8 essential tech integrations for high-performance control room consoles

Control rooms are the nerve centres of critical operations, requiring a lot of smart tech to keep things running smoothly. As demands on operators grow, so too must the functionality of their workstations. Control room consoles aren’t just desks - they’re highly engineered hubs designed to support 24/7 operations with seamless tech integration.

In this post, we explore eight key solutions that help integrate technology into your control room console. These innovations help operators stay focused, comfortable, and efficient, no matter how long the shift.

1. PC storage

Even with the rise of cloud computing, local PC storage is still important. A well-integrated console will accommodate and protect your IT equipment. Built-in cabinets can house PCs conveniently underneath the desktop. This keeps them in easy reach while maintaining a clutter-free environment.

You can also lock the PC storage cabinet, protecting valuable IT hardware from unauthorised access. If you have specific requirements customised desk IT storage cabinets can be designed to fit your workspace.

Dynamic PC enclosures are very useful if you have a height-adjustable desk. As the desktop rises and falls, the PC moves with it, eliminating the need for long, dangling cables and reducing strain on connections.

2. Heat Management

In a 24/7 work environment, managing heat from IT equipment is a critical concern. Smart ventilation features can ensure temperatures stay optimal, even during long shifts.

Below desk PC cabinets should be designed to expel hot air. The PC's fan draws in air through the cabinet door. The air then cools the fans and is expelled from a flue at the back of the PC. Insulation prevents the heat from being radiated out onto the user.

Fans can also be installed in vented PC cabinet doors. These fans actively lower operating temperatures, keeping equipment safe and extending its lifespan. Combined with ventilation slats, the fans prevent overheating and help maintain consistent performance.

Control room consoles can also be designed with a desk flue. This uses natural convection to eject hot air from the equipment beneath the desk surface.

3. Cable Management

Effective cable management is crucial for safety, performance, and a tidy workspace. With multiple monitors and other equipment in constant use, poor cable organisation can lead to overheating and maintenance issues.

Under-desk cable trays are a smart way to contain the cables, stopping them from hanging down and affecting your legroom. Cable chains also provide a protective shield for wires, preventing them from getting damaged. If you're using a height-adjustable desk, they help cables move safely with the desk. Cable looms can also be used to bundle wires neatly and reduce clutter.

Advanced options like monitor arms with built-in cable channels further streamline your setup. They hide wires and improve airflow around sensitive equipment. Wireless charging pads can also be built into the desktop to reduce reliance on traditional power cables.

4. Monitor arms

Choosing a monitor arm that is strong and flexible enough to support all your monitors is essential. Post-mounted monitor arms are ideal for this. They offer straightforward monitor removal and fine height adjustment. You can also position screens in either landscape or portrait orientation. With this type of monitor arm, you can easily change your screen configuration and add extensions without disrupting existing monitors.

Adjustable monitor arms reduce neck and eye strain, create a more comfortable working posture, and free up valuable desk space. To ensure stability, it's essential to match your monitor's weight with the capacity of the arm. Monitor arms should have integrated cable routing to keeps things tidy and avoid clutter.

5. Height Adjustable Desks

A control room operator's job is demanding and can require long hours of intense focus. Sit-stand desks help maintain alertness by enabling you to stand for some of the working day. A quality height-adjustable desk uses quiet, durable actuators to raise and lower the work surface at the touch of a button. You can control the desk height by pressing a keypad integrated into the desk. This makes it easy to find your preferred working height, supporting both seated and standing postures throughout a shift.

PC storage that rises with the desk and flexible cable management allow sit-stand desks to offer user comfort without compromising equipment accessibility or performance.

6. Rear Cable Trays

Cable trays towards the rear of the desk can hold devices, power supplies and cabling. A sliding desktop gives you easy access to this equipment. These trays provide quick reach to essential connections while keeping clutter out of your workspace.

7. In desk lighting

Control rooms are often dimly lit to ensure a clear view of the video wall, but this low ambient lighting can affect desk-level visibility. That's why integrated lighting at the operator's workstation is essential. Task lights on the desktop enhance visibility for focused work without adding glare.

Control room consoles can also include lighting built into the desk frame and side panels. Operators can adjust the lighting to provide targeted illumination where it's needed most. Customised side panel lighting is also available to match corporate branding.

8. Desktop power units

A desktop power unit has sockets and ports that supply power to your PC, monitors, or any other desktop equipment you might be using. It conveniently sits on top of your desk, so no need to search awkwardly under the desk when you need to plug something in.

Quick-connect looms are another useful desk accessory. These are cable bundles designed to simplify the process of connecting or replacing IT equipment at a control room console. They allow IT teams to swap out or relocate computers in seconds—ideal for environments where uptime is critical.

Consoles can come pre-cabled with monitor looms and power cables, neatly managing the cables to provide a clean and tidy aesthetic.

Looking to upgrade your control room? Technology Desking have over 30 years of experience in manufacturing control room furniture. Our consoles have 10-year warranties, and we offer ongoing customer support. We work with you to customise your control room consoles to your unique requirements. Ergonomic design and efficient technology management are our core principles. Take a look at our products here