While I can’t predict the future, I have seen a few trends develop in the dispatch console and furniture arena over the last 7+ years in the industry. I can’t tout that I know everything, but I have picked up on a few things just by listening and paying attention.

A new year is a great time to make note of any recent changes in the industry, as it’s a time when everyone is focused on advancement and improvement. Based on what I’ve personally noticed, here are four dispatch console trends I've seen:

You may hear the term “slatwall” being used to describe part of your furniture, but what exactly is slatwall? What does it do for your dispatch furniture?

The slatwall panel was originally designed to serve as shelving in a retail store so that retail workers could hook merchandise onto the wall. Slatwall panels are made up of rows of dovetail-shaped slots, and they are designed so that items can be hooked into the slots and hung from the slatwall. The most common use of slatwall in the 911 Public Safety industry is to hang monitors. A panel is usually mounted at the back of the monitor surface, and it moves up and down with the height adjustment of that surface.

Slatwall has also been adapted to be used on dispatch consoles due to Xybix creating and patenting RollerVision, which is a monitor mount with focal depth adjustment.

You've received the "go-ahead" to start planning a project to get new workstations in your 911 Comm Center. You begin by researching possible console suppliers, or you might already have a vendor in mind. After you’ve done your research on the consoles themselves, you begin to weigh your options, but...have you thought of everything? One thing to consider that is sometimes overlooked is the addition of custom cabinetry and office solutions. If you are able to customize your console, why can't you customize your cabinetry and offices as well?

The end of the year means budget submittals are upon us! Oh, and the HOLIDAYS...yes, I said it! Maybe you don't need new dispatch consoles, but you want to revamp your Comm Center and give it a refresh. Adding some small things to your center is a great way to boost morale.  So, with the upcoming holidays and unavoidable chaos here are 4 ways you can spruce up your center without breaking the bank:

There is quite a bit of consideration involved in finding the right dispatch furniture for your center or PSAP. Most buyers base their decisions on what will bring the most long-term wellness, what will bring the most monetary value, and what will look the best. Finding a company that will provide you with comfortable, beautiful, and durable dispatch furniture is key, and having the upfront process go smoothly is the icing on the cake. Other important things to think about are how you are covered after the purchase and how easy it is to find solutions to any issues that arise going forward.

Xybix has now expanded our presence in Canada and we are pretty darn excited about it! We have grown a name for ourselves in Manitoba and Ontario over the last few years and we felt it was time to introduce our company to the other Providences. With a dedicated sales, service, installation and support team we are ready to provide the same amazing product and services to all our partners in Canada. To learn a bit more about who we are as a company and what we plan to offer Canada the best in dispatch consoles, read on below:

The decision to purchase new ergonomic imaging desks should not merely be based on the cost of the desks. Oftentimes, you truly do get what you pay for, so picking the lowest costing desk shouldn’t be your only priority.

Will your signature be on the requisition when requesting a purchase order be issued for new ergonomic sit/stand imaging desks? If the answer is yes, I don’t have to tell you that you will be receiving complaints from your colleagues in many different departments if you select desks that are subpar.

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I usually like to do a review on all of the competitors and highlight what was new at APCO 2017. I was busy this year (busy is a good thing), so I didn’t really get to check everything out this year.  

That being said, I still took notice of overall trends that will affect what your dispatch console furniture will look like in the next few years. Here’s my two cents on what to expect in the near future:

We at the Johnson County KS Emergency Communications Center pride ourselves on our operations and the technology we have available to use to do our jobs every day. We provide Fire and EMS services, and are a secondary PSAP, providing 911 call taking and dispatching for fire and medical calls, with certified EMD call takers for medical events. We service 10 fire agencies and 2 ambulance agencies, dispatching and managing resources before, during, and after events.

As a proud Colorado native, I thought about all of my friends, co-workers and customers who will be coming to APCO 2017 in August. As a ski patroller (during the winter months), I thought that I should make sure they’re prepared. With that being said, if you’re a public safety professional headed to the Mile High City of Denver for the APCO 2017 Conference, this blog has everything you must do!