Structured cabling, often referred to as structured network cabling, is the process of organizing an infrastructure of cables made up of small, standardized elements. It helps to simplify and organize a business’s cabling system to help support rapid advancements in technology. This can be used for a number of purposes including large-scale projects such as structuring the physical layer of a data center or a smaller scale project such as organizing various cables in a conference room. 

Businesses all shapes and sizes can benefit from this type of service. You may have heard this term before but you’ve likely thought “how does this really benefit me, and are the benefits worth the investment?” Today, we are going to discover just that. In this article, we will help you understand structured cabling better by discussing the benefits it brings and what it means for businesses. 

6 Major Benefits of Structured Cabling

Structured cabling is extremely important to a business’s technology infrastructure. It allows for growth and keeps the physical layer of the technological infrastructure from descending into chaos.  

While every organization is different, there are a number of reasons ways they can benefit from structured cabling:

Makes systems easier to manage

Businesses have a number of technologies that require the use of cabling. Oftentimes, these different technologies are set up one at a time over time as an organization’s technological needs grow. This creates a number of different setup designs, cables start to become disorganized and determining how each system has been set up gets confusing over time. 

By utilizing structured cabling, an organization has an easier time managing all its systems because they are all organized in the same matter. This causes less frustration and tech changes become easier to manage.

Adaptable

In today’s competitive business environment, an organization needs to easily adapt to technological changes. Structured cabling helps organizations to future proof their technology investments by making it easier to upgrade or add technology. 

Structured cabling systems provide very high bandwidth for technology and also make implementing changes a snap. This means that when an organization needs to implement newer technology, such as improved video conferencing, their systems will already be equipped to handle the implementation with little change required. 

Flexible

Much like it’s ability to improve adaptability, the structured system provides flexibility due to its ease of management. This makes it easier to accommodate new changes and upgrades.

With the speed of technological changes, many businesses need IT systems that are easily scalable. They also need to react quickly and easily. Creating a completely new design or running cables through ceilings every time a new device gets added is inefficient. For organizations who need the ease and flexibility of adding, or changing technology quickly, structured cabling helps.  

Limits downtime

With an unorganized design, IT professionals can take a long time to identify the source of an issue, troubleshoot and fix it. They will need to sort through a mess of cables and take additional time organizing cables before they even can begin resolving issues.  It can also lead to confusion and mistakes in the initial setup process. 

With structured cabling, an IT professional can more quickly troubleshoot and fix issues. This means less time spent fixing issues and less time spent by employees waiting around for problems to get fixed.

Cost-effective

Structured cabling is not just affordable, but it saves money for diagnostic issues, servicing, repairs, upgrades and new installations. When an IT technician can get to the root cause of an issue sooner or can install new technology faster, it saves the organization time and money spent on tech support services.

Keeps areas cleaner and organized

One of the biggest overlooked benefits of structured cabling is the ability to keep an organization’s cables neat and tidy. Instead of having cables sprawled across the floor, hanging out of open spaces or randomly strung up on the ceiling, structured cabling organizes cables together and in most cases hides them from site. This allows a business to maintain its professional look but it also prevents cables from being damaged. 

From corporate organizations to school campuses and even retail shops, many can benefit structured cabling.

Who does Structured Cabling Benefit?

When it comes to structured cabling, there are various business types with different technological needs that can benefit. Corporate work environments, medical facilities, entertainment venues, industrial facilities, retail establishments, schools, and the list of who can benefit goes on in on.

Essentially, anything with cables and modern technology can utilize structured cabling. Here are a few examples:

• Conference rooms
• Data centers
• Security systems
• Audiovisual setups
• Telecommunications
• Wifi and wireless network systems

If cables are run through it, then it can potentially be a situation for structured cabling. If you have a question in mind or wondering if structured cabling is right for you then make sure to connect with a structured cabling company like us here at Systcom.

Taking security measures such as installing security cameras is crucial now more than ever for businesses. Not only does it help protect the business and its employees but it also provides the ability to access footage if something were to happen. A business’s security decisions should not be done haphazardly, which is why we want to help businesses ensure the proper installation of security cameras and systems. 

Choosing the Security Camera Features That Best Fit Your Needs

Modern technology has given us the ability to provide more than a simple camera setup. As a business owner, you have access to a number of features and camera systems that allow you the best protection necessary. 

