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The recent COVID-19 outbreak has completely changed the way we live our lives, from going to the grocery store, playing sports, seeing friends, and even the way we work! As the first wave of COVID-19 cases is passing, countries are slowly opening up their economies and businesses have had to adapt in many ways to safely receive employees and customers again. So, how are 24/7 work environments such as PSAPs and 911 dispatch centers adapting their workspace to fight against the spread of the virus? As you've probably seen when you go out these days, plexiglass is being installed almost everywhere as a means to protect against the spread of air particles. However, generic plexiglass panels may not be enough for the needs of PSAPs work environments where operators often work 10+ hours shifts and use highly specialized furniture making it hard to mount most of the plexiglass solutions found on the market. ConsoleSHIELD: Operator Protective Partitions With the increased need to find ways to protect employees against the spread of the virus, Sustema designed the ConsoleShield plexiglass partitions as a means to promote social distancing a reduce the spread of air particles in the PSAP. Plexiglass shields are entirely manufactured based on the needs and dimensions of your control room and 911 dispatch centers for optimal results. ConsoleShield is a high-quality and easy to clean partition system designed to serve as a barrier against particles released when coughing or sneezing. Here are the different plexiglass protector models available for control rooms and dispatch centers. Wall-Mounted Plexiglass Partitions ConsoleShield wall-mounted partitions are designed to seamlessly and securely integrate on the wall of your Sustema console system. Made with high-quality acrylic panels. ConsoleShield partitions can be customized in height and length for added protection in the control room. For other workstation/console manufacturers, the clamp plexiglass model is available to mount directly on the edge of the worksurface. Free-standing Plexiglass Separators ConsoleShield free-standing plexiglass partitions are easy to install and serve as a barrier for PSAP layouts where operators work close to each other. These plexiglass panels can be moved and adjusted easily to accommodate the needs of dispatchers and are custom made in terms of length and width based on the needs of the dispatch center. Floor Plexiglass Protectors ConsoleShield floor plexiglass panels serve as a barrier in the outer ends of workstations to protect against air particles in high-traffic areas. Floor plexiglass are free-standing and can be installed in different areas of the PSAP based on your needs. Features: Smooth Round Edges Temporary or Permanent Installation Available in Fixed & Self- Standing Formats Easy to Clean Acrylic Partition Custom Made Partitions Protection Against Airborne Particles Visually Promotes Social Distancing Easy to Install Solution About Sustema: Sustema is a leader in the design and manufacturing of control room and dispatch center work environments. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, Sustema has helped thousands of clients in North America to equip their mission-critical operations centers with customized furniture and console solutions. To learn more about ConsoleShield, download the brochure or contact us directly by phone 1-800-455-8450, email at info@sustema.com, or via chat to talk with one of our representatives directly!

Improved employee productivity tops the list of the many advantages with ergonomically enhanced workstations. This article speaks to the main examples of success when incorporating an ergonomic workstation for your PSAP. A workstation that has been optimized for the rigorous demands of the 9-1-1 dispatch is not only structurally sounds it has been designed to allow an operator to function at optimal efficiency over a 12-hour shift. Browse our console catalog to view Sustema's control room and dispatch consoles. Take for example a Sustema designed dual height workstations for mission-critical operations: Starting with the keyboard surface we have designed a height Variable of 22” from the floor to 48”. Ideal for the 5th percentile person’s height to the 95th percentile person’s height design for a very large range of user sizes. The monitor surface has an identical height variable, however, it is adjusted differently to accommodate for the optimal sightline as it relates to your monitor configuration. For example, when your standing and your eyes are looking forward at a slightly less than 90-degree angle providing the optimal sightline to avoid fatigue over extended periods of monitor time. An additional factor to consider is the operator distance from the monitor configuration. We have developed a rail-mounted focal shelf that easily allows the operator to change that distance by simply sliding the entire monitor configuration forward and back for optimal monitor distance. Another critical factor in ergonomics is the user reach zone. The reach zone is the area of the workstation that an operator can easily access when their upper arms are at rest alongside their body and with your elbows bent. The reach zone will vary depending on the size and configuration of the console but essentially the accessibility when an operator sweeps their forearms back and forth across their desk should be designed for easy access to monitors, keyboards, and phone systems without strain or breaking their elbow. The final criteria for an optimized ergonomic workstation are designed with ample leg space under the work surface for comfort and blood circulation. Sustema has designed its workstations following the American National Standards Institute: ANSI/HFES 100-2007: Human Factors Engineering of Computer Workstations. This technical standard specifies acceptable applications of human factors engineering principles and practices to the design and configuration of the human-hardware interfaces in computer workstations. I hope this article helps to illustrate the benefit of ergonomic workstations. Looking forward to hearing from you soon, thanks for reading! If you have any questions regarding ergonomic workstation consoles please contact us at info@sustema.com or through our online chat tool to speak with one of our representatives.

