Installation of a food factory tannoy system and background music/radio to the ‘Cook Kitchen’ site in Sittingbourne Kent. A large industrial food production site with a range of food production aspects – cooked prepared and frozen meals.

The project site is a new food factory production facility (strip out and re-build of existing factory site). Much of the site is dedicated to the various processing stages of the production, with some additional office and warehouse areas. A food factory tannoy system and background music/radio system was requested and installed to provide communication in support of important employee announcements and to help support improved ambience with background music/radio.

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
  • iOS/Android Paging App (wifi paging from mobile-app devices)
• Background Music (BGM)
• Mass Notification
• Scheduled Audio Message (break times, process changes)

Audio Specification & Technologies

• 100v line, high impedance speaker distribution
• IP Paging / IP Tannoy Gateway
• IP music/radio player (tacks, playlists and web streaming)

Installation Details

The initial phase of the project involved a detailed site wide survey and assessment to create an audio coverage plan. Working with the end customer and the main electrical contractors, we compiled a coverage roll out plan against a number of practical installation challenges.

1. Production process lines and equipment
2. Temperature – high & low areas
3. High ambient background noise (production and other workplace noise)
4. Confined & limited access

These challenges are not unique and were somewhat expected. Having previously installed sound systems into many similar factory and production projects these challenges were discussed with the client and supporting project teams, with a number of provisioning and protective measures put in place to assist the installation whilst mitigating possible disruption to the production.

High impedance, 100v line speakers (wide range, 2-way), were installed throughout. To cope with regular wash and clean down processes, specialist high ingress protection speakers (IP66) were specified and installed throughout.

To provide flexibility for tannoy access and announcements, we installed an IP audio gateway which allows users to make tannoy announcements via wifi connected devices through a mobile-paging app. This tannoy announcement option offers a simple user interface with location independence (not from a fixed location, like a microphone).

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The Potter & Moore site in Newcastle is manufacturing and production facility specialising in personal care and beauty products This industrial site is based around a number of production areas / buildings with supporting logistics, warehousing and offices.

Our customer required a multi-application sound system, installed to provide site wide Tannoy, Public Address (PA), Paging and background music (radio) to the main work space, manufacturing and production areas.

As with all ‘open product’ production facilities, our installation works were considered and closely controlled to mitigate any possibility of contamination with the production processes. Working with the production manager and local site services and maintenance team, we were able to carry out much of the main installation works without disturbing or restricting production.

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
• Radio Back Ground Music (BGM)
• Shift / Break change message playout

Audio Specification & Technologies

• 100v line, high impedance
• DAB radio tuner
• Audio message player

Installation Details

Utilising the small roof void above much of the main hall production facility, we installed all of the distribution 100v speaker line cabling. For smaller rooms / areas, a mix of existing re-use and new cable containment was installed to provide cable routing to agreed speaker locations.

Music and radio input options and technology options were discussed with the customer. An appreciation to the benefits of an IP derived solution was understood. However, a ‘keep it simple’ traditional pro audio DAB radio tuner was installed to provide radio input.

A traditional MP3 audio store & playback device was installed to provide shift change and breaks audio playout. Partnering with this device, we installed a specialist programmable timer with user LCD display – to provide user controlled time based scheduling and trigger for message playback.

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The Algram / Olympus Group site near Plymouth is materials manufacturing facility specialising in thermoplastics production. This industrial site is based around a main production building with supporting logistics, warehousing and offices.

Working directly with the customer IT management we were asked to install additional speaker lines and speakers to a number of the production areas (with existing poor speaker numbers and coverage) and to the main office block offices (without any coverage or speakers).

IP telephony integration to allow user access to the system from telephones was required, providing system input location flexibility. This capability was a particular challenge at the time due to limited adherence to generic SIP / IP telephony standards from the site IP telephone system.

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
• Mass Notification
• Radio Back Ground Music (BGM)

Audio Specification & Technologies

• 100v line, high impedance
• SIP / IP Telephony Interface

Installation Details

To provide coverage and performance audibility improvement within a number of production areas, we extended existing 100v speaker line circuits and installed additional speakers. Upgrade of existing system and zone amplification – larger capacity power amplifiers were installed to accommodate the additional speaker loading / power requirements.

The site IP telephony system was based on the prevailing SIP IP telephony standard, but did not allow for configuration of a number of important DTMF SIP signalling through standard ‘ports’. This was a particular challenge – configuration flexibility of the chosen SIP audio interface was required.

The main building office block had relied on a ‘paging’ function from their telephone system to broadcast announcements. This capability worked well where there were telephones but did not provide good audibility in corridors or other offices / rooms without telephones. To resolve this issue and to provide audibility improvement, we installed a mix of wall and ceiling speakers throughout the offices, connecting back to the main site audio system and a dedicated supporting power amplifier.

