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About the client Our client is a pivotal organization dedicated to managing and coordinating multi-agency responses to emergencies and disasters within their jurisdiction. They play a crucial role in alerting and notifying appropriate agencies when disaster strikes, ensuring that resources are available and mobilized during large-scale incidents. Their responsibilities include developing comprehensive preparedness plans and procedures for effective response and recovery, as well as providing essential materials to the public to enhance community readiness. Additionally, they oversee the Emergency Operations Center, a facility that ensures coordinated emergency response during significant incidents, and maintain a strong partnership with state-level emergency management. Their support extends to local emergency management, emergency medical services, law enforcement, and fire agencies, making them an indispensable asset in times of crisis. About the project The project involved the construction of a backup 9-1-1 communications center designed to enhance operational efficiency and privacy for telecommunicators. This facility required 21 ergonomic workstations, ensuring comfort and productivity for each operator. The design prioritized ease of IT maintenance, allowing for seamless updates and troubleshooting without disrupting critical emergency services. Additionally, the layout fostered a sense of privacy for telecommunicators, enabling them to perform their duties with minimal distractions. This comprehensive approach aimed to support the client's mission of providing reliable and effective emergency communication services. About the solution Our client chose our ACCESS control console , because it met their specific requirements for their new backup 9-1-1 communications center. The 21 ergonomic workstations would be arranged in six groups of three linear consoles and three single standing stationary consoles. Each workstation needed to be equipped with height-adjustable worksurfaces, retractable integrated monuments , raised and lockable CPU enclosures  with front and rear access, and LCD monitor arms mounted on the surface. The heavy-duty construction ensures mission-critical 24/7 operation, with safety features such as smooth edges and cutting-free parts. The workstations are designed with high-density particle board surfaces covered with high-pressure laminate and reinforced with a heavy-duty substructure for durability. The frames are made from cold-rolled steel and aluminum extrusions, capable of supporting up to 1200 lbs. The lifting system includes HD motors with anti-collision features, adjustable height, and an LED keypad for easy adjustments. CPU storage units are integrated into the frame, providing ample knee and leg room, ventilated bases, and programmable fans for optimal air circulation. Cable management is integrated throughout the system, with chains to protect cables during height adjustments and provisions for managing excess cable lengths. Separator panels made of frosted glass or plexiglass provide privacy, while monitor arms  support multiple monitors with adjustable, rotating, and tilting capabilities, ensuring maximum flexibility and clutter-free cabling. This comprehensive solution not only meets the client's operational needs but also enhances the efficiency, safety, and comfort of telecommunicators in the backup 9-1-1 communications center. Conference table Our client also required a technology conference table , which incorporated the same technology integrations as the dispatcher consoles. The proposed conference table for the backup 9-1-1 communications center is designed to accommodate eight users and match the color and finishes of the console workstations. Measuring 106” x 48”, the table features a high-density particle board worksurface covered with high-pressure laminate and equipped with urethane edging for durability and safety. The frame is constructed from 10 gauge cold-rolled steel with a charcoal powder coat finish or aluminum extrusions, ensuring a weight load capacity of 750 lbs. The table includes a retractable integrated dual-sided monument and an advanced cable management system, providing lateral and vertical cable management capabilities. Hinged doors on both sides and ventilated shelves ensure efficient IT equipment ventilation. The heavy-duty construction is designed for mission-critical 24/7 operation, with smooth edges to prevent any sharp or cutting parts, ensuring user safety. Storage solution The custom storage solution  includes an IT storage credenza and conference room file storage credenzas tailored to the specific needs of the users. The IT storage credenza measures 120” W x 24” D x 29” H and is designed to support documentation and IT servicing equipment, featuring four sliding drawers and four open shelves. It matches the surface and base colors of the consoles. Additionally, four conference room file storage credenzas, each measuring 36” W x 24” D x 29” H, are required to support training documentation. These credenzas include two pull-out drawers and are designed to match the surface and base colors of the conference table and consoles, ensuring a cohesive and functional workspace. About the result The installation of our control room furniture has significantly enhanced the working environment for both the staff and the organization. The ergonomic workstations, equipped with height-adjustable surfaces and retractable integrated monuments, provide comfort and flexibility, reducing physical strain and promoting better posture. This leads to increased productivity and less burnout among operators, as they can adjust their workstations to suit their individual needs throughout their shifts. The heavy-duty construction and thoughtful design ensure that the workstations are safe and durable, free from sharp edges and cutting parts, which contributes to a safer work environment. The integrated cable management system and organized CPU storage units help maintain a clutter-free workspace, allowing operators to focus on their tasks without distractions. The privacy panels and adjustable monitor arms create a sense of personal space, enabling operators to work more efficiently and with greater concentration. The conference table and custom storage solutions further support the organization by providing dedicated spaces for documentation, IT equipment, and training materials, ensuring that everything is easily accessible and well-organized. Overall, the new control room furniture meets all the requirements and provides tangible benefits such as enhanced comfort, improved productivity, reduced burnout, and a more organized and efficient workspace for the operators. This comprehensive approach not only supports the staff in performing their duties effectively but also contributes to the overall mission of the organization in managing and coordinating emergency responses. Transform Your Control Room with Our Expertise Experience the benefits of a well-designed control room that enhances comfort, productivity, and efficiency. Our ergonomic workstations, advanced cable management systems, and custom storage solutions create an organized and safe environment for your operators. Let us help you build a control room that meets your unique needs and supports your mission. Reach out to us  today to start designing your ideal workspace.

