The manufacturing landscape is getting more competitive, consumer expectations are increasing, and the need to keep the workforce connected is only getting greater. Having the right industrial communications can help. The following are three reasons to invest in technologies like two-way radios to bring people together, break down silos and ensure critical communications get through.
More Productivity
Rising customer demands and executive pressures mean you’re expected to manufacture and deliver products faster than ever. This can result in the need for more machinery and more people, but that isn’t always possible. On the other hand, industrial communications devices allow you get more productivity out of the equipment and staff you already have.
For example, with communications technology such as two-way radios, you can better manage workloads. Work-order-ticket-management apps let you manage your teams’ workflows via their radios. With this functionality, mobile workers can notify dispatch when jobs are done, so you can track, analyze and improve cycle times.
Also, many radios feature indoor-location tracking. This lets people locate everyone and everything in your facility within seconds. You can also locate mobile and portable assets, like the trucks going in and out of your facility.
In addition, two-way radio apps like push-to-talk, voice dispatch, IP telephony with data, and comprehensive voice and data give you the freedom to select a specialized device for each employee without the need for central control.
Less Downtime
Uptime in manufacturing is about preventing costly stoppages at the earliest possible opportunity and preventing delays at the consumer end to ensure the best experiences. With improved industrial communications you can eliminate gaps in communications and keep workflow moving.
For example, quality two-way radios come with noise cancellation technology that can reduce background noise and automatically adjust volume to match plant noise levels. That way, team members don’t have to wait for quiet times to communicate.
Also, fleet management apps let you track your teams’ vehicle data, including current location and speed. They also let you monitor route and schedule adherence, fuel consumption, ignition status and more for maximum insight.
In addition, with improved technology, you can also send texts and emails to radios, phones, tablets and even desktop computers. This means teams can receive equipment and status alerts from a range of sources and notify technicians from a single interface.
Greater safety and security
The need for safety and security on the plant floor is always paramount. And that can get more challenging when there are more devices, more channels to communicate, and faster processes pushing maximum productivity. Here too is where industrial communications play a critical role.
Today’s two-way radios are integrated with features like “man down” and “lone worker.” Radios can call for help when people can’t, and initiate emergency alerts if radios are inactive for longer than usual. Alarm management apps enable team members to respond rapidly, letting you monitor and remotely operate doors, gates, lights, sprinklers, and more.
Moreover, two-way radios are designed for broad coverage and higher durability. They work in underground areas where cellular networks don’t reach. The latest digital radios have batteries designed to last a full shift so team members can rely on their radios to always work on the job. Another key industrial communications device is the heavy-duty headset, which offers protection against noisy environments while allowing people to make and receive radio calls. It also gives people the freedom to use their radios without touching them, so their hands are free to manage other tasks more safely.
These are just three reasons manufacturers are investing in quality technology and how they’re improving interdepartmental communication with two-way radios. To learn more about how Chicago Communications can bolster your operations, browse our blogs. Also, check out our free white paper on Unified Communications in Manufacturing.
