Communication is everything in a manufacturing environment. First and foremost, effective communication improves safety, along with having other necessary safety supplies on hand. Further, having reliable communication systems in place can improve operational efficiency, which will have a direct impact on the bottom line.
Of course, most manufacturing facilities feature many obstacles poised to interfere with quality communication. High noise levels are one problem, as are the physical barriers that may exist in and around the building, or the sheer size of the building itself. These are not quiet, intimate offices where workers can easily converse with one another at any time. Successful communication in the manufacturing environment requires a detailed plan and the right tools for the job.
Communication Challenges in Manufacturing
We quickly touched on some of the challenges to industrial safety communication in a manufacturing building, but let’s expand on those critical factors below.
· High noise levels. Most manufacturing buildings are very noisy. The machines and other equipment being used produce a lot of noise, and it can be nearly impossible to hear people speaking, even if they are nearby. Beyond in-person conversation, talking on a traditional phone can be a challenge.
· Physical barriers. The standard manufacturing building is going to have concrete walls breaking up various spaces – and it will also have quite a large footprint. Between the distance and the obstacles in the way, signals can struggle to make it from one communication device to another.
· Safety risks. Certain physical risks exist in many manufacturing facilities, meaning even a momentary disruption in communication can have terrible consequences.
Considering a Few Communication Solutions
So, in light of the demanding realities of communicating in a manufacturing plant, what options can you turn to for reliable performance? One of your first thoughts might be to use cell phones. Everyone knows how to use a cell phone – and already owns one – and the ecosystem around modern smartphones means endless apps are available to add new features and capabilities.
Unfortunately, cell phones have some sticking points that make them less-than-ideal in this setting. The first problem is signal interference. Big buildings full of powerful machines can interfere with a cell signal, making it possible that you’ll encounter dropped calls at the wrong times. A typical cell phone is also not cut out for the rugged environment around manufacturing work.
Two-way radios are a better approach. Immediate communication is established between the radios, even in a large facility, and these pieces of equipment are designed to take some abuse without any trouble. One potential downside here is that some powerful two-way radio models demand FCC licensing, which adds a complicating step and opens up regulatory compliance issues.
Two-way radio headsets are the ultimate solution for most manufacturing businesses. With two-way headsets, you can overcome any negatives and enjoy a long list of benefits. Communication is crystal clear, and your workers will enjoy built-in hearing protection by wearing the headsets. No matter how noisy the plant may be, everyone can hear each other clearly and stay on the same page all day.
Some Of The Best Two-Way Radios & Communications Headsets On The Market
If you are ready to upgrade the communications in your manufacturing facility to two-way headsets, there are plenty of great options on the market. Let’s take a moment to look at some of the contenders you might be considering.
3M PELTOR WS LiteCom Pro III
This name is an industry leader for a reason. The PELTOR LiteCom Pro III has everything you are looking for in a headset with a built-in two-way radio. Everyone in your building wearing one of these headsets will have built-in hearing protection while communicating effortlessly and keeping their hands free for the task at hand.
Thanks to Bluetooth multipoint functionality, this headset can be connected to two mobile devices at the same time. And, with the capacity to accept programming for up to 70 unique channels, the 3M PELTOR LiteCom is a suitable solution for even large operations.
Motorola R7 Radios
Motorola is another trusted brand in the two-way radio market. These radios deliver outstanding sound quality and clarity even in rough environments. They have the rugged design needed to withstand the conditions, and they use advanced noise cancellation to ensure the message always comes through clearly from the other end of the channel.
Sonim Phones
When looking for devices that will withstand anything they could encounter, Sonim is a brand name to consider carefully. Unlike a regular cell phone, these phones offer Push-to-Talk functionality, which can function as a two-way radio. They are also unlikely to be harmed after a drop or any other event that may destroy a lesser device.
Sensear SM1R Series
The Sensear brand is another option in the two-way radio market that offers reliable, durable headsets. This Australian brand is known for its long-lasting performance and for providing the kind of reliable, clear communication that is so important. Some Sensear models are powered by the radio and don’t need an internal battery, which may be an appealing feature in busy facilities where tracking the charge levels of many headsets only adds to the list of things that must be done daily.
Two-Way Radio Headset Cost
Pricing for two-way headsets can vary widely. The reputation of the brand that produces the headset will play a role in the price, as will the features that each unit offers. It’s a good idea to explore the various price points represented in the market before investing in headsets that will serve your facility for years to come.
Among the options we highlighted above, the LiteCom Pro III will be near the top of the price range, with each headset typically priced between $900 and $1,200. Of course, you do get an excellent product for that investment. These are premium headsets with the features you need to maintain communication.
Motorola headsets also have a premium price tag, although they are often just under the LiteCom Pro III. You may need to pay $800 to $1,000 per headset to go with this respected brand. Sonim and Sensear, while still offering quality products, bring the price down a little further, often landing in the $500 - $1,000 range, depending on features.
Choose the Right Solution for Your Facility
A two-way headset radio is an excellent tool for manufacturing facilities of all shapes and sizes. These devices help keep people safe while enabling your teams to operate at the highest possible efficiency level, making them well worth the investment's price. Take some time to learn more about the options from trusted brands like 3M, Motorola, Sonim, and Sensear so you can select the product line that suits your business correctly.
Works Cited
“Critical Communication Challenges in High Noise”, Sensear, https://www.sensear.com/blog/critical-communication-challenges-high-noise
“3M PELTOR WS LiteCom PRO III Headsets”, 3M, https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b10263723/
“Occupational Noise Exposure”, OSHA, https://www.osha.gov/noise/health-effects
