<![CDATA[Building System Solutions Blog]]>https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/bloghttp://www.rssboard.org/rss-specificationSunBlogNuke RSS Generator Version 8.4.0.0Fri, 29 Mar 2024 11:42:19 GMTFri, 29 Mar 2024 11:42:19 GMTen-ushostmaster@tritoncommerce.com (Building System Solutions)0https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Installation/DNN_SunBlogNuke.pngBuilding System Solutions Bloghttps://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/blog <![CDATA[10 Industries That Benefit Most From Sound Masking]]>https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/blog/entryid/33/10-industries-that-benefit-most-from-sound-maskingSound MaskingSoft dB ProductsPrivacySound managementBuilding Systems Solutionshttps://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/blog/entryid/33/10-industries-that-benefit-most-from-sound-maskingMon, 18 Mar 2024 16:00:00 GMT0https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.ashx?id=33<![CDATA[What's Your Speech Transmission Index & How Do You Fix It?]]>https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/blog/entryid/36/whats-your-speech-transmission-index-how-do-you-fix-itEvery indoor and outdoor space affects how speech and other noises carry and affect the surrounding environment. In order to measure this, scientists created the Speech Transmission Index in 1971, which was a quicker way to determine the speech intelligibility of a space than the current methods at the time.

The sound masking experts at Building Systems Solutions explain the Speech Transmission Index and how you can improve the STI of your office building or other noisy space.

What Does Speech Transmission Index Measure?

In short, speech transmission index (STI) is a measure of speech transmission quality. The STI measures characteristics of a transmission channel, such as a room, telephone line, etc., and denotes the ability of the channel to carry across the characteristics of a speech signal.

There are many factors that influence a transmission channel, which has an effect on speech intelligibility.

These include:

  • The speech level
  • Frequency response of the channel
  • Non-linear distortions
  • Background noise level
  • Quality of the sound reproduction equipment
  • Echos
  • Reverberation time
  • Psychoacoustic effects (masking effects)

How Is Speech Transmission Index Represented?

The STI is a numeric measure of the communication channel that varies from 0 = bad to 1 = excellent. It can predict the likelihood of syllables, words, and sentences being comprehended.

According to this scale, an STI of at least .5 is considered desirable for many applications.

How to Measure STI

There are two methods for measuring STI. One is called Full STI, and the other is STIPA.

Full STI

This measurement requires 98 separate test signals with 14 different modulation frequencies and requires 15 minutes per measurement.

This method is very time-intensive, particularly for large spaces.

STIPA

The Speech Transmission Index for Public Address (STIPA) is a simplified version of Full STI and requires only one test signal.

The signal is comprised of modulated pink noise with two modulation frequencies in each octave band. A measurement can be taken in 15 seconds with a similar performance to the Full STI.

The test signal is sent over a transmission channel, such as a PA system, and the sound pressure level of the test signal is measured at the listener location. The STI is calculated from the change in modulation depth between the transmitted and received channels.

How to Improve Speech Intelligibility

There are a few ways to improve the speech intelligibility of a channel or space.

Room Acoustics

A room or location’s acoustic characteristics have an important influence on speech intelligibility. The primary factor to consider is whether the direct sound to the listener is dominant over any sound reflections that might occur.

To correct this, sound-absorbing objects can be installed, such as curtains, carpets, upholstered furniture, or special acoustic panels.

Background Noise

A lot of ambient noise can deteriorate speech intelligibility. This happens when a room is insufficiently shielded from nearby noise sources.

To correct this, better windows can be installed, and noise barriers or similar measures can help reduce external noise.

Voice Alarm Systems

For a voice alarm system, any distortion, defective components, or incorrectly wired speakers can cause poor speech intelligibility.

A bad layout of the system can also cause bad STI measurements. Too few speakers can cause “holes” in certain areas where the message cannot be heard. To correct this, check all components of a voice alarm system for functionality.

It is also a good idea to add more speakers to ensure the entire space is covered.

Protect Speech Privacy With Sound Masking & BSS

Sound masking is essential for many industries, as it provides speech privacy and increases comfort for those in the space, such as hospital patients. Sound masking provides ambient background sound to a space that can reduce or mask noise distractions and protect conversations. While it does not cancel out other sounds, it is a sound that is engineered to match the frequencies of human speech.

While having good STI is important in many spaces, sound masking can help reduce the noise produced in an environment where speech and other noises carry throughout the space, causing distractions. Sound masking also has a high ROI.

At Building Systems Solutions, we provide sound masking services, including space analysis and installation of Soft db sound masking products. We can also provide emergency warning and paging systems to ensure building occupant safety during emergency situations.

For more information, give us a call today at 763-502-1515 or send us a message online.

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Sound managementBuilding Systems Solutionshttps://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/blog/entryid/36/whats-your-speech-transmission-index-how-do-you-fix-itMon, 12 Feb 2024 18:00:00 GMT0https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.ashx?id=36
<![CDATA[Who Can Benefit From an Emergency Warning System?]]>https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/blog/entryid/5/who-can-benefit-from-an-emergency-warning-systemWhen you think of who might use an emergency warning system, you might think of factories that work with hazardous materials or hospitals that are in charge of bringing patients to safety during a natural disaster. If you’re in a corporate or retail setting, you might think this technology has little use in your specific industry. Won’t a simple intercom system suffice?

