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Mobile Phones or Two-Way Radios: Which Is Best for Your Worksite?

When spearheading a project that requires a team effort, how well you communicate and collaborate can determine your output quality. Urgent messages mean you won’t have any time to enter your passcode and load up a text message. Time is of the essence, and a mobile phone isn’t going to serve you as well as you think. Fortunately, two-way radios are far from obsolete and make for an efficient method of communication. 

Getting the Message Across

When sending and receiving messages on-site, reliability is of utmost importance. Mobile phones are ideal for transmitting and receiving across longer distances—which isn’t the case here. Not to mention, they’re not as productive in urgent situations. Calls can go straight to voicemail, whereas a radio transmitter will make its presence known. 

Despite their intricate features, mobile phones are better equipped to streamline processes that aren’t time-sensitive by processing large amounts of data and information. Rife with distractions, they don’t make a prolific addition to your manufacturing or industrial warehouse either.

The Advantages of a Two-Way Radio

Two-way radios help teams achieve an identical goal by:

  • Simplifying the communication process with a no-frills application
  • Enhancing security services, when team members need to be hyperfocused and in touch constantly
  • Informing warehouse, hospital, school, construction site, and industrial site staff of urgent matters

Which One Will Serve You Better?

Even on broader worksites, teams tend to prefer two-way radios over mobile phones. However, there are some instances in which mobile phones make for superior communication tools. If you’re discerning between the two, consider the following factors.

 

Know How They Operate

 

Mobile phones are only useful in relaying information when strong signals are emanating from nearby cell towers. When communicating between multiple sites, mobile phones make for an excellent intermediary. However, areas with poor reception will likely render them useless. 

On the other hand, two-way radios convert audio into radio signals, which transmit through the air. The receiving radio then transmits the waves back into audio. Analog technology doesn’t require a cell tower’s assistance and is typically reliable over a distance of about 100 meters. 

 

Identify Emergency Situations

 

In the event of a disaster scenario, you’ll have to call each team member’s attention as quickly and efficiently as possible—something a mobile phone won’t likely achieve. 

 

Consider Durability

 

Two-way radios are simply designed and incredibly robust. Hardly will you have to fumble with multiple keys and buttons to get a message across to a team member in a matter of seconds. In contrast, mobile phones rely on screens to display information and can be challenging to operate in the middle of an emergency. Plus, they aren’t as water or weatherproof as a two-way radio. 

Conclusion

When incorporating the right staff communication system, consider how quickly you need to get information across from one team to another, what your budget can afford, and how useful it will be to your process. Whether renting or purchasing, transceivers can enhance your availability and help get the job done promptly. 

For all your staff communication system needs, rent, or purchase equipment with Plant Tours. We deliver rapidly and affordably, ensuring teams clear and precise communication.

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