Operational teams need to communicate constantly to ensure safe and efficient operations. However, communication is often interrupted by range limitations, dead batteries, congested channels, crosstalk, and interference. This scenario is more common than you might think and causes enormous losses for companies. Inefficient communication can be catastrophic, especially in critical environments where every second counts.
In this article, we'll look at the main communication issues between operational and field teams and present a solution that can transform communication, generating an immediate and significant return on investment (ROI).
Common Problems with Traditional LMR (Land Mobile Radio) and HT (Handheld Transceivers) Radios
Traditional radios, known as LMR HT, are widely used in field operations. However, these devices present a number of problems that compromise communication efficiency:
- Interference and Signal Limitation: In environments such as basements or areas with concrete and iron structures, the signal from HT radios is virtually nonexistent. This results in "dead zones" where communication is interrupted.
- Battery Dependence: HT radios rely on batteries that rarely last a full day of intense work. The constant need for backup batteries increases complexity and operational costs.
- Channel Congestion: With multiple users speaking on the same channel, communication clarity is compromised, increasing the risk of misunderstandings and operational errors.
- Limited Range: The range of HT radios is limited, especially in large industrial areas. Even with special antennas, communication is limited to the antenna's perimeter, leaving teams disconnected outside that area.
Excessive Costs of Acquisition, Maintenance and Use of LMR HT Radios
Maintaining an efficient communication network with HT radios is expensive and ineffective. Companies face high costs with the acquisition and maintenance of these devices. Rental contracts can cost hundreds of reais per radio, plus the cost of batteries and accessories. Additionally, if a radio malfunctions, the contract often requires payment for a new radio, further increasing costs.
For example, at a large petrochemical complex, the monthly cost of maintaining 20 radios, including batteries and lapel headsets, can exceed R$12,000 per month. This cost does not account for communication interruptions that cause significant delays and operational losses.
Solution: Zello Work by Above-Net
Above-Net offers Zello Work in Brazil as a revolutionary solution to overcome field team communication challenges. Zello Work is a smartphone app-based communication platform capable of efficiently implementing PTT (Push-to-Talk) communication on a private corporate network, replacing LMR HT radios. Its main advantages include:
- Seamless Connectivity: Using any data network like Wi-Fi or cellular, Zello Work ensures continuous communication. Even in areas with limited signal strength, messages are recorded and delivered as soon as the user returns to the area with minimal signal strength.
- Cost Savings: Zello Work is significantly cheaper than HT radios. With a monthly fee per user, it eliminates the need for additional hardware investment, as any smartphone can be incorporated into the corporate network.
- Advanced Features: In addition to voice communication, Zello Work allows you to send photos, text messages, geotags, and emergency calls. All communications are encrypted and cannot be forwarded to another app, ensuring security and privacy.
- Ease of Use: Zello Work can be installed on existing mobile devices, eliminating the need to carry and maintain multiple devices.
Results: ROI and Efficiency in Communication between Teams with Multiple Benefits
To demonstrate the positive financial impact, let's analyze a fictitious situation based on real data. Suppose a large industrial company uses 300 HT radios in its operations. The rental costs for each radio, plus backup batteries, lapel headsets, and ongoing maintenance, raise the monthly costs to approximately R$100,000.
By migrating to Zello Work, the company pays a monthly fee of up to R$150 per user. Considering that most companies already have corporate smartphones for other purposes, for the same 300 users, the monthly cost would be up to R$45,000. Even factoring in the potential upgrades to the plant's wireless network infrastructure, lapel microphones, and other operational accessories for Zello Work, the savings would exceed R$500,000 per year.
In addition to the direct savings, Zello Work offers far superior functionality than HT radios. The dispatch center organizes calls and communication groups. Recorded messages ensure that no crucial information is lost, even if the user is temporarily out of range. The ability to send photos and texts, in addition to voice communication, improves the accuracy of instructions and reports, while end-to-end encryption enhances communication security.
In short, implementing Zello Work results in a significant return on investment (ROI). By reducing communication costs and increasing efficiency, companies see improvements in productivity and operational security. Clear and consistent communication allows teams to respond quickly to emergencies and coordinate activities more effectively, minimizing downtime and errors.
To learn more about how Zello Work can transform your company's communication, download our brochure: The Revolution in PTT Communication for Businesses.
Application
The Revolution in PTT Communication for Businesses
"Revolution in PTT Communication for Business" brochure Above-Net 's Zello Work overcomes the limitations of traditional LMR HT radios. It offers unlimited, organized, and auditable communication. Ideal for companies seeking efficiency and security, it allows for multiple channels, message recording, rapid response via Dispatch Hub, and integration with Bridgemeter Smart Industrial IoT.