• Closed-circuit (CCTV)
• Remote Monitoring
• 360-degree fisheye (i.e. no blindspots)
• Full-color display
• HD imaging
• Cloud storage
• Motion sensor capabilities
• Intrusion detection
• Mobile alerts
• Unattended baggage detection
• Wireless options
• Waterproof cameras

All these various technologies have been designed because of the various needs businesses have. This is why it’s important to think about what your business truly needs.

Do you want to deter intruders? Is employee theft a potential issue? Does your organization want to provide safety for everyone across the campus grounds? When a business knows what they hope to gain by installing security cameras, it makes the decision of choosing which security features a much easier one. 

Of course, when you work with a professional installation company, you will also have the expertise of trained technicians to help design the security setup or give insights into features your business would benefit the most from.

Why CCTV Cameras are so Popular

A quick note on the popularity of CCTV camera systems. Security cameras have seen many innovations over the years so many business owners ask about the relevance of CCTV security cameras. With the advancements in technology, CCTV security cameras are still amongst the most popular form of surveillance. These types of cameras are installed far more often than any type of system. And here’s why:

• Reliable
• Viewed on a monitor and also is recorded
• Runs all the time, not just when motion detected
• Uses a closed-loop system that doesn’t require an internet connection (internet connections can lead to vulnerabilities)

CCTV camera systems for business are simple, reliable and because they have been around for so long, generally come with everything necessary to protect your business day and night.

Think Beyond the Security Camera

When it comes to protecting your business, you should think in terms of fully integrated security, not just having security cameras installed. Security cameras themselves only offer surveillance. This is great for deterring potential intruders or reviewing footage in case something happens but in and of themselves they are not the most efficient way to protect your business.

An integrated security system provides improved security in a number of ways:

• Better security
• More control
• Better access and monitoring capabilities
• Improved ease of use

Traditionally, security systems parts were isolated and would function independently. With an integrated security system, each component “talks” to the others allowing them to function together. This means if one system identifies an issue, the rest of the systems will be notified. It also means businesses have the ability to monitor any and all their systems wherever they are.

When there is an intruder, managers and ownership want to be notified immediately. When something happens while the business is closed, they want remote access. Some businesses have areas where access control via keycard or biometrics makes better sense than lock and key. These are the things an integrated system will allow for.

An integrated security system gives businesses more protection but it also gives them the ability to stop issues in real-time. 

Why Businesses Should Choose a Professional Installer

Nearly everything is available for purchase on the internet. Especially with the rise in connected devices, many businesses debate the merits of hiring a professional installer vs installing a simple security system themselves. 

With technological skills and help from Youtube, it is possible to install security cameras in your own business. However, it’s not the wisest business practice as you could leave your business vulnerable in a number of ways:

• Blind spots for intruders to bypass
• Shotty imaging makes it hard to identify suspects
• Lack of integration leaving the systems inefficient
• Untested systems leading to later vulnerabilities

A business may save a little bit of money upfront with a DIY install job, but if an incident were to occur, the money and time lost would far outweigh any financial benefits gained. 

Proper installation from an experienced technician, on the other hand, comes with many benefits:

• Improved Security with the right systems in place
• Less likely chance of blind spots with proper design
• Ease of use and excellent functionality with proper integration
• Cleaner looks and smoother updates with structured cabling
• Knowledge and expertise

A professional can design the system to ensure there are no blind spots and the systems being installed make sense for the business’s needs. They ensure proper installation and run tests to make sure. And they are also there to help service the systems later or make themselves available if the business has questions. 

Not only is it oftentimes more beneficial financially in the long run to hire a professional but it can also save a business many headaches and a lot of time. 

As a business seeks to protect itself and its employees it should ensure they have the right features, a properly integrated system and that the job is done by a professional who will do it right.

There are a number of Audio Visual (AV) solutions available to businesses no matter the industry. AV systems have become vital to how we communicate and do business. Could you imagine speaking at a conference, presenting a proposal to a prospective client, or making a campus-wide announcement without the use of microphones, speakers, or video screens!? 

Audio equipment, video screens, cameras, lighting, etc. All of these are aspects of AV systems and can be used in a variety of ways for different businesses. A warehouse will use PA systems throughout their buildings, office buildings will have video conferencing setups, a counseling center may have a sound masking system in place and the list of AV possibilities goes on. 

Because there are so many different AV solutions and applications we wanted to help businesses understand the potential options. 

In this article, we will explore the different types of solutions applicable for businesses and how to get the best AV experience. Of course, if you have questions you can always give us a call. 

