In manufacturing environments, radios are a given, smartphones are proving to be less than ideal, and WiFi phones are holding their own.
As wireless communications helps power advances in manufacturing technology, advanced connectivity is making purpose-built WiFi phones a solid option for everything from the front office to the factory floor.
With the unique requirements of the industry in mind, here’s a quick look at some benefits of WiFi phones for manufacturing.
Durability
One of the emerging trends across every industry has been programs around BYOD – or Bring Your Own Device – that allow employees to use their personal smartphones or tablets for work.
But in manufacturing, the rigors of the plant floor, security concerns and other issues have made the programs problematic. Consumer products just aren’t up to the challenge of manufacturing.
WiFi phones built specifically for manufacturing, on the other hand, are built to withstand harsh conditions and even falls from tall warehouse equipment.
Reliability
Anyone who’s ever tried to have a cell phone conversation in a fortified plant or facility knows the difficulty of getting reliable reception or trustworthy connectivity.
The solutions developed to support WiFi phones in a manufacturing environment ensure seamless communications, sending strong signal to spaces where cell phones can’t reach.
The battery life on wireless handsets is also longer than traditional cell phones, ensuring workers can save time by not having to recharge as often.
Foundation for the Future
As manufacturing engineering technology continues to evolve and companies innovate, WiFi phones and systems will continue to serve an important role in communications, along with two-way radios.
The devices will help meet the expectations of the young manufacturing professionals of tomorrow who have been drawn to manufacturing careers by events such as Manufacturing Day.
It’s an exciting time to be in the industry and witness the rapid changes in manufacturing technology examples such as 3-D printing and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT).
