The modern commercial landscape is constantly evolving, which in turn changes the demands on our facilities. It is no longer acceptable for buildings to merely provide shelter; they must be intelligent, adaptive, and responsive to the occupants' needs. 

This shift is driven by technological advancements in building technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT). These transform how we manage everything from security to energy consumption. 

An often-overlooked part of a building system is sound masking, which can be completely integrated with building management systems and IoT devices. By incorporating sound masking with BMS platforms and IoT devices, you can help develop a comfortable and productive environment for building occupants, clients, customers, and more. 

What Are Modern Smart Building Technologies?

Modern smart building technologies are not about automating tasks based on a schedule; it’s about creating an intelligent, interconnected ecosystem that senses, learns, and adapts in real-time. These technologies enable easier control of various aspects of commercial buildings, including security systems, HVAC, lighting, and more. 

By integrating IoT-enabled building management systems, it is possible to create a dynamic and responsible system that enables data-driven decisions, optimizing efficiency and occupant comfort. 

Some examples of modern smart building technologies include:

  • Integrated HVAC systems

  • Smart lighting 

  • Occupancy sensors

  • Advanced security systems

  • Water resource management

  • Building management systems

  • Predictive maintenance through AI and machine learning algorithms

  • Smart parking systems

  • Energy management systems

  • Sound masking systems

Sound Masking Fundamentals

Sound masking is a unique way to make your office, hospital, or other commercial property more professional and comfortable. Sound masking comprises devices that emit a specialized sound tailored to the noise in your space, which helps mask loud conversations, private information, and sudden or unexpected sounds. 

It can be used in a variety of ways, such as:

As a building system, sound masking already adapts to the noise level in the room, ensuring that a louder room doesn’t feel or sound as loud. And as we’ll see, sound masking can be integrated with other building management systems to create a robust and intelligent building ecosystem.

Sound Masking Integration Opportunities

With advanced sound masking technology, modern buildings can be dynamic and integrated. By integrating sound masking with IoT sensors, automation platforms, and edge computing, you can create an intelligent acoustic environment that enhances occupant comfort, productivity, and energy efficiency. 

The key to a dynamic sound masking system is its connection to the Internet of Things, as sound masking systems are a network of sensors that act as the system’s “ears” along with the devices that emit the unique sound masking frequency. 

Sound masking systems by Building Systems Solutions automatically adjust to the level of noise in a room, allowing the emitted sound to be louder or softer as needed to create a more comfortable environment. 

Through the use of occupancy and activity sensors, ambient noise sensors, and environmental sensors, sound masking systems create a vital component of commercial spaces. But how can sound masking integrate with other building management systems? Let’s take a look. 

Benefits of Integrating Sound Masking With Smart Building Technology 

By connecting a sound masking system to a central BMS, sound masking becomes part of a larger, coordinated system. This allows for a holistic approach to managing the entire building environment. 

BMS platforms provide centralized control over a building, which includes the ability to monitor sound masking systems, HVAC, lighting, and security systems. This can simplify administration, allow for coordinated adjustments, and help improve energy efficiency.

Additionally, sound masking can be integrated with a time-based scheduling system, enabling you to control when the sound masking system operates. That means you can shut it off on weekends if no one is around, or have it on in the morning and shut it off at night when people leave. 

Alternatively, you can use event-based automation, which allows for the automatic shutdown or reduction to a low volume if a fire alarm is triggered, ensuring that all emergency alarms are heard. 

Benefits of Integrated Sound Masking

Some additional benefits of integrated sound masking include:

How Building Systems Solutions Can Help

For the last two decades, Building Systems Solutions has striven to help facility managers develop intelligent and adaptive acoustic environments. Our commitment to our clients extends beyond installing sound masking equipment – we want to help you leverage emerging smart building and IoT capabilities to enhance your control over your facilities.  

When you have control over your facility’s operations, you can save money, conserve energy, and create a better environment for your employees, clients, customers, patients, and others. This translates to improved business operations and may lead to additional profits. 

Schedule Your Free Consultation Online Today!

If you are a facility manager, IT leader, or architectural design consultant, reach out to Building Systems Solutions to learn more about how we can help you by installing a custom sound masking system. We work with a wide range of spaces, including warehouses, commercial buildings, call centers, industrial facilities, and more. Let us help you cultivate a more productive and comfortable environment for your building. 

Call us today at 763-502-1515 to schedule a consultation or request a free quote online!