Updating dispatch furniture is no small task. After all, it’s a process that happens only once every 10–15 years, and for good reason! The coordination required between teams, vendors, and timelines makes it more like orchestrating a symphony than a quick shopping trip to IKEA.
When you finally get to the point of requesting a purchase order, it can feel like the heavy lifting is behind you. But many Comm Center Managers will tell you: you’re just getting started.
Think about it, would you buy a new car without double-checking the paperwork? Imagine expecting a sleek white car and ending up with a bright yellow one! Mistakes like these are preventable, and the same level of preparation applies when purchasing dispatch furniture.
Here’s five essential steps to help you prepare for your dispatch furniture update and make the process as smooth as possible.
Rushing to get a quote or to finalize can lead to overlooked details that might derail your project. Before installation day, revisit your design and ask yourself:
The dimensions of your workstations are directly influenced by the equipment they’ll house. The last thing you want is to install your furniture only to realize your monitors hang awkwardly over the edges of the desks - yikes! Taking the time to verify these details early can save you headaches later.
Dispatch furniture is often just one part of a larger Comm Center update. Your project might also involve:
To ensure everything runs smoothly, create a detailed timeline and confirm lead times with all vendors involved. Make sure everyone is clear on the order of operations and their role in the process. Clear communication and coordination are key to avoiding delays and missteps.
If your room has raised flooring and you’re reconfiguring the layout or replacing the floor, you’ll need a hole location plan. This ensures that your IT and electrical teams have enough slack in the cables to reach all workstations and that power lines align with CPU cabinets.
A poorly planned cable setup can turn into a logistical nightmare during installation. Avoid the chaos by reviewing these plans with your team well in advance.
In a perfect world, no one would call 9-1-1 while you upgrade your Comm Center. But, we live in the real world, so you’ll need a detailed cutover plan to keep operations running while making changes.
Consider these options:
Also, plan for the smaller logistical details:
Every detail matters when you’re working in a live dispatch environment.
Even the most talented architect or designer can’t prevent last-minute changes to a construction plan. After studs and drywall are in place, take the time to verify the dimensions of your space before furniture installation.
This is especially critical for tight spaces where even an inch or two can make or break the configuration. Most furniture vendors will require a sign-off on drawings that confirm room dimensions. Getting this step right avoids costly errors and delays.
Remember the adage: “Measure twice, cut once.”
Taking the time to work through these details ensures a smoother installation process and prevents avoidable mistakes. Once your dispatch furniture is installed, you’ll be using it for many years to come. It’s worth the effort to do it right the first time and set your Comm Center up for success!
As always, if you have any questions or comments, please let us know!