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Automotive sound system installation at this production factory site based nr. Derby. A large industrial facility with a range of manufacturing / production aspects, mostly focused on welded assembly automotive parts and products. The main building facility provides all of the primary business activity operations, including offices, logistics, storage and of course manufacturing production (around 80% of the building footprint).

To help support improve general site communications as well as specific audio integrated operations and manufacturing processes (SCADA). Our brief for this project was to design and install a site wide automotive manufacturer sound system installation to provide the following audio applications and solution design specification.

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
  • Multi-zone Microphones
  • SIP / VoIP Integration
  • iOS/Android Paging App
• Background Music (BGM)
• Mass Notification
• Scheduled Audio Message (break times, process changes)
• Wireless Radio Microphones (management briefing)

Audio Specification & Technologies

• IP 8×8 Audio Matrix Processor
• 100v line, high impedance speaker distribution
• Multiple IP Network players / streamers
• SIP VoIP integration
• Full range, 2-way speakers installed throughout
• True Diversity Radio Microphone system

Installation Details

Many practical installation challenges were identified – particularly throughout the main production and manufacturing areas.

1. Manufacturing processes (welding & fabrication)
2. High ambient background noise
3. Confined & limited access

These challenges are not unique and were somewhat expected. Having previously installed sound systems into many similar factory and production projects these challenges were discussed with the client and supporting project teams, with a number of provisioning and protective measures put in place to assist the installation whilst mitigating possible disruption to the production.

To provide the customer with audio processing and routing control, an IP/network based audio matrix was installed. This unit is accessed, configured and controlled via the LAN/network and provides the primary controls for mixing, pre-amplification, DSP, input-output routing and zone volume controls.

High impedance, 100v line speakers (wide range, 2-way), were installed throughout. As a number of the speaker cabling runs (even when taken in zone isolation) were in excess of 200m, with some approaching 500m, consideration and calculation of cable size/CSA was required. A number of zones were cabled using 4mm and 6mm cable CSA.

Our customer required audio integration with their SCADA (process control) system. The audio matrix was connected to a newly installed SCADA client PC – basic I/O relay controllers, triggered via SCADA process controls initiated playback for numerous audio message files, for playout to specific audio zone areas as routed / required.

A true diversity microphone system, connected via a bespoke pre-amp interface was installed centrally to the main production areas. A local community of speakers were installed to this area (dedicated zone) for playout of staff assembly times & briefings.

We installed a number of network audio players. Browser accessed for control and configuration, these units are used to to provide various lower priority playout (such as break/shift changes and process information tones).

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The Wren Kitchens site near Scunthorpe is a kitchen manufacturing production factory facility. This a large industrial site comprising numerous production buildings, logistics, warehousing and support / office buildings.

Working through contracted support and directly through the local maintenance and engineering team, we were initially contracted to survey, assess and report against the existing site audio system/s. Further investigative works led to large scale improvement works and new audio systems installation throughout much of the site.

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
• Background Music (BGM)
• Mass Notification

Audio Specification & Technologies

• 100v line, high impedance
• IP Network player / streamer (IceCast BGM music source)
• Full range, 2-way speakers installed throughout

Installation Details

The manufacturing production areas of this site presented a number of audio design and practical installation challenges:

1. High ambient background noise
2. EX / ATEX areas
3. Limited access

These challenges were not unique and were somewhat expected. Having previously installed sound systems into many similar factory and production projects these challenges were discussed with the client and supporting project teams, with a number of provisioning and protective measures put in place to assist the installation whilst mitigating possible disruption to the production.

Given the relative high audio ‘power’ requirements for this project, our design solution was somewhat dictated. 100v line, high impedance audio was specified and installed to provide robust and powerful quality audio transmission over long distance cable runs. Multiple audio zones were created. These provided targeted audio with separate volume control to the different production areas. Supporting multi-power amplifiers based on these zones were installed – providing resilience, should any one speaker zone fail, it wouldn’t affect another speaker zone.

Wood and MDF processing can create ‘dust’ which is defined combustible. Any such defined areas requiring audio system equipment and / or loud speakers therefore required specialist EX / ATEX rated equipment and speakers.

The high ambient background noise for the production activities was a significant challenge to a small amount of areas that presented competitively to any audio generated from the project audio system. This noise competition is outside of our control to reduce or control. In some instances, extremely high ambient areas, it was simply not possible nor sensible to add further audio. However, for the vast majority of the production areas we were able to strategically identify and install loud speakers close to staff work stations and activity areas, increasing overall audibility and sound quality.

Our client utilised internet streaming for their background music within their retail stores. We installed a network player / streamer to enable extension of this service for local playout at this site.