Computer and IT equipment storage options are a key element to consider in the process of acquiring consoles for control room or command center environments. In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the right computer storage that best fits your needs. Computers come in various shapes; only a few years ago, full/mid-size towers were the norm and used almost exclusively in command center environments. Fast-forward a few years, CPU units are now made smaller and smaller every year, which is why you might find Small Form Factor as well as Thin Client in IT-intensive work environments. However, while smaller CPUs require less storage space, the cable management needed to power and access the device still remains an issue as it hasn't changed much with a lot of bulky solutions in the market. Option 1. Swing-Out CPU Enclosures The first critical step in identifying the right console is to know what type of CPU and how many will be used for each workstation. For instance, the make, size, model, and power requirements. In the Focus Series, the CPU enclosures are attached to the rear wall section of the console. CPU swing-out enclosures are a great option to store your computers aesthetically, cable clutter-free, and with easy access to the computers for troubleshooting. Swing-out enclosures also give users plenty of space with nearly 10-inch-deep (made to store your CPU sideways) and the width varies as per the rear wall section width. To give a concrete example, if you have a 72’’ wide console, you will be looking at approximately 60’’ W x 10’’D x 24’’ H storage enclosures, which is perfect to house 2 Full/mid-size towers. This enclosure can also be doubled or positioned at the rear or front of the wall, depending on your storage need and room layout. CPU enclosures include a lockable feature for an extra layer of security. Option 2. Transit Series Cabinet The Transit series cabinets are perfect to house multiple CPUs under one single console. With front and rear access for your CPU’s (on the Transit S models), this cabinet is offered in various formats, with widths ranging from 16’’ to 24’’ allowing you to store one or two desktop computers side by side in each cabinet. Thanks to the sliding shelf, it is easy to access the computer when connecting to a new device. Option 3. CPU holders / Thin Client support A very cost-effective solution to house your computer remains the CPU holder, most of the models come with a rail system so you can slightly adjust the position of your CPU underneath your desk. Since the rail is simply screwed underneath the surface, you can add/remove it easily as well as modify it’s positioning with ease. Although the cabling will never be fully hidden, it remains a good option if you intend to use an extra CPU for a certain time. We are seeing more thin clients being used in control centers, there is also the possibility of fixing the thin client between the monitor and the VESA plate of your LCD arm. This allows you to shorten the cables run and hides the CPU cleanly for the console operator. On the last note, if you happen to use rackmount equipment’s such as for DVR’s and others, it is entirely possible to add a rackmount support kit to the option 1 and 2 described above. Get in contact with your Sustema representative to learn more today. Contact Information: Toll-free: 1-800-455-8450 Email: info@sustema.com We're Online, chat with us!

Urethane Edge The perfect balance between durability, comfort, and its wide variety of colors has made urethane edge a popular choice among consumers in heavy use applications including control rooms, 911 dispatch centers, healthcare, and hospitality. Additionally, urethane edges offer anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and UV resistant properties to help reduce the spread of infections. However, while the bonded seams do not allow liquids or dust to seep inside the laminate and the edge, polyurethane can still get dirty over time due to normal wear and tear. In this article, we will go over the different ways to clean urethane edges. How Do You Clean Urethane Edges? Polyurethane edges are known for being resistant to most staining agents including food condiments and other compounds. However, bacteriostatic agents such as iodine which is found in betadine, seafood, and other dairy products can cause permanent stains that may only be partially removed. Therefore, care should be exercised to avoid exposing these products to the urethane edge. Do's - Soiled Edges: Normal tear and wear can cause the urethane edge to get soiled over time. These types of smaller stains can be cleaned using a damp cloth or sponge and applying Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner, Formula 409®, or other dishwashing detergent mixed with warm water. - Stains: For deeper and larger stains, you may use a soft bristle scrub brush in order to prevent scratching or damaging the surface permanently. If the stain requires multiple passes, you may use a soft bristle brush and 70% isopropyl alcohol mixed with warm water. Dont's - Recommendations: DO NOT use abrasive cleaners, bleach, sharp metal objects, hard bristle brushes or sandpaper to remove stains as they will cause permanent damage to the urethane edge and the work surface. If the stain does not disappear after trying the first two methods, please contact your supplier for more guidance. About Sustema Sustema Inc. is a leading technical furniture manufacturer helping mission-critical work environments across North America to increase productivity in their control rooms and communications centers. Contact us for any questions or inquiries on our control room and dispatch console solutions.

