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Console Furniture For Manufacturing & Process Facility Control Centers This guide is intended to help you plan the acquisition of process control room consoles for energy and utility power plants, process control, and industrial control centers. Learn more about Sustema's furniture solutions for the process control industry. Sustema has specialized in mission-critical technical furniture for over 25 years. Our products are a natural fit for process control and utility industries owing to their 24/7 use design considerations and ergonomics which maximize the user’s comfort. We have experience with the demands of power plants, where process automation and security are paramount. We understand the critical needs of monitoring emergency and disaster situations. Our modular, ergonomic, Made-in-America design and manufacturing fully consider the needs of your plant control room. What is a Process Control Console? Consoles are the desks and workstations found in mission-critical work environments. Consoles are used inside manufacturing & petrochemical process monitoring where operators monitor operational activities for a variety of applications including control centers, security, process control, energy, utilities, transportation, even and military applications. Consoles also differ from standard office furniture due to their need to withstand 24/7 use and integrate customized IT equipment. They also differ in technology integrations such as electrically height-adjustable surfaces, cable management, occupancy sensors, CPU enclosures, power and data outlets, ergonomic design, and 24/7 use certification (among other features). Critical surveillance and communications technology are contained within vented cabinets, keeping equipment operating at optimal temperatures. Integrated cable troughs and chains are incorporated with all process control room furniture to keep power and data cables separate, organized, and protected from accidental disconnection. In conclusion, Sustema process control consoles are designed to provide users with ergonomic comfort while reducing environmental distractions to allow operators to focus on the task at hand. Process Control Console Buying Process 1) Need Recognition The acquisition of process control consoles often involves multiple stakeholders coordinating the project. Here is a short summary of what you can expect during the console buying process. The existing console furniture does not meet the current or future needs of the control center in terms of technology and/or ergonomics. This may be due to several factors including: Moving out to a new location Consoles are outdated in terms of ergonomics or functionality Consoles do not meet your new IT requirements Poor cable management Void or soon-to-be expired warranty on consoles 2) Free Consultation At this stage, you have identified the need for new consoles and started researching potential console providers. Contacting process control console manufacturers is the first step to help you better assess the different options available in terms of product design, service, and pricing. At Sustema, our team of experts will help you throughout the process and recommend the best solution pour your power plant or process control center. 3) Needs Analysis Some of the topics discussed with process control console manufacturers in this stage include the project scope, console features, and budget. Most manufacturers have a comprehensive list of questions to help them better understand the scope of the project. Questions might include the number of workstations required, room dimensions, and the number of monitors and users. At Sustema, we take the time to understand your needs so we can offer the best possible solution for your control center. We can have virtual meetings with your team members and guide you through a virtual showroom to showcase the different console models and features. 4) Control Center Console Design Process Step 1: Floor Plan & Technical Features After we get a clear understanding of your needs, your Sustema representative will prepare and send the design criteria to our design department. Our team of industrial designers will recreate your floor layout and renderings of the new consoles based on your requirements. Once the preliminary designs are completed, you and your team can review the proposed layout and get back to us with any questions or drawing modification requests. Sustema is proud to be recognized for the degree of customization we offer our customers. Step 2: Design & Color Choice When the technical design stage is completed, Sustema offers a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from to match the interior design of your facility. Multiple options are available for the work surface finish, edge styles, CPU enclosures, accessory colors, and more. 5) Purchase Order (P.O.) Once the final drawings are signed and approved, Sustema will start the manufacturing process. The timeframe of this stage often varies as different departments in your organization may be required to approve the purchase order (P.O.). 6) Manufacturing Once the P.O. is received, it will take approximately 8-10 weeks to manufacture the consoles. Consoles are then pre-assembled and tested at our facility for quality assurance. Throughout the process, the Sustema representative will stay in contact with your team to provide updates and answer any questions that you may have. 7) Installation At this stage, Sustema’s representative and project coordinators will help you plan the installation at your facility. Sustema will take care of all the logistics with other contractors to ensure a smooth and easy installation. Our team of certified installers has security clearances to some of the most secure facilities and can also take additional site-specific training to meet your safety protocols. 8) Warranty 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. How Long Does it Take to Receive the New Consoles? 