Reader Forum: The '5th C' impact on two-way radios

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Two-way radios are everywhere these days and are used in just about every business. Associates at your favorite local retailer; attendants who takes your ticket at the movie theater; supervisors on a manufacturing floor; construction site workers building a housing complex; and logistics managers at transportation hubs all use two-way radios on a daily basis. All radios are known for their performance with the four basic “Cs”: coverage, capacity, cost and control.
“The 5th C” — capabilities — is the game changer in the industry and makes the difference for those considering what type of communications system to leverage — two-way radios or cellular devices. Key capabilities must be considered from data application capabilities to security, durability and reliability. This article will discuss what those capabilities really mean to users and how they can make the difference between a system that lasts for two years to one that can last for more than 10 years.
In the past, radios have been evaluated with the 4 Cs:
—Coverage: Systems are designed to meet specific requirements, whether it’s a single-site warehouse or a multisite manufacturing operation. Low frequencies and high power enable coverage in every corner of the facility — even hard-to-reach places like basements and machine rooms.
—Capacity: Systems are engineered to address the business’ needs, using licensed spectrum and dedicated resources. There is no competition for access as there is with a public network.
—Cost: A radio system has low, predictable costs. There are no additional airtime fees, or “overage” charges like those associated with cell phones.
—Control: With a private radio system, the business is in control. From system design to operation, maintenance and upgrade, the priority is the business owner’s needs, not the phone company’s profits.
The coming of digital radio technologies, like DMR, has further strengthened these core values. Today, coverage is wider, capacity is greater, cost is lower and control is stronger. But, the real game changer is how digital technology can add value to the communication system through what we call the 5th C: capabilities.
The 5th C: capabilities
Digital radios offer more. Baseline capabilities such as digital audio, data connectivity, text messaging and GPS location-reporting can be used individually to improve business “connectedness.” But, the real revolution is in how they can be combined into complex applications that transform operations.
Clearer audio
Digital audio technology allows us to do fundamental things better. We can compress two voice calls into a single channel, improving efficiency and capacity without increasing costs. We can also use error correction to regenerate audio information lost through radio interference. Most exciting of all, we can use advanced digital processing techniques to manipulate the audio stream, resulting in incredible background noise cancellation, feedback suppression, distortion control, sophisticated automatic gain control and audio beam-steering, all at a reasonable cost.
A machine operator uses a digital radio to coordinate operations with his supply team. His headset is integrated into his ear protectors, and connected to his radio using Bluetooth to eliminate cable snags and tangles. The audio from the headset microphone goes through industrial noise cancellation software, which filters out the clatter of the machine. He is heard clearly every time he speaks.
The wedding organizer uses radios to coordinate the team. She has configured the radios with receiver AGC, so they automatically reduce their volume in the chapel, but are clearly audible in the ballroom. They also have sophisticated feedback suppression built-in, so there’s no “howling” when the radios get close to each other. She can manage the event efficiently and discreetly.
Better security, better safety
There are also some basic security advantages to digital radios, such as the ability to encrypt over-the-air traffic and disable lost radios. Safety is also enhanced, with features such as emergency interrupt and location tracking. But that’s just the beginning: you can use digital radios to enhance your business’ safety and security in so many ways.
A school bus has an RFID badge reader at the door that can identify students as they get on and off the vehicle. Interconnected using the data and GPS capabilities of the digital radio on the bus, the central dispatcher can now see where and when each student got off the bus. More certainty means faster responses and fewer emergencies. And since this is a private system, there is very little risk of a data security breach.
A firefighter is wearing a suite of biometric sensors that use his digital radio to transmit key information to the incident manager. His heart rate, temperature and oxygen levels can be combined with location information to dramatically enhance his safety.
Transformation in productivity and efficiency
Because your private voice network is also your own private data network, your capabilities are dramatically improved. We’re not discussing broadband Internet data capabilities — those are better served by Wi-Fi. We’re talking about a robust, secure, wide area private data network that serves your business.
You can use your radio to connect to databases, for on-the-spot inventory queries, biometric look-ups or license plate checking. You can use telemetry to monitor remote sensors or download status reports from machinery. And you can empower your staff to be more productive, using text messaging, work order ticketing, e-mail gateways and telephone interconnections.
A prestigious hotel and resort has extended its work order ticketing system to include all the radios on-site. Now everyone is connected at all times. Text-based work order tickets are discreet, clear and detailed, and can be rendered in the staff member’s native language. Responsiveness and accountability is improved, and guest satisfaction increases.
A transportation and logistics company uses an advanced console as part of a digital radio system. The dispatcher can see exactly where every vehicle is located, and how they are being driven. A bar-code scanner is connected to each truck’s radio, so every delivery is recorded and uploaded to the company database in real time.
The 5th C is a game changer
Digital radios are transforming businesses today. They satisfy today’s business imperative of doing more with less, without requiring extensive process re-engineering within the enterprise. By connecting people and improving safety, productivity, efficiency and accountability, digital radios make a difference and the key is that 5th C: capabilities.
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