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By Sustema Over the past few years, we’ve noticed that employers are investing more resources into creating more optimal workspaces. It comes as no surprise that the industries we operate in, are some of the most physically and mentally demanding ones. From emergency dispatch centers to utility centers, these industries operate at a high pace, requiring a 24/7 focus. In addition to such high demands, comes the fact that most of these industries often involve extended working hours in comparison to other more conventional jobs. It is not uncommon for employees at a given dispatch center to work upwards of 12 hours per shift. That is why at Sustema, our team of experienced sales reps, designers, and engineers pay close attention to our customers' needs, not only from a functionality perspective but from a design one as well. The following article sets out to address some of the more popular design trends we see occurring in the control room industry today. 1. An Emphasis on Ergonomics Though making a work environment more ergonomic seems like a simple task, it is in fact a process that takes into consideration a handful of factors that often go overlooked. It has been said, that small details such as; the height of the seat, the elbow positioning, the height of the monitor, the distance between the user and the screen, and the height of the desk, all play crucial roles in the overall long term health and job performance (BostonTec, 2020). Since the average office worker sits for 10 hours a day, the argument can easily be made that workstations should be as comfortable as the homes we live in. Failure to do so will eventually lead to unwanted negative side effects. Implementing an ergonomic working environment is undeniably costly, but one of the smarter investments a company can make. According to Mark Middlesworth in his 2021 article titled “5 Proven Benefits of Ergonomics in the Workplace”, employees will take notice of their employers putting forth their best efforts to ensure their health and safety. Employees will also begin to no longer experience tiredness and irritability during their workday, which can “reduce turnover, decrease absenteeism, improve morale and increase employee involvement”. Some other noteworthy findings as it relates to ergonomics are; a 48% average reduction in employee turnover will occur, a 75% reduction in lost workdays as well as a 58% average reduction in employee absenteeism. As you can see in the images below, all of our consoles generally adhere to ergonomic standards (also read our article on ergonomics). Our Transit series offers a dual, height-adjustable surface, which allows multiple users to preset their desired heights for their keyboards and monitor surfaces. This also allows users to stand while working, which has been proven to offer certain health benefits (see article on advantages of standing at the workplace). Our transit series also comes equipped with curved edges allowing for the uttermost forearm comfort and preventing injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome (see article on curved edges). 2. An Emphasis on Aesthetics More and more, we find our customers paying closer attention to the design process of their consoles. Several options within the design process exist: Surface color: Selecting the right surface color is an important part of the design process. At Sustema, we offer upwards of 20 different surface colors and finishes, with the most popular being grey tones, according to John Greene (lead engineer at Sustema). Swipe right to see some of the more popular surface colors at Sustema Edge type: Surprisingly, not all consoles have the same edge. At Sustema, our clients have access to upwards of 10 different edge types, and believe it or not, every edge type comes with its' own set of advantages. Some of the most common types of edges are the following: Urethane, T-Molding, and Edgebands. 3. An Emphasis on Employee Productivity Gone are the days when a desk was just a desk. Today's control-room workers are highly skilled individuals, requiring much more than just your traditional desk. It isn't uncommon for many of our clients to require upwards of 6 computer monitors, integrated cooling & heating systems, as well as fully adjustable lighting systems. Today's consoles are often equipped with features that are often overlooked by the naked eye, however, are the determining factor between an employee having a mediocre work shift and a highly productive work shift. In our recent article titled "How Ergonomics Improves Job Performance", we explained how employees will recognize their employers making an effort to ensure their health and safety via investing in ergonomic consoles. Employees will also begin to no longer experience tiredness and irritability during their workday, which can “reduce turnover, decrease absenteeism, improve morale and increase employee involvement”. 4. An Emphasis on Durability It's always tempting to want to equip your control rooms with consoles that are more cost-effective. However, before making the decision to purchase just any console, make sure to inform yourself first on what materials are being used and are there any warranties included with your console? At Sustema, we've seen numerous clients come to us disappointed with their original console purchases. One of the most common comments we get is that the consoles broke down much earlier than anticipated at which point we remind them that many console manufacturers fail to recognize the fact that control room consoles are being put to use 24/7/365. This means that in order for the consoles to last the test of time, the uttermost top-quality materials are required. At Sustema, we don't cut any corners just to save on costs. Rather we go above and beyond industry standards to ensure that our consoles are built to last. And surely, it's one thing to make the claim that our consoles are built to last, but it's another to back that claim with a limited lifetime warranty. Due to the many quality control protocols implemented into our manufacturing process, we've built a strong reputation for building superior consoles, with one of the highest approval rates in the industry. Conclusion Whether you're new to control room consoles, or you're a seasoned veteran, the trends will continue to evolve to meet the physical and aesthetic requirements of the many different industries we serve. For more information on today's current trends, give us a call today at 1-800-455-8450 or email us and our member of our team will be glad to help you.