Applying cable management techniques doesn’t have to be an obstacle. Modern control consoles integrate a variety of systems to make it easier for control centers to keep their IT equipment up to date. Cables can hinder operations when they are not properly managed, causing downtime, and even accidents since they are dangling below the worksurface and they can get caught while the console is in movement. Cable chains : To account for the height adjustability issue, the console features a cable chain system that routes the cables from the work surface to the CPU enclosure. Ensuring that the vertical movement of the surface doesn’t cause any cable pulling or interruption. These cable chains can be placed on a focal adjustment accessories so that operators can adjust their monitors’ depths. Electrical raceways : these pathways help secure cables by dividing them according to their voltage. Power and data cables can suffer from electromagnetic interference when paired together, especially if there are a lot of them. And in a control console there are lots of cables running to and from the CPU. Monitor arms routing : one way to achieve a clean look in a control console is to route cables along the monitor arms . This can be done with tie-wraps, monitor clamps or even velcro straps. All the way to the grommet holes and connecting to power bars below, or running down through cable chains. The amount of monitor arms will determine how many cables you can run through them. Grommet holes : Grommet holes are made to manage cables from keyboards, mouses, and other equipment to reduce clutter on the worksurface. Grommet holes can also be adapted to integrate fans as a cooling system for operators. But they can also be placed next to monitor posts so that the cables don’t have to travel behind the worksurface. Power bars : Underneath the worksurface, power cables coming from monitors and other accessories are routed through the surface frame, and connect to a power bar attached to the steel substructure. Front and Rear access doors : for control consoles having easy access to IT equipment makes it easy to perform maintenance tasks while minimizing downtime. Access doors can be placed on the front of the console for personal storage and CPU enclosures. But they can also be placed on the back of the consoles, so that the IT specialists can access the CPUs and other equipment. These doors are made out of steel and are also lockable with steel hinges. Slide-out trays : Consoles with slide-out trays make efficient use of space in the control room. They also allow centers to keep cables neatly organized and also keep their equipment safe. Does your control console have all of these cable management features? In the fast paced world of emergency centers, organized control consoles can empower their opertors with clutter free wotksurfaces and technology integrations. Contact us to learn how you can implement these features into your control room.

In the fast-paced environment of modern control rooms, situational awareness is crucial for operators to make quick and accurate decisions. One innovative solution that is gaining traction is the use of LED lights integrated into control room consoles in favour of status lights. In this entry we explore how situational awareness is enhanced through LED lighting and the benefits it brings to operators. Identifying Stations and Status One of the primary benefits of using LED lights for situational awareness is the ability to easily identify stations and their status. For example, 9-1-1 dispatchers and supervisors can quickly see who is on the radio or who is not, replacing traditional status lights with more versatile LED indicators. This immediate visual cue helps streamline communication and ensures that everyone is aware of the current operational status. Customizable Colors for Enhanced Clarity When the colors are not assigned to a specific status, console operators can pick and choose their own colors, allowing for a highly customizable workstation. But these color choices can be integrated with environment controls. For instance, syncing the LED lights to heaters or cooling fans can provide instant feedback on the environmental conditions: red for heating and blue for cooling. This customization enhances clarity and reduces the chances of misinterpretation. Versatile Integration and Control LED lights can be integrated into various parts of the console, including under the surface and within glass panels. Providing ample coverage for large control rooms. Operators can control these lights from a small display on the console surface, making it easy to adjust settings without disrupting their workflow. Additionally, lights can be activated via buttons, offering a straightforward analog system that is both reliable and user-friendly. Benefits for Operators The integration of LED situational awareness lights into control room consoles offers several key benefits for operators: Improved Communication : Operators can quickly identify the status of different stations and equipment, reducing the time spent searching for information. Customizable Settings : Operators can tailor the lighting system to their preferences, improving comfort and efficiency. Environmental Feedback : Syncing lights with heaters and cooling fans provides immediate feedback on environmental conditions, helping maintain optimal working conditions. Want to light-up your control room operations? We can help. LED situational awareness lights are a powerful tool for modern control rooms, offering improved visibility, enhanced communication, and customizable settings that benefit operators. By integrating these lights into control room consoles, we can create a more efficient and responsive working environment that meets the demands of today's fast-paced operations. Contact us to get started with your project.

