Control Room Operations During a Global Pandemic

Did you ever imagine needing to streamline control room operations due to a global pandemic? Before this year, a pandemic was probably the last thing on your mind. But the COVID-19 outbreak made everyone rethink their game plan. The ability to pivot is more crucial than ever. Being able to provide a quick response under both normal and extreme circumstances is a must.

Follow these four tips to get the most out of your security control center:

1. Assess Risks

The pandemic unfolded quickly. Security operators had to make quick decisions based on risk assessment. Organizations needed to make drastic changes to mitigate risks based on the data at hand. For example, allowing high-risk security operators to work from home would reduce risk. A smaller team could manage the onsite control center.

Other risks to consider include cyber-attacks, operational dangers, and brand reputation. These issues become more critical with operators working remotely. It’s wise to weigh risk against opportunity. What risks are worth taking? Which ones should you avoid? Always make decisions based on the well-being of the company, employees, and customers.

2. Promote Safety

Security control rooms play a vital role. They protect organizations from crime and other attacks. However, the pandemic broadened this role to include creating a safer work environment. How can you make your workplace safer? Try these steps:

• Track at-risk employees and follow the latest health protocols.
• Space out consoles and workstations to allow for social distancing. Doing so may help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
• Limit the number of shared surfaces within the control room.
• Install ergonomic furniture to prevent fatigue and boost employee morale.

These steps are simple, but it will make a huge difference in the workplace. Promoting safety will ensure your operators feel confident about doing their job.

3. Analyze Information

Information is power. Staying up-to-date on new developments and being able to weed out misinformation is a must. A control center needs to have the latest technology. These systems will help operators gather data and analyze safety concerns immediately. Security operators should be able to make rapid decisions based on the information at hand. Deploying a quick and accurate response to all COVID-19 updates is extremely important.

4. Readable Video Walls

Everyone within a control room needs access to the same information. Having a large, readable video wall is a great solution. Employees should be able to read the display without leaving their workstations. These systems make it easy to deliver new information to multiple operators at once.

Video wall systems should also integrate with other locations. Being able to connect with conference rooms and remote sites will improve communication. Video walls encourage collaboration and increase problem-solving skills.

Design a Command Room During a Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic only increased the use of central command rooms. Unfortunately, many organizations became aware of pitfalls in their setup. Reconfiguring your control room may be just what you need to streamline operations and improve performance.

Fountainhead Control Rooms understands the important role command rooms play during a pandemic. We can help design a one-of-a-kind control room that will meet the demands of your facility both today and in the future.

Ready to update your command center? Our experts can lead you through the process. Contact our team to design a space that improves your security control room operations during a global pandemic.