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. Tip of the Day: By having a specific date to complete the project, it becomes easier to "reverse engineer" the whole process and know when consoles need to be ordered, installed, and operational. Example: 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. What are the different types of process control consoles? Types of Consoles When it comes to control centers, no two facilities are the same. Room dimensions, IT/power requirements, the number of users, the number of LCD monitors, and even the type of application will almost always differ. These elements will all have an impact on the final design and features of the console. For instance, one of the main differentiators when designing a console is the number of worksurfaces. Some consoles will have two surfaces to allow for a separate monitor and keyboard surface, whereas others will only have one. On the following pages, we will go over the key differences between the two options. Single Surface Consoles 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. Consoles with a fixed surface require a sturdy leg system to support the IT equipment, CPU monitors, and work surface. Sustema uses a metal base structure for all of its consoles to ensure the stability of the workstation over time. The leg system is mounted to the console’s back wall which also serves as a cable management system. Inside the wall, you will find separate cable raceways through which the power/data cables, power bars, and telephone/radio lines will be stored. CPU enclosures are attached directly to the lower base of the wall and are easily accessible underneath the console for troubleshooting. The wall system not only serves as a support but can also be used to integrate power/data outlets. The wall system can also be used to mount accessories such as phones, laptops, and file holders, and monitor arms. Dual Surface Consoles 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. Dual surface consoles like the Transit C-300 series also integrate a cable management system inside the CPU enclosures and underneath the console surfaces. The CPU enclosures are secured, ventilated, and can host all the IT equipment required for 24/7 work environments (such as KVMs, 19" rackmounts, and multiple power bars). Types of Floor Layouts Process Control Room Floor Layout & Configurations A key element to consider when designing furniture for control centers is the way in which the layout can maximize the efficiency and workflow of operators. The console shape, design, and dimensions can all have an influence on the floor layout configuration. Other elements to consider include the number of users on each workstation, the foot traffic during work hours, the required power and data sources, and even the way in which people need to collaborate with each other in the workplace. Custom Floor Layout Configurations Tangible factors like electrical and ventilation have to be considered when planning your process control center layout. Equally important are intangible elements such as acoustics, lighting, interior design, and the overall atmosphere of the room. Is there anything working against team collaboration in the plant? For example, the position of the furniture and the design of the alleys. Can a supervisor see all operators in the control center? Can they walk to them in a realistic and direct path? How Much Do Process Control Consoles Cost? 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 in the United States and North America can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $40,000. Process 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. Standard office furniture, on the other hand, is meant to be used for 7-8 hours a day by one user and handle minimal IT equipment. 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. Process Control Console Price Ranges < $4,999: Standard Process Control Console At this level, manufacturers mostly provide one-size-fits-all solutions with limited customization. Process control consoles are equipped with fixed or standard height-adjustable surfaces, equipment storage, cable management, and ergonomic monitor arms. However, some suppliers can work within client budgets to provide competitive prices while also offering higher customizability. $5,000 — $19,999: Advanced Process Control Console In this price range, console manufacturers are highly specialized and can provide custom technical furniture to fit their customers’ needs. These services go beyond simply manufacturing process control consoles and provide a turnkey solution: integrating specific features, taking care of logistics, and installing the consoles at the facility. Process control consoles can be equipped with height-adjustable surfaces, computer and personal storage, and integrated cable management. Consoles also include modular capabilities to allow expansion of the IT systems over time. Personal Environmental System: Provides operators with the ability to control air, heat, height, and lights at the touch of a button on a user-friendly screen display. Alerting & Notification System: For larger centers where communication among crew members and managers is more difficult, the Alerting System enables operators to request assistance from managers directly on their console. Programmable LED Status Light: Visual light displaying the call status of plant operators. Power outlets & USB ports Limited Lifetime Warranty $19,000 — $39,999+: Premium Console Process control and power plant console furniture in the upper tier include all of the features mentioned previously under the previous tiers but also offer the highest degree of customization This may require manufacturers to develop new products for clients, such as new software applications, to be integrated within the furniture. Smart technologies are driving this segment and changing the way in which highly advanced control centers operate. Smart Technologies & IoT Antimicrobial worksurfaces Acrylic cable management covers Personal Environmental System Upgrades LED Systems Custom Features About Sustema Function, Design, Synergy, Ergonomy Founded in 1996 as a systems integrator company, Sustema has over 20+ years of experience designing specialized furniture solutions 24/7 for mission-critical environments and operations. We specialize in manufacturing control rooms & dispatch consoles, video walls, technology meeting tables, and tech benches tailored to our customer needs. Contact us at info@sustema.com for any inquiries. What We Offer Services Free design and consultation service Project management services Installation services In-house manufacturing Control room fit-outs Products Fixed consoles Height-adjustable consoles Video walls Technical workbenches Conference tables Datacenter enclosure Accessories 24/7 chairs Alerting systems Storage solutions Monitor and equipment mounting Task lighting Plexiglass dividers Features Cable management and maintenance solutions

APCO 2021 On August 15-18, Sustema had the chance to attend the 2021 APCO conference in San Antonio, Texas. APCO International’s Annual Conference & Expo, is the premier event for public safety communications officials, from frontline telecommunicators to comm center managers to public safety communications equipment and services vendors. Starting August 15, APCO 2021 offers four days of educational sessions, committee meetings, and special events, paired with two full days of exhibits. Sustema Introduces the Transit E Console! Watch this short presentation video to view Sustema's booth during the APCO 2021 conference. In this video, Sustema's team of account managers present the Transit E console, introducing an innovative electric monitor arm system that improves operator comfort and efficiency in the dispatch center.

