The modern control room – efficiency, ergonomics and safety at the heart of critical processes

The control room is the operational heart of numerous industries. Whether energy supply, transport, industry or security – processes are monitored, data analysed and decisions made in real time in the control room. Increasing digitalisation, growing data volumes and 24/7 operation place ever higher demands on technology, ergonomics and workplace design.

A professionally planned control room is much more than just a room with monitors. It has a significant influence on:

•    Operational safety and availability
•    Reaction speed in critical situations
•    Quality of decisions
•    Efficiency of work processes
•    Health and performance of employees

Since control rooms are often staffed around the clock, an ergonomic and functional design is essential.

Operators often work for many hours in the control room. An ergonomically optimised working environment is therefore crucial for concentration, well-being and long-term performance.

Ergonomic workstations

• Height-adjustable control room desks for sitting and standing work
•    Memory functions for individual settings
•    Generous work surfaces and optimal legroom

Optimal working environment

•    Ergonomic monitor arrangement
•    Glare-free lighting
•    Acoustically optimised room design

Regular changes of posture and a design tailored to human needs can significantly reduce fatigue and health risks.

A modern control room is technically highly complex. The reliable integration of all systems is crucial for clarity, safety and responsiveness.

Intelligent technology integration

•    Accommodation of computers, switches and patch panels in the technical substructure
•    Structured cable management systems
•    Redundant power supply for maximum reliability

Visualisation and overview

• Flexible monitor solutions and multi-screen setups
• Video walls for displaying large amounts of data
• Clear separation of work and technical areas

This turns the control room workplace into a central control and decision-making tool.

Planning a control room is a complex process. It determines how efficiently, safely and sustainably the room can be used.

Analysis and requirements assessment

•    Operator task profiles
•    Room size, processes and safety requirements
•    Existing and future technical systems

Concept and implementation

•    Ergonomic and functional workplace planning
•    Development of a holistic room concept
•    Precise manufacturing and professional installation of workstations

A well-thought-out concept ensures that the control room remains flexibly expandable in the long term.

The requirements for control rooms are constantly evolving. The most important trends include:

•    Hybrid control rooms with local and cloud-based systems
•    Artificial intelligence to support decision-making
•    Immersive visualisation through large-format displays
•    Sustainable workplace solutions with energy-efficient technology
•    Wellbeing concepts with a focus on lighting, acoustics and ergonomics

Modern control rooms must already take these developments into account today.

A modern control room is a decisive success factor for companies with critical processes. Ergonomic workplaces, intelligent technology integration and forward-looking planning form the basis for safety, efficiency and performance in 24/7 operation.

Knürr develops control room solutions that put people at the centre while meeting the highest technical requirements – reliable, durable and future-proof.