5 Key Trends: What’s Shaping Control Rooms Today and How the Market Is Changing

“At PMRExpo 2025, it became impossible to ignore just how fast control rooms are transforming — from traditional command centers into data-driven, fully connected decision hubs.”

TL;DR: Control rooms are rapidly evolving into data-driven, IP-based decision centers. At PMRExpo 2025, five trends stood out: rising data fusion needs, the shift toward hybrid IP communications, stricter cybersecurity demands, simpler unified operator interfaces, and open, interoperable ecosystems. These changes are driving strong demand for flexible, modular visualization platforms like VuWall’s.

On November 25 & 26, VuWall showcased our solutions alongside partners Vomatec Innovations y a AG Neovo, as well as our sister company G&D, en PMRExpo 2025 in Cologne, Germany. PMRExpo is Europe’s leading trade show for secure communications, bringing together technology providers, integrators, and public safety professionals to explore the latest innovations in mission-critical operations and control room solutions. Having attended this show for over a decade, one thing was clear: the control room market is evolving faster than ever. Requirements, technologies, and workflows are changing at a rapid pace — especially in critical communications and security operations.

For us at VuWall, PMRExpo is more than a trade show. It gives us a clear picture of what operators, authorities, and integrators truly need today. This year, five key trends dominated almost every conversation.

1. Control rooms are becoming data-driven decision centers

Control rooms are no longer only about radios or camera views. They are turning into information hubs, where video feeds, IoT data, GIS maps, incident-management systems, voice communication, and analytics all converge.

What we heard at the show:

• Operators need fast access to all relevant data in one unified interface.

• They rely on real-time information — not just video streams, but dashboards, widgets, and KPIs.

• The trend is toward fully fused situational awareness in a single, intuitive view.

Why it matters:

When situations become complex, every second counts. Good visualization improves situational awareness and helps operators make the right decisions faster. Operators are challenged with “data overload.” The challenge is no longer collecting information — it’s presenting it in a way that’s actionable.

2. The shift from traditional radio to hybrid, IP-based communication systems

Many control rooms are in the middle of a major technology transition. They are moving away from legacy, closed systems toward hybrid architectures built around IP, broadband, private 5G, and new data sources.

Key takeaways from PMRExpo:

• Operators want more flexibility and scalability.

• Integrators need solutions that can be integrated into existing infrastructures without full system replacements.

• Security and redundancy remain top priorities as systems become more interconnected.

This shift is driving strong demand for modern visualization and signal management systems that can reliably handle multiple IP streams and external data sources. We are seeing a rise in “phased modernization” — control room upgrades done step by step, to avoid downtime while introducing new tech.

3. Cybersecurity is now non-negotiable

Cybersecurity was one of the most important topics this year. Critical infrastructure, public safety agencies, and industrial operations are facing more cyber threats than ever.

What became clear:

• Zero Trust concepts are quickly becoming standard.

• Offline capabilities, redundancy, and segmented networks are now mandatory.

• Visualization platforms must be secure, tamper-resistant, and easy to maintain.

IT security and AV technology can no longer be treated separately — they are one integrated responsibility.

What more? Many visitors specifically asked about certifications and auditability. Transparency and verifiable security are key decision factors now.

4. Operators want simpler, unified interfaces

Operators are being asked to monitor more systems in parallel than ever before. This makes workflow simplification essential.

Most discussed topics:

• A single unified interface instead of many isolated applications

• Automation of repetitive tasks

• Preset- and scene-based workflows

• Reduced complexity at the operator desk

• Seamless switching between sources, workstations, and video walls

The objective is clear: operators should focus on the situation – not on managing tools.

Younger operators entering the field expect consumer-grade usability. Intuitive UX is no longer optional.

5. Interoperability and open ecosystems

PMRExpo made one thing very clear: control rooms can no longer be planned as closed systems.

Operators now expect:

• Open APIs

• Standard protocols

• Easy integration of third-party tools

• Modular, future-proof platforms

In short: The best system is the one that works well with all others.

Open ecosystems reduce long-term vendor lock-in — a major concern for agencies and integrators planning multi-year modernization projects.

What this means for VuWall

These trends confirm how important it is to support control-room teams with a unified platform that can visualize, manage, and control every source and system.

From our discussions at PMRExpo, a few clear messages emerged:

• Strong demand for integrated, modular control room solutions

• A desire for intuitive workflows instead of multiple disconnected tools

• A growing need for flexible, IP-based architectures

This is exactly where VuWall continues to focus our innovation.

Conclusión

PMRExpo 2025 made one thing unmistakably clear: control rooms are becoming more connected, more visual, and more intelligent. They are evolving from technical spaces into true decision centers, where information and communication must come together seamlessly.

We look forward to continuing to support operators, integrators, and partners — and helping shape the next generation of control-room technology. To talk to a control room expert, contact us. To schedule a live demo of our solutions, pulse aquí. Our experts are here to help!