By Sustema Note from the Author This article sets out to explain what exactly mental health is and how the workplace can affect it, either positively or negatively. Since we at Sustema, specialize in creating unique workplaces in highly strenuous environments, we felt the need to address the rising trend in mental health awareness. At the bottom of the article, we’ve included resources that can help you or someone you know help manage your mental health. What is Mental Health? The term mental health refers to our behavioral, cognitive, and emotional well-being. It is essentially concerned with the manner in which people behave, think, and feel. People frequently use the term to signify the absence of a mental disorder(s). Several factors contribute to mental health issues, including but not limited to: Biological factors, such as our genes or brain’s chemistry Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse Family history of mental health issues Taking care of our mental health can improve our ability to enjoy life. Doing so requires taking a balanced approach to our lives. Specifically, it is important to not prioritize tasks such as work and school over leisure activities that bring us joy such as exercise and traveling. Mental Health at the Workplace Work-related stress is a major cause of issues related to mental health, poor physical health, decreased productivity, and human error. This results in an increase in absenteeism, a higher staff turnover, and poor job performance. In addition, an increase in accidents can arise in the workspace due to fatigued and stressed employees. Work-related stress could also have physical side effects such as heart disease, headaches, back pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, or various minor illnesses. In addition to the latter complications, some may experience psychological effects such as depression and anxiety, a loss of concentration, and poor decision-making. Put simply, stress is the unwanted reaction people experience to excessive amounts of pressure. Interestingly however is the fact that it has been proven that an apparent distinction between pressure and stress. Pressure in the scientific community can be considered to be a motivating factor, while stress, on the other hand, occurs when the pressure becomes excessive. The mental health of a company’s employees is increasingly becoming a determining factor in the company’s overall performance and profitability. As such, companies have invested significant resources into improving their workspaces, making for a more comfortable work environment. For example, the corporate environment has seen a huge uptrend in ergonomics; the application of psychological and physiological principles to the engineering and design of products, processes, and systems. Also, employers have now been offering their employees the option of working a hybrid schedule (a combination of in-person and remote work). The above-mentioned examples have had a positive effect on mental health and subsequently, a decrease in physical illnesses which tend to arise from poor mental health has steadily taken place. Mental Health Side-Effects Some side-effects that are usually associated with poor mental health are, but not limited to: Hypertension Diabetes Cardiovascular conditions Depression Psychoses Bipolar Disorder Body aches and pains In addition, poor mental health has also led to the rise of burn-out amongst employees. Burn-out as explained by the WHO is; a “Burn-out is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by three dimensions: Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; Increased mental distance from one’s job, feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job; and Reduced professional efficacy. The latter phenomena dramatically hinder a person’s ability to make a positive contribution to their professional and personal lives. How to improve mental health in the workplace At Sustema, we regularly emphasize the importance of mental health and remind one another that our mental health is just as important as our physical health. This simple act alone goes a long way and helps reduce the stigma in the workplace. Other ways we try to have a positive impact on mental health include: Promoting work-life balance. Encouraging respectful behaviors, with a zero-tolerance policy for harassment. Managing workloads. Having conflict resolution practices in place. Recognizing employees’ contributions effectively. Mental Health Resources https://www.helpguide.org/find-help.htm https://www.mhanational.org/31-tips-boost-your-mental-health https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/work-life-balance/art-20048134 https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm https://www.sustema.com/post/how-ergonomics-improves-job-performance

