Effective command, control and coordination of emergency response efforts call for an environment designed specifically for that purpose. Special attention to console furniture design, ergonomics, space planning and audiovisual monitoring tools is crucial to the collaboration necessary for successful crisis management. Specialized dispatch furniture may also be a component. The console furniture layout is critical to successful interaction between teams and decision makers. The audiovisual system is the link to the outside that provides the real time information necessary for a flexible response to changing events.
There is no "one fits all" physical layout. There are a variety of approaches, all influenced by room characteristics, numbers of people, budget, and the application driving the design. Examples include the traditional command center where rows of console furniture are positioned in front of large video screens, the conference room with or without staff tables, and the cluster approach that places multiple collections of console furniture throughout the room. And then there's the approach that combines some, or all of these examples.
Video walls like the Americon Visionmaster (shown below) are growing in popularity because they display so much information quickly, and bring large screen quality and performance in a small footprint. The Visionmaster works particuarly well in a dual-purpose environment like a conference room because the Visionmaster makes the most of existing floor space, requires no renovation expenditures, and makes a strong business case for investing in the appropriate console furniture and audiovisual technology to meet combined requirements. See examples of command and control centers on the Project Photos page.
Americon on CNBC's World Business Review. Americon is leading the way with unique console furniture and video display solutions designed for all facets of emergency operations. Americon's president appeared on CNBC to discuss the issues confronting the emergency management community and what Americon is doing to bring first responders the tools they need faster. See WBR video. 
Communicator Consoles with Flip-up Flat Panels
The "V" Concept: When configured in the "V" formation, our modular Communicator console furniture make it easy for participants to see and communicate with each other while having unobstructed view of large screen video displays. This is an excellent approach for collaboration, training, crisis management, and temporary workspace for overflow staff. When the LCD panels are not in use, they disappear into the consoles. This console's free-standing modularity makes it easy to configure and relocate as needs change.
Features include:
Integrated flip-up flat panels
Keyboard pullouts
Cable management
CPU storage
Easy hardware access
Modular/dual purpose
Custom designs
Unique surface material only from Americon
Visionmaster DLP Video Wall
The Visionmaster DLP video wall is a self-contained, modular display system that's ideal for emergency operations centers. Due to it's shallow 24" depth and 7' to 10' height, it fits easily into smaller rooms and can be conveniently serviced from the front. It's a total display solution with plug and play design and is available with multiple video displays in 1x1, 2x2, 2x3, and 2x4 (shown above) screen configurations. And it's modular format allows you to add more screens as needs change.
This system displays network applications, VCR, DVD, satellite, cable, video conferencing, and computer images simultaneously. The operator has complete control over picture size and positioning. Just point and click. The standard system includes video processor, DLP rear projection displays, sound system, DVD-R, wireless keyboard with mouse, equipment racks, storage, custom cabnetry, connectivity and training. Options include video conferencing interface, touch panel control and distributed audio. Most projects can be installed by our experienced in-house staff in one day.
Ask me about our turnkey package for emergency operations centers. The package includes needs analysis, drawings, customized console furniture, and our modular Visionmaster video wall configured just for your application. It's a simple and cost effective approach that includes exactly what you need to get your operation up and running quickly.
For more information on these and other Americon products and services, complete my Information Request, or call for immediate assistance. GSA, CMAS buyers and federal grant holders are welcome. Fast-track government procurement available through Cazador.
Jerry Herrington
Direct 707.539.3321 Fax 707.539.3326
900 Flynn Rd, Camarillo, CA 93012 USA
JerryH@americon-usa.com
