The widespread use of smartphones and associated connectivity–Wi-Fi among business users is leading organizations to adopt push-to-talk (PTT) technology. Instead of an employee using multiple devices–walkie-talkies or LMR devices–companies are considering using PTT to provide voice and data communication on a mobile device.
However, PTT offerings in today’s market remain fragmented, with mainly simple apps for consumers who want a walkie-talkie experience. Such consumer-grade apps lack the security and reliability that professionals need to perform uninterrupted tasks.
Businesses should look for professional Push-to-Talk apps that are platform agnostic and easy to integrate with older LMR systems. Before companies decide to use PTT for professional situations, here is a list of must-have features to check to get an app that serves the needs of employees.
What to check in a professional Push-to-Talk app
A professional push-to-talk app (nuovoteam dotcom) does more than a consumer-grade walkie-talkie app. Note the following features and capabilities that meet professional requirements.
- Instant Call Initiation: High-performance Push-to-Talk apps can deliver sub-second call set-up and latency to ensure instant communication. In PTT apps, users can select a user or group and press the PTT button to speak. When the speaker releases the button, their voice message delivered immediately and broadcast to the receiver’s smartphone.
- Queuing: PTT allows one-to-one or one-to-many speech almost instantaneously (no need to wait for a dial tone or connect to a call). The conversation is like a walkie-talkie – only one person speaks at a time, but professional PTT apps have a queuing feature that allows users to easily queue up to speak. There may be an option where a hierarchy of speakers in critical control positions can override a conversation.
- Multimedia communication: A push-to-talk app needs to do more than allow users to communicate instantly. A professional PTT app allows users to easily and securely send text and documents, rich media such as videos, and data-heavy information in real-time and with a button.
- Management dashboard: Administrators need to control every aspect of hundreds of devices, including security, updates, management, reporting, etc. The PTT app should offer companies a management console that allows administrators to manage devices, including tracking devices and preventative maintenance.
- SOS alert: In many industries, PTT is not implemented to have a financial return on investment or improved productivity, which often reinforces the need for PTT apps. In certain industries, such as mining, oil, and gas, PTT is often aimed at mission-critical environments where employee safety is paramount. A professional PTT app, such as Nuovoteam, provides emergency alerts for emergencies. Users can initiate a 10-second PTT call followed by a pinpoint of the user’s location.
- Support existing radio communication: Companies are unlikely to stop using LMR (Local Mobile Radio) systems anytime soon. They are useful both as primary and secondary options for emergency communication. Plus, businesses may have invested too much in putting it on the shelf. Enterprise-grade PTT apps should be able to enable smartphone devices to communicate over radio communications.
- Location tracking: The PTT app should include geolocation tracking of multiple mobile devices with navigation capabilities. For example, in mining operations, teams working on site can be enabled location tracking so that individuals working in the field can be kept safe in the field and not accidentally walk or drive into danger.
- End-to-end encryption: Radio communications can often be monitored by third parties through scanners but often exhibit weak encryption. With a strong PTT app, all communication, voice or data, can be encrypted to the highest standards. To keep PTT communications private, NuovoTeam’s 128-bit encrypted communication delivers secure information exchange.
- Collaborate with existing radios: A practical PPT app allows people with a smartphone to communicate with radio carrying teams. Smartphones with a PTT app can support connection to established LMR groups for easy, yet controlled communication.
- Corporate directory integration: Finding contact details of employees belonging to different verticals can be a time-consuming task. The PTT app can access the organization’s corporate directory, and sync the phonebook and contact list so workers don’t waste time searching for relevant contact information.
Benefits of Push-to-talk App
- No infrastructure is needed. Companies don’t have to buy, operate, and maintain any infrastructure. This removes all the day-to-day responsibilities of owning and maintaining the infrastructure, thereby reducing operating costs.
- Cost control. A smartphone equipped with an enterprise-grade PTT app can easily replace an expensive, single-purpose walkie-talkie. Organizations can realize real cost savings by investing in readily available consumer-based smartphones instead of acquiring dedicated Land Mobile Radios (LMRs)
- Global coverage. PTT apps integrated into smartphones use 4G cellular or Wi-Fi broadband connectivity, which walkie-talkies unable to offer. Internet connectivity does not degrade the quality of voice messages or restrict any additional features of the PTT app that may limit its capabilities.
- Streamlined communication. Administrators can group all employees together in PTT and create separate groups specific to departments or locations to prevent miscommunication. In addition to secure communication, PTT apps allow for any number of virtual channels and as many groups as needed, including the ability to create dynamic call groups.
Wrapping
Continuous and immediate communication is essential in the time-sensitive situations that occur in industries such as logistics, manufacturing, and public safety. Instant feedback is important. Devices that can go beyond simple walkie-talkie communication allow businesses to drive security and safety for their employees.
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