The short answer: it depends. Each state, and even each communication center, has its own purchasing process, which can greatly affect the timeline for acquiring new dispatch consoles.

Let’s start with the basics. Asking, “How much does dispatch furniture cost?” is a lot like asking, “How much does a car cost?” It depends on your needs and preferences. Do you want the essentials, or are you looking for premium features? Three primary factors influence the cost of PSAP workstations:

Achieving a goal such as launching, expanding, or remodeling a control center starts with setting a realistic completion date. Without a clear target and supporting milestones, it becomes challenging to stay on track or remain accountable. Your timeline will be as unique as your project, typically ranging from 4 months to 2 years.

The Tompkins County 911 Center serves the 100,000+ people who live in this Upstate New York county. Although much of the county is rural, the County Seat of Ithaca is home to Ithaca College and Cornell University. The dispatch center handled nearly 140,000 calls in 2024 alone.

After installing new consoles at the center, Susanne Lottie, Director of Dispatch Sales with Xybix, discussed the process and the results with John Halaychik, Assistant Director of the Tompkins County 911 Center. Watch the interview here and check out the highlights below.

It’s a common question: "What’s the average lifespan of dispatch console furniture?" Potential customers often raise this question, which calls to mind advice shared by a real estate agents during house-hunting: should buyer's ask why sellers are selling? "No, they won’t give you the full story anyway.” It's a fair point. No one’s likely to admit, “The neighbor’s dog barks all night and drives us crazy.“ When questions about console furniture durability arise, it’s tempting to make a remarks like, “It lasts a thousand years!” But the topic is important. Everyone wants to know if the furniture will endure or if unexpected replacement costs will crop up in just a few years. Here is an informed and detailed perspective on what to expect.

A "Meet and Measure" with Xybix is much more than just pulling out a measuring tape and jotting down wall dimensions. It’s the first step in creating a workspace that’s custom designed to your needs. Think HGTV-style renovation, but for your dispatch center! Here’s a  guide to help you prepare and know what to expect during this crucial first step in the process.

In operations centers for 911 dispatch, utilities, transportation, and security, monitors matter. The 6 to 8 monitors at your console are your window into the world you’re working to serve and protect. To serve you well, the monitors need to be positioned properly, which is where monitor mounts come in.

How Dispatch Console Manufacturers Partner with Architects

Most dispatch console manufacturers—including Xybix—are expert with the shoehorn. We help PSAPs and operation centers add or replace consoles as needed, and our designers work with the center to make it all fit. We love the creativity that goes into this process, and we’re happy to be involved in any upgrade or remodeling project.

That said, when console manufacturers get the chance to be involved from the inception of a project, we jump! For a new center—not hampered by tight spaces or weird columns—we can employ all our innovative technologies and years of experience in creating functional and inviting floor layouts. Plus, we bring the expertise in the unique needs of dispatch centers to the architects and interior designers involved in the project. Read on for details.

Why IT Access Matters to 911 Dispatch Centers for Emergencies

Backup 911 call centers used to be bare bones—just enough to get the dispatchers up and running at a moment’s notice. These days, PSAPs are starting to build more robust backup centers, likely due to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Whatever the cause of this trend, creating a space with a similar setup helps PSAPs remain mission ready and maintain response times, no matter where they are located.