Belgian National Railways (SNCB/NMBS)

The Customer and the Result

The SNCB (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Belges / NMBS) is Belgium’s national railway company and is responsible for the operation and further development of one of Europe’s densest rail networks. As part of several modernization projects, control rooms, operations centers, and security operations centers were equipped with new control room workstations.

Knürr implemented a customized control center solution that combines electrically height-adjustable control center workstations, individually positionable monitor levels, a central operating and control unit, and structured technical integration. The solution was precisely tailored to the technical, ergonomic, and operational requirements of railway operations.

The result is a high-performance, highly integrated, and future-proof work environment that sustainably supports ergonomics, clarity, and ease of use during continuous operation.

The Initial Situation and Challenge

The existing workstations were to be replaced with an ergonomic, future-proof, and highly available control center solution. This required ensuring optimal visibility, ergonomics, and structured integration of technology.

Key requirements during project implementation were:

• Ergonomic control center workstations for 24/7 operations

• Integration of complex multi-monitor workstations with up to seven displays per workstation

• Optimal visibility despite high monitor density

• Flexible adaptation to different user profiles

• Structured, maintenance-friendly, and efficient technology integration

• Long-term scalability and investment security

• Uniform workstation concept across multiple operational areas and locations

Technical Highlights of Our Solution

Knürr implemented a control center solution tailored entirely to the customer's needs, in which workplace ergonomics, monitor layout, technology integration, control systems, acoustics, and lighting were functionally integrated.

Products and Services Provided:

• 150 height-adjustable Knürr® Ergocon control room workstations for a functional, flexible, and ergonomic workstation design

• Knürr® Ergocontrol OPX Intuitive control system as a central operating and control unit for workstation functions, ergonomic adjustments, and networked control room technology

• Special monitor mounting systems for multi-monitor applications, enabling the efficient integration of up to seven monitors

• KVM-ready technical bases for protected, structured, and maintenance-friendly integration of technical equipment

• Integrated power, data, and cable management for a structured, reliable, and maintenance-friendly technical infrastructure

Additional technical highlights:

• Separately height- and depth-adjustable monitor shelves to optimize viewing distance, viewing angle, and ease of use Glare-fre

• Glare-free, uniform workstation lighting provided by continuously dimmable and tiltable Knürr® Lumax lights

• Design of a modular workstation system for long-term expandability and future adjustments to the operating environment

• A unified workstation concept across control rooms, operations centers, and security operations centers

Knürr handled the end-to-end project execution—from planning, project management, and manufacturing through logistics to installation and commissioning—and coordinated all relevant interfaces with the project partners involved.

The Results and Benefits

The modernization of the control center, operations management, and security workstations has created an ergonomic, future-proof, and highly available work environment that provides long-term support for the demanding shift operations of Belgian Railways.

Ergonomics and Concentration

The electrically height-adjustable workstations, individually positionable monitor shelves, and customizable user settings support ergonomic work and enhance comfort during demanding shift work. The multi-monitor solution, with up to seven displays per workstation, ensures optimal visibility.

Integration and Ease of Maintenance

KVM-ready technical substructures, structured cabling, and integrated power and data distribution ensure a well-organized, service-friendly, and future-proof technical infrastructure.

Quality and Investment Security

The high quality of the Knürr system solutions used ensures reliable operation throughout the entire lifecycle. The modular system design allows for future adaptations and expansions, thereby offering maximum investment security for long-term control center and command room applications.

Flexibility and Efficiency

The central operating and control unit allows individual workstation profiles to be saved and automatically accessed at different workstations. This enables intuitive use of the workstation and supports efficient operational processes.