Evans Consoles Blog

When a Control Room Becomes an Operational Liability Most control rooms do not fail in one dramatic moment. Rather, they decline slowly. A display goes offline. A replacement part takes weeks to source. Operators create another workaround. Maintenance costs rise. Cybersecurity teams flag an unsupported system. None of these issues seems serious enough on its own to force an upgrade.

A real-time crime center is only as effective as the room that supports it. Real-Time Crime Centers, or RTCCs, are often defined by their technology. But their success depends just as much on how the space is designed and used. The National Institute of Justice describes RTCCs as centralized hubs for real-time monitoring, intelligence analysis, and investigative support. It also makes an important point: an RTCC is not just a technology purchase. Its effectiveness depends on the full operating environment, including workflow, staffing, training, data quality, integration, and governance. Research supports that idea. Studies of Chicago’s RTCC model found measurable improvements, including: 5% increase in violent crime clearance 12% increase in property crime clearance 11% increase overall So where should planning start? Not with screens.

Behind Every Emergency Response

Structural framework setup - MMAC Academy, Oklahoma City.

In the world of investor-owned utilities (IOUs), the legacy system dilemma is a familiar story. Once cutting-edge, these aging infrastructures are now a barrier to progress, straining operations and limiting growth. Utility companies find themselves at a crossroads: hold onto the past or embrace the future. The challenge? Upgrading legacy systems is no simple feat. Yet, for those who navigate this transformation successfully, the rewards are immense—greater efficiency, security, and long-term sustainability.

Did you know that a single power outage can cost an airport up to $1 million per hour? With air traffic control systems, passenger services, and runway operations relying on constant power, it's no wonder airports are adopting microgrids at an unprecedented rate.

SCADA: The Old Faithful Not too long ago, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) was the reigning champ of utility management systems. Like the old hammer in your toolbox, it’s straightforward and effective: SCADA keeps tabs on your utility processes, collecting and displaying data and controlling your essential operations. But as the demands on utilities scale up, the good old hammer might not be enough for the job anymore. Enter the power drill, or as we like to call it in the utility biz, ADMS.

911 Dispatch Center Layout - What Is It and Why Do You Need It? When we think about 911 dispatch centers, we often imagine high-stress environments. But behind the scenes, there's a planned layout ensuring that dispatchers can work efficiently. A 911 dispatch center layout isn't just a floor plan — it's a critical blueprint that ensures smooth operations, quick response times, and the well-being of dispatchers. So, why is this layout so crucial? It's simple: the right design can mean the difference between life and death.

As a public safety manager or supervisor, revamping an existing Emergency Operation Center (EOC) or building one from scratch can be daunting. With the increasing threats, from natural disasters to cyber-attacks, we understand that having a resilient and well-designed EOC is more important than ever.

The buzz around Next Generation 911 (NG911) has been around for a while; it's a call to enhance our ability to respond to emergencies with precision and speed. But why NG911 isn’t just an option but a necessity for our operations?