Established in 1971, OSHA is an organization situated in the United States of America. Standing for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA is meant to provide safe and healthy work environments for employees by outlining and enforcing set standards. The program includes the necessary ongoing training and assistance for employers to successfully implement OSHA standards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a part of the United States Department of Labor. OSHA’s official mission statement as seen on their official website is: “With the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.” OSHA’s Mission in Action OSHA is primarily focused on ensuring the following for employees in the workplace; Preventing workplace injuries and accidents Providing support to employers in order to maximize ensure a safer workplace Improving employee working conditions Providing safety equipment suitable for the workspace Deterring the employers from adapting unsafe practices Empowering the employees to speak up if they feel unsafe or in harm’s way OSHA’S Vision Statement Similar to Sustema’s vision statement, OSHA places a major focus on creating safe work environments by authoring health and safety programs which are recognized globally as being some of the best. Some key programs put forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are; Health and wellness programs Vaccine campaigns Work time monitoring Sustema’s Promise to Meeting OSHA’s Standards At Sustema, we believe in empowering our clients and their employees to be their best both at and away from the workplace. All our consoles are designed in a manner which have been proven to directly improve working conditions which in turn reduces the probabilities of work-related incidents. The following are several ways in which Sustema designs their consoles in order to improve working conditions; The sit and stand feature which allows employees to raise their worksurface if they feel the need to stand. A recent study showed that those who stand at work experienced 31 percent less backpain than those who resort to sitting. Our curved edges on our worksurfaces allow for optimal comfort and have been shown to prevent discomfort and injury to the forearms, wrists, and hands. Sustema’s monitor arms come with a variety of different features which allow users to position and angle their monitors to the position that best suits them. This has been shown to promote a more ergonomic workstation which prevents neck, back, and eye injuries. Conclusion As OSHA continues to improve and implement standards that improve working conditions for millions of employees, Sustema is working responsibly to make sure that we continue to move forward in alignment with OSHA. Creating comfortable, safe, and physically rewarding consoles is something that we dearly value!

Developed and maintained by Motorola Solutions in 1987, the R56 guidelines were first drafted as an internal reference document. In 1994, however, the R56 guidelines were modernized, published, and have since been regarded as the guiding standard for safety protocols in the communications industry. The R56 guidelines are a broadly accepted trade standard that outlines the requirements and regulations pertaining to the installation of communications infrastructure and facilities. R56 standards have been widely adopted by our customers and even our competitors for all installations of console units. Overall, the R56 standards and guidelines have driven stringent surge protection requirements necessary for high-reliability communications networks. R56 is essentially the proper grounding techniques that are compliant with wiring standards and best practices required by your business, as R56 takes the following into consideration: Fire Codes Electrical Codes Lighting Protection Tower Grounding Codes Construction Codes The Standards & Guidelines Manual The R56 Standards and Guidelines for Communication Sites includes instructions and requirements for the certified installation of communications equipment, infrastructure, and facilities. The standards reflect and incorporate safety recommendations developed by other governing bodies, as well. Some of the governing bodies included are ANSI, BIFMA, UL, NFPA, ISO, IEC, FAA and more. The Standards and Guidelines Manual details instructions for Communications and Control Room professionals in the following 8 categories: Communication Site Building Design and Installation External Grounding Internal GrounPower Sources Equipment Installation Surge Protective Devices Minimizing Site Interference Site Design and Development R56 Grounding Methods at Sustema Sustema has been integrating Grounding Bus Bars inside all its products to meet R56 requirements. Sustema consoles are equipped with a heavy-duty steel base on which grounding lugs have been welded to assure efficient grounding. All grounding lugs are connected to the bus bar that is located in the rackmount section of the console. CPU enclosures and Steel storage enclosures are also equipped with ground lugs are per the pictures below. To help you adhere to R56 compliance standards in your control room center, Sustema offers data storage solutions and consoles that meet the set R56 requirements. These requirements surpass most traditional quality standards found within the console furniture industry. R56 Resources Motorola R56 2017 Standard Update Training Motorola R56 Certification Prep Guide 2005 R56 Standard Additional Console Furniture Resources Sustema Resources Sustema PDUs