Choosing the right control console for a control room involves answering two key questions:  What type of technology do you need at your center?  and  What does the space of your center look like?  This principle applies to all industries where mission-critical environments are used. Answering these questions will help project managers and planners meet operator comfort and comply with the latest accessibility and ergonomic standards. Understanding the Technology Requirements CPU Requirements : Determine how many CPUs you need. Some control rooms use remote servers, but most PSAPs and other emergency communications centers still rely on local CPUs stored at the dispatcher’s console. Sustema consoles  feature all-steel CPU enclosures with perforated steel sliding trays. These can be oriented to pull the CPU towards the front or back of the console. CPU enclosures can be located in the middle or at the extremes of the console, allowing multiple CPUs inside the workstation. You can also integrate a box-box-file for stationary items and additional storage. CPU enclosures for control room consoles by Sustema. Monitor Configuration : Assess the number and size of monitors. Whether you have a single row of four 24-inch monitors or larger configurations, Sustema control consoles can accommodate various setups. Monitors can be mounted on fixed monitor posts, a slat-wall system, or a monitor focal adjustment array, which offers additional cable management support. Additional Technology : Consider other tech incorporated into the console, such as phones, radios, and touchpads. Electrical Certifications : When selecting CPUs and other electronic components for your control console, it's crucial to ensure they meet relevant electrical certifications  such as UL, CSA, and CE. These certifications guarantee the safety and reliability of the equipment. Understanding the Space Requirements Power Source : Identify where your power is coming from—raised floor, wall, or ceiling. This will affect the console layout. Room Obstacles : Consider any permanent structures like pillars or columns that may impact the console placement. User Capacity : Determine how many users will be in the room at any one time to calculate the required number of consoles. Traffic guidelines : Consider foot traffic when planning passageways : zero traffic areas need no passageways, low traffic areas need narrow ones, moderate traffic areas require wider passageways, and high traffic areas need the widest passageways for frequent access. Departmental Needs : Assess the needs of different departments (e.g., police, fire, ambulance, call-taking, dispatch) and the proximity of supervisors to these departments. Building a New Control Room? We Can Help. No matter which industry you are in, choosing the right control console involves understanding both the technology and space requirements of your control room. By considering these factors and tailoring the setup to your specific industry needs, you can create an efficient and ergonomic mission-critical environment. Whether you're in public safety, power generation, surveillance, oil and refineries, professional trading, air traffic control, or government agencies, we can assist you throughout the process to ensure your control room meets all your operational needs. Reach out to us for expert guidance and support in building your new control room.

