Space and Productivity: Why Customized Storage Solutions Matter

Streamlining ECC Workspaces

Organization is critical in an Emergency Communications Center (ECC). Dispatchers need workstations to support productivity, speed, and workflows while accommodating personal items, essential tools, and shared resources.

Without well-planned storage, clutter builds up, response times slow, and takes a hit; and there’s nothing worse than essential tools getting misplaced, personal items piling up, and workspaces becoming more of an obstacle than a support system. That’s why storage solutions should be integrated from the start—not as an afterthought.

Thoughtful storage design:

• Sets the tone for an organized, efficient space from day one.

• Optimizes space planning by ensuring everything has a designated place.

• Improves productivity, reducing distractions and keeping the focus on critical tasks.

Let’s break down the three key types of storage that help ECCs stay organized, efficient, and adaptable.

Stacking Storage: Flexible & Shared Access

Space is always at a premium in a dispatch center, but that doesn’t mean storage has to be sacrificed. Stacking storage maximizes vertical space, creating dedicated areas for personal belongings and shared resources without crowding the workstation.

When positioned above tech cabinets, between stations, or aisle-side, these storage units keep essentials within reach without taking up valuable surface area. A dispatcher’s jacket, bag, or personal device can have a designated spot, and reference materials and frequently used supplies remain easily accessible to the whole team.

By integrating stacking storage, workstations stay clutter-free and efficient. These units can be placed above existing storage to free up desk space or shared between positions, ensuring that the most commonly used items are always close at hand.

When designed aisle-side, stacking storage becomes more than just a place to stow essentials—it serves as a central hub for shared resources, keeping the workspace clear while ensuring everything is precisely where it needs to be.

Shared Centralized Storage: The Hub of the ECC

Beyond individual storage, an ECC needs centralized solutions to keep essential tools, documents, and supplies organized and accessible. Work islands, cubbies, and storage cabinets create a structured system where binders, warrants, and critical files are always close at hand—because in a dispatch center, every second counts.

These shared storage solutions aren’t just about organization; they also maximize space. Modular designs keep pathways clear and ensure that essential items are stored where needed most, reducing clutter while improving accessibility. Instead of scattered storage or overstuffed workstations, these solutions create a streamlined environment supporting emergency communications' fast-paced nature.

Storage also doesn’t have to be static. Markerboard-faced lockers and cabinets transform everyday storage into multi-use surfaces—a place for note-taking, planning, and tracking essential updates in real- time. These thoughtful details add another layer of functionality, ensuring that shared spaces work as efficiently as the dispatchers who rely on them.

Portable Personal Storage: Versatile, Mobile & Multi-Functional

Dispatchers need storage that moves with them, adapting to the unpredictable nature of their work. Portable personal storage solutions don’t just hold essential items—they create flexibility in a space where every second and every square foot matters.

A sidecar or trolley can provide a personal storage hub, keeping important tools close at hand while staying out of the way when not in use. But beyond storage, these mobile units can serve multiple roles throughout the shift. They can be pulled up as a seat for a coworker observing during training, making it easier to shadow an experienced dispatcher without disrupting the workspace. When quick problem- solving is needed, a trolley can double as a side table or desk extension for impromptu meetings—a stable spot to review notes, plans, or incident reports.

And when the needs of the room shift, so does the storage. These units can be rolled out when needed and tucked away when not, ensuring that workstations stay uncluttered and efficient. It’s a small solution with a significant impact, bringing structure and adaptability to a constantly moving environment.

Smart Storage = Smarter ECCs

Integrating storage solutions from the beginning isn’t just about organization—it’s about creating a better workspace. Whether built-in, centralized, or portable, the proper storage ensures that every dispatcher has what they need when they need it without sacrificing space or performance.

At Watson, we design with function first, guided by the needs of our customers. Every solution we create is built to enhance productivity, maximize space, and support the daily essential work happening in ECCs. With exceptional craftsmanship and dedicated support, we deliver lasting storage solutions so your team can focus on what matters most.

Ready to reimagine storage in your ECC? Let’s talk about how customized solutions can improve your space.