The health and safety of our employees, customers, business partners, and community are of utmost importance to us. Following the recommendations of competent health authorities, Sustema has implemented measures in its workplace to help prevent the spread of the virus. These measures include but are not limited to, the regular disinfection of high-traffic areas, allowing for remote work, the compulsory wear of masks, scheduled hours for lunch, and the introduction of plexiglass partitions in our office spaces. We will continue to provide regular updates and instructions to our employees, clients, and suppliers about the steps we are taking to mitigate the risks associated with the current public health concern. Please contact your representative for any questions or inquiries. You can also reach us through our main line at 1-800-455-8450 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm EST.

Are you planning to renovate your PSAP? Learn why the Transit Series console is the ultimate workstation for 24/7 applications. Specifically designed for the needs of PSAP call takers and dispatcher, Derek Dugas, account manager at Sustema presents the features of the Transit Series C-300 console and unveils the all-new ConsoleALERT® management software for PSAP. Whether you are planning to invest in acquiring new dispatch consoles, technology meeting tables, trading desks or workbenches for your PSAP, contact us to request a free quote and preliminary design rendering. We have over 20 years of experience designing, manufacturing, and installing technical furniture for mission-critical 24/7 applications across North America. Get a Free Quote in 3 Easy Steps: 1) Floor Plan Send us a top view of your room and your project requirements at info@sustema.com. 2) Web Meeting Discussion about your needs and presentation of our furniture solutions. 3) Drawings & Budgetary Quote You will receive customized drawings and pricing for your project. Contact Us

The demand for better and faster emergency services and the increased development in communication technologies has urged governments agencies such as 911 public safety agencies to consider the benefits of consolidation for the communities. By definition, PSAP consolidation refers to merging the resources of two or more public safety agencies to form one single and stronger organization. While cost savings for each jurisdiction is one of the major benefits of consolidating multiple PSAPs, the return on investment of such a project will only materialize until several years later due to the high start-up costs. Therefore, the focus should be geared towards improving the service level by streamlining the technology and training process. Consolidation will result in faster communication and make it easier to pool funds to keep the 911 call center updated. The principal consolidation models include a full, partial, co-location and hybrid PSAP merger. PSAP Consolidation Process The consolidation of a 911 dispatch center is a complex process that requires collaboration between multiple stakeholders. The following list describes the major steps required to make the transition based on past projects: Leadership: PSAP consolidation is very similar to mergers seen in the corporate world. All too often we see successful companies fail to collaborate due to the discrepancy between their corporate cultures. For this reason, it is important to consider the way of working from the PSAPs and plan how to manage the consolidation to create a new culture in the organization. The leader will be someone with past experience and high commitment from the beginning to the end of the project. Stakeholders: Key decision-makers and principal stakeholders will need to meet and discuss the potential benefits of combining resources to bring the project further. If enough interest and belief in the success of the consolidation project exist, a preliminary feasibility study will serve to formalize the requirements. Analysis: A thorough feasibility study will first examine the current issues of the 911 dispatch center. Major issues often involve PSAP design, staffing, call processing, budget allocation, equipment, and software. The goal of the study is to find if consolidation makes sense from a service and financial standpoint but also provides recommendations for the issues mentioned previously. Planning: At this phase, the needs of the facility are listed and planning for procurement begins. A detailed report identifying key participants, funding requirements, HR, and governance structure is prepared to guide the project. Implementation: The PSAP slowly starts to take shape with facilities being constructed or renovated. The dispatch furniture is ordered and installed, hardware and software tools are updated, and training for call takers/dispatchers working in the new facility begins. Post-Consolidation: Not surprisingly, after the PSAP is up and running some issues will certainly arise both at the human and technology level. Therefore, it is important to have evaluation controls in place to quickly identify and resolve these issues. PSAP Furniture Consoles Acquiring new dispatch furniture and consoles is often necessary when consolidating the PSAP in order to make the most of the space in the new facility. Dispatch consoles are ergonomically designed to accommodate PSAP call-takers and dispatchers to perform their work. Dispatch consoles are built to support multiple monitors, keyboards and mice, radio console and other equipment. Console manufacturers also integrate cable management systems to provide easy access to power and network. Sustema’s Transit Series C-300 consoles are equipped to hold task lights, heaters, fans, and an alerting system to help reduce fatigue and eyestrain of dispatchers. In conclusion, even though consolidating a PSAP is a complex and lengthy process, the benefits can be substantial increasing service levels, retention rates, and safety in the workplace. About Sustema Sustema specializes in the design and manufacturing of 911 dispatch consoles. Contact us to request a free quote for your PSAP consolidation project. Our website: https://sustema.com Guidebook Link: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ecn/programs/911/Documents/PSAP_Guidebook.pdf #psap #psapconsolidation #nextgen911 #dispacher #emergencycallcenter

