Why 24/7 Operations Center Design Requires Such a Specific Process

A 24/7 operations center design is critical to the success and productivity of a control room, regardless of the industry. Any control room is the central hub of an operation, but a 24/7 control room has unique needs. Hence, a control room requires careful attention to detail in the design process. Take a look at what needs close consideration.

Defining the Use of the Room

First of all, what is the control center’s primary purpose? It could be corporate security, oil, and gas production oversight, air traffic control, utility company operations, or transportation systems. No matter what defines the room, it’s important to use that as the guide when creating the control room design. Defining the use will help cater to the users. Hence, design must ask who they are, what they do, and what are the tasks that are most critical to their function. Similarly, design must ask what needs to be within their reach, how much movement is happening and how many people will be on site at any given time. These are just some of the factors that go into decisions regarding the 24/7 operations center design process.

Look at the Workflow Needs of the Operations Center

Now that there is a good understanding of the purpose of the room, it’s time to look at who uses it and how it functions. The workflow needs of a control room will have a significant impact on the design and technology that’s needed to make it work. Without that understanding, a room can be functional, but it won’t create an environment that fosters productivity, efficiency and collaboration.

Understanding Display and Video Needs

In addition, once the control room’s purpose and workflow needs are clear and defined, it’s easier to consider the display and video needs. This can vary by industry, but a 24/7 operations center is going to need high-quality, high-resolution imagery that they can count on around the clock. Therefore, state of the art technology incorporated into the initial design will make a room much more effective. And consequently, it can help avoid rebuilds and retrofits down the road.

24/7 Operations Center Design Should Focus on the Operator

Finally, technology requirements should not drive the design of the operations room. A more effective approach is to focus on the operators’ needs. What is their perspective? What tools do they need? How does the design determine how quickly they can respond to issues?

Therefore, one of the most important factors in 24/7 operations center design is the operator. So, if the room isn’t built ergonomically to cater to their physical well-being and comfort, it can increase fatigue and decrease productivity. Technology that doesn’t focus on the needs of their roles can increase frustration and reduce job satisfaction. If the workflow is wrong, it can increase errors and reduce effective decision making. The operations center isn’t about the information. It’s about the people who are managing the information.

Fountainhead Control Rooms

Understanding what goes into effective emergency operations center architecture design is an art and science. So, when it’s time to consider your 24/7 operations center design needs, contact our team at Fountainhead Control Rooms, which does it best.