At Sustema we strongly believe in 3 core values. Dedication, innovation, and collaboration. Over the past 25 years, we’ve remained true to those very values and it has allowed us to build a reputation as being one of the leader’s in the console furniture industries. The following will touch on each of the latter qualities and will provide insight into why Sustema is so special. We are dedicated to putting forth state of the art consoles that are designed in an ergonomically consistent manner.Our relentless dedication to offering our clients top quality products means that our clients can rest assured that they will receive the highest return on investment. We are dedicated to going above and beyond our industry standards. Whether it’s by using reinforced steel in the bases of all our consoles, or conducting rigorous quality control checks, all of our clients benefit from a premium product that is backed by a lifetime warranty. Our commitment to innovation has influenced us for the past 25 years into thinking outside of the box. A key question our team of in-house designers and engineers often ask themselves is how can the work experience be more enjoyable for the end user. It is this innovative quality engraved into Sustema’s DNA that has led us to develop some of the world’s most renown workstation consoles. Take our Transit M console for example. A key feature it offers our clients is the ability to rise, thus allowing users to be able to stand while working. Standing at the workplace has been proven to offer significant benefits both physically and psychologically. From a collaboration perspective, we’re continuously implementing strategies at our own office to create a more harmonious and synergetic work environment. We believe that a great company and great products starts from within. Therefore, we at Sustema are committed to always treating one another with respect and being supportive of one another’s personal and professional growth. Whether it be our weekly book club meetings, or our monthly ping pong tournaments, creating a fun and enticing work environment leads to a heightened sense of collaboration. This in turn allows our staff to radiate positivity and enthusiasm when assisting our clients, building our consoles, or even demonstrating our products at various trade shows. Not only do we collaborate with one another, but we mostly collaborate with our customers to create the perfect work environment. One of the biggest perks why our customers love working with us, is the opportunity we give each one of them to create their own customized work environment. Imagine spending 40 hours a week in an environment constructed by you in every single detail, that's the power of Sustema's Offer. To conclude this article on “What Makes Sustema so Special”, one needs to simply look at the testimonial section of our website in order to witness the 100% customer satisfaction rate we are proud to maintain!

This article will explore the various materials that are commonly used in console room worksurfaces. Although similar in appearance, each surface material offers a different level of quality, which determines an array of important factors such as the console's longevity, durability, and resistance to wear and tear. At Sustema we always opt for HPL in all of our consoles because we believe that it consistently meets the rigorous needs of our clients time after time. So what exactly is HPL? Simply put, HPL stands for High-Pressure Laminate. Typically, HPL is manufactured by taking 6-8 layers of kraft paper and applying glue and high pressure mixed with high heat to bind them together. The process leads to a long-lasting product. However, at Sustema, our way of applying HPL to our work surfaces is by using high-density particleboard respectively at a 1” thickness or 1¼” (depending on the console model) and then we glue an HPL panel supplied to us by our good friends at either Formica, Wilsonart, or Arborite. Although HPL is typically pricier than its counterparts such as Melamine, for example, the advantages of HPL are obvious. It can be applied to curved surfaces which is essential in the control room console industry Durable and impact resistant Scratch-resistant Stain-resistant (if you want stain resistance it’s better to go with an HPL with a Chemtop layer on top, see https://www.wilsonart.com/chemsurf-laminate Anti-static, meaning that it does not attract things like dust and therefore is considered as a hypoallergenic material (https://panolam.com/esd-electro-static-dissipative/) Alternatively, sometimes console surfaces are made with a material which is known as Melamine. What exactly is Melamine you might be asking yourselves? Well similarly to HPL, Melamine requires the use of kraft paper but this time only 1-2 layers of decorative kraft paper are used, which is then pressed onto a particle board and then sealed with resin. Unlike HPL which can be applied to curved surfaces, Melamine is almost always only available in a predetermined size and thickness (4X8 in size and 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, and 1″ in thickness). Despite Melamine providing some advantages (affordability), the use of Melamine in the control room environment carries with it the following significant disadvantages. Breaks