DistribuTech is the largest power grid technology conference in the U.S.
Transformation is the name of the game in the electric power industry, and that fueled the energy, so to speak, at DistribuTech 2020 last week in San Antonio.
New solutions and a flood of blow-your-mind innovations in AI (artificial intelligence) are powering the heightened needs in the utilities industry. But one thing is clear: it is and always will be the people who are making it happen. They are the gatekeepers who keep us safe and keep the machine running in the command and control centers of today.
I was reminded of this a few days ago when I received a text notification from my utility provider that the power was out in my neighborhood and would be back on in one hour. This minute-to-minute monitoring typically occurs in the NOC (network operations center), and this is the part of the process I love.
Read More
Topics:
Command Center Console Furniture,
Standing Desks,
Operation Centers,
Operations Centers,
Communications Center,
Command & Control
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Okay, it’s a little premature for that… but, with the end of the fiscal year coming for many states, you might be one of those lucky agencies that has some extra cash laying around. How can you spend that money wisely and show a return on investment for your people and your agency? We'll tell you how; updates, accessories and face-lifts for your consoles and PSAP.
Read More
Topics:
Dispatch Consoles,
Features,
Storage,
Communications Center,
Cost,
Climate Control
Ever heard the term "wasted space"?
Typically you'd hear this term in reference to the usable vs unusable space around a dispatch console. Often this is term is intermingled with a console footprint. Which is how much space a console or workstation does or does not take up in a room. Why is this important?
Some console manufacturers claim to have eliminated wasted space with a linear design, when they have just moved it in different locations on the console. No matter what you will still have some wasted space in the design of the console and then in the design of the room.
Read More
Topics:
Design,
Square Footage,
Workstation Planning,
space planning,
Storage,
Communications Center,
Resources
Does a car come in only one color? No – so why should your dispatch furniture. Selecting colors and finishes for your new center can be difficult and overwhelming, especially since there are so many different selections. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you choose the right colors and textures for your next furniture project.
Read More
Topics:
Design,
Dispatch Consoles,
Workstation Planning,
Communications Center
Xybix’s Eagle Line dispatch consoles have been taking over comm centers and PSAPs for over a year now, but why are these consoles here to stay? Let me help you experience the Eagle Difference.
Read More
Topics:
Health,
Accessories,
Features,
Communications Center,
Climate Control
In the world of dispatch furniture equipment, it’s no secret that in Communications Centers the monitors are getting larger and the CPUs are getting smaller. Now it seems like there are endless options for monitor sizes, and that means new ways to configure them as well. If you’re brainstorming new ways to improve or change your monitor setup, here are 3 trends that we’ve noticed in the field:
Read More
Topics:
Monitors,
Computers,
Communications Center
Whether you are looking at upgrading your dispatch consoles, remodeling your existing space, or building a new 911 Comm Center, it is a huge undertaking, and can be a lengthy process with lots of pressure to do it right! What some folks don’t know is who can help you achieve this – a great design team.
Read More
Topics:
Design,
Value,
Customer Service,
space planning,
room layout,
Communications Center
“I’m on the phone!”
Never has that phrase been more important than when you’re taking a 911 call where your every bit of attention needs to be to the caller on the other end of the phone. You’re responsible for asking questions, gathering information on the emergency as well as dispatching fire, police or an ambulance. Heck, that’s a lot of pressure! Not to mention, you’re also being recorded on the line.
Read More
Topics:
Lighting,
Accessories,
Features,
Communications Center,
Climate Control
While driving through the frigid, negative degree temperatures in Canada two weeks ago (and yes, I’m talking Fahrenheit!), the first thought that came to mind is, “How in the WORLD do these dispatchers regulate the temperatures in their centers with these out-of-this-world temperatures?” Then,
I thought of all of the southern parts of the US that get into triple digit heat during the summer months, wondered how they prevent having their center too cold.
Read More
Topics:
Dispatch Consoles,
Morale,
Communications Center,
Climate Control
With winter winding down, we tend to go through our closets and get rid of the clutter. What better place to start dusting than your own 911 backup center. You know, that room that hardly ever gets some love!
As much as technology has advanced, there is still a small chance of failure and the need to work out of your backup site. Alternatively, there could be inclement weather that might force you to go to a different location. Many PSAPs are revamping their backup center to mirror their primary location in the event of an emergency. Some are also utilizing the space as a training facility. Given the increased use, more Comm Centers are asking about solutions for their backup site. Here are a few recommendations to revamp your backup site and have it prepped for any emergency:
Read More
Topics:
PSAP Workstation Furniture,
Dispatch Consoles,
Workstation Planning,
Communications Center