When manufacturing consoles for mission-critical environments, it is not rare to find command center operators working with multiple LCD monitors simultaneously. Since our consoles are built to integrate a cable management system, we often get asked about the recommended maximum length of VGA, HDMI, and DisplayPort cables. In this article, we will go over some important things to consider when using DisplayPorts. DisplayPort Definition: DisplayPort was developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) to replace previous analog cable technology such as VGA. DisplayPort transmits information by sending data packets similar to how USB and Ethernet connections work. The technology was well received by consumers as it can keep a high image resolution without requiring multiple pins which integrates easily to newer laptops, televisions and computers. What is the recommended length of a DisplayPort? As with other cables, the length has a direct impact on the quality of the information being transmitted. The greater the distance, the higher the risk of transmitting a lower image and sound quality. In some cases, complete data loss. If we think of this in a mission-critical setting, it quickly becomes apparent why cable lengths are an important consideration. Facilities in this sector often operate 24/7 and require real-time information in order to make decisions. According to Dell, the maximum recommended cable length to ensure optimal performance is 1.8 meters (6 feet). Using anything beyond that increases the chances of the risks mentioned previously. However, it is still possible to use longer DisplayPorts without being affected by those risks. If for some reason you need to use a long DisplayPort, there exist some options to do so without affecting the quality of the signal. For instance, using high-quality cables shielded with foil and braid layers to protect it from EMI/RFI interference. Another option for applications requiring 100+ ft. DisplayPorts is using signal boosters such as the B121–000. This device will even support monitor resolutions of up to 2560x1600 (60Hz) and 1920x1200 (120Hz). In conclusion, DisplayPort cables are ideal for video presentations, point-of-sale displays, classrooms and other applications requiring high-resolution video and multi-channel audio. DisplayPort can be used with most recent computers /laptops, CPU monitors, projectors and HDTVs. About Sustema Sustema manufactures specialized furniture for mission-critical environments such as command centers, control rooms, emergency communication centers and more.

At Sustema, the health and well-being of our employees, clients, and partners are at the forefront of our minds today as we all navigate the challenges of COVID-19. Preventive Measures Following the recommendations of the competent health authorities, our plan is to maintain work arrangements at our plant, to deliver and install products as planned. Some of our employees whose responsibilities permit them to work remotely from home are currently doing so and we have asked them to limit in-person meetings. During this period, we will continue to address your emails, answer your phone call and meet your requests for product information, pricing and design assistance. What We're Doing to Help You In order to achieve this, we are using new ways to help you remotely by phone, email, text messages, telephone conference calls, and video conferences. Keeping You Informed We will be monitoring the situation closely to determine if these arrangements need to be modified. We may take further steps to preserve the health of our team and help curtail the spread of the virus while upholding our commitment to you. If you have any questions regarding a meeting with us or the coordination of a project, please contact us by email at info@sustema.com, by phone at 1-800-455-8450 or chat through our website. The entire Sustema team would like to thank you for your understanding and support during this challenging time and we wish you and your family continued good health. Sustema Team COVID-19 : Sustema Maintient Ses Opérations Chez Sustema nous considérons la santé et la sécurité de nos employés, clients et partenaires cruciales dans le défi que pose le COVID-19. Mesures Préventives À ce moment-ci, nous maintenons nos opérations telles que planifiées, ceci inclut la production, la livraison et l’installation de nos produits. Bien qu’une partie du personnel de Sustema travaille de la maison, tous demeurent disponible pour répondre à vos demandes d’information, de prix ou d’assistance à la conception de configurations personnalisées. Nous Sommes Là Pour Vous Afin de continuer à soutenir nos clients, nous faisons appel à de nouveaux moyens pour vous aider à distance par téléphone, courrier électronique, messages texte, conférences téléphoniques et vidéo conférences. Nous suivons la situation au quotidien et vous aviserons si des changements sont à prévoir. Si vous avez des questions à propos d'une rencontre avec nous ou pour faire un suivi sur un projet veuillez s'il vous plaît nous contacter par email à info@sustema.com, par téléphone au 1-800-455-8450 ou à partir de notre outil de clavardage en ligne sur notre site web. Au nom de tous chez Sustema, nous voulons vous remercier pour votre support dans cette période critique. Nous vous souhaitons à vous ainsi qu’à vos familles, la meilleure santé. L'Équipe Sustema

