When a new shift begins, the workstation must be adjusted to suit the incoming operator. The monitors must be adjusted, and the desk must be set to the preferred height.
Agitek has been producing control room workstations since the 1990s, when the collaboration with LINAK began. The workstations are mainly used where multiple monitors are required to oversee operations, such as ports, power stations, or traffic control centres.
Not an average sit-stand desk
For these monitoring tasks, a conventional sit-stand desk is not sufficient. As Jean-Paul Bergmann, Managing Director at Agitek, explains: “There are typically specific requirements for control room consoles. In addition to meeting occupational health and safety standards, there must be sufficient space for up to 20 monitors and numerous cables. That is why we often design a solution with a two-part console, placing the monitors on the rear section of the console which can be height-adjusted independently of the front section, where the operator works.”
Jean-Paul elaborates: “This means we typically use four LINAK lifting columns per console – two for each section. For larger consoles, we may even use five columns. We build the consoles according to customer specifications and are sometimes asked to provide horizontal adjustment for the monitors – for this, we also use LINAK actuators.”
A strong partnership
LINAK is a key supplier to Agitek, and according to Jean-Paul, there are several reasons for this: “Many control rooms remain in operation for 10–15 years before being replaced. It is therefore essential that the equipment is durable, and that is why we work with LINAK. I have never had to replace a LINAK lifting column in all the years I have been supplying control room workstations – they just keep moving.”
“We also have an excellent collaboration. LINAK has everything we need, and we always receive prompt and competent technical support. We work with a dedicated team at LINAK, and it works very well.”
Ambitions for the future
According to Jean-Paul, control room consoles are a niche product: “There are still relatively few places in Denmark where these dispatch workstations are used. However, the Netherlands has proven to be a significant market – we work with a company there that provides monitor solutions, which they sell together with our desks.”
The fact that Denmark is not yet a major market does not discourage Jean-Paul and Agitek: “We are a small company, but we have big ambitions. We believe there is more potential in Denmark. As far as we know, we are the only company on the market specialising in this type of console – and we have a highly flexible production setup. Beyond Denmark, we also have several new international projects in the pipeline, so we are optimistic about the future,” concludes Jean-Paul Bergmann.
Find out more about Agitek and their control room workstations at agitek.dk.