The Importance of Subject Matter Expertise for Control Room Design

The importance of subject matter expertise for control room design is one hotly debated over the years. When it comes to designing and building control rooms, businesses and government agencies get the best results when working with someone who knows what they’re doing. So, let’s take a look at some reasons why.

What Is a Subject Matter Expert?

A subject matter expert, or SME, has broad and extensive knowledge of a particular function, technology, or process. They can use their expertise to solve problems, create solutions, or meet challenges. SMEs have a combination of education, training, experience, and knowledge of a particular subject. They become an expert and are often sought out by people who are not SMEs.

Control Rooms Are Unique

Control rooms serve a very specific and unique function. They are unlike customer service facilities where every company has a similar setup with cubicles and technology and operators. Similarly they are not like corporate locations where everyone can have an office or a cubicle that all look about the same. Control rooms need special consideration. They often operate around the clock. Furthermore, the people who work in them usually serve a critical function either for the company or the general public. These operators have precise technological needs.

Subject Matter Expertise Is Critical in Control Room Design

Workflow, function, and access to information are all critical in a control room. Common types of control rooms include:

• 911 Call Centers
• Air Traffic Control Centers
• Real Time Crime Centers
• Security control for businesses or buildings
• Control rooms for refineries or power plants

Design considerations such as workspace setup, technology integration, video wall location, sight lines,  and traffic flow are all important. In addition, operator and staff comfort and ergonomics all help make them function effectively.

So, if you try to design a control room without the involvement of a SME, you could be setting yourself and your business up for trouble. Poor design can lead to many issues. And, these issues can include a lack of productivity, duplication of efforts, operator discomfort and fatigue. Poor design can also cause a delayed response to incoming information and an increased rate of errors.

How Fountainhead Control Rooms Can Help

Control rooms require specialized design with attention to functionality, efficiency, effectiveness, and detail. Fortunately, when you’re ready to design and build a new control room, or retrofit and upgrade an existing one, you can count on the team at Fountainhead Control Rooms. And, our experts have the background and experience to ensure the success of any type of control room design you need for your business or agency.

From site survey and needs analysis to equipment specs, workstation design, space and lighting plans, and furniture design, we are your one-stop shop for your control room design and build. Connect with Fountainhead Control Rooms today to work with the team at the top of the industry. We offer subject matter expertise for control room design.