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You are here: Home1 / 20202 / September

5 Signs You Need to Ditch Old-School Walkie-Talkies

September 25, 2020/in Relay for Business

Not much has changed since walkie talkies were invented back in 1937. Back then, a portable two-way radio system helped pilots communicate with each other during WWII. But those devices were cumbersome—they were said to weigh over 5 pounds each—and not always responsive. But as the nature of the workspace has changed, why is a better walkie talkie still so elusive?

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For all intents and purposes, modern walkies aren’t all that different from their clunky unreliable ancestors. They’re big, bulky, have limited range, pick up interference, break easily and are very, very expensive. And while most of us are familiar with Midland or Motorola, nobody has ever said “I love my walkie talkie.” And yet many people in various industries continue to rely on them.

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“Handheld radios have been a mainstay in many departments at POLYWOOD over the years,” shared Owen Sassaman, Director of IT for the outdoor furniture brand. Sassaman explained “The instant ability to communicate has been essential to our organization’s agility. But that doesn’t mean they’ve been without their problems, especially in light of the capabilities of more modern solutions.” Sassaman explained some other issues as well “As our organization continues to grow, the cost to scale the radio system has been high, and the TCO (total cost of ownership) of the endpoints has equally increased. Additionally, there is often a communication gap that exists between teams where cost justification for radio assignment exists, and where it doesn’t.”

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Some businesses don’t realize that there is a communication gap at all. If you’re wondering if your own business needs to reconfigure its remote communication methods, read on for the 5 signs you need to ditch old-school walkie talkies for once and for all.

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1.   You need privacy: Even the most sophisticated two-way radios typically have only a set number of channels that everyone can access. More than that, you can’t curate groups or prioritize conversations, and you know what happens next- channels get clogged with all the unnecessary chatter. And if you need to discuss sensitive issues or hope for a private conversation, that’s pretty much out of the question as well. After all, if you tell someone on the main channel to meet you on a different channel for a private conversation, everyone else can listen in as well.

Relay provides a walkie talkie alternative that allows you to create customized groups, as well as private one-on-one conversations. You can easily limit access to some while granting it to others.

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2.   Size matters: Let’s face it, with everyone carrying around multiple communication devices the last thing you want from a long-range walkie talkie is added bulk or weight. At Relay, we hear many embarrassing stories of radios so bulky that they tear people’s pockets or create odd bulges in unwelcome spots. More than that, if you’re on staff at an upscale location that may include the hospitality or service industries or even a posh golf course, presentation is everything. Who wants to be the person clutching or wearing a radio that looks as big as a retro suitcase? Relay is small, light, sleek and easy to wear. More than that, it adds an air of authority instead of detracting from your overall look.

 

“The cost of one cell phone is ten Relay devices, the savings are huge.”

Francisco Volquez, Director of Food & Nutrition for Sodexo

 

3. You’re spending way too much money on communication devices: There’s no reason to beat around the bush, walkie talkies are expensive. Top models from brands like Nextel can cost anywhere between $800.00 to $1,000.00. And let’s face it, buying walkie talkies can be a huge investment without much of a payoff in terms of features or reach, that’s where Relay comes in. Sodexo food and facilities management service centers across New Jersey. The connect distanced workers to a central call center serving patients placing meal orders. Francisco Volquez, Director of Food & Nutrition for Sodexo said “We had three phones that the dietitians were using, and we were paying around $1,600.00 a year for each of those devices. The cost of one cell phone is ten Relay devices, the savings are huge.” More than that, there’s an immediacy to the communication so patients never miss out on a meal and the facilities can easily share supplies.

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4.   Sometimes you just want to talk to someone on a cell phone: Even in active work environments where most staffers communicate through walkie talkie, there are always times when only a phone conversation will do. And instead of lugging around another piece of equipment, Relay combines the best of walkie talkie technology with the ease of a cellular network. Relay also has an app and a web dashboard, so you can communicate directly from device to phone, device to computer or any way you prefer. We created a communication system and not just device to device communication. And Relay is highly flexible and grows to support the nature of your specific operation structure.