Unfortunately, in an emergency, this is hardly ever the case; you need something reliable, clear, and easy to access. Custom emergency alert systems have a much wider market than one might think. 

Building Systems Solutions, a sound management and speech privacy systems company defines the scope of emergency warning systems.

How Do Emergency Warning Systems Work?

Emergency warning systems function by using a collection of warnings, such as text updates, loud alarms, flashing lights, automated messages over PA systems, and more, to alert a building’s occupants of an emergency. 

A controller, such as a security guard, will prepare the message and send it out to speakers, cell phones, or two-way radios. 

These systems can include a physical console to manage the alerts, a speaker system, a computer system, and extra capabilities to make sure all alerts are distributed as necessary. 

Anyone Can Benefit From a Custom Emergency Alert System

No matter the industry, no matter the size of the company or campus, absolutely any entity can benefit from a custom emergency alert system. From manufacturing companies to college laboratories to shopping centers, the practical applications of solid emergency warning systems for business are endless.

Of course, that’s easy for a sound management company to say: What exactly makes our emergency warning products so widely usable?

Emergency Warning Systems Show you Care

By installing an emergency warning system in your business, you’ll be able to quickly notify customers and employees alike of a potential threat and quickly get them to safety. You show concern for their lives and take responsibility for their well-being while on your business’s campus. 

Is there anything more obvious that you, as a business, can do to show that you care?

Emergency Warning Systems Help With PR

Should an emergency happen, quick evacuation of all customers and employees from your business’s campus is vital for PR purposes, regardless of your industry. After all, there isn’t much else that makes you look as irresponsible as being unprepared! 

From a PR standpoint, a custom emergency warning system is a wise investment for almost any company.

Emergency Warning Systems Save Lives

A worker or customer lost to a disaster is more than just a name reported to the news and more than an obituary in the back of the Sunday paper. Each person lost due to a poorly managed emergency is a person lost. 

Responsible companies will do their moral duty and protect anyone who sets foot on their campus with a custom emergency warning system.

Industries That Need Emergency Warning Systems

Our emergency warning systems designs, of course, have specific niches in specific industries. Those wherein safety risks are substantial, even with stringent precautions, have a particular use for this technology.

Manufacturing Applications

Anywhere hazardous materials are handled benefits from such a system, including factories. Staff need to know about any spillages and equipment malfunctions so that they can take action and get to safety. 

An emergency warning system with geofencing technology might be helpful in this context. By reaching all the employees in a specific area (i.e., a specific plant), you can quickly notify those at risk without much stress. 

Business Applications

‘Business’ is a bit of a vague industry, if it can even be considered an industry. We’re referring to fields and situations where working in large, hard-to-navigate buildings is common, such as in large financial institutions and corporate offices. 

Though safety precautions are plentiful, getting out of these many-floored, often urban buildings and finding a safe place to regroup isn’t ever easy. That’s why these companies should invest in top-notch emergency warning systems. 

Employees need all the time possible to evacuate or otherwise take action, and time cannot be wasted deciphering unintelligible instructions.

Food Production Applications

Laws surrounding food production and packaging are strict, and for good reason. Without proper protocol, disease outbreaks would run rampant. 

But employees need to know if there’s a breach in this protocol—IE, a machine malfunction—so the error can quickly be righted and proper disposal and safety measures can take place. 

This is especially pertinent to the meat and poultry industries, where improper food handling can quickly and easily contaminate the product.

Business or College Campus

It can be challenging when you have to alert many people spread out among many buildings. Likely, your buildings were constructed at different times and contain different emergency alert technology. 

With a newer emergency warning system, you can ensure everyone on the campus receives the same message and responds in the appropriate way. 

Additionally, if a message needs to go to one building and not alert the entire campus, then a sophisticated emergency warning system can send the message only to those who need it. Alerts can be sent through cell phones and two-way radios to ensure full receipt of the information. 

Apartment Complexes

Like college campuses, apartment complexes can benefit from a synchronized emergency warning system. Many apartment complexes are made up of several buildings, and if there is an emergency, like a fire, in one building, the other residents must also be informed. 

Incorporating different types of warning systems, like loud alarms or flashing lights, can help accommodate people living with different disabilities. An emergency alert system can also help give more time to those who need physical assistance evacuating a building.

All Companies That Care Benefit From Emergency Warning Systems

If you’re looking to install a custom emergency warning system, we commend you; you’re taking a valuable step toward ensuring the ultimate safety of your customers and employees alike. Consider catering to their comfort, too, with a Soft dB sound masking system!

For the most reliable, state-of-the-art emergency warning technology and more, contact Building Systems Solutions of Blaine today at 763-702-1515.

