Why Choose Two-Way Radio?

The following is an excerpt from VDC Reseach "Enterprise Mobility and Connected Devices"

Making the Case for Two-Way Radios

Two-way radios continue to represent the communication lifeline for millions of mobile workders today. From manufacturing plants to transportation companies, from municipalities to school campuses, two-way radios embody and characterize the rigorous reliability, durability, and availability expectations prevalent in a broad range of environments. Requirements for business-critical mobile communications devices include the following:

• Cost of ownership. Without monthly service fees, two-way radios offer a significantly lower total cost of ownership when compared directly to smartphones and other cellular connected devices, which carry monthly service fees.
• Enhanced worker safety. For scenarios where worker safety is critical, the always-on capabilities of two-way radios are invaluable, especially during emergencies. According to VDC's research, 65% of enterprise respondents view the ability to protect workers with safety features as a critical requirement when selecting communications systems for mobile workers.
• Enterprise-class accessory ecosystem. Providing a variety of accessories - from mounting brackets to hands-free data collection solutions and carrying cases, two-way radios offer a broad accessory portfolio closely aligned with enterprise use cases and target applications.

• Durability and reliability. Base on their design and portable use cases, the risks of damaging a consumer mobile device are great, increasing the premium for durability. Annual failure rates of consumer mobile devices supporting target applications was recently measured by VDC Research at 18-20%, substantially higher than the 4-8% of rugged two-way radios. Consequences of consumer mobile device failure, especially for highly optimized mobile applications and workflows, include a significant disruption to workflows and lost productivity as well as the negative impact on customer service and employee safety.
• Audio Quality. The level of ambient noise - especially in environments like manufacturing plants - can render many mobile communications devices ineffective. More than six in ten organizations state the need to "hear clearly in noisy environments" as an important communication system feature. Voice quality on two-way digital radios is further enhanced by sophisticated software algorithms and background noise suppression which ensures that clear voice is delivered in even the most extreme scenarios.
• Support of specialized mobile workflows. Restrictions by the US DOT limit the use of cell phones by commercial drivers but permit the use of two-way radios for mobile communications. In addition, safety capabilities of two-way radios addressing lone worker and man-down situations for field workers represent a critical lifeline for these individuals.

• Group Communicaations. With the need to improve employee collaboration and significantly accelerate resolution time, a key benefit of two-way radios is the "one too many" group communication function and the ability to instantly connect people. According to VDC's research, more than seven in ten organizations identify this capability as a critical communication system requirement.
• Value adding features and functionality. Many modern two-way digital radios offer additional integrated features such as GPS and text messaging. In addition, other innovative workplace applications such as location tracking and providing instant notifications when assets malfunction, are adding to the overall value proposition of two-way radios.

Conclusion

Although two-way radios are most commonly associated with public safety workers and first responders, their value extends well beyond these segments. From manufacturing shop floor workers to guest services in hospitality and school bus drivers, two-way radios offer a no-compromise, cost-effective solution to support business-critical communications. In addition, the functionality of next-generation digital radios extend well beyond voice communications and include value-adding location and text alert applications integrated into a rugged and reliable device. In complarison to consumer-friendly smartphones, two-way radios are often the only viable option to support today's frontline workers' business-critical communications requirements.