Case Studies - Commercial

Gardners Books Public Address

Gardners Books is the UK's largest book wholesaler with its building housing some 25 miles of shelving.

With the site's security already being managed by Secure Vision, a decision was made to approach our communications division to come up with the right ideas and products for the modernisation and enhancement of their existing Public Address system.

Due to the nature of the business and the division between noisy warehouses and quiet office environments an acoustics survey was carried out and a solution was proposed.

The existing Single Zone/All Call reception Microphone was replaced with a multi zone Paging Microphone with a second one being added to the Warehouse Manager's office.

A number of amplifiers and mixer units were then added to the system rack to give the desired output and number of zones.

A telephone interface card was added to allow remote paging by dialling up the PA unit and broadcasting a message. This has given managers the facility to page from anywhere in the building.

Next was to install FM/AM Tuner Cards together with the erecting of two Aerial Masts, giving the facility of broadcasting music into the desired Zone or Zones.

With over 25 miles of shelving, in most cases on three levels, it was time to expand on the type and number of sound projectors.

A mixture of sphere and bi-directional units were installed to give the desired coverage of all areas.

With the main building now complete, a new PA rack housing the required amplifiers was installed into building two (Despatch).

Using remote switching the main reception was then able to page the despatch building on the opposite side of the site.

As a result of the Radio installation, the warehouse staff benefit from a more pleasant and interesting working environment.

The management have achieved enhanced communication across the entire site, as well as the obvious benefits of improved employee motivation.