You can shop for dispatch consoles from plenty of sources. If you need help choosing the best safety control consoles, here are some pointers to help you. Whether you are planning a renovation or building a new control room or emergency management center, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Latest Trends
You do not have to buy the latest equipment or GSA console furniture. However, browsing through options can give ideas on which items fit the bill the most. What console designs and styles are popular for emergency centers? Which options are ideal for your office? What are their sizes? Designing a room means you need to pay attention to the size of the consoles so you can plan the flow of traffic in, out, and around the room accordingly.
Your Needs
What does your team need? What features should you look for when you choose control consoles? Which workstations can help you make the most out of your space? Can you squeeze in all those consoles without the room feeling overcrowded and tiny? Will there be enough elbow space for everyone? What about room to walk around? If the room feels stuffy and crowded, that will impact your team’s productivity and performance.
Feedback
Do not forget to ask for feedback. Listen to what your team has to say. Their opinions are invaluable, especially if you are designing their workspace. Their input can prevent you from making mistakes and help you determine which features are a must-have.
Scalable
Do you plan to expand your operations? Consider scalable solutions for your dispatch consoles. That will allow you to save on costs when you expand your team and attach new sets of consoles to the existing ones in your office.
Technology
Renovating or building a new emergency control room is an opportunity to upgrade your technology and electronics. Do you have a video wall? What about flip-panel workstations? Think about the equipment that your team often uses. Have they all been upgraded? Do the phones have features that provide support to your team? Do you have an app, platform, software that automates manual tasks, so you can free up time for your staff? What equipment must you invest in to provide more resources for your team?
Layout
If you are designing a room for dispatchers, are there any visual obstructions between them and the video walls? Organize that space to ensure that every member of your team can come in and get to work without distractions. Is the layout conducive to that? If you configure a room by trying to squeeze in as many workstations into the area as possible, that likely may not deliver the best results. Give your team enough space to work in.
Ergonomics
Dispatchers deal with high stress on the job. If you want to retain the best people on your team, make it easier for them to cope. Choose ergonomic options for their furniture. That way, they will be comfortable throughout their shifts. With some of those shifts lasting 12 hours, taking emergency calls can take a toll. A comfortable environment can help ease the workplace stress they need to live with every day.