The Types of AV Solutions

When it comes to seamless communication it’s important to have the right AV Solutions. Your technology should add value and just be something your business has to do to stay “relevant.” For example, having a video display in a conference room is good, but if the only microphone and camera are the ones on your laptop then the video display isn’t adding very much value to your conference calls.

Many businesses simply don’t really know what is available, so they are left with sub-par AV integrations. To ensure you get real value out of your equipment, we’ve broken down the main components of modern AV solutions: 

• Audio Equipment

Audio equipment should help enhance communication within your organization. It’s important for communication to be effortless wherever you are, but the sound quality also has to be high quality. There is a number of different audio equipment that your organization can utilize.

• Microphones and speakers
• PA systems
• Sound masking

• Visual displays

What can be seen is just as important as what can be heard. Your displays should be sharp and allow you to better convey whatever it is you are trying to communicate. When it comes to video displays there are a number of things to consider that can help aid in how you communicate. 

• Video Screens
• Projectors
• Cameras
• Interactive whiteboards

• Connectivity

Connectivity is the unheard and unseen aspects of AV that allow everything to work well together. It not only aids in better audio and visual quality but in some instances, it is a requirement for the audio and visual to even function. Here are some of the connectivity aspects that will help ensure your AV equipment is functioning at its optimal efficiency:

• Structured Cabling
• Network Services
• Control Panels
• Wired and wireless Integrations

With all of your AV equipment, you want to think about the user experience. If you’re installing a PA system or speakers, does it make sense to have 2-way communication? Can both the tech-savvy and the technology-inept use it? Does its functionality aid in your ability to communicate?

When exploring AV solutions, it’s important to think about the user experience, not just the basic needs. 

How to get the best AV experience for your business

With the internet, anyone with a little bit of knowledge can obtain high-quality AV equipment and learn how to plug the right cables into the right places. Many businesses choose to go this route but often end up with a subpar experience. You’ve likely experienced this in your office or when visiting another business. 

Their video conferencing is constantly having issues. Their sound and video experience is low quality. There are tangled cords and wires everywhere. The microphone only works when sitting in a specific seat And the list goes on. 

Besides the fact that they are trained and do the job all the time, there are two reasons why professional AV installers create the best AV experience. These reasons are:

• Design
• Proper Installation
• Testing

Proper installation is of course the most obvious reason because, without it, the systems simply won’t function correctly. But it means more than simply hooking the right cables into the right ports. It also means testing the installation in various ways to ensure that the setup works every time and from everywhere you need it. 

The design aspect is less obvious and is something most in-house IT people don’t think about. When an AV expert installs their systems they look into how everything works together. There is a lot that they look at that most people would not have thought of. Things like: Will the speakers allow for everywhere in the room to hear without giving feedback? Are the cameras and screens positioned in a way that every party can see well? Is the Wifi signal strong enough in this room for video conferencing or will they experience issues? How can we best organize the cables the room stays clutter-free?

Hiring or consulting with an expert AV professional is the best way to ensure your systems will provide you with the best possible experience. 

Video conferencing has been on the rise over the past several years, but exploded with the emergence of the Coronavirus. Since then, more and more businesses are looking to update or install new video conferencing systems in their offices.

As video conferencing becomes the new norm for meeting and presenting, businesses can no longer function with subpar technology. 

Now is the time for businesses to address the video conferencing technology in their offices, conference rooms and boardrooms. And we are here to help. In this article we will discuss all the AV solutions your business may want to consider, the installation process and other considerations when having new video conferencing equipment installed in your office. Of course you can always reach out if you have specific questions.

Considerations for video conferencing

“Can you hear me now?” “Hold on your video is cutting in and out” “I’m sorry you’re breaking up.” “Hey it’s Joe I’m here too, can you hear me?” – We’ve all been part of a bad video call. Sometimes it’s user error, other times it’s just a bad connection, and sometimes technology just breaks down. 

But when we plan accordingly, and begin with the right solutions in mind, we can mitigate many of the problems that business face which lead to bad video conferencing experiences. 

Here are a few things you should think about before installing video conferencing equipment:

• Sound quality
• Connection / Wireless presentation
• User friendliness and ease of use
• Functionality

The last thing you want is for your team members or yourself to be frustrated every time you attempt a video conference in the office. You want to have a seamless experience with every video call. 

As you explore different solutions, don’t forget to consider the experience you’ll have. 

