Computer Systems and Website Planning

L. "THNC-station": a Computer Workstation

Updated on May 2, 2011

THNC's design for a computer workstation ("THNC-station") is an attempt to provide a terminal that empowers each employee to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Components must be present in the THNC-station to allow each person to leave in-place the work they are doing while successfully resolving interruptions.

Here is a typical multi-tasking scenario: a worker answers the phone, edits a member's account while accessing the database to answer multiple questions and then returns to the work being done before the phone call.

Instead of employing separate, specialized staffs for each type of work (data collection, product preparation, phone support, and member services), employees will be trained and capable of doing multiple jobs. Two keys to this feat are a) full access to the research database from which employees can answer members' questions, and b) the multi-capable THNC-station.

We will try to make it possible for employees to switch back and forth with the least distraction and maximum focus on each task. Each THNC-station will have the capabilities of two or three workstations. This means several screens, separate keyboards, and independent processors. Components for each THNC-station may be leased or purchased, depending on available funding and other resources like TechSoup.org.

One goal is to not rely on specialized, expensive components. It may, for example, be possible to put multiple processors in a full tower case or just use smaller boxes for each of several processors. Here are anticipated components for each THNC-station:

1. THNC-station support:
1. Comfortable, adjustable, office chair with casters and two or more adjusters for height, back angle, and more. This item may not be the same for everyone, but the functions must be identical: the chair must enable each person to comfortably work without distraction. Chair may be ergonomic, with or without arm pads and headrest.
2. Work surface of adequate size. This may be one or more desks or tables with free standing drawer stack. The objective is for people to have close-at-hand everything they need to do their work. Work surfaces may be arranged in a U or V-shape to create space for equipment, reference material, papers, etc. -- whatever arrangement suits each employee.
3. Chair and table/desk must be adjustable with respect to each other. People must be able to adjust one or both to create their ideal working posture.
4. UPS and Isobar (Tripp Lite surge suppressor). UPS must have enough capacity to allow the entire THNC-station to operate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Cross-cut paper shredder capable of shredding CDs/DVDs.



2. THNC-station components:
1. Minimum of two LCD screens, one vertical for full-page viewing and one widescreen. Size for each should be 16" to 23", and large enough to prevent eye strain. Each screen and respective boards may be capable of multiple images or PiP (picture in picture).
2. Free-standing or wall-mounted supports with height and tilt adjustment to allow proper viewing.
3. Minimum of two independent processors, one for each screen, and keyboards suitable to each person's preferences. THNC may contract to have multiple processors installed in full tower cases.
4. Communications components: cable modems, cables, etc.
5. Desktop inkjet color printer-copier.
6. Professional grade headphone with full-frequency microphone and volume adjustment and mute button. Employees will be given choices so each person uses a headset that they like.
7. Support components for added functionality: mice, trackballs, speakers, camera, free-standing microphone, work light(s), calculator, fax, etc.