Table of contents

Why Build a Command Center?

Before we dive in, let’s briefly go over the reasons why you may want to invest time and resources into building a command center:

The benefits above are just the tip of the iceberg. Now let’s get into the step-by-step guide for constructing your own high-performance command center.

How to Build a Command Center: Step by Step

Step 1: Define Your Command Center Goals and Requirements

The first step is to clearly define the mission and purpose of your command center.

To do this, bring together stakeholders from across your organization and have an open discussion around goals and requirements.

Here are some of the key things you’ll want to define:

Document all needs, wants, and constraints uncovered during this process. They will serve as the foundation for the design process later on.

And don’t worry if some details are still unclear, you can refine things as you go. But having an initial direction and scope is essential.

Step 2: Form a Cross-Functional Build Team

Now it’s time to assemble your “Avengers”.

Put together a skilled, cross-functional team consisting of:

This team will work together to handle everything from initial design to ongoing management once the command center goes live.

Step 3: Conceptualize and Map Out Workflows

The next step is to map out your envisioned workflows, processes, and room layout.

Start by creating workflow diagrams that capture:

Then, create a high-level room map that covers:

Don’t worry about nailing down every minute detail at this point. You can refine things later. But having a solid draft that frames out structure and flow is crucial.

Step 4: Design the Tech Stack and AV Integration

Now comes the fun part – figuring out the tech stack and audiovisual integration that brings your command center to life.

Key elements you’ll want to design and spec out include:

Video Wall

The video wall is often the centerpiece of any command center. Make sure to select:

Command Center Software Platform

The software ties everything together enabling control, monitoring, notifications, automated workflows and more. Evaluate options that meet your functional requirements determined in Step 1.

Networking and Connectivity

With so much data flowing in, your network needs to be robust, secure, and built for scale.

Computer Hardware

Spec workstations and/or laptops with sufficient computing power, storage, memory to drive your command center software and workflows.

Audiovisual Infrastructure

Design and integrate lecture capture, microphone systems, video conferencing, acoustic treatment and other AV supporting infrastructure.

This covers the basics, but isn’t exhaustive. Work with your IT team and AV integrator to design and specc the full tech stack.

Step 5: Detail Operational Procedures and Workflows

Recall those conceptual workflows you mapped out earlier? Now it’s time to detail them out fully.

During this step you should:

Get feedback from all stakeholders and refine until you have SOPs that enable seamless, coordinated action during business-as-usual and crisis situations alike.

Step 6: Physical Construction and Build-Out

With planning and design locked down, you’re ready to physically build out your command center space.

If constructing a room from scratch, make sure to:

For existing spaces:

With the room itself complete, it’s time to outfit the space.

Work with your AV integrator and builders to finalize installation and placement of:

Step 7: Training, Testing and Optimization

Your shiny new command center is built out and equipped with cutting-edge tech. But you aren’t done yet.

Before going live, put your team through extensive training on workflows, systems and processes. Then run through multiple real-world and simulated scenarios to test effectiveness.

Use the learnings from these dry runs to further optimize workstations, video wall dashboards, alert routing rules, runbooks and notifications.

Tweak and refine until everyone is fully prepared to leverage the command center day in and day out.

Only then are you truly ready to transition from the build phase to full-time HQ monitoring and operations!

Wrapping Up

And that wraps up this comprehensive guide to building a best-in-class command center!

As you can see, constructing an effective command center takes significant upfront effort related to planning, coordinating workflows, AV integration and more.

But once built out properly, your command center will drive major efficiency gains and performance improvements across the board.

The steps I’ve outlined here work for command centers of any size and for any industry. Whether you’re a private company, government agency or non-profit, this framework will set you up for success.

So what are you waiting for? Use this guide to start planning and building your own high-powered command center today!

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