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Sound MaskingEmergency Warning SystemSound managementBuilding System Solutionshttps://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/blog/entryid/5/who-can-benefit-from-an-emergency-warning-systemMon, 22 Jan 2024 18:00:00 GMT0https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.ashx?id=5
<![CDATA[How to Know You’ve Found the Right Sound Masking Company]]>https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/blog/entryid/17/how-to-know-youve-found-the-right-sound-masking-companyCongratulations on your decision to invest in sound masking! As professionals in sound management and related technologies, we’d like to assure you your money will not be wasted. By putting resources toward sound masking systems, you’re putting resources toward both worker comfort and productivity, in addition to a more comfortable environment for your clients. It’s a smart use of funds.

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Congratulations on your decision to invest in sound masking! As professionals in sound management and related technologies, we’d like to assure you your money will not be wasted.

By putting resources toward sound masking systems, you’re putting resources toward both worker comfort and productivity, in addition to a more comfortable environment for your clients. It’s a smart use of funds.

How do you know you’ve found the right professional to do the job? No doubt, you’ve gleaned from our website that the world of sound management is quite complex.

You’ll need an experienced hand to make sure your business can maximize all the benefits such technology can bring. Building Systems Solutions answers this question – it’s a bit more multifaceted than meets the eye!

Company Culture

Your business probably knows that there’s a lot more to succeeding in your field than being able to provide a certain service or sell a particular product. It’s a line of thinking that’s true in various industries and, indeed, in that of sound masking.

While your sound masking company of choice must be able to, of course, provide you with sound management solutions, they must also be professional, compassionate, and solution-oriented.

Professional

Professionalism is about more than dressing and speaking a certain way; It’s about observing such formalities to communicate that a company cares about a client. While there are certainly other ways of communicating this caring attitude, polished mannerisms are a solid indicator that your sound masking company cares about both you and their work.

Compassionate

Though professionalism is important, it’s crucial that sound masking companies mind the human element of their work. Sound masking often deals with matters such as worker comfort, and a failure to empathize with such humanistic concerns means that their clients would miss out on a huge benefit of proper sound management.

Solution-Oriented

Great sound masking companies view themselves as the solution to your sound management problems, and they tackle your problems, as well as ones that arise during the process, with thoughtful consideration and service.

Quality Sound Masking Products

Professional sound masking companies only use the best products available. With sound masking, the quality choice is Soft dB products. Unlike speakers and PA systems, Soft dB products adapt to the changing environment as sound levels increase and decrease. They monitor the ambient noise and adjust automatically to compensate.

Soft dB products come in sensors, controllers, and speakers. Each component is important to a well-designed sound masking system. Because each space has unique acoustic characteristics, a sound masking system needs to be thoughtfully designed and executed. Having the right products helps.

Professional Installation

After designing your sound masking system, a good sound masking company will perform professional installation services. Professional installation means the installers are courteous and efficient as they install the devices, and final cleanup is done to ensure the space is back to what it was before. If any questions arise during installation, a good company will be happy to help answer and explain what they are doing and why it works.

Ongoing Support

Some companies will disappear after you pay your final bill. However, a good and competent sound masking company will continue to provide support long after the installation.

After all, devices can fail, your company may grow and need additional devices, or you may just have more questions after you experience sound masking for the first time. Continuous support is important when providing excellent customer service, and a company worth its salt will do just that.

Contact BSS for Seamless Sound Management Systems

Building Systems Solutions strives to be your one-stop, stress-free solution for all your sound management needs. From professional sound masking to emergency warning and paging systems, BSS can provide consultation and installation services that are unmatched.

Give us a call now at 763-502-1515 or contact us online to get to know us and the services we offer. We look forward to serving you!

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Sound MaskingSoft dB ProductsPrivacySound managementBuilding System Solutionshttps://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/blog/entryid/17/how-to-know-youve-found-the-right-sound-masking-companyTue, 12 Dec 2023 18:00:00 GMT0https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.ashx?id=17
<![CDATA[Questions to Ask for Your Sound Masking Consultation]]>https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/blog/entryid/26/questions-to-ask-before-your-first-sound-masking-consultationIf your business is investing in new sound management technology, it’s time to get excited! Increased worker productivity and comfort are something to celebrate!

Plus, with attentive and personalized service from Building System Solutions, you can rest easy knowing that your sound management system will contend with the best of the best. Our staff will spare no effort to make sure your sound masking system is everything you hoped it to be and more.

Before Your Consultation

Before your first consultation, ask yourself a few questions, so you have a sense of the issues you want a sound masking system to solve and how much you can afford for a solution.

What Are Your Facility's Problem Areas?

Is there a space that employees avoid because it’s just too noisy there to get anything done? Are there rooms wherein you have urgent and pertinent privacy problems? Jot them down in a list somewhere and bring them to your first appointment to make sure all your concerns are covered.

Though our team is as thorough and detail-oriented as they come, it saves valuable time if we know where to focus our efforts to cater to your satisfaction. We want to leave you completely happy with your sound management, and we love it when our clients share the same goal!

