Aug. 20, 2024 - On July 17th, Winsted announced it had acquired Design Matters, the premier control room consulting and design firm. This acquisition represents a significant turning point in the control room solutions industry. As the demand for advanced, efficient control room environments continues to increase, a new partnership between these two industry powerhouses promises a more integrated, customized approach to addressing the needs of mission critical 24/7 control rooms.
Winsted’s acquisition of Design Matters was driven by the recognition of the critical role that operators play in maintaining an efficient and productive control room. As Winsted’s CEO Tracy Crocker explained, “A control room is primarily about the operators who are charged with managing mission critical information in what is many times an extremely high pressure 24/7 environment. This starts with first understanding all the variables that impact that operator and then incorporating that into a customized set of solutions. We realized that as a solutions company, we needed Design Matters’ expertise to first understand, and then help design customized solutions that improve operator focus while eliminating distractions.”
Design Matters, founded and led by Steve Whitley, has long been recognized for its expertise in understanding the intricate dynamics of control room environments. “Steve and his team are solving a part of the problem by identifying gaps between industry standards and actual control room operations,” Tracy elaborated.
This strategic acquisition is not just about expanding Winsted’s product portfolio, but about addressing a critical gap in the industry. “Design Matters focuses on optimizing control room efficiency, productivity and safety by focusing on the operator, their environment and the tools they use,” said Steve. “The collaboration represents a merging of product solutions with high-level design expertise, creating a more holistic approach to control room management.”
How Design Matters focuses on the Operator to address Industry Challenges
Design Matters is very unique in that they offer both control room design services as well as in-depth consulting services such as Gap Analysis, audits, fatigue and ergonomic studies etc. In fact, every level of design starts with a full Gap Analysis and includes consulting throughout the entire project. However, what truly separates Design Matters from other firms is their extremely detailed process and methodology found in each and every service they provide, all centered around identifying, measuring and addressing every aspect of the control room that can negatively impact the operator and overall control room.
“On average, we spend over 150-man hours onsite conducting interviews, operational observations and measuring over a dozen elements including light and noise levels, operator ergonomics and fatigue,” said Steve. “We also gain an understanding of how the control room operates during normal, abnormal and upset conditions and what tools the operators currently have at their disposal. This information is just the beginning of our consulting and design journey”.
Enhancing Solutions with Technology and Integrator Partners
The partnership between Winsted and Design Matters is set to significantly enhance the range and quality of solutions available to existing and future clients of both companies. This includes working closely with A&E firms, Technology Consultants, Integrators and Technology partners. The acquisition will not only broaden the spectrum of solutions but also allow a tailored touch when creating those solutions bringing together the industry’s best solutions. “We look forward to making this a collaboration with all our Integrator and Technology partners to bring a new standard to control room design and performance. By leveraging Design Matters operator centric approach, we will be able work with our partners for better customization, addressing specific needs in ways we could not before,” Tracy said.
“The partnership with Winsted is a great fit because of their commitment to becoming more control room-focused,” Steve explained. “We see this as a chance to combine our design expertise with their product capabilities. This partnership allows us to offer clients a more cohesive approach, integrating design and product solutions seamlessly.”
Steve added that the goal is to enhance existing relationships. “We think by working collaboratively with A&E firms, Integrators and Technology partners we will deliver a better control room and in that scenario everyone wins.”
The Future Vision:
Looking ahead, Winsted and Design Matters have outlined a clear vision for their future together. Tracy described the plan, starting with the immediate goal of expanding Design Matters’ business. “Our immediate goal is to help Steve double the size of his business over the next several years. This will create a halo effect on Winsted as Steve’s influence expands our reach,” he said.
Beyond this initial goal, the partnership envisions a broader role for Winsted in the control room solutions landscape. “We could see ourselves taking a more comprehensive approach in first asking the right questions, doing the analysis and then helping to design and organize control room projects, coordinating with our technology and integrator partners,” Tracy suggested.
This more comprehensive approach starts with asking fundamental questions in four key categories with the intent to identify gaps and recommend solutions in the following areas:
Operator Productivity – Every control room is unique and demands a deep understanding of the specific challenges faced by its personnel. By developing customized solutions aimed at enhancing productivity, we focus on improving the control room environment for operators while seamlessly integrating technology systems. This approach simplifies tool interaction and usability, ensuring that control rooms operate at peak efficiency and productivity, all while prioritizing the safety of workers, the environment, and the public.
Ergonomics Health and Wellness – It’s not just about operator productivity, but also the health and wellness of the operator. Fatigue mitigation is critical and solutions such as sit/stand consoles, along with personal comfort accessories such as heating, cooling, air filtration and the best portfolio of 24/7 chairs available, are essential in mitigating fatigue and optimizing the health and wellness of the operator.
Technology Integration – A thorough understanding of the technology and how it functions together is crucial. This includes the ability to integrate the latest monitor types (large, small, curved), KVM systems, PCs, and network equipment, alongside legacy components. Proper technology storage that meets ASHRAE temperature standards is also essential. The goal is for every piece of equipment to be accounted for and to have a well-integrated, designated place.
Cable Management – A customized and well-planned cable management system that works both “Day 1 install” and “Day 2 service” is a must! Different types of cables mean different requirements. Whether it’s bend radius, bandwidth limitation, or managing air-gapped networks, or separation protocols, a thorough cable management design should be part of all new control rooms going forward.
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