Guest OpEd by Chief Technologist Dave George
Communicating with personnel was already a challenge for companies with workers in the field, widespread workforces in siloed divisions and office locations, or deskless staff who travel.
Now that COVID-19 has all but eradicated traditional in-person relationships and many in-office team members are now working remotely, keeping everyone synced is an even more daunting task.
The entire face of team communications has changed, escalating the need for alternate ways to communicate with the growing mobile workforce.
Internal and external communications are merging as businesses strive to reconnect with disconnected teams off-site and in virtual environments.
Digital Engagement
Managing the employee journey has become as important as managing customer experience.
Businesses are struggling to keep distributed employees engaged, maintain corporate culture and re-establish a sense of community.
In addition to connecting with remote workers and keeping employees up-to-date, team communications solutions must also facilitate onboarding, training, career growth and be able to segment messaging for distinct employee groups of different geographies, cultures, ages, and job functions, while also maintaining personal interactions and peer collaboration.
Email doesn’t cut it and excessive reliance on video conferencing has already created “Zoom fatigue.”
Remote work now requires mobile communication delivery at an unprecedented level, and companies are discovering faster, more effective ways to communicate meaningfully with simple, plug-and-play digital solutions.
App-Powered Workforces
Mobile team communications apps are fast becoming the go-to solution across the spectrum, from small business to major enterprises, and spanning every industry, whether working in a shared workplace or remotely.
App features are more comprehensive than ever with integrated augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI) and mixed reality programs, as well as text chats, audio calls, video conferencing, file and screen sharing, discussion threads, forums and more, all combined into one communications hub on a dedicated channel.
With the multitude of app options available today, the key is determining which functions will best address organizational needs.
Though team text chats and video conferences are productive, nothing compares to live voice messaging in real time, either one-to-one with individuals, or one-to-many with groups.
Team apps that offer a Walkie Talkie feature enable push-to-talk (PTT) to transmit instant voice messages to colleagues without risk of cross-talk or eavesdropping, while also reducing the number of devices workers carry and cutting IT costs.
Feature-rich apps also allow users to track locations, trigger emergency alerts in critical situations, coordinate logistics and quickly resolve issues.
However, some industries have highly specific processes and require more customized communications interfaces, such as public safety, security, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.
The emergence of no-code/low-code development platforms (LCDP) have made it possible for developers and customers to accelerate delivery of custom applications.
Though they can be deployed on virtually any platform, mobile accessibility is a driving factor behind the use of LCDP apps, which allow workers to tap into on-premise or cloud data from a mobile device.
Where security and compliance risks are a concern and privacy is essential to protecting sensitive information, there are communication apps that can be self-hosted on a company’s own servers and integrated directly to the user interface rather than through a third-party server.
Push-to-Talk Networks
Traditional private radio and land mobile radio (LMR) networks often require significant up-front Capital Expenditures (CAPEX).
The spike in mobile workforces is driving explosive growth in push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) for wide-area communications due to the low Operational Expenditure (OPEX) for startup and subscription-based services.
With the press of a PTT button, PoC provides the same capabilities as traditional two-way radio systems and enable instant group calls to multiple users. Because PoC leverages existing LTE cellular and ubiquitous Wi-Fi networks, systems can be deployed more quickly with no infrastructure required.
PoC network services can also be located on privately hosted servers using gateway routers to provide connectivity between the LTE network and the PoC server.
Another approach is unified communications (UC) platforms, which integrate diverse radio systems with PoC and PTT over Wi-Fi into one centralized ecosystem.
Digital Devices
PoC devices such as radios, smartphones, and even bodycams are purpose built for professional communications as compact, rugged, easy-to-operate handheld devices.
Digital Mobile Radios (DMR) with advanced features can support PoC functions, including instant group calling, GPS location tracking, emergency notifications, and mission-critical PTT (MCPTT.)
Enterprise models of ruggedized smartphones now have programmable buttons that support PTT communication and integrate with walkie talkie apps. For example, retailers can use programmable buttons to enable scanning capabilities or POS payments.