The Different Web Conferencing Solutions

Web conferencing is the ability to meet or present digitally with clients, prospects and team members in different locations. When we say “web conferencing” many individuals think internet and video screen. Not much else is considered. But when thinking about a web conferencing solution for your business there’s actually quite a lot that you should consider.

• Web conferencing software
• Wireless network installation, integration and extension
  • Does the room have a strong and stable internet connection?
• Quality Visual display
  • Are the monitors and cameras installed in a way that everyone (in the room and those digitally) can adequately see each other?
• Quality sound design 
  • Is the sound quality good for all parties? Are there quality microphones so the digital parties can hear everyone in the room and is there a well designed speaker system so those in the conference room can hear the digital parties without feedback?
• Sound Masking
  • Should the conversations from the web conferences be masked for privacy or to avoid office distractions?
• Structured Cabling
  • Part of instaling video conferencing systems is to ensure that everything is organized and clutter free.

The Video Conferencing Installation Process

When it comes to video conferencing installation you want the job done right the first time. Organizations don’t want to run into technical issues down the line so they often opt to hire a professional AV installer. 

When a professional installs your web conferencing systems it simplifies the process for you and with little interference with your daily operations. Processionals often have a process that ensures quality video conferencing with great functionality.

Here’s the installation process we follow:

• The Initial Consultation

Before we do anything, we need to hear our clients needs first. We provide an idea of the scope of work so that all parties are on the same page. 

• The Design

For brand new installation jobs or updates, we help our clients design the system for the best experience. The design will address the best way to use the systems for the optimal results.

• Speaker, microphone, monitor and other equipment placement
• Testing network strength and assessing if an extender is necessary
• Ensuring the best technology for functionality sake is used
• Etc.

As the professionals, it is our responsibility to ensure that the foundation is laid well so that once the systems are installed, they function at their optimal performance.

• Installation

When it comes to installing the conferencing equipment, our team handles it all. We setup and test equipment to ensure things are functioning properly. We also structure the cabling to keep the space neat and clutter-free. 

• Maintenance and Future Upgrades

Of course no matter how well an installation job is done, accidents happen and technology can grow obsolete. If an employee breaks a piece of equipment, there’s a change in internet providers and equipment needs to be reconnected, a power outage resets the systems, etc. We make ourselves available for maintenance, repairs and upgrades. 

For our clients the process is simple. With some of your insights into what you are looking for, we help them achieve their desired conferencing room setup. 

Sound masking has been an increasing trend in Baltimore businesses as more people become aware of its benefits.  It can help offices reduce distractions and provide privacy. If you’re considering sound masking for your business, we want to help give you the information to make that decision.

What are the Benefits of Sound Masking?

The need for privacy and the knowledge that sounds can be distracting are not new concepts. However, with new information on the science of sound pollution, the effects of distraction on productivity, the continued pressure to stay HIPPA compliant, and the ability to create the technology, sound masking has been a growing trend for organizations all over the world.

Unlike most trends, sound masking is not just new technology that’s impressive to install. It carries many benefits that make it an obvious choice for many organizations.

Let’s explore the benefits:

Protects speech privacy

Many organizations require privacy to protect their clients’ private information and for internal purposes. Doctor offices, counseling centers, even conference rooms are expected to be a place where conversations can be kept confidential. Sound masking helps with this.

Improves Productivity by reducing noise distractions

We are a society that lives off the need to stay productive. While a small percentage of individuals enjoy background noise and conversations while working, the rest of the population can be easily distracted. Libraries, schools, offices, and any other shared workspace can all provide improved productivity with the help of an installed sound masking system.

Improves acoustics

Have you ever had a hard time with a conversation because you could hear everyone’s conversations? Have you ever noticed that some rooms seem very echoey? With the help of sound masking, the acoustics of a room can be improved to create a balanced comfortable environment that’s not too quiet and not too loud.

Reduces stress and mental fatigue

You may be rolling your eye thinking “can sound masking really reduce stress?” And the answer is yes. One thing we don’t consider is how much noise pollution we encounter every day in the workplace. Most office employees have to deal with distracting conversations around the office, their office mate’s radio, ringing phones, and more, all while trying to focus on the tasks in front of them. This can lead to additional mental fatigue as the days go on. 

Have you ever had a day where you just drove home with the radio off because your brain felt wiped out? That’s due to too much noise pollution. Sound masking can help stave off sound pollution, reducing the mental fatigue of employees.

Is Sound Masking the same as White Noise?

The benefits of sound masking sound great, but is it the same as white noise? The answer is no. 

