Josh Patrick, Director of Sales at RedRick Technologies speaks to SJA about creating the integrated security operations center of the future.

Ergonomic workspaces

“I’ve been with RedRick Technologies for over a decade now and currently I’m serving as Sales Director for North America,” Patrick began.

With the company designing and developing ergonomic workspaces for security professionals that include workstations, monitor mounting solutions, accessories and peripherals, Patrick explained that the aspect of his job that he enjoys the most is getting to work closely with his customers.

“It’s important to interact with them as much as possible to ensure the successful outcomes of the designs we’re delivering to them, and also to learn as much as possible about their work environments, anything they foresee being a challenge in the future, to enable our product development and marketing teams to align with their needs,” he added.

Patrick emphasized that every console and implementation is an opportunity to gain insights into how customers’ professional lives can be improved.

Life in the security operations center

Further on the topic of challenges, Patrick noted that some of the frequent issues reported by personnel in security operations centers (SOCs) include the fact that sustained focus and sharp decision making are required consistently.

“These centers can often be fast paced,” Patrick noted.

“They require operators to monitor large volumes of data and information from multiple sources, like video feeds, alarm systems and network monitoring.”

He explained that the constant need to pay attention can result in both mental and physical fatigue.

The mixture of high stress work with a sedentary environment, where personnel are often sitting and dealing with repetitive movements, can create tension through poor posture or uncomfortable workstations.

He added that these types of roles are known to increase the risk of repetitive strain injuries over time, which can ultimately impact an employee’s health and their effectiveness in their role.

The solutions available

Patrick highlighted that a good ergonomic solution is critical when enhancing both physical comfort and the mental performance of personnel in security operations center environments.

“In high pressure situations, it really is essential to have a properly designed workstation,” he said.

“One way to ensure this is to have good monitor-mounting systems with adequate adjustability that reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) or chronic back and neck issues, which are commonplace in environments that demand long hours at a desk.”

He emphasized that in a sedentary work environment like a security operations center, it’s important to give users the ability to avoid a fixed posture.

“Even postures that would be deemed ‘correct’ can be harmful over a long period of time,” he explained.

If the same position is adhered to by personnel for many hours or days, this can have a highly detrimental effect.

“Solutions that allow users to easily make adjustments, not only between shifts, but throughout their own shift as well, are critical,” Patrick said.

He added that the solutions used by security operations centers should be robust, easy to use and engaging, with minimal distractions caused by physical discomfort or injury.

The overall goal is to enable operators to be more focused on their tasks and improve their efficiency.

Integration in the security operations center

“Integrating these ergonomic solutions with the rest of the security operations center is really case by case,” said Patrick.

“Our ergonomic solutions are designed to be customizable and flexible so that they can seamlessly integrate with existing security operations center environments and layouts.”

He explained that by working with facility managers and security directors, RedRick ensures that its products complement the other technologies that they work alongside, such as control systems, video walls or any desktop devices.

“Our consoles are very flexible and they can adapt to the different needs at each customer’s facility,” he added.

Regardless of the console display arrangements, desktop devices and other integrated equipment, it’s possible to create a design that optimizes the use of other devices at the same time, creating a truly integrated system and even enhances the flow of operations.

“The aim is for our systems to blend into the background and facilitate operations, rather than being another device competing for the attention of personnel,” Patrick said.

Improving security operations

Patrick explained that when security personnel are given ergonomic work spaces, it significantly enhances their focus, productivity and job satisfaction, leading to more effective operations.

By reducing physical discomfort and fatigue, operators can remain more alert and focused for longer periods of time, which is crucial in high stakes environments like operation centers.

“Improved user comfort reduces errors, enhances decision making capabilities and boosts retention rates,” Patrick added, which has been a large part of the security conversation lately as recruitment becomes more difficult and retention rates uncertain.

Additionally, as employees begin to experience more burnout than ever before, any solutions that help personnel feel supported is vital.

Ergonomic workspaces

Patrick explained that at RedRick Technologies, the company is committed to supporting its clients primarily through the development and implementation of ergonomic workstations.

With height adjustable stations that can be built in any shape or size, the stations can host any sort of monitor arrangement customized to any user.

Patrick emphasized that rather than just distributing a catalog of products and leaving clients or integrators to manage the decision-making on their own, RedRick is always fully engaged with design support and often engages with its clients, architects and planners as well to ensure the best outcome possible.

“We also provide training to ensure that operators understand how to utilize these new workstations to get the most benefit out of them,” Patrick added.

“Our solutions are built to last of course, and we’re committed to providing ongoing, reliable support, so those systems continue to optimize facilities for years after they’re installed.”

The security operations center of the future

“Thinking ahead to the future, I think that hardware is going to become simplified,” Patrick said.

“A lot of the legacy equipment that we’re integrating with in security operations centers today won’t be there soon.”

He expanded that the server racks, number of CPUs at every individual operator station and devices will be pared down.

One benefit of this will be simpler cable management, however Patrick does not predict the number of displays used in security operations centers to decrease.

If anything, he expects it to expand, which means that although it will be easier to get information to operators, the level of information they will have to process will increase, requiring more visual real estate.

This will only increase the ergonomic challenges in these spaces, creating the next frontier.

ISC West

“We’re really excited to be at ISC West and showcase examples of our security operations center products,” said Patrick.

“We look forward to all the conversations that let us help attendees understand how flexible our designs can really be.”

He explained that at ISC West, while RedRick will be showcasing certain examples of solutions, the company takes a much more consultative approach when it comes to design and implementation.

“We consistently work with customers who come to us with unique challenges, and that keeps us nimble,” he added.

“Personally, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to explore the show more ourselves and engage with other exhibitors who would have use for the type of solutions that we can provide.”

About Josh Patrick

For over a decade, Josh has led RedRick Technologies‘ sales and marketing efforts, with a focus on ergonomic solutions for security, dispatch and healthcare markets.

As Director of Sales, he supports business growth by identifying and delivering solutions that enhance productivity and wellbeing in challenging work environments.

This article was originally published in the special ISC West 2025 March edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.