What’s Your Budget?

Sound masking more than pays for itself in the boosted productivity and profits you’ll receive after its installation. That being said, just like with any renovation, there is an upfront cost, and it’s helpful to have your price point on hand before the consultation begins.

We at Building Systems Solutions strive to create the pinnacle of excellent speech privacy, no matter the limitations. So instead of asking, “How much does a sound management system cost,” it’s better to ask, “What am I willing to pay?” Sound masking doesn’t have to break the bank in order to see incredible results.

If you want specifics, though, sound masking systems can run anywhere from a dollar to three dollars per square foot. You can also check out our sound masking system ROI calculator to have an idea of your potential ROI.

Does Your Space Have Speech Privacy Requirements?

Speech privacy, from a legal standpoint, is of great concern in financial institutions and healthcare buildings.

While any properly installed sound masking system will reduce the intelligibility of speech from across the room, you may want to understand what’s required of your building in terms of HIPAA standards, the Gramm-Leach Bliley Act, or any other applicable regulation to get the most out of your installation.

During Your Consultation

The best way to be prepared for a consultation for sound masking is to have your questions ready. Not sure what to ask? Here’s a list of questions to keep in mind.

  • How long have you been working as a sound masking technician?

  • Can you provide similar examples of work you’ve completed in the past?

  • Can you explain the installation process?

  • What sound masking products do you use and why?

  • Will you conduct a noise assessment to determine the specific needs of our space?

  • Can you provide references from previous projects?

  • Are sound masking systems customizable to our different areas or departments?

Satisfactory answers to these questions will help you determine if you’ve found the right sound masking company. It also helps if the sound masking technician is professional, compassionate, and solution-oriented.

A good sound masking technician will also know the needs of your type of space before they even arrive, such as needs for banks, hospitals, or other institutions that host private conversations.

Building Systems Solutions: Supportive Sound Masking

No matter what your business hopes to get out of advanced sound management, we’ll make it happen.

Building Systems Solutions is dedicated to providing the best sound masking products and installations for every customer. You’ll love the change in your workforce after a sound masking system has been installed, with more productivity and happier workers.

Give our Blaine office a call today at 763-502-1515 or send us a message on our website for more information. 

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Sound MaskingSoft dB ProductsSound managementBuilding System Solutionshttps://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/blog/entryid/26/questions-to-ask-before-your-first-sound-masking-consultationWed, 08 Nov 2023 18:00:00 GMT0https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.ashx?id=26
<![CDATA[How to Make Sound Comfortable in an Open Office]]>https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/blog/entryid/22/how-to-make-sound-comfortable-in-an-open-officeMany businesses opt for open office plans in their buildings. Open office spaces help foster a collaborative and friendly environment where impromptu meetings can solve problems immediately rather than waiting for the next meeting. However, not every employee likes being surrounded by ceaseless chatter all the time, so as a business owner, it’s your job to take responsibility for your open office’s sound management.

Provide Spaces for Quiet Work

Even if your less-extroverted team members wear headphones, for some, the constant noise that comes with working in an open-office still can become grating, which impacts both productivity and well-being.

By designating even a couple of side rooms as quiet zones, you allow these workers to flourish in an environment where they can get stuff done to the best of their ability.

Isolate Noisy Areas

Just as you provide spaces for quiet work, you should also provide them for collaborative work. When your team is given a designated place to make relatively loud conference calls or excitedly discuss ideas, quiet rooms will stay quieter, and your extroverted employees can truly shine.

It’s a win-win for every type of worker.

Ensure the Ultimate in Comfort With Sound Masking

It’s a fact that sound management systems fit into all office cultures and structures, including your open one.

The right sound masking systems diminish the noticeability of faraway conversations while retaining the speech intelligibility of nearby ones. This can be useful for open office plans, especially as when conversations all across the room are left unregulated, it gets hard even to hear oneself think, and nobody, not even your company’s resident crowd-loving social butterfly, can get anything done in those conditions!

Reducing office noise distractions allows your workers to have idea-generating discussions with those close to them. Similar discussions at a distance are dampened so as to provide a disturbance-free workspace.

Everyone, from the worker who craves silence to the one who is always the life of the party, can appreciate that.

Sound Masking Increases Worker Comfort

Sound masking is a great way to increase worker comfort and productivity. It helps to protect private conversations and makes a space more comfortable for everyone, no matter their personality type. When your office isn’t as full, sound masking can help eliminate echo and traveling conversations. Overall, sound masking reduces extra noise that can be distracting to your employees. This helps employees think and produce better work. 

Is Sound Masking the Same as White Noise?

White noise is different than sound masking. With white noise, a static noise is produced in an area, adding to the chaos rather than subduing it. Sound masking has a unique ability to adjust to the noise levels in the space, making it louder or softer to compensate for more or less people talking.

In general, white noise does not solve your sound issues. White noise is also localized, whereas sound masking fills an entire room with set devices working together. A way to describe this is that when you hear white noise, you can pinpoint where it is coming from. You cannot pinpoint the source of sound masking, making it a much more suitable option for office environments.