While there are some similarities between the two and benefits that both provide, the two are not quite the same. 

White noise is a “localized: noise. When it’s heard, your ears and brain can determine where the sound is coming from. White noise is often used as a distraction or a focal point (think about how people use fans as white noise to help them sleep). This can end up adding to the noise of a room and can become a distraction in and of itself. 

Sound masking on the other hand creates an immersive experience that creates sound everywhere. Its unique design doesn’t just create noise but creates sound at a frequency that overlaps human speech. When installed correctly, sound masking fades into the background and goes unnoticed. 

Organizations can find uses for both white noise and sound masking technology. However, if your goal is to limit the distractions instead of creating a noisy focal point, then you may want to consider sound masking. 

How to get Sound Masking Installed at your Organization

The best way to install sound masking for your organization is to hire a sound masking expert. While you can purchase sound masking equipment and install it yourself, there’s much more to it than hooking up a few wires. The design is just as important as proper installation. 

Proper installation and design of a sound masking system require knowledge of how AV systems work so that zoning and room response are at proper levels. It also takes an understanding of how sound masking works so the speakers are placed in the correct areas and at the correct frequencies. 

Sound masking can provide an organization with many benefits, but only if properly installed. If your organization is interested in sound masking or has questions about it, please contact us at any time. 

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, the way we worked was shifting. Now, it’s been forever changed – and with that comes the need for modern boardroom technology that can serve multiple functions, without compromising on quality.

Sound Quality, Acoustics, and Reverb Reduction

One of the most significant new demands on the modern boardroom is the ability to host meetings via video conferencing. This means that excellent sound quality –both for participants inside the room and for those attending virtually– has become a necessity.

Unfortunately, many boardrooms just weren’t designed with this functionality in mind. This makes a sound quality overhaul one of the most imperative upgrades for the modern boardroom.

Reverb issues are common, and degrade the sound quality and intelligibility of participants. Reverberation is often caused by flat, hard surfaces (like tables and windows) which bounce soundwaves around the room, causing distortion.   

It’s important to note that factors like room size and ceiling height all make a difference in determining the most appropriate upgrades. For example, in a room with an average ceiling height, roughly 40% of the square footage should be treated with sound-dampening solutions for optimal sound quality.

The placement of speakers and microphones should also be reassessed. Array-microphone technologies, which actually steer and direct sound pickup, are ideal.    

Wireless Presentation Systems

With so many people working both in the office and from home, the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) culture has grown exponentially. In a meeting, this means presenters who want to share content from their laptops and tablets on a shared TV, interactive whiteboard or screen would normally have to manually connect their device to it by a cable.

This interrupts the flow of the meeting, disturbs the other participants, and wastes time. In contrast, a wireless presentation system allows attendees to project their laptop, tablet, notebook, or smartphone content without the need to plug in a cable. This makes sharing and collaborating seamless and effortless – and keeps the room free of clutter in the process!

Wireless presentation systems are currently one of the most sought-after modern boardroom technologies. To present their content, the owner of the device can either plug in a small button or ‘puck’ to start sharing or simply connect to the desired screen via the company Wi-Fi. 

Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Cameras

In face-to-face meetings, it’s natural for participants to look directly at the person speaking. Replicating this experience in a video conference where you have more than one speaker seated at the boardroom table can be a challenge – unless you have a pan-tilt camera!

These can be mounted beneath your main screen and aimed directly at the person who is currently talking, all with the touch of a button on the remote control. They’re designed to work with all the major video conferencing apps and cloud services and don’t require any OS-specific drivers.

This makes it simple to replicate the in-person meeting experience, even if your clients are conferencing in from hundreds of miles away. The modern boardroom technology behind PTZ cameras is similar to that of integrated security PT cameras, which allow you to view different angles of a room with the same camera.

Crestron Flex – Unified Conferencing

From small huddle spaces to large conference venues, Crestron Flex offers a dynamic range of desktop phones, tabletop devices, soundbars, and mobile carts that make collaboration easy.

Built upon the XiO Cloud platform, you can connect, provision, and manage anywhere from 5 to 5,000 devices, regardless of the operating system. The system was designed in partnership with Microsoft, so integrates effortlessly with Microsoft Teams, Zoom Rooms, and BYOD applications.

Each connected device instantly transforms into a multipurpose dashboard, allowing users to control everything from room scheduling and presentation launch to adjusting lighting, shades, and climate.