Broadcast Console (Definition): Definition: Broadcast consoles are the furniture and desks found in broadcast studios, television networks, media networks, radio control rooms, and a number of radio studios. Broadcast workstations are often custom-made to fit the needs of specific applications which require the use of multiple screens, IT equipment, and integrated cable management. Broadcast Console Applications: For instance, some broadcast infrastructures may require their studio to have flexibility in production, audio mixing, live switching, graphics, router control, storyboarding, automation in audio, lighting, and control systems. Some of the applications include production control rooms (PCR), television broadcast studios, studios, rack rooms, audio control rooms, and editing consoles. Types of Broadcast Consoles: Sustema Inc. specializes in designing and manufacturing custom-made furniture solutions for IT-intensive work environments. Broadcast consoles can be manufactured to integrate height-adjustable surfaces, fixed ergonomic surfaces, on-surface equipment housing, integrated cable and power management, and much more. Contact us to learn more about broadcast console prices and costs or to request a free quote. 1) Height-Adjustable Broadcast Consoles L-Shaped and Linear broadcast consoles with integrated CPU enclosures and on-surface equipment housing. 2) Fixed Height Broadcast Consoles: L-Shaped and Linear with integrated CPU Enclosures. 3) Height-Adjustable Broadcast Consoles (CPU Holders)

Professional Healthcare Furniture Solutions 1) What is a Telemetry Desk? Definition: Telemetry desks refer to the furniture found inside telemetry labs where several technicians sit remotely at desks monitoring anywhere from 6-8 monitors viewing the vital signs of their patients. Recently, hospitals have been transitioning from monitoring patients' vital signs at the nurse’s station to specialized labs within their hospital. The goal is to centralize information and improve monitoring so that in the event that a patient’s vital signs move out of an acceptable range, technicians can quickly diagnose and alert the nurse’s station. 2) What is an Imaging Workstation? Definition: Imaging workstations or consoles are found in medical imaging centers or specialized units within hospitals. Imaging consoles are used in these facilities by board-certified, fellowship-trained radiologists who specialize in diagnostic and preventative medicine. Imaging consoles are often mounted with multiple screens to facilitate the analysis of patient information. A medical imaging center offers a variety of diagnostic scans and tools to help protect your health and detect disease at the earliest stages. "Sustema Manufactures Custom Ergonomic Radiology, Imaging, Telemetry, and Healthcare Furniture Desks, and Consoles" Furniture Fundamentals of Designing a Telemetry Lab In hospitals and medical centers, telemetry lab spaces are often set up with numerous groups of computer monitors where the technicians can monitor their patients. Medical professionals work on fixed prefabricated desks or benches. This can result in a lack of efficiency due to the uncomfortable workstations and a load of complaints from the staff. For this reason, planning to build or update your imaging or telemetry room requires an understanding of the design criteria and best ergonomic practices before getting started. Sustema's professional team of industrial designers, installers, and customer support staff will work alongside you every step of the way. Some considerations include not only the ergonomics of the desks but also their functionality. For this type of situation, the desks need to accommodate multiple CPU monitors, power and data cables, telephones, printers, barcode scanners, keyboards, mice, KVM switches, speakers, and routers. The desks also need to properly handle the weight of all necessary equipment, be able to provide vertical and focal depth monitor adjustment and be able to raise and lower their surfaces to fit any individual. Telemetry and Imaging Room Design Checklist The process of selecting a radiology imaging desk furniture manufacturer may seem overwhelming at first but Sustema's team is here to guide you throughout the process. Here is a question checklist to start narrowing down the basics How many people will be using this room on average? Has the hospital or your facility assigned a project manager or an architect? Has an ergonomist approved your project? Are there work-related injuries that need to be addressed? What are the current issues with the room? What is your budget? What is your timeline? What equipment will be used on the desk? Where is the power coming from? Is this a new build or a remodel? These are all great questions to ask yourself and your team which will help you clarify the functionality of the