5 Signs You Should Invest in New Dispatcher Desks
Some folks think 911 dispatchers sit at the type of desks found in a corporate office. The “desks” are far more complex and provide the, literal, foundation for mission critical communications technology. Since these workstations are more complex, require an investment from the agency, and are only updated every decade or so, how can you be sure you’re in need of replacement console workstations?
Top consoles featured at premier dispatch center design expo!
When you get approval to design your new dispatch center, be ready! Demo PSAP technology, chairs, floors and workstations at the International APCO Conference Expo – The Sand’s Convention Center – August 6 and 7. Be sure to stop at booth #1215 and learn how Watson’s tech-ready, future-proof workstations enhance design and provide your agency lasting value.
Why 911 Workstation Design Impacts Your Work
For 15 years, the landscape of the modern-era PSAP remained virtually unchanged with operators sitting in pods at 90 degree corner workstations. When the 90 degree style made its debut, it was revolutionary and capably accommodated critical technology. Today, changes in technology, ergonomics and use-of-space have rendered the style outmoded. Learn why.
5 Pillars of Lifetime Customer Care
It is critical that console workstation providers deliver service and resources that matter, easing the ownership burden and extending the value of your asset. This should include recommendations for getting the most out of the console amenities, tips for daily maintenance and easy-access to specialists who can answer any questions you may have along the way.
Mid-Year Round-Up: Top 5 Blogs for 911 Dispatch Center Teams
911 dispatchers and communications center managers tune in to our blog feed for project profiles, tips from industry pros and the latest information on dispatch console workstations. Here are the top five blogs of 2018. Catch up when you have a few minutes of down-time.
Watson Named Boeing Supplier of the Year
Boeing has named its 2017 Supplier of the Year Award winners, recognizing 13 companies for the high-quality products, services and value they create. Watson was honored as a distinguished Boeing Supplier of the Year. Learn more about Watson’s history with Boeing and the criteria Watson met to earn the acknowledgment.
This Leadership Approach May Be Sabotaging Your Center's Success
Lisa had been a telecommunicator for about 3 years when she hit a wall. Despite knowing her work was meaningful (she was saving lives, after all), she couldn’t shake the feeling she could be doing more with her life. Frequent overtime could’ve been a factor, but she and her family appreciated the larger paycheck. Her coworkers were sometimes a challenge to deal with, but, for the most part, she got along with everyone. Another consideration dawned on her.
Dispatch Conference Expos Offer Free Access to Industry Experts
Function? Durability? Style? Cost. At a conference expo, your team can conduct thorough research (in one location) by evaluating how multiple vendors score in each of these areas. Even if you are not currently “buying,” keep in mind that your team is more likely to SECURE FUNDING if you provide a clear case for the need along with product comparisons and budget numbers.
Reduce Eye Strain with Dispatch Console Lighting
Florescent lighting + long hours in front of screens = sore eyes, blurry vision, and headaches. If you are monitoring critical operations you have experienced, or will likely experience, these symptoms. For this reason, dispatch console lighting has quickly risen to the top as a critical addition to the dispatcher’s tool kit. Flexible task lights are even better and here’s why.
3 Trends in 911 Call Center Design
At Watson we have the privilege to work with hundreds of PSAPs throughout the course of a year as they design their new facilities. A few times a year we take a moment to reflect and identify patterns in customer preferences, evolving functional requirements and technology integration. While every center has their own unique requirements, the following three trends are currently driving most of our new project specifications.
When charged to spend municipal dollars for dispatcher desks, it is crucial to make an educated and value-driven choice. PSAPs are discovering they can gain long-term benefit from specific furniture function and design attributes. If your 911 call center or security office is concerned with operator health and focus, maximizing your space, or reducing overflow and clutter, read on.
4 Keys to Selecting the Highest Quality Dispatch Console Manufacturer
Selecting new dispatch furniture can be incredibly exciting. Working with your team to visualize and evaluate the latest and greatest dispatcher desks can boost morale and lead to increased employee engagement. For good reason, features and benefits are major drivers in the selection. Often overlooked, however, are less tangible attributes of potential vendors. Here’s why these are equally important in the decision-making process.
Do Operators Benefit from "Special" 911 Dispatch Console Desks?
