The Essentials of Dispatch Console Design

A prefabricated dispatch console is easy to purchase and is basically no more than modified office furniture at a high price. Off-the-shelf dispatch furniture is typically a metal product designed for the average person and does little to improve the efficiency and comfort of individual dispatch operators. In fact, prefabricated products can hinder various tasks because they often do not meet specific operational and space requirements, or account for the differences in the physical characteristics of operators at a specific location. Simply stated, they are not a “perfect fit.”

So what’s the alternative? A smarter alternative is to invest in custom dispatch furniture that is specifically designed for the work being done. This is important because dispatchers, under some circumstances, can spend over 12 hours at their workstations. If the furniture doesn’t have the latest ergonomic features and isn’t user-friendly, it could impact the operator’s performance and well-being. How to customize a dispatch console

To start, engage a company that specializes in the manufacturing of custom dispatch furniture. There are a number of manufacturers with the experience and expertise who will design to your specifications. When you decide on what you want, but don’t know where to start with putting the project together and understanding the cost, depend on a specialist to put a design proposal and cost estimate together for you. You have a variety of options for dispatch console design in shape, size and accessories. Most manufacturers have basic designs that work well as ideas and become a base line for developing your design. With your dimensioned floor plan, the designer can say what options you have for dispatch console size and placement. There are many accessories that can be added providing the dispatch console is large enough. You might find that the best way to comfortably fit operators into a space is to design dual operator workstations rather than individual workstations. Adding power lifts for sit-stand works best with individual dispatch consoles as they are individually operated. The shape of the workstation could be angular or it could have a split level desktop. If you prefer, you can add storage space for books, documents, or CDs.

The appearance of your dispatch consoles should not be overlooked. Who wants to spend hours sitting at an uncomfortable workstation made of inferior materials that looks like it was made in the ‘60s? With customization, you choose the colors, surface finish, and even integrate your organization’s logo. The typical laminates that are used on ready-made dispatch consoles are susceptible to chipping and scratching. The latest space-age materials look better than conventional laminate and last longer than conventional laminate. Look for products with sculpted edges and rounded corners that not only look better, but are less susceptible to stripping away upon contact. In reality, you pretty much get what you pay for in the dispatch furniture industry. So plan your purchase wisely.

How to select customized dispatch furniture

The best way to select customized dispatch furniture is to contact a firm that deals with control room furniture design, manufacturing and installation. You could search the internet for solution providers and check the websites of various firms to get a better understanding of their products and services.

Once you have chosen a firm, the next step would be to personally contact their consultant to discuss your requirements. The consultant would give you several suggestions and probably quote a few control room console designs. Once the agreement is finalized, your custom design will be submitted for your approval. With your approval, you can either use the design for budget planning, or place an order. If ordering, the dispatch furniture will be manufactured and transported to your site where will be installed and ready for use.

This entire process of selecting a dispatch console manufacturer and creating a design for your requirements shouldn’t take more than a few weeks. In most cases, manufacturing and delivery will take no more than six weeks from receipt of order. Let the experts help you through the process. It’s not as difficult as it might seem.

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