easily when being worked on The emissions can be harmful when cutting and processing the boards Tends to swell and deform when exposed to water Another material that often appears on control room surfaces is Compact Laminate. This product is an innovative material that offers a clean and low-maintenance finish. So what exactly is Compact Laminate you might be wondering? It’s essentially a material that is made up of layers of recycled paper fibers that have been coated with resin and then dried. After the resin has dried, the layers are then placed between two sheets of laminate and then undergo intense compression under high pressure and high heat until all materials are permanently melded together. These layers are stacked and sandwiched between laminate before being compressed under high pressure and heated to permanently meld together. From experience, the main reason clients choose compact is that you can have a thinner worksurface, that’s as sturdy as 1’’ or more particle board + HPL work surface, in half the thickness or less Some of the characteristics of Compact Laminate are the following; Resistant to fading Resistant to most solvents, acids, and corrosives Extensive color palette Versatile designs Low maintenance Finally, we have what is known in the industry as 3D Laminate also known as Rigid Thermofoil (RTF). This material is typically used as a decorative surface that is either membrane-pressed or vacuum-formed allowing for the material to contour surfaces without requiring edge treatments. 3D Laminate is a master at replicating machined solid wood or other solid surfaces. When purchasing consoles for your control center, it is important to look at every detail and not just the price or aesthetics. Too often, first-time console owners purchase a specific console without understanding what exactly it is they are buying. Unfortunately, that kind of purchasing behavior leads to unsatisfied customers, having to replace their console(s) sooner than anticipated due to the wrong material being used for their specific needs. That is why we at Sustema walk our clients through every detail and explain to them what materials are being used and what they can expect in terms of durability and life span. We go above industry standards to use the highest quality materials on all our consoles. From our reinforced steel bases to our HPL worksurfaces, at Sustema we offer a lifetime warranty because we know that our consoles are built to last. In addition to providing some of the most durable worksurfaces, we place great importance on console edging which is an often-overlooked element. In a previous article titled “Worksurface Edges for 9-1-1 Dispatch Consoles”, we discuss the importance of the edge of the work surface. Taking into consideration that the edge of any console is one of the main touchpoints between dispatchers and the console, it is fundamental that when buying a console, you ensure that its’ edge is designed specifically to your comfort needs. In conclusion, the work surface should have as much if not more consideration as any other element when making your console purchasing decisions. In terms of durability and longevity, the worksurface plays a significant role in meeting your working needs and protecting your investment.

Over the past several decades, Sustema has aimed to deliver state of the art control room furniture built for the 24/7 work environment. Whether we’re delivering our consoles to our friends at the Department of Defense, or the heroes that work relentlessly at 911 call centers, one fundamental principal unites all of our projects; our commitment to supplying our clients with the most ergonomic and technologically advanced consoles. User Adaptability All of our consoles are created so that they effortlessly mold around the user and their height requirements. Our consoles come with the option to record the user’s seating position and save it into the consoles memory vault. This allows the height of the desk to adjust automatically with the simple push of a button. This means that multiple users can have their respective settings stored into the console, saving time having to adjust the height of the console every time. Being that unique employees have different body measurements and are all proportionally unique, it is of the utmost importance for Sustema’s workstations to offer fully flexible surfaces and monitor arms. In the 24/7 work environment, it is necessary for work surfaces to be able to offer an ergonomic height level for all employees whether it be in a seated position or standing one. By offering this feature, Sustema ensures that all console operators are experiencing peak comfort all while continuing to view their monitor(s) viewing angles from every position, distance, and posture. Office Space Adaptability The modular design of Sustema’s consoles makes it easy to adapt to future equipment changes and reconfigurations. For example, Sustema’s “Focus” console can be arranged in a U-shape format, as a standalone unit, or in multiple back-to-back, concave or convex configurations. The modular feature makes it so that every project has the potential to be designed in a manner which maximizes floor space and workflow