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Building control room consoles for a power station

Axel Trujillo
Control room furniture by Sustema Inc manufacturer for thermal power station
Control room consoles for thermal power station by Sustema

About our client:

Our client, Sustana is an industry-leading producer of quality fiber-based products and services, built on a solid commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement. They operate with the highest environmental standards and are recognized as the sustainability leader in their markets.




About the project:

The objective of our client was to renew the aging control room used for the thermal power station at one of their paper mills, which is a building with a legacy of more than 140 years.

Learn more about the paper-mill here.



The old furniture no longer met the ergonomic requirements necessary for their operations, and it lacked many modern features of control room furniture. Part of the requirements was to improve employee well-being with a more comfortable solution. Ergonomics and accessibility played a huge role in driving the design process of their new control room setup.


Before, the control room was equipped with 2 large wooden desks placed next to the windows overlooking the production area. Since they wanted to preserve the overall arrangement, our client chose our Focus system because of its versatility, its reduced footprint and the exceptional cable management capabilities it provides.


Old control room furniture before the upgrade.
Old control room furniture before the upgrade.

The setup consists of 6 monitors of 19inches with different purposes, overlooking the production area. Before, they were simply setup on top of the wooden desk but with our solution, the monitors can now be mounted on a slat wall for better organization and a clutter free workspace. Each monitor is mounted on a sturdy monitor arm which is secured to the slat wall system. This wall supports the entire console and its substructure integrates electrical raceways for cable management.


Modern control room consoles for power station by Sustema
Modern control room consoles for power station by Sustema

All cables, and the IT equipment are stored inside the CPU enclosures of the wall system. Completely out of view and in a secure location. The Focus wall system also integrates a monument outlet system, which provides access to data and power directly on the worksurface – these ports are intended for temporary connections. To ensure IT management is simple, the wall system features panels which can be removed without tools.


Features of control room consoles for power station by Sustema

To maximize the floor space available, our client required a workstation with a total length of 157 inches, where one row of 5 monitors would be mounted on a linear worksurface. But, this workstation would be part of a continuous worksurface with a 135°angle. Our Focus system can create this combination with a linear console and a cockpit console, connected with a junction post.

Topview control room layout diagram for power plant by Sustema inc manufacturer
Topview control room layout diagram for power plant by Sustema

Next to the large worksurface, our client also required a small linear console equipped with a single monitor, the same wall system and all of the ergonomic features and accessories.

To address the lack of ergonomic features, the Focus system can also incorporate a urethane edge so that operators working long hours can work comfortable since it helps to reduce strain related injuries.


About the result

This transformation has brought numerous benefits, enhancing both operational efficiency and employee well-being.


Modern control room consoles for power station by Sustema
Modern control room consoles for power station by Sustema

Enhanced Ergonomics and Comfort

The previous setup with large wooden desks lacked ergonomic features, leading to discomfort and potential strain-related injuries for operators. The new Focus system incorporates a urethane edge, providing a comfortable working surface that reduces strain during long hours of operation. This ergonomic design is crucial for improving employee well-being and productivity.


Improved Organization and Accessibility

The control room now features a slat wall system that supports six 19-inch monitors, each with a specific purpose. Previously, these monitors were simply placed on top of the desks, creating a cluttered workspace. With the new setup, monitors are mounted on sturdy arms attached to the slat wall, resulting in a more organized and clutter-free environment. This arrangement not only enhances visibility but also makes it easier for operators to access and manage their workstations.


Exceptional Cable Management

One of the standout features of the Focus system is its exceptional cable management capabilities. All cables and IT equipment are securely stored inside CPU enclosures within the wall system, completely out of view. This not only improves the aesthetics of the control room but also ensures that cables are protected and easily accessible for maintenance. The integrated electrical raceways and removable panels simplify IT management, allowing for quick and tool-free access when needed.


Versatile and Space-Saving Design

The client's requirement for a versatile and space-saving solution was met with the Focus system's reduced footprint and modular design. The new workstation spans 157 inches, with a row of five monitors mounted on a linear worksurface. This setup is part of a continuous worksurface with a 135° angle, seamlessly connecting a linear console and a cockpit console via a junction post. This design maximizes the available floor space while maintaining the desired arrangement overlooking the production area.


Integrated Technology and Accessibility

The Focus wall system integrates a mount outlet system, providing easy access to data and power directly on the worksurface. These ports are intended for temporary connections, ensuring that operators can quickly and conveniently connect their devices as needed. This integration of technology enhances the overall functionality of the control room, making it more efficient and user-friendly.


In summary, the new control consoles have significantly improved the operational efficiency, organization, and comfort of our client's thermal power station control room. The Focus system's ergonomic design, exceptional cable management, versatile layout, and integrated technology have transformed the workspace into a modern, efficient, and comfortable environment for the operators.


Modern control room consoles for power station by Sustema
Modern control room consoles for power station by Sustema

Are you looking for control room furniture solutions?

The implementation of our Focus system has revamped the control room at our client's thermal power station, enhancing ergonomics, organization, and overall efficiency. This modern, versatile solution not only meets the operational needs but also significantly improves the well-being of the operators. If you're looking to upgrade your control room with cutting-edge technology and ergonomic design, don't hesitate to contact us. Our team is ready to help you create a workspace that boosts productivity and comfort. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can transform your control room!

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