Watch the live update on COVID-19 cases on mobile version here Source: Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU)

Designing a floor layout for your mission-critical environment is not a simple formula. No two applications are the same. Thus, you must take into account many factors when looking at maximizing the efficiency of the workflow of the people and processes of the room. Tangible factors like electrical, ventilation and data are obviously important when planning your control room layout. On the other hand, intangible elements such as noise, lighting, colors in the room, the grouping of people, overall feel and atmosphere of the room are often overlooked during this process. In this article, we will go over the essential elements to consider to maximize the floor layout in the control room. 1) First, you must keep in mind the main purpose of the control room. Is it a dispatch communication center, a security control room, an industrial plant control room? How does the console help the overall work of the user? If something happens, is there anything in the room or on the console working against the user in their immediate personal space? As an example, in industrial applications, safety is the most important factor. You have to eliminate tripping hazards, wide walk areas, reduced clutter on the surface on the consoles so that items are not blocking and controls of the console or IT equipment. 2) Secondly, you want to know if there is anything working against team collaboration and assistance in the control room. Does the layout and console design encourage verbal communication with co-workers? Can a supervisor see all operators in the control room? Can they walk to them in the most realistically direct path? As an example, in an EMS communications room, 5-6 seconds of walk time matter, when a supervisor needs to assist a new call taker with an emergency on the line. Separating the console placement to allow walkaround gives flexibility as well. It can save walking around two or 3 consoles just to get to one. Learn More About Our 911 Dispatch Consoles 3) Lastly, how does the control room contribute to or remove stress? In emergency and high-stress situations, color, lighting, background noise, monitor placement, console angles, and physical comfort all play a role in how well the users in the room are functioning. Ask yourself, how does the console feel like “theirs”? Can the user get/see all the information they need to with minimal strain and head movement? Is it quiet enough that one user in the corner can hear a user on the complete opposite side of the room if needed? Does the lighting strain the eyes over a 12 hour period? Does the console completely adjust to the user, or does the user need to slightly adjust to the console? Answering these questions will help you integrate intangible factors that have a direct impact on the productivity of the control room. Mission-critical rooms need to be arranged it the most optimal way based on the organization’s priorities, not the console manufacturer. Whether that be safety, internal communication, ability to access information or comfort. Discussion and collaboration is the best way to arrive at the best design. Happy Planning! Browse Our Control Room Console Catalog > Connect with a local Sustema expert to help guide or answer any questions that you may have. Sustema Inc. 1-800-455-8450 info@sustema.com

In an intensive work environment like Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), the ambient room temperature can greatly affect the performance and focus of 911 dispatchers. The reality is that we all respond differently to the temperature in a work environment. As external temperatures fluctuate, our internal body heat will also naturally react and adjust. Most often, the temperature in a facility is centrally controlled and cannot be regulated by individual dispatchers. Consideration could be the use of space heaters underneath the operator console. However, the main drawback of this solution in an already crowded IT-intensive workstation is the allocation of space and power within the console cable management solution. The equipment found in height adjustable dispatch consoles such as CPUs, multiple monitors, and radio comm. already draws a good amount of power. Therefore, electrical components need to be taken into consideration to avoid blowing a circuit. A power outage in one single workstation could have a large impact on the productivity of the emergency communications center. Factoring in power requirements and personal comfort, one might ask if there’s a right solution to adjust room temperature? Problem: How do you solve for the “too hot and too cold” complaint issue in the PSAP? Solution: PES 360: Personal Environmental System. Sustema’s personal environment system (PES 360) allows for optimum operator comfort. With easy to use finger-tip controls at the workstation the dispatcher can choose cool air or a steady flow of heat distributed either above or below the work surface adapting to the preferences of each operator. Benefits of the Personal Environmental System: Increased comfort and concentration Optimized distribution of power using lower wattage Personal work experience Intuitive touch-screen Add-ons: Controlling task lights & surface height Want to learn more about PES 360? Contact us About Sustema Inc. Over the last 20 years, Sustema has successfully helped thousands of customers in North America to organize and manage their mission-critical control room consoles, 911 dispatch centers, war rooms, IT labs, data centers, and collaborative environments.