special access for equipment and wiring and had to be of modular design to allow for future flexibility and growth. The consoles also had to be designed to create a productive and comfortable workspace and give the users privacy where needed. Sustema was selected as the preferred vendor by DFAIT (Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade) to design and manufacture specialized technical console workstation furniture for its new Emergency Watch and Response Centre. The Centre is comprised of two individual areas: the principal call centre and the response room. The Solution Focus C-200 - SITA Command Center Console Sustema's team of industrial designers worked in close collaboration with DFAIT’s in-house design team to develop the final solution. Thanks to Sustema's experience regarding communication center layouts and the industry best practices to tailor the space, the client selected the Focus C-200 console to furnish and organize its space. The Focus console is ergonomically designed for intensive use and responded to all the technical and functional requests made by the client. The Focus console allows for a high density of equipment, wiring, and electrical services in addition to offering comfort and functionality for users and managers. In all, Sustema provided the complete portfolio of the 90 workstations and met every criterion presented by the client: ergonomics, technology implementation, esthetics, and finishes. Sustema also worked closely with the DFAIT group on planning, budgeting, and implementation.  The Emergency Watch and Response Centre is now SITA's flagship command center in North America. Should a blackout occur, SITA can count on generators and an uninterruptible power supply to keep the Montreal facility running. As part of a disaster recovery process, local managers can also wake up their Singapore-based colleagues so that backup engineers are fully operational within 30 minutes of receiving a phone call. (Montreal Gazette) The Installation At any given time, about 70 staff are monitoring data and applications from 30,000 common-use terminals and check-in kiosks for airlines, airports, and airport authorities across 200 countries. A row of seven-foot-tall screens that runs almost the width of the room acts as the motherboard, displaying real-time data from airlines, airports, servers, kiosks and baggage systems (APEX). Today, SITA’s Montreal center has been operating for over 12 years, running 13 hours a day and taking turns with the Singapore location to ensure around-the-clock coverage seven days a week. The combined staff of about 160 is split almost equally between the two cities and includes people of more than 15 nationalities, fluent in more than 20 languages. “Customers don’t see anything, passengers go on their journey, board their flights.” – Chantal Dubé, SITA Command Center Together with its Singapore twin, the Montreal command center is dedicated to solving problems affecting the “mission-critical” computer and communications systems used by airlines, airports, and air-traffic-control providers around the clock. Air transport is its sole focus. Only last year, SITA says it resolved 81 percent of all major incidents within two hours. SITA says its command centers allow it to monitor, manage and support the operations of more than 1,000 airports and 1,000 airlines. (Montreal Gazette) Prior to having two command centers, SITA had separate support channels for various services. In 2010, they were consolidated into the SITA Command Center in Montreal, which operated on a 24-hour cycle, 365 days a year. But overnight shifts proved difficult to keep up, and a year later, a second office was established in Singapore. Now, by 7:30 a.m. each day, the command center’s operations are officially passed from Singapore to Montreal like an Olympic Torch – only without the fanfare. Singapore shuts down to sleep and the operations carry on in Montreal, where computers are humming, screens are alight, and somewhere, a coffee pot is on (APEX). Sources: https://montrealgazette.com/business/local-business/sky-watch-inside-montreals-hidden-air-transport-command-centre https://apex.aero/articles/behind-scenes-sitas-airport-operations/

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