Fitting Sound Masking into Your Budget

When you hear “sound masking” for the first time, you might think “expensive.” However, sound masking isn’t as tough on the wallet as some may assume.

Sound masking has a high ROI because your employees become more productive and less distracted by distant conversations and noise. The cost of installing a sound masking system falls between $1.00-$3.00 per square foot. Not as much of a sticker shock, is it?

If you want to get specific about how sound masking can improve your ROI, check out Building Systems Solutions’ sound masking ROI calculator. By entering a few numbers, you can see an estimate of your ROI if you install a sound masking system in your office.

Contact BSS & Take Charge of Sound in Your Workplace

Looking for more things your business can do to reduce unwanted noise? Our Blaine team of custom sound-masking system designers can help you create a workplace that’s the epitome of comfort and focus.

With our adaptive Soft dB products and our countless satisfied clients served you know you’re in good hands. Give us a call today at 763-502-1515.

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Sound MaskingSoft dB ProductsPrivacySound managementBuilding System Solutionshttps://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/blog/entryid/22/how-to-make-sound-comfortable-in-an-open-officeWed, 25 Oct 2023 16:00:00 GMT0https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.ashx?id=22
<![CDATA[FAQs About Sound Masking for Financial Institutions]]>https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/blog/entryid/35/faqs-about-sound-masking-for-financial-institutionsIf you work at or manage a bank or other financial institution, you may wonder how to serve your customers better and make your employees happier. Achieving this doesn’t have to be complicated. You can meet both goals by considering sound masking in your financial institution.

And no, we don’t mean piping in white noise over your PA system. Sound masking is an intricate and specialized technology that uses soft, ambient sound to make voices and other noises less distracting. Special devices are installed in your building at precise locations to maximize effectiveness.

We know you have questions, so we here at Building Systems Solutions will answer some of the most common sound masking questions.

What is Sound Masking?

So, what is sound masking? To explain simply, sound masking uses technology to add certain sounds at certain wavelengths to a room to muffle human speech. It does not affect close-up speech, but far-away conversations and noises will be less distracting.

A good sound masking system will adjust its volume based on the noise levels to keep levels of conversation steady. If a loud meeting is occurring, the sound masking device will adjust to ensure anyone nearby can still work peacefully.

Why Do Financial Institutions Need Sound Masking?

Since your financial institution works with a lot of sensitive data about personal accounts and money, you need to include sound masking to keep that data from spreading to unintended ears. Sound masking can help ensure your clients’ privacy is protected.

How Does Sound Masking Help Our Clients?

There are many ways that sound masking can help your clients and customers. Limiting the noise levels in a space will make your clients more comfortable discussing sensitive information. Sound masking will also reduce distractions, which keeps your employees focused on their clients and can make normal speech easier to understand in a close-up conversation.

The perception of your company will improve because of your client’s experience, which could potentially bring in more business. Clients will understand that you take their privacy seriously.

How Does Sound Masking Improve Company Culture?

Sound masking can improve company culture by helping employees focus and work more efficiently. With fewer distractions around them, employees can remain focused on their work. You may be surprised to learn that sound masking can boost productivity, but it's very possible.

Sound masking provides a space where everyone feels comfortable. There are many different working styles, and it can feel impossible to cater to everyone. With sound masking, your employees who need quiet can focus, while those who like conversing can talk without distracting others.

How Much Does Sound Masking Cost?

Sound masking may sound out of your budget, but it’s actually quite affordable. The cost of installing a sound masking system in your office costs approximately between $1.00-$3.00 per square foot.

What is the ROI of Sound Masking?

While we’re talking money, you may be surprised to learn that sound masking has a high ROI. With fewer distractions and better client experiences, you will see the ROI of your sound masking system quickly, all while improving other aspects of your business.

If you want to see your business’s possible ROI, check out our sound masking system ROI calculator. It will give you a better idea of how much you will get in return after installing a sound masking system.

Building Systems Solutions has the Sound Masking Technology You Need

With our Soft dB products and industry knowledge, Building Systems Solutions is your best bet when it comes to installing sound masking systems in Minnesota. We understand how to best work with your office environment to make your employees and clients happier.

Give your financial institution a boost by bringing in a sound masking system. Give us a call today at 763-502-1515 or send us a message on our website.

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Sound MaskingSoft dB ProductsSound managementBuilding System Solutionshttps://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/blog/entryid/35/faqs-about-sound-masking-for-financial-institutionsMon, 18 Sep 2023 16:00:00 GMT0https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.ashx?id=35
<![CDATA[FAQs About Sound Masking for Healthcare Spaces]]>https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/blog/entryid/34/faqs-about-sound-masking-for-healthcare-spacesWhen you are running or managing a hospital, privacy should always be a concern  – both for patients and employees. HIPPA violations can happen in hallways and patient rooms, so it’s crucial that your hospital have proper sound masking to keep conversations from spreading.

