Audio adds a new dimension to an organization’s security solution. Deterrence messages can be used to respond to in-progress and potential incidents. Its usefulness can also go beyond security, for example, with voice messages for safety or supporting your marketing objectives and improving customer experience.

When considering whether it’s time to make a new investment or transition from traditional analog systems, it’s important to ensure you’re aware of the relevant benefits provided by network audio.

One system for many purposes

Traditionally, analog audio systems have been used for one-purpose communications with an audience – whether that’s shoppers, employees or residents. Having a network audio solution as part of your surveillance system provides more flexibility in how audio is used to support your security and safety objectives. You can make both live announcements and broadcast pre-recorded messages via your speakers from any phone or microphone in your setup – essentially enabling you to decide which messages get heard where.

Your surveillance system can be set up to activate a pre-recorded message when it detects indications of undesirable activity Additionally, it can be configured to trigger alerts that tell operators to visually assess a situation and then speak directly to the individuals involved via your speakers.

Audio is also an invaluable complementing tool when delivering up to the minute information and instructions in emergency situations to help keep people safe. Signals, pre-recorded, or live messages can be used to safely and reliably deliver clear warnings and crucial safety information to direct people away from dangerous areas.

Outside of critical situations, audio can also add value. Marketing and customer experience objectives can also be supported by the right type of audio content. For example, in a retail context you can use in-store speakers to share relevant promotion and even background music to create the right ambience.

Strong, clear sound precisely where you want it

Sound quality is important to ensure messages are received and sent with minimal distortion or interference. Network audio systems aren’t sensitive to electrical noise and other kinds of interference that can cause distortion and unwanted sounds. As a result, you can count on clear, easy-to-understand messages every time, regardless of the cable length. Sound signals travelling from the source to the speaker remain strong rather than get weaker with distance.

Network audio solutions can also be set up to divide premises into zones. Instead of broadcasting a message to all areas, you can tailor messages depending on the location. This is all handled within the audio management software.

For instance, in a retail setting it may be desirable to share information to shoppers about specific offers. Using zoning capabilities, you can target specific messages to shoppers in the same area as the products to enhance the likelihood of a sale.

Scalability and flexibility to suit your changing needs

Your business needs can and will change depending on market demands. Simple installation and audio management make it easy to grow and adapt your solution to meet new use cases as they arise.

You can add new devices like speakers, call-out microphones, and audio bridges, as well as add and adjust zones as needed. No matter what you need, it’s all easy to configure and adjust in the audio management software.

Beyond this, when enhancing customer experience, it can also be integrated with your access-control system to greet customers with a cheery pre-recorded welcome such as “Good morning!” when they walk through the door.

Network audio – Less space, maintenance, and risk

In addition to the wide range of use cases where network audio solutions add value, these complete audio systems come in a single unit with all the hardware and software components to suit your requirements. With two-way audio you can even carry on a conversation via the speakers.

Compared to traditional analog system, network audio solutions require less equipment, no central rack, and no technical room. These solutions are connected to a standard network, which enables easy installation, configuration and management without the need for dedicated audio cabling – only a single cable is needed for both power and connectivity.

Without physical speaker wiring (circuits) there is less risk of complications when trying to identify an issue. In a network audio system, every individual speaker is addressable and monitored over the network. This means, you can use IP based health monitoring and configuration of the complete system. If there is a problem, there is an easy way to find out and have the tools to take immediate action.

Built-in audio management software adds up to fewer components which also results in less time spent installing and managing your devices. Ultimately, this makes it a more cost-effective option.

Innovation for a smarter, safer world

Network-based audio solutions come with their own unique capabilities when compared to traditional analog. A single system can serve multiple purposes, deliver consistently clear sound, be easily integrated, and scale up to suit your various needs. As a result, there’s a wide range of use cases that can be addressed using a network audio system.

From helping you to proactively protect people and assets on premises, to creating a pleasant environment and optimizing operations, network audio solutions offer endless opportunities to support your objectives.

Click here to find out more about Axis’ Network Audio solutions.