room and its impact on the work of doctors and nurses using the room. This will also be beneficial when the time comes to talk with furniture manufacturers. Who Should Be Involved in The Project? In many healthcare environments, the opportunity to purchase high-quality radiology furniture comes but once a decade. To get it right, be sure to consult all interested parties regarding your selection of furniture manufacturer. Choose durable, future-proof furniture design that will adapt to rapid changes in imaging technology that can also accommodate users of varying sizes. Before you rush to pick your favorite console color, consider these critical factors to make sure you choose well and choose for the long term. To determine the best fit for all your radiology “stakeholders,” make sure you meet and get feedback from your radiologists, purchasing department, IT department, and administration. How Much Do Radiology Imaging Desks & Telemetry Consoles Cost? Most healthcare professionals know the advantages of doing their work at a high-quality, height-adjustable workstation. The best radiology and imaging desk furniture not only delivers optimum comfort but also enables greater coordination and collaboration among the team. So, how much do radiology desk and imaging workstations cost? Radiology imaging desks can cost anywhere from $4,999 - $19,999+. The price will be determined by the level of customization and features needed on the console. Feature Examples: Dual-surface height adjustment User height pre-sets Focal depth adjustment for monitors USB connection trough for convenient keyboard and mice connection Personal climate control heaters and lights, cooling fan at the desk LED task lighting Premium cable management USB and power outlets on the desk surface Side work surfaces Paperwork storage What Should be Included in a Radiology Imaging Furniture Quote? When receiving quotes for new telemetry and radiology imaging desks, console manufacturers should include all the feature costs, installation fees, timelines, plans. Other things to include are as follow: Payment terms Freight costs and fees Installation and labor costs and fees Applicable warranty breakdown Console Manufacturer Turnkey Solutions, From Design to Installation At the end of the day, building a lasting professional relationship with your furniture manufacturer is the key to completing the ideal telemetry room. Sustema has the experience and can help guide you through the process. The end goal should be to provide the nurses and doctors with a telemetry lab that serves both their needs and the patients’ best interests. Sustema offers a team of professionals to handle every detail of your project from start to finish including: Free Interior design space planning, measuring, and consultation to make sure your space meets current ADA and fire code clearances. Experienced Sustema employed installers. A friendly, dedicated 24/7 customer support team. In-house manufacturing and warranty. Sustema has over 25 years of experience in the industry designing and manufacturing custom-made consoles for 24/7 applications. Contact us if you have any questions regarding our products or services at info@sustema.com. Sources https://mifimaging.com/2017/11/12/what-is-a-medical-imaging-center/

About the Event APCO 2021 It is the largest event for public safety communications professionals in the world. APCO 2021 is the leading event for emergency communications and offers four days of education, training, demos, and networking. San Antonio is the host city this year and the majority of activities, including the professional development sessions and exhibit hall, will take place at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Get Your Free Tickets! Sustema is offering free passes to the APCO 2021 conference! To get your ticket, simply contact us here to make the request, or directly by email at info@sustema.com with your contact information. Visit Our Booth Sustema is proud to announce it will be participating at the APCO 2021 conference held in San Antonio, TX on August 15-18. The 3,800+ attendees represent a wide range of organizations in public safety, including emergency communications centers, law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services, and government agencies along with service providers and commercial vendors. Floor Plan - Sustema Booth #1808 About Sustema Sustema manufactures heavy-duty specialized furniture for 24/7 PSAP centers. Over 25 years of expertise in critical environments, highly competitive solutions and best customer service makes us the number one choice for the new PSAP center in America. APCO 2019 Want to meet us during the event? Do you want to schedule some time during the event to talk to our reps? Contact us to plan ahead of time and we will be happy to schedule some time just for you!