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Lifeplus Europe is a leading international wellness, health & nutrition manufacturer and supplier with world wide factory production and product distribution. Opened as part of development and expansion plans, the Lifeplus Europe site in Bedford was a completely refurbished industrial site to accommodate factory production and warehousing / distribution activities.

After initial project discussions to define functionality and capability, Abletek was selected to design and install a new audio sound system throughout the site, with a focus on quality background music (radio) to the factory production and wider workplace settings (packing, warehouse and distribution areas).

Our customer required an audio system solution to provide a means of communication (tannoy, pa, paging) between the office staff, the production management team and technical / maintenance team. Background music (radio) was required throughout the wider production areas to offset the production noise and to lift the overall mood / ambiance. Priority audio playout was also required to indicate shift change and break times.

As with all production facilities, our installation works were arranged and closely controlled to mitigate any possibility of contamination with the production process and supporting workplace activities. Working with the production manager and local site maintenance team, we were able to carry out much of the main installation works without disturbing or restricting production (a large percentage of our works were carried out along central and peripheral girder runs).

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
• Radio Back Ground Music (BGM)
• Shift / Break change message playout

Audio Specification & Technologies

• 100v line, high impedance
• IP Audio / Media Player
• Audio message player

Installation Details

Utilising main structural girder ‘runs’, we installed the distribution 100v line cabling. Existing appropriate cable containment was used where possible, small sections of new cable containment (mostly to speaker points) were installed on a speaker by speaker basis. Cabling at all speaker points was terminated through small industrial enclosures and glands ensuring protection and longevity.

Wide frequency response, 2-way ‘music’ speakers were installed throughout to provide best possible audio quality and audibility. Speakers were strategically positioned to provide best results against variable and sometimes high level ambient noise levels.

Background Music and radio was derived from an IP based audio player. This device was installed connected to the customer IP network, enabling simple secure browser access for configuration, music / radio channel and playlist selection as well as scheduling (eg. radio 1 in the morning and radio 2 in the afternoon).

A traditional MP3 audio store & playback device was used to provide shift change and breaks audio playout. Partnering with this device, we installed a specialist programmable timer with user LCD display – to provide user controlled time based scheduling and trigger for message playback.

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The Bakkavor / Wingland Foods site in Sutton Bridge Lincolnshire is a large food production facility specialising packed foods. This industrial site is based around a main production building with supporting logistics, warehousing and office buildings.

Our customer required an audio system solution to provide a means of communication between the office staff and the production management team within the various food production areas and production lines. Background music (radio) was required throughout the production areas to offset the ‘drone’ of the production noise and to improve the overall mood / ambiance. Priority audio playout was also required to indicate shift change and break times.

As with all food production facilities, our installation works were arranged and closely controlled to mitigate any possibility of contamination with the production process and food product. Working with the production manager and local site maintenance team, we were able to carry out much of the main installation works without disturbing or restricting production (a large percentage of our works were carried out in the roof void above the production areas).

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
• Radio Back Ground Music (BGM)
• Shift / Break change message playout

Audio Specification & Technologies

• 100v line, high impedance
• DAB radio tuner
• Audio message player

Installation Details

Utilising the main roof void above much of the production facility, we installed all of the distribution 100v line cabling. Stainless steel containment was used throughout any of our lower production room installation – conduit used to contain cables to speaker points at high levels.

Full frequency range, 2-way music speakers were installed throughout to provide best possible audio quality and audibility. Speakers were strategically positioned to provide best results against high level ambient noise levels.

A ‘keep it simple’ pro audio DAB radio tuner was installed to provide radio input.

A traditional MP3 audio store & playback device was used to provide shift change and breaks audio playout. Partnering with this device, we installed a specialist programmable timer with user LCD display – to provide user controlled time based scheduling and trigger for message playback.

The post Bakkavor appeared first on Abletek.

The Premier Foods site in Worksop is a food production factory facility producing a wide range of family favorite food items such as OXO, Bisto, Homepride, SAXA and more. This a large site comprising numerous production buildings, logistics, warehousing and support / office buildings.

Working directly with the site through the local maintenance and engineering team, we were contracted to design and install a radio based music system (BGM) and Public Address system (PA / Tannoy) for use throughout the main factory production areas.

Audio Applications

• Background Music (BGM) – Radio Based
• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
• Mass Notification

Audio Specification & Technologies

• 100v line, high impedance
• IP / SIP interface for telephony PA / announcements

Installation Details

The food production areas of this site presented a number of audio design and practical installation challenges:

1. High ambient background noise.
2. ‘Open product’ production.
3. Limited access.

These challenges were not unique and were somewhat expected. Having previously installed sound systems into many similar factory and food production projects these challenges were discussed with the client and supporting project teams, with a number of provisioning and protective measures put in place to assist the installation whilst mitigating possible contamination of the food product.