in the work environment. It comes as no surprise that most of our clients work in fast paced environments. Whether it be 911 first responders, or military personnel, all of our control room operators must be able to react quickly in high-intensity settings and work harmoniously as a unit. That is why it’s of the uttermost importance that the layout and adaptability of all Sustema’s consoles be positioned accordingly in order for every work station to have a direct line of vision to any communal monitors and other team members. Product Architecture All of Sustema's consoles are made of a heavy-duty steel substructure and impact resistant high-pressure laminate for long-lasting use in 24/7 environments. Sustema’s command center furniture features ergonomic urethane edges, secured enclosures, and slatwalls to mount accessories (task lights, monitor arms, shelves). Consoles are designed to facilitate the access to equipment, power and data. Temperature and Lighting Controls All of Sustema’s control room consoles have the option to be integrated with a cooling, lighting, and heating system, providing users with ultimate comfort throughout the duration of their work shift. Since Sustema console users typically have longer than average work shifts, it is imperative that no detail goes overlooked. In many cases, if a control room has inadequate lighting or subpar climates, often lead employees to becoming frustrated which can increase the employee absentee rate. Enabling employees to control their own lighting and temperature at their consoles allows them to create a working environment in which they are completely comfortable, resulting in a higher level of concentration during a long and a strenuous work shifts. As it pertains specifically to the importance of lighting at the workplace, if lighting is too luminous, then it can strain the employee’s eyes resulting in eye fatigue. The latter is especially true for employees working at night time, or in darker environments. On the flip side to that, a work environment with lighting that is too dim can be especially unsafe if and when employees need to navigate through the office, which is typically the case in the high paced environment of critical command centers. In addition, lighting that is too low, causes issues for employees when they are trying to use their respective work equipment i.e. keyboards, telephones, and other stationery supplies. With lighting taking on such an important role at the control room, Sustema’s consoles offer state of the art lighting systems (task lighting) which results in employees being able to stay concentrated on their computer monitors effortlessly. have proven to be notably crucial in control room settings due to the fact that it supports localized lighting on the most vital spaces. At Sustema, our team of designers and engineers are constantly looking for ways to create unique features that empower users to excel in the workplace. Stay tuned for more innovative ideas and products. Feel free to visit our website at www.sustema.com or give us a call at 1-800-455-8450 if you have any questions.

Holiday Season Schedule The Sustema team wishes you a happy holiday season & a happy new year! Please note that Sustema's offices will be closed for the holiday season, from December 25, 2021 to January 2, 2022, inclusively. For more information, please contact us at info@sustema.com or at 1-800-455-8450.

In this video, Mark Meschino, account manager at Sustema presents the different features of the Integration F-500 workbench. Sustema's workstations offer an optimal work environment for various IT applications including computer staging, production units, IT troubleshooting & repair centers. Tech-Benches can be equipped with power bars, data ports, adjustable surfaces, monitor arms, CPU holders, ESD surfaces, and more. Workstations can be customized to serve as high-tech storage areas for data centers. Integration is a highly versatile workbench solution designed for IT & industrial business applications. Built with heavy-duty materials and advanced technology integrations, the system can be configured side-by-side, back-to-back, in a U-shape format and lab island corner. Workstations are tailored to our client needs in terms of dimensions, design, and functionalities. Download the Integration F-500 Brochure Workbench Installations Sustema offers turnkey solutions with in-house design, manufacturing, and installation services. Our customer support and project managers will help guide you throughout the project to make sure timelines are respected. Custom Workbench Designs At Sustema, we take pride in offering our customers a tailored solution. Our team of industrial designers will take care of designing a custom floor plan to make sure you can have the optimal workbench configuration. Additionally, each workstation is unique and can be customized with different tools and equipment required for our client's needs. We also offer a wide array of colors and designs to make sure the furniture matches the interior design of your facility. Get a Free Quote Contact us at info@sustema or through our website to request a free quote! You can also book a free virtual visit to our showroom here.

