The manufacturing sector is a difficult operating backdrop. Often it means working in a pressure-cooker environment. Deadlines must be met, quality has to be controlled, and every process must be negotiated as efficiently as possible.
Successful manufacturers will all tell you that excellent communication is the key to the smooth running of a manufacturing plant. This article focuses on why walkie-talkies are still the go-to communication tool for manufacturers. Additionally, two-way radios also play a critical part in maintaining plant safety.
The Advantages of Two-way radios in Manufacturing
Despite living in the uber-connected digital world, two-way radios are still an unbeatable choice when instant and clear communication is required. The manufacturing sector is a clear example of where walkie-talkies are the only viable communication option.
Amongst the benefits they provide are:
- Instant Communication – Both on a one-to-many or a one-to-one basis, walkie-talkies offer communication at the touch of a button. This is essential when “mission-critical” messages need to be sent and received in real time.
- Clarity of Communication – The clarity of the message is also important, and even basic two-way radios provide this. But for noisier environments, then digital models with enhanced clarity and volume are perfect. Finally, walkie-talkies can also be paired with noisy cancelling headsets.
- Durable – The workplace can be a harsh environment. Walkie-talkies are designed to withstand all the rigours of the shop floor. Dustproof and waterproof models are available, and they are tough enough to withstand drops and falls.
- Capable of Operating in Explosive Environments – Two-way radios are available in ATEX format. This means that they have been EU certified to work safely in environments where there is an explosion risk. This is especially relevant for manufacturing industries where volatile chemicals are commonly used.
- Enhanced Safety – The safety aspects of two-way radios will be covered fully in the next section.
- Outstanding battery life – Some models of walkie-talkie will run for 18-hrs or more on a single battery charge.
- Simple to use – There is no requirement for staff training. Even complex digital two-way radios can be mastered by most people in less than an hour.
- Increased productivity and efficiency – In the loud and chaotic atmosphere of a factory floor, it can be difficult to maintain the level of efficiency required to maximise productivity. Two-way radios are the perfect tool for keeping all employees constantly in the loop and working at their very best.
Two-way radios enhance safety in the workplace
The safety benefits that two-way radios bring to the factory floor are worth discussing in greater detail. A manufacturing plant can be a dangerous working environment. It is often a noisy and hectic place full of potential hazards.
In such environments, maintaining safe work practices is paramount. Walkie-talkies can play a big part in keeping a workforce safe throughout the factory.
Amongst the safety features that many two-way radios have, are:
Emergency Button
The simplest feature is the emergency button. This is an easily accessible button that can be activated by a worker in distress. This alerts other radio users that a colleague is in peril.
Lone Worker Feature
For workplaces that often require employees to work alone and perhaps in a distant corner of a factory, then the lone-worker function is critical.
This feature requires the lone worker to key the mic at pre-configured intervals. If the worker fails to do this, the radio will initially prompt them with a beep. If the worker still doesn’t respond, the radio will broadcast an alarm to other handsets, informing them of a potential emergency.
Man Down Function
This uses sensors within the radio to detect motion that could be likened to a fall. After such motion is detected, the two-way radio will sound an alert on the handset to warn the user that the function has been activated. This is to prevent an emergency alarm from being broadcast in instances where the handset may have been dropped, for example.
If this initial alarm is not cancelled by the user, then an alarm is broadcast to the other radios.
Summing Up
Good communication is essential if a manufacturing plant wants to run as efficiently and safely as possible. Ultimately these two factors are the most important reasons why walkie-talkies should be an essential tool in any manufacturing operation.
Two-way radios are a versatile option with models that can work safely in the harshest of conditions and even explosive atmospheres without missing a beat.
Simple and cost-effective to deploy, two-way radios are the perfect working partner for every manufacturing facility.