Crestron Flex solutions include:

• The P-Series Crestron Flex Phone and M-Series Mini Tabletop with Microsoft Teams software – up to 3 people
• The B-Series Smart Soundbar – up to 5 people
• The M-Series Tabletop – up to 15 people
• The M Series with Mic Kit – up to 30 people
• The C-Series customer solutions for large venues and lecture halls – any number of people
• The R-Series Mobile UC mobile solutions – any number of people

Available features include:

• High fidelity audio and high-resolution video
• 360° quad microphone arrays
• Beamforming technology and mic pods
• High-precision, HD intelligent cameras with 150° field of vision

Biamp Conference Room Solutions

Biamp conference room solutions use patented technologies engineered to optimize productivity in rooms of all shapes and sizes.

One of their most innovative offerings is beam tracking intelligent microphones. These point dynamic beams exactly where they are needed as the presenter moves around the space, delivering exceptional intelligibility. Other notable features include single cable solutions, burst power mode to manage peak audio in large meetings with multiple speakers, and acoustic echo cancellation.

• For huddle rooms, Biamp offers the Devio system, complete with an effortless Auto Setup feature
• For medium conference rooms, the Tesira system includes speaker-tracking parlé microphones
• For large conference rooms, the TesiraFORTE easily scales up to handle acoustic challenges with ease

Biamp conference room solutions easily integrate with Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Zoom, and Cisco WebEx – and are compatible with products from leading suppliers including HP, Lenovo, Logitech, and Poly.

In Conclusion

These 5 modern boardroom technology upgrades should be top of your list if you want to deliver outstanding presentations to your clients and enhance collaboration for your employees. 

Contact us to upgrade your boardroom technology or for more information.

A warehouse paging system can be a powerful tool for improving efficiency and productivity. Even in noisy factory environments, a PA system can allow you to easily broadcast a message to all workers, or ask a single worker to reply via an intercom or call box near their current location, or with a handheld radio. 

One of the biggest benefits of a wireless warehouse PA system is that no messy cables are needed, which can get damaged and even be hazardous in a warehouse environment with lots of traffic.    

In this article, we’ll run through 5 tips to help you choose the right paging system for warehouse use that meets your needs.   

1. Consider the square footage, shape, ceiling height, and noise level of the warehouse 

Naturally, the larger your warehouse space, the more speakers or horns you will need to make sure all staff can hear broadcasts easily. While you might already know the square footage of your warehouse, calculating the cubic footage is vital when sound waves are involved. 

If your ceilings are particularly high, this will affect what types of horns can be used and where they should be placed. You should also have a good idea of the typical noise level in the environment in decibels. 

2. Do you need a one way paging or talk back paging solution?

A one-way warehouse paging system is generally sufficient for smaller warehouses, when the solution will only be used to make general announcements, ask a worker to report to the office, alert staff to the arrival of a delivery or pickup vehicle, or for emergency or evacuation announcements. 

In contrast, talk back systems allow individuals to respond to announcements through the paging speakers or via a talkback controller. This is ideal where real-time communication between office staff and warehouse staff is required – such as getting an instant update on inventory levels of a particular product for the sales department. 

3. Could you benefit from connecting your phone to your PA system too?

Beyond talk back capability, another option is a paging system for warehouse use that also connects with your telephone system. With this functionality in place, your warehouse and technical staff suddenly becomes accessible to multiple branches, or reps traveling on the road. 

These can also be coupled with VoIP technology, allowing seamless and serverless communication between customers, office employees, and warehouse staff.   

4. What type of speakers do you need?

While high-powered horns are most commonly used in large, noisy factory environments, they’re not the only option. There are three main types of speaker to consider – ceiling speakers, wall baffles, and horns.  

Ceiling speakers:

As the name suggests, these speakers are embedded in ceiling panels. They’re suitable for heights of up to 20 feet, and should be spaced 2x the ceiling height apart. So if your ceiling height is 10 feet, for example, speakers should be placed 20 feet apart. A good option for small warehouses and storage areas. 

Wall baffles:

Instead of radiating sound downwards as with a ceiling speaker, wall baffles send soundwaves horizontally. Because of this, it’s important never to place them directly opposite one another.  

Wall baffle speakers are a good option for smaller and medium warehouses which have a ceiling height over 20 feet, but aren’t large enough to warrant horns.

Horns:

Finally, the most powerful warehouse speakers are horns. They can be used indoors, including in noisy environments, as well as outdoors. These are also the types most commonly used by airports and at large shopping centers. Depending on the power of the horn, they can be spaced 50 feet apart and upwards, and are usually mounted 20 feet above the ground or higher.

