NOC Design Considerations: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Summary: Mission critical centers must operate at peak efficiency. And, the overall design has a direct effect on how productive one can be.

There are few stations that can match the effectiveness of a critical operations facility. Not only that, but because of the industry’s continuous improvement, the way command centers are being built are evolving into something far bigger than anyone has ever expected.

New technology can enhance the potential for a company’s overall situational awareness and functionality, but only if the specialists stationed are using them appropriately.

Simplicity or Complexity?

It should be known that there is no such thing as a “basic” command center. Realistically, whenever mission critical operations occur, there need to be a multitude of rooms that are co-located for smooth operations.

Additionally, there are slight details that also must be emphasized during the construction phase of the center. For instance, break rooms should have sightlines back to the display or the operator may lose situational awareness for the time that he or she has spent on break.

Emergency Operations

It’s common to find today’s command center design revolving around a system that doesn’t cover the “what if’s” of mission critical operations. Sure, the computers can run smoothly on a normal day, but what happens if conditions shift and the operators must rely on their wits when technology fails? This needs to be addressed. By pursuing a backup module that’s integrated within the center, crisis mode operations and the impact that the operators can have during a situation can drastically improve.

Another important consideration to take in to ensure that there are no distractions at any time. Non-essential employees like managers and executives may affect the flow of work for operators that require their own time and space. It’s an overlooked aspect, and a miniscule one, but it’s worth mentioning.