Given the relative high audio ‘power’ requirements for this project, our design solution was somewhat dictated. 100v line, high impedance audio was specified and installed to provide robust and powerful quality audio transmission over long distance cable runs. Multiple audio zones were created. These provided targeted audio with separate volume control to the different production areas. Supporting multi-power amplifiers based on these zones were installed – providing resilience, should any one speaker zone fail, it wouldn’t affect another speaker zone.

The high ambient background noise for the production activities was a significant challenge that presented competitively to any audio generated from the project audio system. This noise competition is outside of our control to reduce or control. In some instances, extremely high ambient areas, it was simply not possible nor sensible to add further audio. However, for the vast majority of the production areas we were able to strategically identify and install loud speakers close to staff work stations and activity areas, increasing overall audio and sound quality.

An IP / SIP telephony interface unit was installed to enable priority user announcement (mute music / radio). This capability was particularly useful to the production management, maintenance and engineering team to help identify production line issues and co-ordinate issues / fixes.

The post Premier Foods appeared first on Abletek.

The British Sugar site near Newark is a food production factory facility. This a large industrial site comprising numerous production buildings, logistics, warehousing and support / office buildings.

Working through contracted support and directly through the local maintenance and engineering team, we were initially contracted to survey, assess and report against the existing site audio system/s. Further investigative works led to new audio systems installation throughout much of the site. This sugar production site proposed particularly challenging – high ambient background noise levels and extremely harsh industrial processing. A number of production areas of the site were also identified as EX / ATEX areas, which required a carefully managed installation strategy and specification of similarly explosion rated system equipment / loud speakers.

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
• Mass Notification

Audio Specification & Technologies

• 100v line, high impedance
• Mostly EX / ATEX rated for explosion protection

Installation Details

The food production areas of this site presented a number of audio design and practical installation challenges:

1. High ambient background noise.
2. EX / ATEX areas.
3. Limited access.

These challenges were not unique and were somewhat expected. Having previously installed sound systems into many similar factory and food production projects these challenges were discussed with the client and supporting project teams, with a number of provisioning and protective measures put in place to assist the installation whilst mitigating possible contamination of the food product.

Given the relative high audio ‘power’ requirements for this project, our design solution was somewhat dictated. 100v line, high impedance audio was specified and installed to provide robust and powerful quality audio transmission over long distance cable runs. Multiple audio zones were created. These provided targeted audio with separate volume control to the different production areas. Supporting multi-power amplifiers based on these zones were installed – providing resilience, should any one speaker zone fail, it wouldn’t affect another speaker zone.

Sugar processing can create sugar ‘dust’ which is defined combustible. Any such defined areas requiring audio system equipment and / or loud speakers therefore required specialist EX / ATEX rated equipment and speakers.

The high ambient background noise generated within the production activities was a significant challenge that presented competitively to any audio produced from the project audio system. This noise competition was outside of our control. In some instances, within extremely high ambient areas, it was simply not possible nor sensible to add further competitive audio. However, for the vast majority of the production areas we were able to strategically identify and install loud speakers close to staff work stations and workplace activity areas, increasing overall audibility and sound quality.

The post British Sugar appeared first on Abletek.

The Vbites site in Newcastle is food production facility specialising in plat based, vegan foods. This industrial site is based around a main production building with supporting logistics, warehousing and offices. Our customer required an audio sound system installation to provide an effective means of communication between the office staff and management team within the protected ‘high care’ food production areas and production lines .

A number of audio applications were required. Tannoy / Public Address (PA) to provide the basis of targeted live announcement broadcasts. Radio and Background music (BGM) was required throughout the production areas to offset the ‘drone’ of the production noise and to improve the overall mood / ambiance. Priority audio playout was also required to indicate shift change and break times.

As with all food production sound system installation, our site works were arranged and closely controlled to mitigate any possibility of contamination with the production process and food product. Working with the production manager and local site maintenance team, we were able to carry out much of the main installation works without disturbing or restricting production (a large percentage of our works were carried out in the roof void above the production areas).

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
• Radio and Back Ground Music (BGM)
• Shift / Break change message playout

Audio Specification & Technologies

• 100v line, high impedance
• DAB radio tuner
• Audio message player

Installation Details

Utilising the main roof void above much of the production facility, we installed all of the distribution 100v line cabling. Stainless steel containment was used throughout any of our lower production room installation – conduit used to contain cables to speaker points at high levels.

Full frequency range, 2-way music speakers were installed throughout to provide best possible audio quality and audibility. Speakers were strategically positioned to provide best results against high level ambient noise levels.

A ‘keep it simple’ pro audio DAB radio tuner was installed to provide radio input.

A traditional MP3 audio store & playback device was used to provide shift change and breaks audio playout. Partnering with this device, we installed a specialist programmable timer with user LCD display – to provide user controlled time based scheduling and trigger for message playback.

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