Business processes and emergency operations are changing rapidly and need to meet changing conditions. To create an adequately equipped and modern emergency center (EOC), managers must include informational messages (plus audiovisual subsystems), space planning and furnishing.
This article will discuss options for equipping emergency operating centers with the latest video wall technology and individual EOC furniture. The following steps suggest that the object exists and is habitable.
Steps:
Formulate the main resources and collect them: Members of the decision making team are often geographically distributed and should be related:
- Large screen video walls
- Video Conferencing Features
- Phones, loudspeakers or headsets.
- IT network with internet connection
Use planning and execution tools for emergency management: Essential information systems should be separated by geographically separated operational locations. Software designed to manage the EOC should be in place, and operations standardized.
Create separate conference and breakout areas: Coordinate the design of the emergency operations center and the allocation of space. Where possible, separate conference call events from the main operations center. The conference areas should have telephone lines, an Internet connection, specialized furniture, whiteboards and integrated audiovisual systems.
Purchase specially designed furniture for emergency operations: Furniture should be designed for comfort and ease of communication between members. Depending on the concept of operations, the furniture should be multifunctional, including storage space and sufficient surface area for monitors, mid-sized processors, docking stations for laptops, keyboards, maps, and binders. Flip monitors that close to a flat desktop are especially useful when the entire desktop is needed for work that is different from the computer. Expect cable runs, power rods and adjustable shields. Alternatively, choose furniture with adjustable levers for monitors and telephones. The effective layout of the emergency center largely depends on the furniture, which includes as many features as possible in a minimum size.
Purchase a large on-screen video wall: The latest video wall technology is needed as a primary tool for observation and hearing about what is happening in the affected areas. Use the latest emergency management software to get the most out of your video wall system. Modern video wall systems allow you to acquire multiple images, size and place them on screens, as well as set up layouts with pre-assigned hot keys so that you can quickly display combinations of images. The video wall should be used for video conferencing, collaboration, operations management, training and record keeping. Choose compact LCD video walls for relatively low purchase prices, reliability and maintenance. Where appropriate, enable integrated sound for low cost and ease of operation.
Recommendations:
- Take professional guidance for the design and implementation of a well-equipped emergency operating center.
- Create an EOC so that it can be changed when requirements change.
- Before starting a session, check and recheck work tools and instructions.
- Avoid low-cost equipment and furniture that may not work during emergency operations.
