(Newly Updated for 2021)

Every time you pop into Costco, Kroger or Target, you’re guided by a status indicator light. Which checkout lanes are open and which ones are waiting for that dreaded manager assistance? Which self-checkouts are open and available? Is the line for the fast lane shorter than self-checkout? (Admittedly, this has nothing to do with the lights, but it makes me happy when it happens because I don’t have to decipher the code for my donuts.) No doubt you figured out the meaning of these checkstand lights by the time you were 2.

In the first installment of tips on how to choose your imaging furniture provider, we went over the basics of why it’s important to look for a provider who wants to have a long-term relationship with you, along with what to expect from warranties and customer service. So, as promised, we’re back with more details on how to choose a furniture provider. Without further ado, let’s pick up where we left off by discussing what things to take into account before signing on!

I am lucky. Every day I step into my office, and there is my laptop. Nobody has touched it. I do not need to worry about if someone using my desk before me ate dinner, or if they are sick, or if they washed their hands after…. Ok, you get the picture. What can you do about a keyboard a mouse in a shared workspace?

As a customer, you can and should expect high quality products, as well as a full service support team, when choosing an imaging furniture provider. What you really want is a partner, meaning the provider is looking for a long-term relationship instead of just hoping to close the first sale. It takes some time and research to find the best provider for the job, and here is some sound advice to help you on your way.

I don’t know about you, but, love the idea of packing a healthy meal on the go! So why not pack a mason jar? This antiquated food vessel makes for quick and easy grab and go. The best part is, you don’t have to worry about forgetting any of the ingredients and its leak proof! (Because I SPILL EVERYTHING (no seriously)). There are so many healthy ideas from salads to soups, quiches, desserts. What I really wanted to know was, how. How...? How do I do that?

When it comes to purchasing dispatch furniture, there are many reasons why touring the manufacturing facility that you’re buying furniture from can be beneficial. Why should you take the time to do this? Why is it important to know how manufacturers build their furniture? Why is a plant visit a critical part of due diligence?

Last year when I wrote my review of the APCO dispatch furniture vendors, I went into the color themes and what I thought I saw as upcoming trends. This year, I noticed that not much has changed in terms of the design and color there is still a lot of dark colors and some wood-looking work surfaces.

What I noticed this year was how many dispatch furniture makers still put electronic equipment, mostly computers, under the console. I saw far too many sales reps doing presentations by bending down and showing the techs how they would access the computers, cables, radio, and power.

With the rigorous demands of a 911 dispatch job, the tedious, long hours and the sedentary work, it’s understandable that many dispatchers use caffeine as a mere means of survival. Let’s face it, the majority of the population leans on caffeine as a crutch to get through the work days and week! Whether it’s Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, Caribou Coffee, diet soda or energy drinks, caffeine is what we all crave.

In my past life I worked in outside sales and was pretty active; I later accepted a position requiring me to sit at a desk for the majority of my working day. If anyone had told me then, in the nineties, that sitting at a desk all day could be hazardous to your health, they certainly wouldn’t have been taken very seriously.

APCO International’s 81st Annual Conference and Expo is right around the corner, and that means all of the newest and most innovative dispatch furniture will be on display for the world to see. Ha, ha, ha! Ok, not really! Similar to last year and every other year, you'll see almost all of the same vendors making a repeat cameo appearance!

So, same vendors, same sales pitch, pretty much the same product. With a variety vendors offering 911 furniture choices, it can be tricky arriving at an informed decision when it comes to who to make a purchase with for your next dispatch furniture project. This list of questions can be used to help narrow down which vendor has the product best suited for your needs: