Client: Zenetec Thornhill
About Zenetec: Zenetec is a well-established collision repair and auto services brand that is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities, dedication to quality, and exceptional customer service across Ontario. Their Thornhill location deals with high numbers of cars on a daily basis and requires seamless internal communication to support speedy, accurate, and swift operations.
The Project: ACT360 was assigned to improve Zenetec Thornhill’s paging system at the start of 2025. While the current installation was functional, it did not offer even sound coverage across the whole shop floor—especially in the more noisy work areas. The aim was to enhance the audio system so that paging announcements and scheduled breaks would be clearly audible, uninterrupted and miscommunication-free.
To achieve this, ACT360 replaced the under-performing ceiling speakers with horn-style speakers high-power-rated—same as those that were installed at Zenetec's other facility. The horn-style speakers were strategically placed to cover the shop floor and the existing ceiling speakers were recycled and relocated to smaller, quieter areas like the estimating bay and parts room. This not only made the best use of existing equipment but also offered full and balanced audio coverage to all zones.
The Objective: The primary objective was to enhance audio clarity and consistency throughout the Thornhill facility. Clarity paging is vital in busy auto environments where employees are moving quickly and using their hands while interacting with loud machinery and tools. By adjusting the placement of the speakers and selecting the most suitable speaker type per zone, ACT360 enabled Zenetec to guarantee that any message would never be missed, keeping the crew in synchronization and on deadline.
Key Tasks and Solutions:
High-Performance Speaker Installation: ACT360 installed AXIS C1310-E horn speakers at strategic points in the shop floor. The speakers are intended to be used indoors in noisy areas, delivering powerful, focused sound that cuts easily through background noise. The replacement speakers significantly improved the quality and reach of all paging announcements.
Speaker Reallocation and Optimization: Instead of discarding the old ceiling speakers, ACT360 moved them to quieter spaces like the parts department and estimating bay. In these less noisy environments, the original speakers still provide excellent sound, minimizing waste and generating value.
Smart Placement and Wiring: The speakers were installed at the optimal height and angle for maximum sound coverage with an uncluttered, professional look. Cabling was kept under control and tied up as per safety standards to avoid any disruption of business operations.
Integration with Break Timers and Paging System: The configuration integrates directly into Zenetec's existing break timers and paging announcements, which ensures effective communication during the course of the day. Employees now have the capability to hear announcements no matter their location in the facility, fostering improved punctuality and reduced confusion.
The upgraded paging system does not incur any monthly fees or subscription costs. Paging is as simple as pressing the “page” soft button on staff phones, entering the paging group extension, and speaking when prompted by the tone. This intuitive process allows staff to easily make announcements without requiring special training or technical assistance.
Outcomes
The new paging system has achieved a definite gain in sound quality, company-wide communication, and day-to-day coordination. Staff reports improved clarity and fewer missed announcements, especially in the noisiest parts of the shop. Managers report better compliance with break times and general response time.
This initiative demonstrates ACT360's ability to tailor solutions to each client environment. Through the exercise of smart technology choices, cost-saving reuse of installed base assets, and a strong understanding of on-the-ground challenges, ACT360 helped Zenetec Thornhill streamline its internal processes without disrupting business.
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