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

Planning a control room involves many critical decisions that can significantly impact its efficiency and functionality. Here are five common mistakes to avoid, along with examples to illustrate their consequences: 1. Poor Ergonomics Leading to Fatigue and Inefficiency Example : Imagine a control room where operators are required to use non-adjustable work surfaces and chairs that lack lumbar support. Over time, this setup can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, decreased productivity, and increased absenteeism. To avoid this, invest in ergonomic furniture that supports various body types and allows for adjustments to suit individual needs. Solution : Implement adjustable consoles , chairs with lumbar support, and monitor arms  that can be positioned at eye level. This ensures operators can work comfortably for extended periods without strain. SITA command center using control room consoles for 24/7 operations. 2. Inadequate Space Planning Example : A control room designed without considering future expansion might become overcrowded as new equipment is added. This can obstruct floor traffic , hinder collaboration, and increase the risk of errors. For instance, a cramped control room in a power plant might lead to delays in responding to critical alarms due to restricted movement. Solution : Plan for adequate space that accommodates current needs and allows for future growth. Use modular furniture that can be reconfigured as requirements change. 3. Ignoring Stakeholders' Experience Example : Failing to analyze workflows during control room design can lead to inefficient layouts that waste time and hinder productivity. For example, if operators frequently need to access certain controls or monitors, placing these elements far apart can lead to unnecessary movement and delays. Solution : Engage with stakeholders early in the design process to understand their needs and workflows. Design the layout to minimize movement and ensure that frequently used equipment is easily accessible using a slat wall  on the control console. 4. Poor Lighting Example : Too much natural lighting can create glare or wash out video displays, while insufficient lighting can strain operators' eyes. For instance, a control room with large windows might experience glare during sunny days, making it difficult for operators to read screens accurately. Solution : Use indirect lighting with the correct frequency and color temperature to promote vigilance. Implement adjustable lighting solutions that can be controlled to suit different tasks and times of day, explore the best task lights  for control rooms. 5. Ignoring Future Planning and Expansion Needs Example : A control room that doesn't account for future technology upgrades or the need for additional workstations  can quickly become outdated. For example, a control room in a transportation hub might struggle to integrate new monitoring systems if space and infrastructure weren't planned for expansion. Solution : Design with flexibility in mind. Ensure that the infrastructure can support future technological advancements and additional workstations. Use scalable solutions that can be easily upgraded. Planning a New Control Room? At Sustema, we specialize in designing control rooms  that meet your needs and stay within budget. Contact us  to build a workplace that enhances efficiency and supports future growth.

About the Client Our client is a police regional service that covers a population of over 800,000. As leaders in community safety, they work with all members of the community to proactively address future challenges in their jurisdiction. About the Project Floor plan of dispatch center, by Sustema The goal was to upgrade their control room furniture with modern dispatch consoles that complied with their strict requirements, including: Heavy-duty technical furniture, purpose-built for mission-critical environments. Respondents with at least 20 years of experience in heavy-duty technical furniture. Compliance with ANSI/BIFMA x5.5-2021 Certification . Excellent support services and servicing of the consoles. Cable management solutions  to reduce downtime. Height-adjustable work surfaces and safety stop collision sensors. Ergonomic finishes and Greenguard certification  for work surfaces. Storage solutions and CPU enclosures for IT equipment  as well as personal storage. About the Solution For this project, our client chose our Focus  control room console and the Transit control console. Due to its versatility, the Focus console can be used to maximize floor space in small control rooms. Thanks to its footprint, equipment can be easily stored within. Our client implemented both models of control room furniture: a large 72-inch wide Transit model meant for supervisors and a more compact, 42-inch wide Focus console meant for visitors. Both consoles share the same ergonomic features, most technology integrations, and durable accessories. See the Transit and Focus consoles below, respectively. Features of Our Dispatch Consoles: Wall System Height:  At least 38 inches for Visitor Consoles and 50 inches for Supervisor Consoles. Cable Management:  Two levels of raceway within the wall. Thickness:  5 inches to accommodate cables. Panel Covers:  Hand removable panel covers matching the color of the surfaces. Lifting System Actuators:  Linak DL6 actuators with a minimum lifting force of 400 pounds. Safety:  Equipped with a safety stop collision sensor on the front bottom lip of the consoles. Keypads :  Digital readout displaying error codes. Worksurfaces Edging:  Urethane waterfall edging . Certification: Greenguard certified. Substructure:  Metal surface substructure allowing cables to pass through. Bookshelf Return Units Configuration:  Two drawers on the bottom two rows and an open slot on the top row. Width:  Between 36 inches and 42 inches. Color:  Matching the consoles. Retractable Power Monuments Retractable:   Monument units  retract into the surface when not in use. Socket Inserts: Interchangeable socket inserts for four slots: Standard 110-volt socket, USB Power, USB-C Power, and HDMI. About the Results After installing Sustema’s dispatch consoles , our client transformed their aging control room setup into a modern 911 dispatch center capable of live monitoring of operations such as raids, warrant searches, and coordinated air surveillance. The Transit consoles are operated by supervisors who can manage these complex operations efficiently, while the Focus consoles provide visitors with a compact and ergonomic workspace. Get Started with Your Control Room Upgrade! Are you looking to upgrade your control room with state-of-the-art dispatch consoles? Contact us  today to learn how we can help you plan and implement a new control room setup that meets your specific needs. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in creating a functional, efficient, and modern control room environment. Reach out to us now to get started!