5. Self-amplified or central-amplified?

Finally, you’ll need to decide between a 70-volt central-amplified, or a 24-volt self-amplified paging system. Here’s a quick synopsis of the two options:

70-volt central-amplified for larger warehouses:

• One receiver which amplifies the signal to a number of speakers connected to the same wire. (i.e. one power supply) 
• Suitable for music and other audio, rather than just voice. 
• Can easily interface with additional peripherals like microphones.
• Cannot be used near phone lines, as the stronger signal can cause interference.
• More expensive, but easier to scale. 

24-volt self-amplified for smaller warehouses:

• Each speaker has its own power supply, which means more cabling. 
• Only suitable for voice communication. 
• No interference with phone lines. 
• More affordable, but can only be used with up to six speakers or four horns.

If you need the best of both, Systcom can design a dynamic system for you that works in tandem. Contact us today.

Buying a permanent audiovisual system has a multitude of potential benefits for your commercial building or small business – from increased employee engagement and client satisfaction, to vastly improved and effortless communication. 

To ensure you get the most from your new commercial audiovisual installation and investment, here are some key questions to consider before you decide on the AV solution that’s right for you.

1. Are you building the AV system into a new construction, or renovating an existing space?

Whether you’re installing an audiovisual system into an existing office or starting from a blank slate affects your options in several ways. With a brand new build, your options are virtually limitless, as cabling, mounting and electrical fittings can all be customized to make your vision come to life. 

With an office renovation or refresh, it’s more important to consider how the area is already used, and how it could be optimized to make presentations and communications seamless while also working within the existing infrastructure. 

Whichever situation you’re in, contact one of our audiovisual specialists for expert advice and assistance to better evaluate your options.  

2. What AV functions and daily tasks does the room need to perform?

This is perhaps the most critical question of all, as aligning your audiovisual technology with your goals is core to creating a space that is both productive and great to spend time in. 

Here are some potential different scenarios.

• You have a small space that you only intend to use for intimate client meetings.
• You have a larger room that needs to facilitate both in-house meetings and online meetings. 
• You have an auditorium sized space which needs to be updated with modern technology and with multi-panel touch screen accessibility.
• You expect to have multiple callers joining in on conference calls from all over the globe, and also need to record these meetings in high-quality for stakeholders. 
• You have a medium space that needs to fulfill lots of different functions, from impressive client presentations to one-on-one meetings. 

As you can see, the anticipated daily functions of the space will have a major impact on choosing the right equipment, as well as your anticipated budget. 

3. What is the size and shape of the room like?

Both the square footage and shape of the room (such as a curved wall or an immovable support pillar) need to be taken into consideration. Also important is how many people you expect to use the room at one time, as this might require additional speakers, screens, or microphones for everyone to be able to see and hear clearly. 

In unusually shaped or very large rooms, it’s best to have one of our audiovisual professionals in for a site assessment. Purchase and instaltion of equipment without a proper assessment can result in not having the right equipment to meet your needs or having to delay scheduled events due to improper connections. 

4. What kind of audio quality do you need?

It wasn’t until online meetings became the norm in recent times that many businesses recognized the value of good quality audio. In a single meeting, you may have some participants phoning in on their smartphones, some using video meeting software, and some dialing in on a landline from another branch.

We’ve all now had the experience of how frustrating and distracting poor audio quality is on these kinds of interactions. Thankfully, new solutions are coming out all the time, as well as simple fixes. 

For example, for large spaces with multiple occupants, we can dramatically improve audio quality by including hanging or wireless microphones into your audiovisual design, as well as improving your network capabilities so incoming audio from external sources is optimized. Professional wireless LAN installation serves as the foundation for your in-house wireless network. 

5. How should we plan our budget?

One of the best things about a commercial audiovisual system is how many options you have to choose from when it comes to equipment and technology. This means they’re flexible enough to accommodate a range of budgets and outcomes. 

We suggest you break your plan down into two categories as a start. Your ideal or dream scenario with all the bells and whistles, and the bare minimum you need for the space to accomplish its daily functions. Normally, your budget ends up somewhere in between the two. 

Remember there are both very simple solutions and elegant designer solutions available. Begin by creating a wish list of everything you’d like to have the space to be able to do. We can then assist with pricing options, availability and installation timelines, so you can prioritize and determine what makes the final cut.