Privacy is not the only reason that sound masking can help a hospital; Patient comfort is another bonus to a sound masking system. General sounds and voices in the hospital are not as bothersome when the right technology is installed.

If you’re considering sound masking for your healthcare facility, check out these answers to our most frequently asked questions.

Can Sound Masking Help Achieve HIPAA Compliance?

Sound masking is a special science that strives to help increase comfort and privacy in a building. Essentially, sound masking adds targeted sounds to a room to muffle human speech.

That’s an oversimplified explanation, but it’s the easiest way to explain. Sound masking helps to raise the background noise without being intrusive to those around.

How does this help achieve HIPAA compliance? When conversations happen about a patient in a space with sound masking, the conversations will not carry to the ears of those who shouldn’t be privy to the conversation.

Sound masking becomes part of your HIPAA compliance strategy, which helps your hospital keep information private.

How Does Sound Masking Protect Patient Privacy?

As we stated, sound masking helps protect privacy. Conversations cannot be overheard in a space with sound masking, which means a patient’s confidential health information does not spread to other employees or patients.

In addition, patients feel more comfortable in a space where they know their information is treated with respect.

Does Sound Masking Improve Comfort in Healthcare Spaces?

Sound masking can improve patients’ comfort in hospitals and other healthcare spaces. Because sound masking helps remove distractions and noise from an individual’s hearing, patients can sleep better while healing in your hospital.

Even empty spaces can have noise, and conversations can carry further, but sound masking can help a large empty room feel quieter. Sound masking also helps reduce overall noise in a space, which allows patients and employees to share space comfortably.

Can Sound Masking Increase HCAHPS Scores?

Yes, sound masking can help increase HCAHPS scores. With fewer distractions and reduced overall noise, doctors and nurses can have improved communication with each other and patients and can help improve the quietness of your hospital.

When your patients feel more comfortable in a hospital, they will likely have a better experience in your care.

How Does Sound Masking Boost Productivity in Healthcare?

Sound masking helps boost productivity in healthcare by reducing stress for employees. In general, workplace stress causes an increase in days off, increases absenteeism, and increases healthcare costs for employers.

Sound masking can help reduce stress by making an environment more comfortable and less noisy. A noisy environment can be stressful for people trying to be productive and get work done, and sound masking can help alleviate that problem.

What Healthcare Environments Should Have Sound Masking?

Many different types of healthcare environments can benefit from sound masking.

This can include:

  • Clinics

  • Hospitals

  • Dentists

  • Pharmacies

  • Physical Therapy Offices

  • Urgent Care offices

  • Nursing Homes

  • Hospice Care

What Sound Masking Is Best for Healthcare?

Custom sound masking for your specific hospital is best for healthcare. Every space is different from an acoustic perspective, so tailoring your sound masking system to your exact environment is what Building Systems Solutions does best.

Sound masking should always be flexible to fit your facility and the changing noise levels throughout the day or week. Our sound masking systems will adjust to compensate for more or less noise.

Building Systems Solutions recommends Soft db Sound Masking equipment for hospitals. This brand has what is called “adaptive volume,” which allows the sound masking levels to change based on the current noise level.

You will be able to control your sound masking system manually if something out of the ordinary happens. There is even an option to control the sound masking levels from a smartphone.

What Are Some Other Benefits of Sound Masking?

There are many other benefits of sound masking, especially for hospitals. The most important one that is vital for hospitals is the ability to comply with legal obligations fully.

Like a financial institution, hospitals pass along sensitive information all day long, so keeping that information safe is vital. Use sound masking to further comply with HIPAA as well.

Sound masking is also better than white noise. White noise is a single sound that maintains its volume level, no matter how loud or quiet a particular environment is.

Sound masking is tailored to the sound of human speech, which makes it a better solution for masking sounds than plain white noise.

Call Building Systems Solutions Today to Bring Sound Masking to Your Hospital

Building Systems Solutions is capable of providing your hospital or clinic with the best sound masking equipment. We tailor every sound masking project to your specific environment, which means you’re getting a customized solution for keeping private information safe and patients happy and more comfortable.

Give us a call today at 763-502-1515 or send us a message on our website.

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Sound managementBuilding System Solutionshttps://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/blog/entryid/34/faqs-about-sound-masking-for-healthcare-spacesMon, 14 Aug 2023 16:00:00 GMT0https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.ashx?id=34
<![CDATA[The Link Between Sound Masking & Client Satisfaction]]>https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/blog/entryid/14/the-link-between-sound-masking-client-satisfactionAs a business owner, you care deeply about employee welfare and how your workers keep your company climbing higher. So have you considered a sound masking system?

Much has been written about how sound management and sound masking can influence worker productivity. We’ve preached the productivity benefits of this technology plenty ourselves, as it is a common reason why businesses install sound masking products. When employees are less distracted by noise, they are able to focus better on the task at hand and get more work done.

And there are more benefits of sound masking systems; They also cater directly to the satisfaction of your customers, creating a more comfortable environment in various contexts. When taken care of via smart sound management systems, your workers also provide better customer service!

