A command and control center is one of the essential rooms within an organization. Government agencies, multinational corporations, the military, and other organizations utilize the command and control center to unify information from multiple sources and dispatch critical resources.
In just a few years, the demand for open-source data has expanded. While these sources offer valuable information, command and control centers are responsible for processing this vast amount of data. If your organization has a command and control center, consider evaluating your current AV technology to ensure your staff has the equipment to manage large data volumes. These simple tips will help your organization craft an effective command and control center with the assistance of AV integrators.
What is a Command and Control Center?
A command and control center is a specific type of meeting room in which company leaders collaborate to combine their expertise and productive conversations that draw upon social and narrative intelligence. Some organizations have expansive, world-class command and control centers that showcase their success, while others opt for a relatively small room with essential AV technology.
Your command and control center will be your organization’s focal point of internal operations. As AV technology becomes more compact and powerful, small organizations opt for minimal command and control centers. However, creating a robust command and control center may be beneficial if your organization is on the larger side and organization leaders plan to use it to evaluate your organization’s overall growth.
Why is the Command and Control Center Important?
The command and control center manages disaster responses, emergency services, and other critical data exchanges. Sometimes referred to as a Joint Operations Center (JOC), the command and control center exists to reflect a common operating picture and ensure each entity has a say. Some entities that utilize command and control centers may include:
- Municipalities
- War rooms
- News broadcasters
- Weather centers
- Federal, state, and local government agencies
Government entities, utility companies, and the military typically require multiple command and control centers, while small companies may have a command and control center with less space.
The prime benefit of a command and control center is its ability to connect multiple sectors in an emergency, which could be ideal for high-stress situations that involve a natural disaster or a global defense situation.
Working with AV Integrators is Essential for the Best Command and Control Center
Whether you are developing a command and control center from scratch or upgrading your existing one, it is critical to seek the assistance of reputable AV integrators experienced with the AV technology these rooms require. AV integration specialists will work with your team to assess your needs and goals.
AV integration experts will ensure that your display screens and table configurations are up-to-date and easily accessible. Additionally, experienced AV integrators will utilize scalable solutions so your organization can incorporate improved AV technology as it becomes available. Reputable AV integration teams also offer diagnostic information to authorized personnel if troubleshooting occurs.
How to Equip Your Command and Control Center
The unique requirements for a fully integrated command and control center can make creating the best command and control center challenging. However, the right AV technology will enable your organization to meet complex needs. As legacy systems are reaching the point of failure, consider upgrading your command and control center with the following AV technologies.
1. Audiovisual Displays and Video Walls
Command and control centers require AV solutions that make it easy for participants to share large amounts of information in a single place. Command and control centers need a constant stream of visual information to monitor crisis situations, dispatch response teams, and coordinate team efforts. As a result, video walls and high-resolution monitors are ideal for your command and control center.
Since command and control center operators need critical information displayed in the right format, video walls are the best option to connect various data streams from multiple sources. AV integration specialists can outfit your command and control center using video wall solutions with cooling technology that enables continuous operation.
2. Unified Communications
Traditionally, command and control centers require multiple devices for communication, which may include radios, satellite comms, and intercoms. Additionally, the staff may utilize headsets, external speakers, and microphones for voice communications. However, a modern command and control center will unify these systems for streamlined communication.
The constant switching between different devices can lead to costly mistakes. Fortunately, AV integrators can outfit your command and control center with control system technologies, so command and control center operators can manage all communications on a single touchscreen device. The single control interface allows for the system to be intutive and easy to use for all meeting participants. .
3. Integrate Cloud and IP Technologies
When it’s time for your organization to update software within your command and control center and evaluate which technologies should remain on-premise and which should be in the cloud, the cloud allows for operation efficiency, improved security, and seamless connectivity.
As cloud capabilities continue to improve, they offer more benefits than command and control systems of the past. Currently, 92% of organizations have a multi-cloud strategy in place or underway. Additionally, 65% of small and medium-sized businesses have reported increased reliance on cloud technology since the pandemic. Implementing an infrastructure supporting upcoming technologies allows your organization to transition to a full cloud model when technologies improve easily.
Outdated command and control centers often use Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) technology to manage voice and radio traffic. However, Voice over IP (VoIP) and Radio over IP (RoIP) technologies streamline this process. With IP communications, your command and control center will not be limited to a specific location, thereby removing any physical limitations.
Create Your Command and Control Center with Applied Global
If your organization is seeking assistance from AV specialists, Applied Global Technologies (AGT) offers various AV solutions to improve workplace productivity. Our team has the tools and expertise to help your business make the most of its shared office space.
To learn more about our AV solutions, contact us today. We’ll be happy to discuss your specific needs and recommend the right solution for your business and budget.