6. Do I need an integrated system?

In a nutshell, an integrated audiovisual system is one where all your audiovisual equipment – from speakers and microphones to video conferencing software and displays – functions as one blended unit. Integrated systems are best suited to organizations that require state-of-the-art functionality and seamless audiovisual quality with minimal technical skills needed on your part. An integrated system is also best if you want to be able to easily customize your AV system to your unique business goals.   

7. How can we address obsolescence?

As with all modern technologies, audiovisual solutions change rapidly. If getting the latest touch panel technology isn’t in your budget, there are still a myriad of ways we can help ensure your audiovisual system investment is not quickly outdated.

To ensure our clients get the most enduring value for money, we like to focus on proven solutions that will be around for years to come, yet which are flexible enough to keep pace with changing trends. For instance, by installing high-quality hardware and physical equipment which is used by a large portion of the market, yet can easily keep pace with new software and add-on infrastructures like touch screens or control panels at minimal cost to the client.

At SYSTCOM we’ve been providing audiovisual solutions for over 20 years. Contact us today to get started with your next audiovisual project.

Virtually every organization has a server room for its network connectivity these days. It’s the hub of communication and information exchange within the organization. As such, your server room must be well-organized and clean. 

If not, your network connections may be compromised, and you can experience expensive and disruptive downtime. This will affect productivity and eat into your profits. Having a clean server room with properly organized cabling is essential for the efficient running of your network systems. 

Another cardinal rule should also be that the server room or data center is not a storage area. Boxes and any ‘stuff’ cluttering up the area are not only inefficient, but they can contribute to polluting this very sensitive area.

Follow these pro tips to overcome a messy server room once and for all. 

Bundle, Mount, and Label

The most efficient way to avoid that messy, confusing and dangerous spaghetti tangle of cables is to make sure that all cables are properly bundled and mounted. By using different colored tapes and labels you can clearly organize all your network cabling by function. 

This will ensure that they remain connected to the actual equipment that they serve. It will also make it easier to identify any issues like disconnections by lessening confusion, thus ensuring that maintenance and repair become easier and faster.

By organizing the network cabling using appropriate hardware, horizontal and vertical wire management and velcro ties, you will also achieve better airflow in your server room, which is key to avoiding overheating.

Keep it Accessible

Server room accessibility for maintenance and repair is a must as downtime costs money and impacts productivity. A messy server room compromises efficiency and causes delays. A logical structured cabling system, that is properly implemented with the use of ties and labels, facilitates speedy repair and maintenance services. 

Electronics get hot when they run for long periods, which can create a fire hazard. Data center experts have long adopted the practice of keeping server rooms at a cooler temperature to minimize overheating. Make sure that you remove any unnecessary equipment or cables, and that servers are separate and properly contained so that good airflow is maintained. 

A messy server room also increases wear and tear on your equipment, necessitating expensive repairs and replacement of equipment. Wear and tear can be lessened by cooling your server room by using fans and making sure your servers are correctly stacked. 

Adopt a Cleaning Schedule

Dirt and dust, in any shape or form, are the nemeses of a server room. It is a fact of life that premises need repair and maintenance from time to time. Construction work in particular can have a disastrous effect on the cleanliness of your server room. 

Maintain communication between your server management team and maintenance personnel. Adopt sensible precautions, such as using plastic curtains, to protect your equipment during construction or messy janitorial work.

Having a rigorous regular cleaning schedule, using antistatic cleaning solutions, high-efficiency particulate air vacuum cleaners, and microfiber mops and cloths, is also crucial. Over and above that, a deep clean, when an even more thorough cleaning of the server room is done, should be scheduled every three months.

More Pro Tips for Organizing Your Server Room

• Use Good Server Racks. An efficient system of server racks is crucial for any server room as it allows you to stack all your network infrastructure like routers and switches efficiently. Server racks come in all shapes and sizes. They can be wall-mounted or free-standing and are generally fairly customizable to fit your specific requirements.  
• Avoid excess cable lengths obstructing your rack by stacking server equipment from longer to shorter cables.
• Never leave redundant cables or obsolete equipment cluttering up your server rack. 
• If you would prefer to not use labels, color-coding cables offer another option.
• Why not invest in an electric duster that is purpose-designed for cleaning fans and server racks?

By following these pro tips, you will be able to keep your server room organized and support your team’s data exchange, communications and wireless networking services.

Is your messy server room keeping your team from pique productivity and putting your data and communication systems at risk? Systcom has been keeping server rooms organized for over 20 years. Call or contact us today.