So it’s kind of a no-brainer: Install sound masking products to boost employee morale – not to mention their output.

Provide a Better Customer Experience

American life today is hustle-and-bustle. People everywhere constantly run from one thing to the next, bouncing from work to the grocery store to their child’s extracurriculars. Clear the noise metaphorically and physically for your client with sound masking.

When customers step into your facility, they will be bathed in soothing silence, calm, and refreshed. Talk about a satisfying customer experience!

In addition to providing a relaxing atmosphere, sound masking can make doing business an easier experience for your clients, fostering smooth service and happy patrons.

Simplify Processes for Customers & Employees

Sound masking can make the process less painful if you are tackling complicated matters together. We’ve all tried (and probably failed!) to concentrate in a loud, crowded room. It isn’t a very pleasant experience, and goodness knows, not much got done.

Quiet spaces provided by sound masking systems enable your clients to concentrate on what your employees are putting forth, which makes it easier to leave those clients satisfied.

Offer Peaceful Waiting Areas

Sound masking can create peaceful waiting rooms. If your facility must queue customers for whatever reason, providing them with a soothing place to wait sets the stage for equally soothing service.

Sound masking can also increase your workers’ comfort.

Personalize Customer Experiences

Sound masking enables a personalized client experience. In large facilities like hospitals, it can be easy to feel like you’re just a face in the crowd when you can hear conversations in every room down the hall.

Sound masking quiets outside voices so clients feel attended to and cared for.

Ensure Privacy & Confidentiality

In certain settings and types of offices, like healthcare or financial institutions, keeping sensitive information from being overheard is vital.

Sound masking systems emit a gentle, ambient sound that helps masks conversations that pertain to sensitive information of patients or clients. Sound masking helps keep an environment more private.

Reduce Distractions

Excessive noise and distractions can negatively affect a client’s focus and concentration. If your client is trying to focus on something important but can hear conversations happening around them, it might make it more difficult to complete the task at hand.

Sound masking can help improve satisfaction and productivity for clients.

Improve Speech Intelligibility

In spaces where client-staff communication is crucial, sound masking can help make a conversation easier to understand and hear. Sound masking reduces the impact of background noise and improves speech clarity.

Clients can better understand and communicate with your staff members this way.

A Note About White Noise

Be aware that sound masking and white noise are different. White noise is a solution but not as effective as sound masking.

Sound masking has many more benefits than white noise!

Contact  BSS for Elegant Sound Masking Solutions

Our Blaine office would be happy to chat about how we can improve your business. Give us a call now at 763-502-1515 or contact us online here.

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Sound MaskingSoft dB ProductsPrivacySound managementBuilding System Solutionshttps://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/blog/entryid/14/the-link-between-sound-masking-client-satisfactionMon, 17 Jul 2023 16:00:00 GMT0https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.ashx?id=14
<![CDATA[Worried That Sound Masking Is Beyond Your Budget? It’s Not ]]>https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/blog/entryid/15/worried-that-sound-masking-is-beyond-your-budget-its-notMoney: It’s a common concern these days for businesses everywhere. In the wake of a public health crisis, many have been forced to tighten their belts and make do with what they have. Others are frantically constructing plans to get them out of such a situation. They’re investing money in new infrastructure or more employees to try and set their business apart from other floundering ones. Times can be tough.

Where does this leave room for business upgrades like a sound masking system? You know all about the benefits of this technology for your business, either by doing your independent research or reading our handy blog post about the pros of sound management systems

You understand how this revolutionary and useful technology can help your team and your company’s bottom line, but is it in the budget? Now that a tight budget is a survival tool, you might not consider sound masking a priority. 

Leave it to our team at Building Systems Solutions to explain why there’s always room in the budget for sound masking. 

ROI of Sound Masking

Sound management has many benefits, including boosting worker productivity, improving client satisfaction, and providing speech privacy that heightens worker comfort.

This is what makes sound masking have such a high ROI. Because your employees can be more productive without constant audible distractions, it is possible to see the ROI of sound masking sooner than you might think. 

The cost of installing a sound masking system can cost between $1.00-$3.00 per square foot. When broken down this way, you can see the potential ROI much clearer than having an initial sticker shock. 

Building Systems Solutions has a handy sound masking system ROI calculator that can help you get a base estimate of the ROI of your potential sound masking system. Just enter your percentage of production increase, average annual employee salary, annual average employee indirect expense, number of employees, and the square feet requiring masking. 

Choosing the Right Sound Masking Equipment Matters

Sound masking is different than white noise, making sound masking a much better choice for your office. Unlike white noise machines, sound masking doesn’t sound like it’s coming from one spot in the office, which helps keep the noise in the background. 

When choosing the right sound masking equipment, there are a few things to remember. The right sound masking equipment is not obvious to the naked eye, meaning it should blend seamlessly into your office. 

Sound masking should also be flexible so that the right sound masking equipment will adjust its levels depending on the amount of noise in the office at any given time. Building Systems Solutions recommends Soft dB products, which constantly monitor the room's noise and adjust accordingly. 