About the client Our client, a real estate development and management company, embarked on a transformative project in Montreal aiming to blend residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces. This world-class district features 170 stores including 60 restaurants and cafes. In later phases of development, office towers, private residences and several collective infrastructures will be added to this project. About the project To complete the first phase of the most important private development with mixed use in North America that is also 100% carbon neutral, our client required a sophisticated centralized control room solution . The goal of the center is to provide operators with real-time control and monitoring capabilities, enabling seamless surveillance across the entire complex. About the solution To support everyday use and large-scale events inside the new shopping center, including surveillance of retail environments and the comfortable lounge areas, our client chose our Transit control console . Our client required a 3-desk setup, where each control console is equipped with 3 monitors mounted on adjustable monitor arms. These monitor arms are supported by the durable worksurface which also includes grommet holes for cables to pass through. Everything is supported by a heavy-duty, steel-reinforced substructure. Security control consoles by Sustema Inc Our client chose our control room furniture for its technology integration capabilities and its ergonomic features. The work surfaces are height adjustable and can store individual settings for different users. They also include easy access to power and data right on the worksurface itself thanks to a retractable monument outlet which connects to the CPU enclosures underneath. The heavy-duty actuators allow for quick adjustments and the cable chains protect all cables while the console is in motion. Inside the substructure there are many electrical raceways that separate cables into power and data, to minimize interference and to simplify cable management. The IT equipment is stored inside 2 CPU enclosures which are secured under lock and key. They offer easy access for IT maintenance thanks to steel sliding trays. About the result Our client enjoys a state-of-the-art surveillance control room equipped with ergonomic furniture and high-tech solutions. The Transit Console creates a clean workplace with reduced clutter thanks to its wide worksurfaces. Operators can stay focused thanks to the ergonomic features like height adjustable worksurfaces which promote movement throughout the day. But this feature also allows different users to work comfortably at the same station throughout the day. The 3-console setup creates a wide worksurface for different operators to collaborate while at the same providing an individual workstation that adapts to their needs. The reduced footprint of the console allows it to maximize the floor space available by creating an IT intensive environment. The steel reinforced substructures ensures that critical data continues to flow uninterrupted so that operators can keep tabs on the complex architectural layouts of the building. Let’s start building a security control room solution that addresses your needs and requirements With over 30 years of experience in designing and implementing cutting-edge control room solutions, Sustema has established itself as a trusted partner for organizations seeking to optimize their operations. Complete our contact form to schedule a consultation with our team of experienced professionals. Together, we will work closely with you to understand your unique needs and requirements, crafting a security control center solution that empowers your operators.

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

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

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/

Our consoles offer numerous ergonomic features that help reduce stress and fatigue for operators, such as the ability to adjust the height of each worksurface and the urethane edging that allows for comfortable use during long work hours. Not only have these features improved dispatcher health and well-being, but they have also increased workflow and productivity. In this article we explore some of the custom solutions we design and build for control room furniture. Focal adjustment platform A focal adjustment monitor platform  is an innovative solution designed for single or dual surface control consoles. This platform allows operators to set their optimal comfort and viewing distance by enabling forward and backward movement, as well as height adjustability of the monitor surface. Wall structure for cable management Sustema consoles feature separate power raceways that go inside the wall structure . These raceways connect everything underneath the worksurface, like the CPU enclosures with the work surface. Monitor cables, as well as power and data run through the console’s wall structure. This simplifies cable management and reduces the risk of accidental disconnects, or someone tripping over a dangling ethernet cable. Storage solutions Unlike standard office furniture where CPUs are placed over the work surface or underneath it using a hanging shelf, the nature of activities in the 9-1-1 dispatch centers requires them to use much more complex CPU enclosures . The reason being that CPU enclosures for this type of application need to adhere to standards ergonomic principles such as giving the proper leg clearance for its users, but also, they need to act as fail-safe mechanisms that can help avoid any interruption to the electronic equipment used by operators such as the CPUs, the monitors, radios, and KVMs. Personal Environment System The Personal Environment System 360  is a user-friendly solution 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. ConsoleALERT ConsoleALERT® lets operators request assistance from their supervisors directly from their console. Operators simply press on the button from their workstation to send a help request to the PSAP supervisor. PSAP supervisors are instantly notified via the ConsoleAlert® application or through the status light. Once connected, the supervisor can take over the call and provide further assistance to the caller. Looking to upgrade your control room? Let’s work together. To achieve an organized and secured 911 communications center, modern control room furniture integrates technology into its design. A control console must adapt to the users needs and requirements, not the other way around. Take the next step towards a secure and efficient 911 control room by partnering with us. Contact our team  of specialists and industrial designers to work together on building a new control center.