Recently, a customer’s procurement team asked why the dispatchers required 911 dispatch console work stations – versus standard desks. This is a great question and something public agencies should ask when allocating public funds as it is not always easy to balance limited funding across multiple agencies. Being informed about why certain tools are right for the job is one way organizations demonstrate good stewardship of the funds, and respect for the teams and communities they serve.
Make Sure You "Kick the Tires" on Dispatch Console Furniture in 2018
If you are ready to invest in dispatch console furniture, you want to be sure you get exactly what you need. And it’s not always easy getting your team in front of the workstations you are considering. Short of multiple day trips to multiple centers near you, what is the best way to live-demo dispatch console furniture?
3 Steps to a PSAP, Security or Call Center Furniture Installation
You have researched every furniture vendor in the market. You have reviewed every feature available for modern call center and dispatch console furniture, from ambient lighting and forced heated air to status lights and cup holders. You have reviewed surface finishes and fabric samples with you team. You have braved the RFP process and selected the perfect vendor for your new furniture. It may seem like your work is complete; it has only just begun.
Here's Why You'll Be Glad Your PSAP Call Center Furniture Rep Asks Many Questions
Your workstation purchase is a big deal. After all, if you are manning a PSAP console, your team will use these workstations for ten years or more. If you have ever been at a center during a console furniture purchase, you might have heard this, “Why are they asking so many questions right now. We’re not even ready to buy!?” Here’s why.
High Performance PSAPs Benefit from Top 5 Our Blogs of 2017
More than 10,000 visits by Comm Center managers, IT managers, and 911 telecommunicators have landed these blogs on the top 5 for 2017. If you haven’t had the chance yet, give them a read.
911 Dispatch Console Furniture Quick-Start Buyer's Guide
Buying 911 dispatch console furniture is a big deal. Most PSAPs receive furniture budget every seven to 10 years. When they do it is likely the staffer leading the charge will not have guided the process before. The depth of information related to police and fire dispatch furniture is vast. Many PSAP teams have shared that they have made purchases in haste and not received ideal solutions for their team. You can change that.
The Motivation Myth: Why Your Comm Center Employees Aren't Motivated
In the quest for a fully staffed communications center, it can be difficult to know what people really want out of their work experience. Fortunately, if you don’t know, it’s not a problem. The best comm centers don’t try to motivate their people. They focus on something much more powerful instead.
Shop Wisely for 911 Dispatch Furniture: Up the ROI with Better Design
There are benefits sometimes missed during the evaluation of communications center furniture. Seasoned 911 dispatch staffers will understand why specific feature sets are important for the long-term benefit of a Center and team. Read on to learn how you can up the ROI on your dispatch consoles and commercial furniture purchase.
Shop for 911 Dispatch Furniture: What Does Your Team Need?
With thoughtful research you can stretch your budget and give teams what they need to be comfortable, focused and productive. Furniture provides value beyond the basic features sets. Your dispatcher workstations, desks, conference and training room tables can influence mood, team dynamics and the public’s perception of your organization. Learn how you can up the ROI on your dispatch consoles and commercial furniture purchase.
Shop Wisely for 911 Dispatch Furniture and Get More Bang for the Buck!
“I wish selecting dispatch furniture was easier. How do I keep the operator’s happy and the consoles within budget?” “How do I get more bang for the buck?” …Sourcing complex technology furniture can be a challenge. You CAN have it all. Learn why some features matter more than others and discover long-term payoffs that you may not have thought about.
Learn How Scent Impacts Employee Wellbeing
If you are a dispatcher, you have one of the most stressful jobs out there. To be ready and focused for the next call, we know you can use all the help you can get! Read on to better understand the powerful impact of scent on mood and productivity. And we’ll share a great tip that we accidentally discovered while setting up for APCO.
Our 911 Dispatch Consoles Now on Navy BPA Spiral III
Now through June 2021, if you are part of a Department of Defense agency, your group can receive discounts on Watson Consoles’ height-adjustable desks and technology furniture. Watson Consoles is the proud recipient of the Navy BPA, Spiral III awarded for work surfaces, workstations, computer furniture and accessories as outlined under Watson Furniture Group’s GSA agreement.
View from the Top: How Leadership Vision Can Improve PSAP Culture
A compelling and passionately communicated vision can change the world. President Kennedy put a man on the moon and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream inspired hundreds of thousands. Communications Center managers may not be sending rockets into space, but their vision can have a similarly inspirational effect.