Märkischer Kreis Control Center

The customer and the result

The Märkische Kreis operates a modern district control center in Altena for the fire department, emergency medical services, and disaster response. The construction of the new control center as part of the new fire and emergency services center has created a high-performance, future-proof infrastructure designed for efficient mission coordination, high availability, and uninterrupted operation in safety-critical situations.

As part of the project, Knürr implemented a comprehensive control center solution that combines ergonomic command stations, intuitive control technology, custom furniture, and comprehensive technology integration.

The result is a modern, highly functional, and expandable control center environment that sustainably supports safety, efficiency, and ease of use in daily 24/7 operations.

The Initial Situation and Challenge

With the construction of the new Märkischer Kreis control center, there was a need for a modern control center infrastructure capable of meeting the high standards for availability, security, ergonomics, and technical integration. The goal was to create a future-proof control center that not only meets the current requirements of the public safety sector but can also adapt flexibly to future technical developments.

Particular challenges arose from the detailed specifications of the public tender, the deployment in a safety-critical environment, and the requirements for reliable crisis operations.

Key requirements during project implementation were:

• Ergonomic operator stations for continuous 24/7 control center operations

• Standard-compliant implementation in accordance with tender specifications

• Maximum security, availability, and reliability of the control center infrastructure

• Seamless technical integration into the room layout, building management systems, and existing systems

• Customized special solutions, custom paint finishes, and bespoke designs

Technical Highlights of Our Solution

Knürr provided the Märkischer Kreis with a comprehensive control room and command center solution specifically designed to meet the requirements of a modern public safety command center.

Products and services provided

• 12 Knürr® Ergocon command stations for maximum ergonomic and efficient work in demanding control center operations

• 6 Knürr® Elicon exception query stations for special operational and query situations

• Intuitive Knürr® Ergocontrol control system for centralized operation of the work and monitor levels

• 24/7 dispatcher chairs for holistic workplace ergonomics

• Customized surrounding furniture with special finishes, special decors, and custom-made pieces

• Structured technology integration for seamless integration of security and communication systems

• Integration with room layout, building management systems, and existing systems for a functional and future-proof overall infrastructure

Additional technical highlights

• Electrically height-adjustable command stations for individual adjustment of the working height in 24/7 control center operations

• Height- and depth-adjustable monitor level for ergonomic sightlines and optimal viewing distance

• Integrated lighting, acoustic, and signaling technology to support focused work processes

• Redundancy concepts for maximum availability and operational reliability in 24/7 control center operations

• Quality-assured execution: Successful prototyping confirmed the high quality of execution even before the contract was awarded

Knürr supported the project from planning through manufacturing, installation, and commissioning all the way to final training sessions.

The Result and Benefits

The new Märkischer Kreis control center has created a modern and future-proof control center environment. The implemented control center solution combines ergonomically optimized operator stations, intuitive control technology, high-quality furnishings, and comprehensive technology integration into a holistic control room concept.

Maximum Security and Availability

The new control center provides a reliable foundation for safety-critical processes and continuous crisis operations. Through intelligent redundancy concepts, high-quality system integration, and precise technical implementation, a control center environment has been created that ensures maximum availability and operational reliability.

Ergonomics and Work Quality

Height-adjustable work surfaces, flexible monitor levels, ergonomic 24/7 chairs, and a coordinated workstation design create optimal conditions for focused and fatigue-free work during continuous operations in the control center. The integrated lighting, acoustic, and signaling solutions further support focused work during shift operations. This improves both work quality and user acceptance in daily control center operations.

Efficient Operations Coordination

The holistic workplace concept, comprising ergonomic operations workstations, intuitive control technology, and integrated communication solutions, ensures structured workflows, high clarity, and rapid responsiveness in mission-critical situations. This makes safety processes more efficient and improves operational quality in daily operations.

Quality and technical precision

The implemented solution combines high-quality execution with technical planning expertise and a deep understanding of the requirements of modern public safety control centers. Through close coordination with all project stakeholders, a tailor-made solution was created that meets both functional and ergonomic and design requirements.