Event Highlights Sustema is proud to have participated in the NENA 2021 Annual Conference held in Columbus, Ohio on July 24-29. During the event, our team had the chance to meet numerous key players in the public safety industry and present Sustema's latest innovations in terms of ergonomic furniture. During the event, Sustema presented for the first time the all-new Transit E 9-1-1 dispatch console. The console integrates a new and innovative electric monitor arm system enabling operators to control the height of their screens for optimal comfort and performance. With the touch of a button, telecommunicators are able to set their preferred viewing position in a matter of seconds. A Message from NENA "Thanks to all who helped make NENA 2021 such an amazing event! A big thanks goes out to our sponsors, speakers, exhibitors, volunteers, and especially the attendees who took the time out of their busy lives to join us in Columbus!" Learn More Sustema has over 25 years of experience designing, manufacturing, and installing consoles for 911 centers throughout North America. If you would like to learn more or get in contact with one of our representatives, please contact us at info@sustema.com, by phone at 1-800-455-8450, or chat with us through our website!

"When it comes to powerfully important work like this, access to power where and how you need it is critical too." For people who spend their workdays (or nights) in a call center – especially 911 operators – the physical and emotional toll this work can take is high. These individuals are always on, working to collect key details from a caller while employing their skills to communicate authority, understanding, and reassurance. They have to work quickly and precisely, entering all needed information into a computer-aided dispatch system (CADS) and routing the call to the appropriate dispatcher or service agency. Given the undeniable stress of the position, it’s crucial that these individuals have all the support they need to be able to perform at their best. Sustema is a pivotal part of that support. Sustema offers in-house design, consultation, and manufacturing of ergonomic consoles for environments like these. They address the wants and needs of call center workers on all levels – from ergonomics, technology, and AV demands, to functionality and design. Sustema is proud to make the dispatch consoles that serve as critical 911 support stations where failure is simply not an option. When Sustema reached out to Byrne, they were looking for a partner to help ensure quick, easy power access for vital work technologies. And personal devices too. After all, in challenging environments like these, the ability to also recharge and connect with loved ones can make a big difference. When it came to powerful connections, Sustema knew Byrne was the company to call. Byrne delivers a wide range of meaningful power and data solutions to help customers better connect to what’s important. From office, hospitality, and educational spaces to environments like these, they approach every challenge with 50 years of experience, innovative thinking, and state-of-the-art manufacturing behind them. After researching project needs and asking the important questions, Byrne chose their in-surface Mho® power and data outlet for the Sustema call center spaces. With clean lines and a one-touch retractable door design, Mho allowed for easy power access when needed and a clutter-free surface when closed away. Mho’s rugged aluminum construction also made it a smart choice for hard-wearing, dependable power that stands up to repeated use. Sustema says, “Having a Byrne monument built into our console surface is something we trust to do the job in any critical situation.” At Byrne, they take power very seriously. The team at Sustema takes the work they do seriously too. But in the end, this partnership is all about supporting the serious work of these 911 call center operators. If the products Byrne and Sustema provide are able to make that work smarter, safer, and a little bit easier, it’s a win for everyone.

“Products that have achieved GREENGUARD Certification are scientifically proven to meet some of the world’s most rigorous third-party chemical emissions standards, helping to reduce indoor air pollution and the risk of chemical exposure, while aiding in the creation of healthier indoor environments.” What does Greenguard Certified Mean? According to the UL organization, the GREENGUARD Certification means the product has met industry standards for low emissions. (UL) When a product bears Greenguard certification, it meets strict chemical emissions limits and has been tested for more than 10,000 chemicals. Greenguard certifications indicate that a product is safe for indoor use. (The Spruce). What is the Greenguard Environmental Institute? Founded in 2001, the Greenguard Environmental Institute is an industry-independent organization that aims to protect human health and improve quality of life by enhancing indoor air quality and reducing people’s exposure to chemicals and other pollutants. This institution was eventually acquired by an organization called UL (UL Environment), which UL is a global safety certification company. The GREENGUARD Certification can be obtained from UL, which there are two types of certifications: GREENGUARD Certification and GREENGUARD Gold Certification. The main difference between the two is that the criteria of the latter certification is much stricter when products are being tested. Why is this Certification Important? From the perspective of a supplier, this certification is important because it gives them credibility in the industry as well as it can be leveraged as a competitive advantage against companies that do not have it. From the perspective of a buyer, this certification assures them that their safety is being respected by their supplier. Also, according to a study by West Bend Mutual Insurance Company, employee productivity is increased and employee absenteeism is decreased by simply investing in quality indoor environmental products. Some Facts about the Indoor Environment According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors (this includes home, school, office, or other building environments), which the concentrations of some pollutants are frequently up to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations. For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), indoor