Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1414667
50 I ICT TODAY In particular, existing buildings can benefit from sound masking, since it is not always feasible to raise or alter a ceiling or change the interior in other ways that improve acoustics. Operational expense is reduced via PoE lighting because luminaires can be easily replaced and recon- figured by IT or ICT staff rather than having to bring in outside electricians, while also offering the flexibility to leverage the network cabling that connects and powers the luminaires for additional or future technologies. As this technology emerges, smart sensors are being integrated into PoE lighting luminaires that collect information about the surrounding environment. This information can be analyzed to achieve even greater operational efficiencies or shared with other building systems via integration for automated decisions, such as lowering air conditioning in a room that has no occupancy, adjusting HVAC to respond to changes in temperature or humidity, analyzing usage patterns to optimize space utilization, and integrating with security to automatically change light color or implement on/off patterns during a crisis. DEPLOYING INNOVATIONS FOR ENHANCED PRIVACY United Way of Central Alabama's 2-1-1 call center that was moved to the new facility provides easy access to health and human services for the surrounding community, while also often serving as the first place members of the community can turn to when looking for services to help with everyday needs. It also manages a crisis call center to serve the needs of people experi- encing personal crisis or mental health issues, including serving as a suicide prevention hotline. For the new facility, UWCA wanted an all-in-one multi-zone audio solution to provide both high-quality sound masking and background music with the ability to configure various areas based on the need of the space, such as background music in common areas and sound masking in the call centers. "The main goal of using sound masking in our call centers is for privacy, but it also helps drown out background chatter to make it easier for staff to hear and concentrate on their callers without disruption," says Goodwin. While it may seem counterintuitive, the privacy and reduced distraction afforded by sound masking is achieved via devices that emit inconspicuous sound at the same frequency of human speech. This increases the ambient noise level and limits the distance that conversations can be heard and under- stood, ultimately making conversation less intelligible and less noticeable to others in the space and boosting staff productivity. Sound masking technology has grown in popularity over the past decade because of the need for privacy in many enterprise businesses. It is important to note that sound masking is not "white noise" and when implemented properly, it essentially fades into the background and is, therefore, not noticeable or distracting. It is especially ideal for call centers like those at UWCA, as well as open offices, healthcare settings, study spaces, courtrooms, and any other space requiring confiden- tiality. In particular, existing buildings can benefit from sound masking, since it is not always feasible to raise or alter a ceiling or change the interior in other ways that improve acoustics. A basic sound masking system typically includes a sound generator/amplifier, an equalizer, and speakers. The sound generator/amplifier produces the noise at the right frequency, and some systems offer the ability to set the sound based on time of day to reduce the levels during evening hours when fewer people are in the facility. The equalizer is used to "shape" the noise in a way that results in a smooth, unobtrusive sound. The speakers are installed in the ceiling and spaced to provide proper coverage, either edge to edge or overlapping depending on the need of the space. Typi- cally, the higher the ceiling, the more speakers can be spread out. Sound masking manufacturers have formulas