Evans Consoles Blog

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? 

As the sun sets on the year 2023, we want to reflect on these past 12 months that were nothing short of extraordinary. Emerging stronger from the shadows of COVID-19, we witnessed a recovery and a renaissance in our industry. Here is a glimpse of some highlights of 2023 for Evans, a year marked by growth, innovation, and community impact.