Challenge

A quiet office within an urban office and shopping center
Mary Brewer established Brewer Insurance Information Services (BIIS) in 1981 after recognizing that South Carolina needed a resource for interested individuals to learn the intricacies of the insurance industry.  Brewer Insurance Information Services has six locations throughout South Carolina and is headquartered in Columbia. The headquarters of Brewer Insurance Information Services is located within the Dutch Center, a busy urban shopping center with commercial office space.

The office suite features presentation space, open office workstations, private offices, and communal space separated by modular walls built only to the acoustical tile ceiling. Employees and students at Brewer Insurance Information Services have increasing been distracted by the easily overheard conversations from adjoining spaces as well as the surrounding offices and retail outlets. Additionally, people expressed concerns about privacy since they knew conversations could be overheard.

Solution

A Quiet Technology sound masking system restores order
Due to the variety of spaces within the Brewer Insurance Information Services suite, a multi-zone sound masking solution was needed to meet each space’s acoustic requirements. The suite was separated into five distinct zones based on each area’s use. Additionally, Brewer Insurance Information Services staff needed to access the sound masking settings easily to adjust the levels during presentations and events.

To meet the team’s requirements, a Qt 600 sound masking system was installed in the suite. The Qt emitters were installed in the space’s acoustic ceiling tiles throughout the space. The system was rack mounted in the Brewer Insurance Information Services server equipment rack and connected to the school’s local area network.

Results

A comfortable and quiet work environment with plenty of student resource space
“[The Qt 600] has solved our problem,” says Frank Seeby, Facility Manager at Brewer Insurance Information Services. Brewer Insurance Information Services employees have reported a much quieter and more productive workspace. As Frank Seeby explains, “The various levels of masking in each area are very beneficial. The end result is that the noise that was bleeding from room to room is now almost completely unnoticeable. Any voices that do make it into the room are unrecognizable as they are very faint.”

The Qt 600 sound masking system can easily be controlled using the system’s Qt Monitoring and Control Software should the Brewer Insurance Information Services team need to adjust settings for presentations and events. As Mr. Seeby explains, “The software is easy to use and helps us adjust the masking level easily for presentations. I would say the [Qt 600] solved our problem.”

About Biamp
Biamp® is a leading provider of innovative, networked media systems that power the world’s most sophisticated audiovisual installations. The company is recognized worldwide for delivering high-quality products and backing each one with a commitment to exceptional customer service.

Recipient of the Frost & Sullivan 2018 Global Installed Audio Conferencing Enabling Technology Leadership Award, Biamp is dedicated to creating products that drive the evolution of communication through sight and sound. The award-winning Biamp product suite includes: Tesira® media system for digital audio and video networking, Devio® collaboration tool for modern workplaces, Audia® digital audio platform, Nexia® digital signal processors, Vocia® networked public address and voice evacuation system, Cambridge® sound masking solutions, and loudspeakers for installed sound applications from Community Loudspeakers® and Apart Audio®. Each has its own specific feature set that can be customized and integrated in a wide range of applications, including corporate boardrooms, conference centers, huddle rooms, open floor environments, performing arts venues, courtrooms, hospitals, transportation hubs, campuses, retail, hospitality, military and government, and multi-building facilities.

Founded in 1976, Biamp is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, USA, with additional offices around the globe. For more information on Biamp, please visit www.biamp.com.