1) Application of a human-centered design approach The first step when designing a control room is having an understanding of the different elements that will have to work together to form a cohesive organization. The elements are the human component, the machine (hardware and software), the work environment, and the control (operation and management) which shall all be harmoniously integrated during all phases of the design process. 2) Integrate ergonomics in engineering practice The second element to consider is that the idea of ergonomics should be integrated into the project before getting started. This means having the teams and experts in place to guide you throughout the process. For instance, ergonomics and its associated tools should be integrated into the project's management guidelines in order for the role of ergonomics to be taken into account by all designers and engineers involved in the planning, design, implementation, and operational audit of a control center. A project should be organized in such a way that integration of technical and ergonomic expertise is encouraged. 3) Improve design through iteration Design processes are dynamic by nature. For instance, during the design of the control center, the client may ask for multiple designs of the floor plan and revisions of the approved floor plan often leaving out important elements along the way. The evaluation shall be repeated until the interactions between operators and designed objects achieve their functional requirements and objectives with ergonomics in mind. Establishing the validity of an individual element of the design in isolation does not guarantee that the assembled system will be validated. There shall be a formal process that defines and controls mechanisms and procedures for scope changes in the design of all aspects of the control center while keeping ergonomics in mind. 4) Conduct a situational analysis For any ergonomic design activity, including refurbishment projects, a situational analysis of existing or similar situations is recommended. In this way, the functions of the future system can be thoroughly understood and anticipated beforehand. In other words, the people in charge of designing such a project should offer suggestions on the direction of the design and the consequences that can happen between the different alternatives. For example, taking into consideration the advantages and disadvantages of using a raised floor in a control room center. This also means of performing situational analysis may vary, but include task analysis, operator interviews, and incident analysis. 5) Conduct a task analysis The tasks delegated to individual control room operators, and to other significant users of the control center, shall be fully understood. The analysis shall consider all modes of system operation including start-up, normal operation, shut-down, anticipated emergency scenarios, periods of partial shut-down for maintenance, the results used in the design process and the development of staffing plans. Some situations may require doubling or tripling staffing requirements and therefore shall be accounted for in the overall design such as the space between each workstation, the alleys, the number of operators per workstation, and the quality of the chairs being used for 24/7 applications. 6) Design error-tolerant systems Human error cannot be totally eliminated. It is therefore necessary to strive for error-tolerant design. An important tool is the use of risk assessment for obtaining information on human error. For instance, if the project requires the use of height-adjustable consoles, consoles can be equipped with anti-collision sensors to avoid any injuries. 7) Ensure user participation An important element to consider before starting the design and implementation of a new control center is the feedback of the current users and their pain points. User participation is a structured approach where future users are involved in the design of a control centre. User participation throughout the design process is essential to optimize long-term human-machine interaction by instilling a sense of ownership in the design. Experienced users can offer valuable empirical contributions to the control center design. Their practical experience is not always documented or well known by designers. Operational feedback derived from user participation should be analyzed to identify previous design successes and shortcomings. 8) Form an interdisciplinary design team At Sustema, our team of consultants, industrial designers, and engineers work in collaboration with the different stakeholders of control room design projects. For instance, working hand in hand with architects, general contractors, design firms, installers, and so on. An interdisciplinary design team should be formed to oversee and influence all phases of the design project. Actual combinations of disciplines included in the design team may vary depending on the overall project scopes or the phase of design. This team may include system and process engineers, ergonomists, architects, and industrial designers. For existing systems, users or user representatives shall be included as members of the team. 9) Document ergonomic design basis Develop internal documents that reflect the ergonomic design basis for the project, for example, fundamental reasoning or significant task analysis findings. The document should be updated whenever there is a change. An appropriate procedure should be developed for this process. In conclusion, the ergonomic design of a control room starts before a single plan is drawn out, it starts with the initial and cohesive mindset to create an ergonomic work environment from which all the subsequent elements will follow. Download full document to learn more: At Sustema, we take pride in creating custom-built, modern, and ergonomic workspace solutions. With over 25 years of experience designing control consoles for clients across multiple 24/7 applications, we've come to understand the different elements that make a project successful. Contact us if you have any questions regarding an upcoming or current project at info@sustema.com or through our website.