air pollution is responsible for the deaths of 3.8 million people annually. Moreover, individuals who are usually most vulnerable to the harmful effects of pollution tend to spend even more time indoors. For instance, infants, elders, people with pre-determined health conditions, etc. are at the utmost risk. Also, indoor concentrations of some pollutants have augmented recently because of factors like energy-efficient building construction and the rise in the use of synthetic building materials, furnishings, etc. Volatile Organic Compounds and Its Unfavorable Consequences Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are airborne chemicals that people are exposed to on a daily basis, which VOCs are released by a variety of products. For instance, formaldehyde is considered to be one of the most widespread VOCs chemicals. It is a colorless and strong-smelling gas that is used in order to manufacture building materials such as particleboard, plywood, glues, etc. Other specific examples of VOCs chemicals are benzene, ethylene glycol, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, xylene, and 1,3-butadiene. The harmful consequences of VOCs can cause several symptoms such as headaches, eye, nose and throat irritation, and dizziness. To make matter worse, a high concentration of these airborne chemicals can be very toxic, and even with a long-term exposure of a moderate concentration of VOCs can cause serious diseases or cancer. Nevertheless, VOCs may impact people differently based on several aspects, such as the level of VOCs concentration, the duration of exposure, individual sensitivities, ventilation of the room, etc. For this reason, GREENGUARD Certification tests products in the strictest possible way. Products such as (1) building products and furnishing, (2) electronic equipment, (3) medical devices for breathing gas pathways, and (4) cleaning and maintenance products. About Sustema Inc. Sustema has been certified with the GREENGUARD Certification. With over 25 years of experience designing modular and ergonomic control room consoles, we’ve manufactured thousands of aesthetically superior designs combined with functional comfort for end-users across North America. We’ve learned to integrate ergonomic standards by considering human factors in every project including the control room layout. To learn more please subscribe to Sustema's blog (below in the footer) to receive the latest posts. Sources EPA (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/indoor-air-quality Minnesota Department of Health (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/air/toxins/voc.htm Tran, V. V., Park, D., & Lee, Y. C. (2020). Indoor air pollution, related human diseases, and recent trends in the control and improvement of indoor air quality. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(8), 2927. UL (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ul.com/resources/indoor-air-quality-certification UL (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ul.com/resources/ul-greenguard-certification-program The Spruce (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-greenguard-certification-1391682

Inadequate ambient conditions within a control room regarding lighting, air quality, and temperature can seriously affect the performance of the operators. As a result, the augmented negative consequences from poor ambient can lead to operators being overwhelmed and thus making mistakes. For instance, bad lighting, dreadful air quality and unpleasant temperature can cause avoidable mental stresses and physical injuries to operators such as headaches, dizziness, and so on, and therefore hindering overall work productivity. Concerning Lighting The consequences of bad lighting within control rooms can generate headaches and eye strain which impairs the operator. In order to maintain proper lighting, it is important that the lighting system have the ability for operators to manipulate the intensity of the light. The table below illustrates the minimum clearances for lighting by ISO 11064-6:2005. ISO 11064-6:2005 – Minimum Clearances for Control Room Lighting Concerning Air Quality Dreadful air quality has been associated to long term problems of “sick-building” syndrome and feeling of unease and inactivity for control room operators. In order to maintain high air quality, channeling outdoor fresh air inside the control room allows to dilute the internal bad air quality. This is why it is important for control rooms to have a ventilation system and air conditioning. The table below illustrates the recommended clearances by ISO 11064- 6:2005 for air circulation rate and maximum CO2 concentration for control rooms. ISO 11064-6:2005 – Clearances for Air Quality *“Sick-building syndrome can cause workers to display symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, nausea, dizziness, and mental fatigue.” Concerning Temperature Unpleasant temperature within control rooms can create an uncomfortable and exhausting work environment for operators. In order to maintain a stable room temperate, it is important for control rooms to have a ventilation system and air conditioning. The table below illustrates the ISO 11064-6:2005 clearances on the objectively measured temperature and humidity values for a cozy control room for sedentary activity. ISO 11064-6:2005 – Minimum Clearances for Ambient Temperatures PES 360 Sustema has developed a Personal Environment System (PES) that addresses the needs of operator comfort working long shifts by enabling them to adapt their console workstation environment to their preferences. PES 360 serves as a single control unit for all the workstation functionalities including fans speed, heater temperature, light intensity, and surface height preferences. Learn more about the PES. About Sustema Inc. With over 25 years of experience designing modular and ergonomic control room consoles, we’ve manufactured thousands of aesthetically superior designs combined with functional comfort for end-users across North America. We’ve learned to integrate ergonomic standards by considering human factors in every project including the control room layout. To learn more please subscribe to Sustema's blog (below in the footer) to receive the latest posts. Source Joshi, R., & Daum, B. (2017). Human factors in design of control rooms for process industries.

