Are you in charge of installing a new paging system for your company’s warehouse? If so, there are some key factors you should keep in mind before getting started. In this blog post, we will discuss the essential things you need to know before installing a warehouse paging system. By following these tips, you can ensure that your new system is installed properly and functions smoothly!
Benefits of a Warehouse Paging System
A warehouse paging system is a powerful asset that can dramatically increase efficiency and productivity. In even the loudest of factory environments, a paging system makes it easy to send a message to every employee or contact an individual worker at their current location through an intercom call box or handheld radio.
A wireless warehouse paging system offers many advantages, the most notable being that there are no untidy wires to manage. This not only prevents damage and disruption of operations in a bustling warehouse setting but can also help reduce potential safety hazards. In this article, we’ll provide you with 5 key insights to assist you in selecting an optimal paging system suitable for warehouse use.
Paging Systems: What to Consider
1. Consider the physical qualities of the warehouse
When selecting a paging system, it is essential to analyze the physical characteristics of your warehouse such as its square footage, shape, ceiling height and noise level. This can help you determine what type of system is best suited for your needs. To ensure everyone is able to hear broadcasts with ease, you will need an increased amount of speakers and horns in correlation with the size of your warehouse. Knowing the square footage of your warehouse is essential, yet it’s equally important to determine its cubic footage when sound waves are part of the equation.
If you have towering ceilings, this will influence the types of horns that can be installed and where they should be located. In addition, it is critical to consider what the average sound intensity (decibels) in your area is.
2. Is talk-back required?
Do you need a one-way paging or a paging solution that allows talk-back? A one-way warehouse paging system is ideal for smaller warehouses that need to quickly communicate general information, play automated messages or background music, summon a worker to the office, notify personnel of delivery or pickup vehicle arrivals, and alert staff in emergency situations.
On the other hand, talk-back systems give people an opportunity to react to postings through paging speakers or with a talkback controller. When quick communication between an office and warehouse staff is necessary – for example, to receive a prompt update on the inventory levels of a certain product for sales – this kind of setup is ideal.
3. Does the paging system need to connect to your phone?
In addition to providing talkback capability, a paging system for warehouse use is available that can be connected with your telephone system. With this feature in place, your warehouse and technical team can be easily accessed by multiple branches or representatives who are on the go.
By integrating Voice over IP (VoIP) technology, office staff and warehouse workers can communicate effortlessly with one another.
4. What speakers are sufficient for your warehouse?
While loud, powerful horns are often used in large industrial spaces to ensure noise reduction, they’re not the only option. Three types of speakers exist to meet any sound needs: ceiling speakers, wall baffles, and horns.
Ceiling speakers
True to their name, these speakers are built into the ceiling’s panels. They’re generally suitable for heights of up to 20 feet, and should be spaced 2x the ceiling height apart. For example, if your ceiling is 10 feet tall, it’s advisable to place speakers at least 20 feet apart. Ceiling speakers are generally a good option for small warehouses and storage areas.
Wall baffles
As opposed to a ceiling speaker that sends sound downwards, wall baffles direct the audio horizontally across the space. Therefore, it is essential to never put them directly opposite of one another.
Wall baffle speakers are an ideal solution for smaller and medium warehouses which have ceilings of more than 20 feet in height, but aren’t quite expansive enough to require horns.
Horns
Horns are the most forceful speakers available in warehouses. Perfect for both noisy indoor spaces and the great outdoors, these products are designed to work in any environment. Depending on the strength of the horn, they can be strategically placed anywhere from 50 feet apart and above. Generally speaking, these horns are installed at least 20 feet high off of the ground or higher.
5. Self-amplified or central-amplified?
Ultimately, you’ll have to make the choice between a 70-volt central-amplified or 24-volt self-amplified paging system. Here’s a brief breakdown of the two options:
70-volt central-amplified for larger warehouses:
- A single receiver which boosts the signal to an array of speakers connected to the same power source.
- Perfectly suited for all audio, from music to voice recordings.
- Easily connect with additional external accessories such as microphones.
- This device should not be placed too close to phone lines, as its powerful signal can interfere with the line’s performance.
- Although it may cost more upfront, scaling is easier with this option.
24-volt self-amplified for smaller warehouses:
- Every speaker requires its own energy source, resulting in more cords and cables.
- Supports voice communication only.
- Phone lines remain uninterrupted and free from interference.
- More affordable, yet limited to six speakers or four horns.
If you need the best of both options, a combination of the two can be used. Ultimately, the choice depends on your warehouse size and specific needs. By understanding each option’s strengths and weaknesses, you can make an informed decision when selecting a system that suits your unique situation.
Paging Systems by ADD Communications
Regardless of what type of system you choose, it is important to ensure the audio equipment is properly installed in order to maximize sound quality and efficiency. If you’re ever unsure of which system would be best for your warehouse, contact an experienced professional such as the cabling specialists at ADD Communications.
We have the expertise to help you choose a system that will fit both your budget and needs. With our years of experience in this industry, we can provide you with the most up-to-date options available on the market today! Contact us to get started!