Sound masking equipment should also help meet speech privacy regulations if needed. If your business needs to meet HIPPA or GLBA regulations, you can bring in the right sound masking equipment to help reach those regulations. 

So Does Finding the Right Sound Masking Company

Choosing the right sound masking company is just as important as choosing the right equipment. The right sound masking company is professional, compassionate, and solution-oriented. When we say “professional,” it means more than how someone dresses. A professional is an excellent communicator and clearly shows you the solutions they suggest for your unique situation. 

A compassionate sound masking company also understands that sound masking means working with people and understanding how they work. Compassion helps ensure that the solutions provided will take employees and clients into account. 

Solution-oriented sound masking companies want to provide you with the best solution possible without too many “used car salesman” tactics. They want to provide you with the best solutions possible for your business. 

How We Make Sound Masking Cost-Effective

You need an efficient sound masking system that does everything you need it to – nothing more, nothing less. After all, you don’t want to pay for features you’ll never use. 

By defining your sound masking needs, our attentive and straightforward staff will break down exactly what efficiency means for you, which eliminates unnecessary items, streamlines things where possible, and, in the end, saves you money. 

Understanding and working with your needs to save you money regarding sound masking is a multifaceted objective. Here’s a snapshot of how we handle it.

Design a Custom System Made for You 

All buildings are different, and all businesses are different. Our talented professionals create sound management solutions tailored to your space, employees, and client requirements. No need to pay for a sound masking system that doesn’t do its job!

Some types of spaces that benefit from sound masking systems include: 

  • Financial and Law Services

  • Government Offices

  • Public Libraries

  • Call Centers

  • Healthcare Facilities

  • Hotels

These places and other industries have a need for privacy, so sound masking is the perfect way to incorporate another level of privacy for clients

Operate With Honesty

We’ll tell you straight up if we aren’t the right company to satisfy your business’s unique needs. Stringing you along is a big waste of time – and we all know time is money.

Support Your Goals

If one of those goals is using sound masking to save money, we’re behind you 100%. Your business’s success is our business’s success.

It seems the Coronavirus pandemic will still be a part of our lives for a while, which means continued challenges for American businesses in 2021. If you’re a business owner, you’ve probably been cutting costs where you can, minimizing your spending in an effort to shore up your financial defenses. Now, you may think it’s not the time for any office renovations like sound masking.

We at Building Systems Solutions truly understand your concern – we’re a business, too – but we’re here to help you breathe a little easier. Some advice from a company just like yours: Now isn’t the time to cut out all expenditures. 

In fact, the right sound management system can help buoy your business above the stormy seas, helping you come out of these troubling times more financially sound.

Why Purchase Sound Management Systems Now?

If your business doesn’t need speech privacy testing to fulfill OSHA requirements, you might think that sound masking systems are some sort of luxury. But as people who have devoted our lives to the pursuit of quality sound management, we know otherwise. 

Sound masking is far from frivolous. It’s a business-boosting investment that sets your building apart – something that your company really needs right now to keep its head above water in the uncertain future.

Attract More Clients 

With the relaxing environment a sound masking system creates, your business will differentiate itself from any noisy or disorganized competitors. Clients will notice the serenity of your space and be eager to return

Sound masking helps a group of people work together more effectively because fewer other distractions are pulling them away from the task at hand. It is difficult to concentrate in crowded rooms, so sound masking can make that less obtrusive. Sound masking can also help waiting rooms feel more peaceful while clients wait. 

When your clients feel at peace and confident in your ability to keep their information private, they’ll feel better about you and your company. Word-of-mouth is still a very effective way to get new clients, so give your current clients something positive to talk about. 

Boost Worker Productivity

If you’re still wondering how sound masking boosts worker productivity, we’d be happy to explain. Workers who aren’t distracted by noise are more productive. 

It’s common sense! You’ll need a productive workforce to power you through these tenuous times. It’s time to seriously consider sound masking.

Enhance Worker Comfort 

The fact of the matter is that people are stressed right now. As a business owner, the least you can do for your employees is provide them with a bit of solace. 

Having a space where employees feel they can have a private conversation will make them happier and more productive in the long run. That’s why boosting worker comfort through sound masking is becoming more popular. 

Contact Us for Comprehensive Sound Management Technologies

We get it – you want to conserve cash right now. That’s why, to make this a feasible project for your business, you must work with a company that will work within your parameters: Building Systems Solutions. 

Based in the Twin Cities, we are passionate about improving other people’s spaces. Our facility sound systems address safety, communication, and privacy concerns for businesses of all types and sizes. 

Ready to optimize your working environment while staying within your means? Our Blaine team would be happy to help. Give us a call now at 763-502-1515 or send us a message on our website. 

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Sound MaskingSoft dB ProductsPrivacySound managementBuilding System Solutionshttps://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/about-us/blog/entryid/15/worried-that-sound-masking-is-beyond-your-budget-its-notMon, 05 Jun 2023 16:00:00 GMT0https://www.buildingsystemssolutions.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.ashx?id=15