Visit Our Booth! Sustema is proud to announce it will be participating at the NENA 2021 conference and expo in Columbus Ohio from July 24th to July 29th. Floor Plan - Booth #1532 Sustema manufactures heavy-duty specialized furniture for 24/7 PSAP centers. Over 25 years of expertise in critical environments, highly competitive solutions and best customer service makes us the number one choice for the new PSAP center in America. Save the Date! Do you want to schedule some time during the event to talk to our reps? Contact us to plan ahead of time and we will be happy to schedule some time just for you! Sustema Inc. 172 Blvd. Brunswick, Pointe-Claire, QC, H9R 5P9 Email: info@sustema.com Phone: 1-800-455-8450 (Toll-Free)

Considering Your Industry First and foremost, your control room that you choose may depend on the industry that you are in; e.g., emergency services, process control, security, finance, transportation, energy & utilities, broadcasting, military, healthcare, etc. Because each industry control room may require their 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. Considering Your Control Room Depending on the number of consoles that your organization is planning on setting up, you should consider the size of the control room (e.g., small control room, or medium, or large) and keeping in mind of the layout and configurations of each console. It is also important to consider your operators’ personal space for ergonomic clearances purposes. In addition, the control room should be spacious enough in order to avoid obstructing verbal and non-verbal communication between operators, easing teamwork among the staff, and providing supervision requirements. Ultimately, the control room must consider the level of personnel traffic in the workplace. Furthermore, you must consider if the control room provides enough flexibility with technology integration and development for future expansion. That is a control room that focuses on the connectivity of several components such as the hardware, the online servers, data visualization, video walls system, efficient workflows, and operator controls. Also, the control room must provide an environment that is safe and secure for consoles in order to follow ergonomic clearances in the workplace. Considering Your Console As mentioned above, there are several types of consoles available in the marketplace. Each console has unique features that differentiates between one another along serving unique industries. Transit C-300: it has the most heavy-duty structure with dual surfaces, along with maximum CPU capacity. This console serves industries like public safety, transportation, energy & utilities, military, etc. Learn more about the Transit C-300. Focus C-200: it has a lighter structure that is wall-based with a slatwall, along with an average CPU capacity, and this console provides more leg movement flexibility. This console serves similar industries as the Transit C-300, but in addition to other industries like healthcare and broadcasting. Learn more about the Focus C-200. Access C-100: it has the lightest structure of all consoles, along with a minimum CPU capacity. This console serves industries like finance and education. Learn more about the Access C-100. *Each console model is not limited to its industry, meaning that, technically, any console can be used in any industry, but the above are recommendations based on industries demand. Moreover, all consoles have common features such as the ability to mount multiple monitors, cable management, heavy-duty actuators, etc. In addition, to the common ability to equip accessories such as monument ports, grommet holes, keypads, PES 360 device, and more. Also, consoles can be configured with different angles such as linear, 90-degree angle, and 120-degree angle, in order to be best accommodated in the control room. Considering Your Supplier Finding a partner that can help you choose the right control room and consoles is important, because their expertise in design and manufacturing can guide you to go for the best option that is best tailored to you. About Sustema Sustema specializes in the design and manufacturing of technical furniture and consoles for IT-intensive mission-critical work environments. Sustema has help thousands of clients across North-America implement ergonomic furniture for their control rooms, command centers, and 9-1-1 dispatch centers. To learn more please subscribe to Sustema's blog (below in the footer) to see the latest posts. Sources HSE (n.d). Control room design. Retrieved from https://www.hse.gov.uk/comah/sragtech/techmeascontrol.htm Power (2019). Control Room Considerations: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.powermag.com/control-room-considerations-what-you-need-to-know/