1) What kind of schedule should I plan for my room? While no two projects are the same and timelines may vary. Having a specific date in mind to have the project completed can make it easier to "reverse engineer" the whole process and determine when consoles need to be ordered. On average, it takes approximately 8-10 weeks to receive the consoles at your facility from the date that the designs and purchase order (P.O.) are approved. For example, if the center needs to be operational by January 1, 2025, the P.O. and final designs must be approved by the second week of October 2024 at the latest. Learn more about the process of buying consoles for your control room. 2) What budget should I plan for my control room? Built exclusively for mission-critical work environments operated 24/7, 365 days a year, consoles require high-quality materials that can withstand intensive usage. Typically, depending on the level of customization, built quality, and service, control consoles can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $40,000 per workstation. Control consoles also need to be designed to integrate different types of equipment such as computers, cables, and multiple monitors without affecting the workspace of the operators. For instance, height-adjustable consoles minimize stress on the body that comes from working 10+ hour shifts in a sitting position. Learn more about the pricing of control room and dispatch consoles. When considering upgrading your process control furniture, it is important to have a long-term mindset. You will be investing in equipment that will last 10–15 years before your next furniture upgrade. It is also important to keep in mind the needs of the end-users, the IT staff who will be in charge of working with the furniture, and oftentimes others, such as architects if it is a new building project. 3) Should I go with fixed or height-adjustable surfaces? Single surface process control consoles like the Focus C-200 Series are available in two formats: fixed work surface or height-adjustable work surface. The number of monitors, CPUs, and other IT equipment needed on the console will influence the type of surface that it will require. This is why it is important to understand how the console will be used by the operators. Other factors may include the amount of time spent by the operators at their workstations, the cable management system, and power requirements. Dual surface control center consoles offer the greatest flexibility in terms of ergonomics, functionality, and technology. The electrically height-adjustable surfaces can be raised or lowered independently from each other, enabling users to set their preferred height for monitors and for their mouse and keyboard. In other words, the primary surface serves as the workspace for users, and the secondary surface serves as a support for the monitors. Since users can set their preferred height on each surface, dual surface consoles offer a more comfortable work experience in both the sitting and standing position. Learn more about the difference between fixed heigh and height-adjustable consoles. 4) How to choose the right console model? Because each industry control room may require its own type of consoles to be configured uniquely based upon the consoles dimensions, design, and functionalities, a variety of different consoles are available in the marketplace, such as the Transit C-300, the Focus C-200, and the Access C-100. But regardless of the industry, all control rooms and console ergonomics must be able to maximize workspace efficiency and mitigate all possible risks such as indoor traffic accidents, hazardous disasters, etc. 5) What warranty does the manufacturer offer? Sustema stays committed to providing the most advanced and ergonomic console solutions. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, we are now one of the leading console manufacturers in North America. Sustema offers a limited lifetime warranty on its control room consoles. At Sustema, our commitment to high-quality management and controls allows us to provide our customers with the best guarantees in the market. Even after a project is completed, our experienced support team is available for any inquiries related to our products and services. Learn more about our console warranty policy.

Ergonomic Workstations for Healthcare Facilities Radiologists need the best available tools to make an effective and efficient diagnosis, and it all starts with the quality and design of the medical and radiology workstations where they work on. Radiologists are invariably at their desks, creating the need for ergonomic workstations that include personal adjustable heights and equipment compatibility, such as storage for CPUs and other medical devices. Sustema's medical workstations integrate various programmable presets for your preferred sitting and standing positions to make the workday more comfortable. At Sustema, we pride ourselves on offering ergonomic radiology desk setups for medical imaging that can enhance diagnostic capabilities by showing the full spectrum of images in a convenient and comfortable manner. We offer a one-stop-shopping solution for furniture, designing, manufacturinging, installing and training your staff to get the most out of their investment. Sustema's ergonomic imaging workstation solutions are purpose-built for healthcare professionals. They transform any radiology reading environment and provide the foundation of a healthy environment that fosters productivity, comfort, and good health in the hospital/clinic. Customized Workstation Styles & Dimensions: Facilitates the efficient utilization of room space. Dual Surface Height-Adjustability: Electric controls for easy adjustment of any display configuration while maintaining their position. Integrated Cable Management: Data and power raceways to operate CPUs, monitors, and equipment. Integrated surface monuments, power bars and Fits Multiple (6+) CPU Monitors: Easy adjustable and scalable system for additional monitors. Secured CPU Enclosures & Storage Space: Sliding shelves for easy CPU accessibility/troubleshooting, thermostatic active fans and ventilated enclosures. Over the years, Sustema has maintained its position as a leading designer and manufacturer of a diverse line of high-quality control room technical furniture, conference tables, workbenches, medical and PACS workstations. Our ergonomic radiology furniture designs and quality craftsmanship, coupled with excellent value and customer service have enabled us to serve our customers for over 25 years.