For harsher work environments like industrial settings, there are PoC devices with IP ratings for water and dust resistance, etc.
For occupations that require gloves such as public safety, fire and EMS, some devices offer enlarged buttons or glove mode.
Mobile Workforce Support
Many team communication apps are compatible with hands-free PTT accessories, including headsets and Bluetooth adaptors, which not only keep drivers from being distracted, but allows freedom of movement when operating machinery, maintaining facilities, and a host of other physical tasks.
A single button push connects drivers with dispatch or workers with team members, which is ideal for transportation companies and businesses with vehicle fleets, as well as for the hospitality, property management, food service and retail industries.
There are a vast array of accessories available that augment audio and voice quality, from waterproof headsets to discreet surveillance kits for undercover and security, or throat mics and earmuffs for high noise environments like construction sites, manufacturing plants and entertainment venues.
However, few manufacturers specialize in making affordable professional-grade products that far surpass most low-cost alternatives, my company being one of them.
Of course, these days hygiene is also a primary concern, which is why experienced makers offer swappable accessories specifically designed for individual or one-time use.
In today’s COVID world, companies want to raise team communications to a higher level, while also reducing expenses.
This has created demand for simpler, more cost effective solutions that are also dependable and backed by strong support to ensure operations run smoothly and teamwork is optimized.
Ultimately, it has also redefined the future of mobile workforce communications.
About the Author
Dave George, Chief Technologist and President of Pryme Radio Products, a Winner in the 2016 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, holds 29 patents and is the inventor of multiple award-winning products.
An RF engineer for over 40 years, George is a key influencer in the public sector’s transition from radio to broadband.
He is considered an industry thought leader whose keen insight is renowned in the communications technology field.
Aside from running a successful communications accessory company, George also coaches a Southern California high school robotics team.
Nominations Now Open for 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program
American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program is entering its Sixth Year and continues to recognize the Outstanding Innovations of top firms and agencies in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields.
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program highlighting the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition, and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
90% of ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners return to compete in the Annual ‘ASTORS‘ Homeland Security Awards Program, and 100% of ‘ASTORS’ Sponsors have returned year to year to reap the benefits of their participation in the industry’s largest and most comprehensive Annual Awards Program.
2020 was a very challenging year for everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the much heralded AST ‘ASTORS’ Awards Winners Presentations and exclusive Luncheon at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC was canceled and rescheduled for 2021 due to the virus.
However, the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program was again a huge success and many new categories were added including a section for COVID-19 Detection and Innovation.
The 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was sponsored by ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, Desktop Alert, X.Labs and Reed Exhibitions, every one a returning Sponsor from 2020, 2019 and More.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.
Comprehensive List of Categories Include:
| Access Control/ Identification | Personal/Protective Equipment | Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism |
| Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System | Interagency Interdiction Operation | Cloud Computing/Storage Solution |
| Facial/IRIS Recognition | Body Worn Video Product | Cyber Security |
| Video Surveillance/VMS | Mobile Technology | Anti-Malware |
| Audio Analytics | Disaster Preparedness | ID Management |
| Thermal/Infrared Camera | Mass Notification System | Fire & Safety |
| Metal/Weapon Detection | Rescue Operations | Critical Infrastructure |
| License Plate Recognition | Detection Products | And Many Others! |
| COVID Innovations | And Many Others! |
Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
With the unprecedented occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of the safety and security industries has realized the need to increase innovations to address the daily growing challenges.
As such AST aims to make sure these firms and professionals are reflected in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, so we’d like to encourage you to submit appropriate categories recommendations and include COVID-19 Frontline Professionals in your Nominations to see that these Professionals, Facilities, and Vendors receive the Recognition they Deserve!
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers eyes throughout the story with cutting edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more about the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Check Out the New 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2020 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.
It is your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2020 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
-
For a complete list of 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, click here.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, and the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
