Control Rooms in Business: Tips from the Experts

A control room is an important part of any business that needs to monitor operations continuously and make quick decisions. It is required to maintain smooth operations in every industry. Without it, businesses may face costly disruptions. But what makes a control room truly efficient? We have collected expert advice to share important tips on designing and managing an efficient control room.

Prioritize Ergonomic Design for Efficiency

A control room isn’t just about screens and buttons, it’s about people. Designing the layout “from the operator outwards” helps staff work comfortably. This means providing enough space for movement, using adjustable sit/stand workstations, and placing screens and controls within easy reach. According to control room project director Phillip Wyatt, “Workstations need to be ergonomically designed to allow for safe and comfortable movement in the space, and displays have to be placed so they are comfortably visible, with minimal glare.” A carefully arranged layout supports both the operators and the processes they oversee.

Create a Comfortable Environment

Since operators often work long hours in control rooms, environmental factors are important for keeping them alert and healthy. Proper lighting such as indirect, adjustable lighting reduces glare and eye strain. Temperature control and noise reduction also play an important part in operator comfort. Terry Lash, a senior process engineer, stresses the importance of amenities. He suggests that a best-practice list should include having "restrooms in the control room," "ensuring the room is spacious enough to accommodate shift changes," and "avoiding a cube-shaped room." When people are comfortable, they stay more focused and perform better.

Keep the Workspace Organized and Free of Distractions

Sometimes, a cluttered control room can confuse operators and slow down their response times. A clean and organized workspace helps them stay focused on their tasks. Avoid overcrowding consoles or walls with unnecessary equipment, and keep the main control area separate from foot traffic and noise. As Phillip Wyatt notes, “We need to focus on creating streamlined, high-functioning, clutter-free spaces that allow operators to focus on their tasks with minimal distraction.” A clear and organized environment makes it easier to understand the situation and make decisions faster.

Supply Operators with the Right Tools and Technology

Operators in modern control rooms use multiple monitors and display tools to quickly understand situations and make decisions. Gone are the days of a single screen per workstation. Today’s setups often include three or more screens per operator. They will display historical trends, alarm management, and other data. With the right number of screens and organized information, operators can monitor multiple systems at once without feeling overwhelmed.

Upgrade and Integrate Outdated Systems

Many control rooms use old equipment, which causes inefficiencies and high maintenance costs. Upgrades to modern, integrated systems can significantly improve workflow and communication. Ken Gerew, a project manager, recalls his experience reworking an energy facility’s control room. He says, “Our existing room was from the ’60s, and the current furniture needed an upgrade. We also needed to consolidate everything in the same room.” The result was a more efficient and cost-effective operation with modern ergonomic consoles.

Design with Human Factors in Mind

The design should always consider the people who will use the control room, not just its function. This means considering factors like location, visibility, and safety from the very beginning. Companies are increasingly incorporating human-factor best practices into their control room and following standards like ISO 11064. Tom Williams, a Honeywell technical manager, points out this growing trend. He says, "Companies are asking about best practices and proper locations for control rooms, including how to incorporate human factors into existing or new control rooms." Involving operators in the design process helps make the space fit their needs and reduces the risk of human error.

Ensure Security and Emergency Preparedness

A control room is required for a company's smooth operations, so keeping it secure is a top priority. Restricting physical access to authorized personnel and implementing cybersecurity measures are both to be considered here. The room should also have clear entry and exit routes, along with backup power and communication systems to be considered stable. Experts Brad Walker and Peggy Hewitt stress that a good control facility “affords appropriate entry and egress, along with security to protect the people and the operation.” Being prepared for emergencies helps keep important functions running, even in the worst situations.

Manage Operator Fatigue with Smart Scheduling and Training

Operators need to manage their fatigue as they often work in high-pressure environments. Shift rotations, break schedules, and training programs should be planned to optimize alertness. For example, training sessions should be scheduled when operators are well-rested, not at the end of a long night shift. Russell Lewis, an operations shift manager, shares his experience and says, "Night-shift training can be swapped to day-shift... They’ll be less tired and more alert." When operators get enough rest, it helps prevent errors and improves overall performance.

Conclusion

Every business needs a strategically designed control room to achieve success. Efficiency and safety in a control room can be increased by focusing on ergonomics, comfort, organization, modern technology, human factors, security, and managing fatigue. An effective setup of a control room helps operators work efficiently while maintaining safety and focus. These expert tips are a great starting point for structuring a control room that truly supports its operators and, in turn, the entire operation.