Thales chooses Treston for a customised control room workstation solution

Rethinking a demanding control room environment

As a major player in information and communication systems, Thales operates a control room at its Balard site for monitoring critical infrastructure, including access control, intrusion detection and video surveillance.

Over time, the existing workspace was no longer meeting the needs of its users. The main challenges included:

• an outdated working environment
• limited space
• a high density of equipment, with up to six monitors per workstation
• complex and poorly organized cabling
• no dedicated workstations for maintenance personnel

With several operators using the control room around the clock, the entire workspace needed to be redesigned. At the same time, there was one particularly important requirement: operations had to continue throughout the renovation.

It was really about completely rebuilding the working environment and rethinking it as a whole.

A tailored workstation solution based on on-site user needs

Due to the specific requirements of the project, a standard solution would not have been enough. The process therefore began with in-depth discussions to gain a clear understanding of both the users’ needs and the technical constraints of the site.

Following an initial proposal, the Treston team further developed the solution during an on-site visit, working closely together with the Thales team.

This collaborative approach made it possible to:

• understand how operators actually use the workspace
• take technical requirements such as cabling, equipment and workflows into account
• develop a solution together that fits naturally into the existing environment

I could see that they were genuinely interested in understanding my requirements.

When comparing otherwise similar solutions, Treston’s ability to listen and adapt the solution to Thales’ specific requirements played a key role in the final decision.

A solution designed for a demanding technical environment 

The selected solution takes a holistic approach to workspace design, helping to create a more structured environment and improve workflow.

The solution includes:

• a single central structure designed to accommodate all the required equipment
• fully integrated cable management, with a single cable entry point from above and optimized distribution
• a layout that reduces both visual and physical clutter
• a dedicated area for service personnel, making maintenance operations easier

The result is a clear, functional and durable working environment designed for intensive use.

Responsive support throughout the project

In addition to the workstation design itself, the Thales team particularly appreciated Treston’s ability to respond and adapt during the implementation phase.

Technical adjustments were made quickly when operational requirements called for changes to certain elements of the solution.

The responsiveness was excellent.

This flexibility helped ensure a smooth implementation and a final solution that met both the technical requirements of the environment and the expectations of its users.

A transformed workspace with positive user feedback

Although the renovated control room has only recently been put into operation, the initial feedback has been very positive.

The teams now benefit from:

• a clearer and better-organized working environment
• improved working comfort
• better management of maintenance and service work
• a strong perception of equipment quality 

They are delighted!

Beyond the functional improvements, the renovation has helped modernise a strategic working environment at the heart of Thales’ monitoring operations.

A demonstration of Treston's adaptability - Customised solutions for complex working environments

The Thales project demonstrates how Treston can customise workstation solutions to help solve complex technical, spatial and operational challenges.

When requirements fall outside standard solutions, a customized approach based on listening, collaboration and co-creation makes it possible to develop a workspace that truly meets the needs of its users.

We would like to thank Thales and Françoise Thiel for their trust in Treston in this project.