Advanced technology furniture enhances security environments

The security market is one of the most demanding AV applications. Each environment in the security field presents its own unique set of challenges and requirements that revolve around advanced AV systems and the operators that utilise them. For monitoring and control room operators, that means continuous vigilance with little to no downtime away from their stations.

Because personnel maybe be accessing and pulling information from a variety of sources, such as cameras, information databases, maps and more, every system in place needs to enable fluid collaboration across networks. To address the critical needs of both the system and these users, is a new class of technology furniture with advanced functionality and features specifically built for security.

Security is where AV and human interaction collide. As security continues to move to the forefront for many organisations, they are being tasked with performing a comprehensive assessment of the working environment, equipment and their users to better serve their security detail. Selecting the right technical furniture solution is an essential part of the operation design, no matter if it’s a small, one-person retail security set-up or a 50-person mission-critical operation. However, not all furniture is created equal, and that’s especially true for security furniture. Common office furniture isn’t designed to hold up to the demands of this application, and can lead to equipment failures due to poor cable and thermal management. But even worse, a poor setup can cause an operator to miss critical information.

Ergonomics and system reliability

In security monitoring and control room environments, ergonomics is critical to the job. Operators spend hours at their workstations, visually tapped into the systems around them. Technical furniture that is application-engineered for security will fully support them during their long hours on detail and help prevent any discomforts associated with solutions without proper ergonomics. Features such as height-adjustable tabletops and adjustable monitor options can fine-tune the workstation so users are comfortable enough to stay actively engaged with the systems and information flowing around them.

The nature of these environments also means that multiple operators are using the same workstations over the course of daily shifts. When organisations select technical furniture that is engineered for security, users have access to flexible, scalable console options that can easily be adjusted. So no matter who’s on shift next, the system can be easily transitioned to fit their needs.

Of course, ergonomics becomes irrelevant if the system is unable to function in its new host. In no other market is system uptime more vital. Because system failure is not an option, the environment calls for technical furniture that can fully support reliability requirements through thoughtful design and careful engineering.

Solutions engineered for security are designed to provide proper system ventilation

Meeting system requirements of the security market

Ergonomics and system reliability go hand-in-hand at Middle Atlantic Products. The company, a leader in building systems infrastructure solutions, is committed to engineering furniture that meets the unique requirements of the security market. At the core of the company’s application-engineered technology furniture, for example, is a rugged, fully welded steel bay for mounting equipment components and built-in cable and thermal management. These features are all part of meeting the system requirements of even the most mission-critical systems.

Proper thermal management protects technology and extends system lifecycles. It’s a best practice within the professional system integration community that for every 10 degrees over 85 degrees of heat generated by equipment, the digital equipment life is reduced by 40 percent. Simply put, a company’s major system investment could be subject to fail significantly sooner if the equipment environment is too warm. Furniture solutions engineered for security are designed to provide proper system ventilation while providing features that allow operators to be well-supported in their roles.

Customisable design tools

Monitoring and control room environments can vary greatly in size and needs, with no two environments being exactly alike. With this in mind, there’s a lot of customisation needed in designing these environments, and navigating the options can be complex. 3D layout programs are available to create console, video wall and room layouts, acting as a visualisation tool to make sure every need is met before purchasing. In these systems, for example, organisations and integrators are able to add potential users to the system and along with their heights. When the room and equipment layout is put into the system, the line-of-sight can be revealed for each user. Line of sight, a tool available in Middle Atlantic Products’ Designer software, ensures that screens are placed in the correct area to accommodate a user’s specific needs.

As security operations have moved to the forefront, so too have their aesthetics. The latest options provide durable finishes suitable for 24/7 operation and to match any décor. Visualisation tools can allow these facilities to see their rendered options, providing them with a clear picture of how the furniture will look and fit within the space.

Larger mission-critical systems will introduce even more complexities, which is where a knowledgeable design services team can step in. The Middle Atlantic design services team help access the organisation’s needs, sort through the options and render potential solutions so end-users have a better idea of what their system will look like.

there are a great number of parts and pieces to technology furniture that can take significant labour and time to assemble

Simplified installations for providing critical support to operators

An integrator’s priority is to the system he or she builds. It’s a job that demands the utmost attention to detail, ensuring the system will function and operate just as it should. However, there are a great number of parts and pieces to technology furniture that can take significant labour and time to assemble, pulling integrators away from their systems role. Solutions that feature pre-assembled parts, such as a tabletop for a security console shipped with a pre-assembled lift, can go a long way in simplifying the installation experience, allowing integrators to stay focused on building the system.

Application-engineered technology furniture for security becomes critical when proper ergonomics for operators, system reliability and uptime, room and environment layouts and the ease of installation are prioritised. Within a system installation or upgrade, these solutions have a larger impact on the success of the organisation — from large mission-critical operations to small security detail — providing critical support, protection and functionality. As a result, the organisation, from the AV systems to its operators, are well-supported to carry out their vital roles.

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