A control room is a very important part of any business. It is where all the magic happens! For instance, employees in emergency services use control rooms to manage and coordinate their work.
Saraval Industries knows this and understands why it’s essential to have a well-designed and functioning control room. We work with our clients to create a space that meets their needs and helps them achieve their goals.
If you are confused about your control room design, this guide gives some vital tips on building one of the best.
What Is a Control Room?
A control room is a space within a business where employees manage and coordinate their work. This space can include emergency services, manufacturing plants or call centers. The design of a control room is essential to its success, and it must be functional and meet the needs of the employees working in it.
They are also incredibly complex environments that need to be carefully designed since poor curation can hinder productivity and equipment operation. Even worse, a subpar design can cause mishaps that interfere with emergency services. Then, we are talking about potential lives at stake.
Therefore, when it comes to designing and building a control room, you really can’t cut corners. So, how do you build a control room?
There are many factors to consider when creating a control room, and what follows are 5 top things you need to consider when making this all-important space.
Need #1: The Control Console
The control room console desk or workstation is the centerpiece of any control room. This handy piece of technical furniture is where operators will be doing most of their mission-critical work 24/7. As such, it needs to be comfortable and easy to use.
And since operators may be monitoring activities for a variety of services, such as utilities, transport, and emergency services, it’s also critical to make sure that all the controls are within reach and there is plenty of space for them to spread out their materials.
Control room consoles usually include the following features:
- A workstation console or desk that is height adjustable
- Enough space to accommodate a computer, keyboard and mouse, as well as other necessary equipment
- Ventilation systems that draw in clean air and expel fumes and smoke
- A secure location for single or multi-tiered monitors that are either mounted on the wall or placed on a desk.
- A locking cabinet to store equipment and other sensitive materials.
- Ports and power outlets for quickly and easily connecting and disconnecting power cables, headsets, USBs and other devices
- Storage spaces for files, paperwork and other materials
- Cable management capabilities for all the wiring and cables running to and from different pieces of equipment
Need #2: Adjustable Chairs
To be productive, operators in a control room need comfortable, adjustable furniture that provides ease of use. For instance, an operator may need to adjust the height of their chairs so they can easily see and reach all the controls on their console desk. To help them, you can provide ergonomic, adjustable chairs that are tailored to their individual needs.
Additionally, you can buy ergonomic chairs fabricated with comfort foam to assist operators as they work long hours. There are also armrests to promote proper posture while they work. Adding ergonomic chairs is an excellent way to equip your operators better and help them stay comfortable and focused while working.
Lastly, it’s vital to have chairs with lumbar support to help prevent back pain. In brief, ergonomic chairs are a must for any control room, and operators will appreciate the extra comfort they provide during long shifts.
Need #3: Durability
Since control rooms are often high-traffic areas, it’s important to select durable furniture that can withstand constant use. In addition, you’ll need furniture that is easy to clean and maintain.
In other words, your control room furniture is an investment, so buy high-quality pieces that will last. Doing this helps ensure that your operators have a functional and comfortable space to work in for a long time.
For the console desk, you’ll want to find one made of sturdy materials and a finish that won’t easily scratch or show fingerprints. The chairs should also be easy to clean and maintain—just hose them down or wipe them down with a damp cloth when needed.
The technical furniture we offer is built with industrial-grade materials that can handle the wear and tear of a busy control room. Plus, our furniture is designed with easy-to-clean surfaces that can be wiped down quickly and easily. These features help reduce the amount of dirt and dust that can accumulate over time.
Additionally, many of our furniture pieces are modular, which means they can be easily reconfigured or relocated as needed. This flexibility is ideal for control rooms where layouts may change frequently.
Need #4: Good Lighting
One of the most important aspects of any control room is good lighting. Operators need to be able to see all the controls and displays on their consoles clearly, and they also need plenty of light to work comfortably.
For this reason, it’s important to choose furniture that includes built-in lighting or can be easily outfitted with additional lighting. The furniture we offer is designed with LED lighting that provides bright, even illumination across the work surface.
Additionally, our furniture is available in various colors to match your control room’s décor. This option helps create a cohesive and professional look for your space.
Need #5: Adaptability
As technology evolves, so too must your control room. That’s why it’s essential to select adaptable furniture that can easily be updated as needed.
For example, the consoles we offer are designed with modular components that can be easily reconfigured or replaced as new technologies emerge. Additionally, many furniture pieces we offer are height adjustable, which allows for a flexible layout that can quickly adapt to changes in technology.
When selecting furniture for your control room, be sure to choose versatile and modular pieces. Doing this will help ensure that your control room grows and evolves with the latest technologies.
If you would like to brainstorm some different floor layouts using control room consoles, be sure to check out our blog post: 4 Ways to Design an Emergency Operations Center Layout for Crisis. We can also help you plan and implement a highly functioning, ergonomic and eye-catching control room that will elevate your operators to achieve their utmost potential. Read more about control room compliance.
Contact Saraval Industries today to discuss your control room needs and how we can help.
When it comes to building a control room, you need to make sure that you have the right furniture in place. That is where Saraval Industries comes in! We can provide you with all the necessary furniture for your control room, from desks and chairs to consoles and workstations. With our help, you can create a space that is efficient and comfortable for your employees.
To learn more about used control room furniture or new control room desks, contact us at (516)-768-9033. Our representatives will be happy to talk to you or provide you with a free quote.
We also Offer New and Used Trading Floors. Learn more about what a trading floor is here.