Next week the AV One team will be heading down to the DPRTE (Defence Procurement, Research, Technology & Exportability) event in Farnborough.
Rather than just turning up with a stand and some brochures, we wanted to bring something more practical with us. So we’re building a live control room environment in partnership with Datapath to demonstrate how these spaces work in the real world.
Before we lift the curtain at the event, I thought it would be useful to explain what control rooms actually are, where they’re used and why getting the design right matters so much.
The What
At its simplest, a control room is the place where teams monitor information and make decisions.
It’s where multiple data sources, video feeds and operational systems come together to give operators a clear view of what’s happening in real time.
These environments are designed for clarity, reliability and constant performance. When something changes, operators need to see it immediately and act quickly.
That means the technology behind the scenes has to be robust, intuitive and always available.
The Why (and where they’re used)
Control rooms are used anywhere that real-time information and rapid decision making are critical.
You’ll find them across a wide range of sectors where teams need a clear, live view of operations in order to respond quickly and confidently.
For example:
Defence & Government
Supporting critical environments where security, precision and rapid decision making are essential.
Transport & Infrastructure
Monitoring complex networks such as rail, road and aviation systems to keep people and goods moving safely and efficiently.
Security & Surveillance
Providing real-time visibility across sites so teams can monitor activity, identify issues and coordinate response quickly.
Energy & Utilities
Helping operators monitor grid performance, infrastructure and distribution networks to maintain stability and service continuity.
Oil & Gas
Overseeing offshore and onshore operations, allowing teams to track performance, detect issues early and maintain safe production.
Marine
Managing vessel movements, port operations and offshore activity with a clear, live view of conditions at sea
Wherever real-time awareness is required, the control room becomes the operational centre that keeps everything connected.
The How
Designing a control room isn’t just about installing screens on a wall.
These environments have to support people who may be working long shifts, analysing large amounts of information and making important decisions under pressure.
That means thinking carefully about the layout of the space, sightlines to displays, operator comfort, lighting, acoustics and system resilience.
It also means making sure the underlying technology integrates properly so information flows smoothly between systems.
At AV One we focus on creating environments where technology supports the operators rather than distracting them.
Why It Matters to Us
Control rooms are one of the clearest examples of why specialist AV integration matters.
These systems need to run 24/7 and often support critical operations. That means reliability, usability and long-term support are just as important as the technology itself.
For us, it comes back to the same principle we apply to every project. Understand how the space will actually be used, design the system around that and deliver something that works every day.
When it’s done well, a control room improves situational awareness, speeds up decision making and gives teams the confidence that the information they’re seeing is accurate and reliable.
Final Thoughts
At DPRTE we’ll be showcasing a live control room scenario so visitors can see how these environments come together in practice.
It’s one thing to talk about integrated systems, but it’s far more useful to experience how the technology actually works when everything is connected.
If you’re attending the event, come and see the setup and have a chat with the team about how control room design is evolving.
We’re looking forward to unpacking what’s possible.
Grant’s LinkedIn post
Next week the AV One team will be heading to the DPRTE event in Farnborough and we’re bringing something a bit more practical with us – a live control room environment built in partnership with Datapath.
Control rooms sit at the heart of many critical operations, but they’re often misunderstood. They’re not just about screens and technology, they’re about giving operators the clarity they need to make fast, informed decisions.
In this month’s AV Unpacked article I’ve shared a bit more about what control rooms actually are, where they’re used and why getting the design right matters so much.
If you’re attending DPRTE, feel free to come and see the setup in person.
#AVUnpacked #AVOne #IntegratedAV #DPRTE #ControlRooms
AV One LinkedIn post
Next week the AV One team will be exhibiting at the DPRTE event in Farnborough, where we’ll be showcasing a live control room environment in partnership with Datapath.
Control rooms play a critical role across sectors including defence, infrastructure, energy and security, providing operators with the visibility and information they need to make fast, confident decisions.
In this month’s AV Unpacked article, our Business Development Manager Grant MacLean explains what makes a control room effective and why thoughtful design and reliable technology are essential in mission-critical environments.
You can read the full article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/av-unpacked-control-rooms-grant-maclean-qshme
#AVUnpacked #AVOne #IntegratedAV #DPRTE2026 #ControlRooms