Old dispatcher control room in Cincinnati Street Railways Company (Image Source: Popular Mechanics) Have you ever wondered when and how control rooms emerged? Factory and Power Station Control Rooms The rise of control rooms begun sometime in the years the 1920s inside factories with the main purpose of overseeing production from a central office. This allowed manufacturers to enhance communication between units, better coordination of overall operations, and more effective responses to emergencies. Throughout the 20th century, control rooms were a phenomenal opportunity for process control rooms and power plants to greatly reduce costs, gain operational reliability and security. Old control room of London's Fulham Power Station (Image Source: Popular Mechanics) Broadcasting Control Room In the 1900s, control rooms were often being used in broadcasting studios as well as television production studios. Control rooms in the entertainment industry consisted of monitors, speakers, switching boards, and other equipment, in order to record and edit a program live or as it was registered. Control rooms in the broadcasting studios played an important role in connecting with all of the other segments of broadcast such as the studio itself, the transmitter, and the listeners (e.g., their home radio). Old control room at a TV station (Image Source: Pinterest) Control Rooms for War Beyond manufacturing and entertainment, control rooms were also being used for war. For instance, during World War II and Cold War, it was a means of war planning and communications about solving one or more problems, mitigating risks, updating everyone’s status in a safe environment where key individuals such as military strategists such as heads of the army, navy, and air force could meet. Old control room at Stevnsfort (Image Source: Wikipedia) Space Station Control Rooms Control rooms were also crucial for the development of space missions. In 1965, NASA's Mission Control Center was considered one of the most sophisticated control rooms at the time, mainly because it handled large amounts of data and this room contained the biggest set up of televisions: “This system was driven by more than 1,100′cabinets of electronics equipment, 140′command consoles, 136 television cameras, and 384 television receivers. Some 10,000 miles of wire linked this behemoth with more than two million wire connections” (source: E&T). Old NASA Mission Control Center (Image Source: ARS Technica) How has the design for control rooms evolved? The first control rooms were massive and bulky with many different knobs, buttons, switches, and gauges. This design was tedious and inefficient when performing tasks because it demanded operators to manually manage the control rooms in order to hold, rotate, scroll, switch, and push physical buttons and actuators. Although, at the time it was a significant improvement in efficiency compared to when monitors were previously being operated separately and individually at different stations on the machines themselves. Old control room of a power plant (Image Source: Reddit) In modern days, the physical aspects of control rooms have significantly changed since the 1900s. This new evolution in design for modern control rooms offers the flexibility and durability required for 24/7 mission-critical work environments. In addition to an ergonomic design that makes individuals feel comfortable enough to sustain very long shifts (10 hours and more). Modern console (Image Source: Sustema) Conclusion Control rooms started around in the early 1900s as enormous machines and equipment meant to oversee and manage production. As the years went by, control rooms served a variety of areas from productions and power plants to war, space missions, and entertainment. Today, control rooms serve even more industries such as traffic control, hospitals, networks, government agencies, and more. Also, their design is now much smaller with a unified multi-purpose function. But what does the future hold for control rooms in the years to come, 2035, 2050, 2100...? Find out in our next blog! Subscribe to our newsletter to always stay informed on new content (via the footer of the page below)! Sources: Barco (2021). The history of control rooms: where did it start? Retrieved from: https://www.barco.com/en/news/2021-03-15-the-history-of-control-rooms#:~:text=Control%20rooms%20started%20to%20pop,monitor%20the%20assembly%20line%20arose. E&T (2013). Nasa's Control Centers: design and history. Retrieved from: https://eandt.theiet.org/content/articles/2013/12/nasas-control-centers-design-and-history/ International Atomic Energy Agency (1995). Control room systems design for nuclear power plants. NIOS (date unknown). Mass Communication. Chapter 10. Smithsonian Magazine (2017). Go Behind the Glass of Churchill's Underground War Rooms. Retrieved from: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/behind-glass-churchills-underground-war-rooms-180964586/ Veronika Domova, Maria Ralph, Elina Vartiainen, Alvaro Aranda Muñoz, Adam Henriksson, Susanne Timsjö. Re-Introducing Physical User Interfaces into Industrial Control Rooms, In Proceedings of the European Conference on Cognitive Ergonomics 2017, 2017, pp. 162–167. ISBN: 978-1-4503-5256-7