How to optimise cable management in control rooms and trading floors

Behind every split-second decision on a trading floor - or every critical response in a control room is a complex web of technology, all connected by cables. Each workstation is a hub of activity with cables supplying critical data to ensure workers can monitor, react, and make decisions without disruption.

Why cable management matters

Trading floors and control rooms rely heavily on technology. Each workstation might support up to six or more monitors, multiple CPUs, communication systems, and power supplies. The result? Plenty of cables - power cords, data cables, HDMI, Ethernet, fibre optics, and more - all of which must be carefully managed.

Good cable management helps create a tidy, uncluttered workspace, which is critical for workers doing jobs requiring intense focus. Your workstation will look more presentable and be easier to clean and maintain.It also reduces the risk of cables getting in the way or becoming a trip hazard.

The unique challenges of cable management in trading floors and control rooms

Unlike standard office environments, trading floors and control rooms present unique demands:

High cable volume: The sheer number of devices and connections per desk.

Rapid reconfiguration: Frequent technology upgrades and role changes require flexible infrastructure.

24/7 operation: Downtime isn't an option—cable routes must allow for swap-outs and non-disruptive changes.

Heat management: Poor cable layout can obstruct airflow, leading to overheating.

Security and compliance: Sensitive data cables may need to be physically secured and separated.

These environments need more advanced cable management than standard office setups. They require bespoke cable systems integrated directly into the desk structure.

Accessories that help with cable management

A cable tray under your desk

A cable tray supports and contains cables, stopping them from hanging down or getting on the floor. It attaches to the underside of your desk and keeps cables tidy so they don't affect your legroom.

Cable management chains

Cable chains are made from plastic segments that encase the cable. They look a little like a spine and are flexible and articulated to protect the cables as they move. A quality cable chain will shield a cable from damage and extend its lifespan. They are useful for height-adjustable desks as they prevent cable strain, tangling or disconnection during movement.

Look for quick-release cable chains. These allow you to easily open, remove, or reconfigure chain sections without tools. Technicians can quickly access or swap out cables without dismantling the entire chain or unthreading every cable.

Cable slinkys are an alternative to cable management chains. They offer a coiled, spring-like structure that moves freely with the desk. Cable chains are an easy to install and discreet option for cable management.

Wireless chargers

These are integrated directly into the desk surface and can be used to charge phones and other devices. They have a flat surface that you can place your device on to charge it. They eliminate the need for charging cables, which can clutter the desk surface.

A monitor arm that contains cables

A well designed monitor arm will allow you to route cables through it. A built in channel within the monitor arm keeps power, data and video cables neatly contained. This is critical if you use multiple screens to keep the cables out of your way and your desk looking tidy.

Desk grommets

If you use plenty of tech your desk will need to be designed with a port hole in it to feed the cables through. A desk grommet is a plastic disc that inserts into the hole to keep the cables tidy and maintain a clean aesthetic appearance. It routes the wires out of your desk and keeps them out of your way. You can hide the desk grommet behind a removable panel for an even tidier appearance.

Cable clips

Cable clips are small fasteners that hold cables in place and guide them along a desired path - like under a desk, along a wall, or behind equipment. You secure the clip to a surface and snap or slide the cable into it.

Cable management for height-adjustable desks

Cable management is especially important for sit-stand desks, where cables need to move up and down with the desk without getting stretched, tangled or yanked loose. Your cable setup has to be flexible enough to move with the desktop but still tidy and secure. That's where solutions like cable chains, flexible cable sleeves, and under-desk trays come in. These guide and protect the cables as the desk moves, preventing strain on the connections and keeping everything tidy.

A good setup will have just the right amount of slack - enough to move freely but not so much that cables droop or drag. Good cable management is essential for anyone using a sit-stand desk in a high-performance environment.

laptop docking station — Laptop docking station

Docking stations

Docking stations are a great way to simplify cable management, especially in setups with multiple devices. You can place your laptop on the docking station to convert it into a desktop. The docking station connects your computer to power, monitors, and ethernet peripherals. Everything is consolidated into a single hub, so you don't have to plug in a tangle of cables every time you sit down to begin work. A docking station will help reduce desk clutter by eliminating stray cables.

Power strips for cable management

Power strips help organise power cables into manageable routes. When mounted under the desk or inside a cable tray, they keep plugs off the floor, prevent clutter, and allow for neater cable bundling.

Accessibility for maintenance

A well designed control room or trading desk will have a sliding desktop that gives technicians access to cables and sockets below without having to dismantle anything. This means maintenance, and upgrades can happen with minimal disruption, which is critical in 24/7 environments like control rooms and trading floors.

Looking to upgrade your cable management systems? At Technology Desking, we offer a range of integrated cable management solutions designed specifically for trading floors and control rooms. Explore our cable management options here.