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5.   You need access to information: While desk workers have access to the internet 24/7, people in less sedentary careers don’t quite have that luxury of information on demand. From organizing schedules on a property, to planning emergency strategies, there are countless times during the day when you and your team will need instant access to shared information. Michelle La Sala, President of Blistering Pace Race Management explained that when managing a race “There are so many things going on all at the same time. People are at the start, the finish, out setting up the course, dropping aid station supplies on course, etc.” And while this is all going on, La Sala said, “All areas have to be functioning on an appropriately timeline when we officially start the race, so walkie talkies are critical for the success of the event.” She also sets up a command center where the “race director, course director, a medical representative, park ranger, police, and a communications coordinator all operate together so we can all hear the communications coming into the walkie talkies and it doesn’t just fall on one person to handle everything.”

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When your work environment has that many moving pieces, you want to ensure that communication is seamless. Relay is software-powered and has access to the cloud. Relay is also a voice activated, smart device which connects workers who were previously left stranded by their outdated technology.

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Whatever your reason for moving behind traditional walkie talkies, Relay has a highly customizable option for your and your team. And we’ll keep growing with you.

https://blog.relaypro.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Blog-01-–-3.png 711 1747 Travis Aptt https://blog.relaypro.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/relay_blog.svg Travis Aptt2020-09-25 01:10:032021-03-30 11:25:185 Signs You Need to Ditch Old-School Walkie-Talkies

3 COVID Communication Challenges You Must Address Right Now

September 10, 2020/in Relay for Business

By now, most of us have realized that staying in touch with your team in the age of coronavirus is even more difficult than we initially thought. Along with disrupting our lives and routines, COVID-19 introduced a lot of disruption to businesses as well. Adding to that, the nature of work overall has changed. For instance, no matter your industry, even if you’re working with fewer people daily, keeping track of group communication can become more difficult to manage. More than that, with increased safety and social distancing measures in place, your team might be even more spread out, thereby making it harder to consistently stay in touch.

 

Communicate frequently

An article in Harvard Business Review published in July titled 5 Tips for Communicating with Employees During a Crisis, offered key takeaways for communicating with your team in times of high stress. The top tip? Communicate frequently. In the article it said “Most leaders need to communicate to staff far more often than they think is necessary. Frequent communication reduces fear and uncertainty and ensures that employees have heard the message.” There was also another interesting tidbit of note, rather than a one and done approach, “While leaders may experience fatigue from repeating core messages, they need to realize team members need to hear these messages multiple times.” So, choosing a foolproof method of communication means that you’ll be able to create a nearly effortless flow of messaging even during incredibly stressful moments.

Most of us have faced our own stressful work moments over the past few months, more so in the food service, facilities management and hospitality industries. But just because it’s tougher to stay in touch, doesn’t mean you get to simply cross your fingers and hope for the best.

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Smarter communication saves lives

Wade Williams, Director of Special Events at Picnic Inc. manages events for high-profile luxury brands. He also works with catering and food service teams around the country, so at the best of times he’s constantly trying to find new ways to streamline his communication process. When the pandemic hit, Williams entire workflow and process changed completely. “Covid-19 has made our industry re-examine the standards and practices of guest interaction.” Adding to that, Williams and his team had to learn an entirely new way of managing food and beverage safety across the board. “Since we have so many restrictions, communication is now vital,” Williams added. In fact, right now Williams admits that communication is “a component, which could potentially save lives.”

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Beyond old-school walkie talkies

If you’ve been facing your own COVID challenges, you know that every single working day potentially brings with it new and unexpected issues. Adding to that, many companies are trying to figure out a walkie talkie alternative to take their team beyond old-school Nextel to something lighter, newer, better, and faster. A bonus of course would mean a walkie solution that’s reliable, affordable and easy to use. We’ve got you covered with Relay Plus, a cellular walkie talkie system that helps you overcome the daily challenges of distanced communication and specializes in keeping your team connected.

 

“More people are working together apart than ever before and it’s crucial to provide the best possible communications options and overall experience than ever before.”

 

Still need some convincing? We discovered 3 main challenges many companies are facing when managing their day to day communication, and came up with some easy to implement solutions:

 

1.   Distanced communication has surged: With more people working remotely and in different locations the need for keeping in touch no matter where you are is crucial. It also increasingly means that a traditional walkie talkie won’t cut it with either range or flexibility. As the General Manager of Pocono Palace Resort in Marshalls Creek, PA Janice Goren oversees all operations “across every single square inch of property.” Goren also works closely with department managers and supervisors “to ensure each facet of the guest experience is running smoothly, as communication is key in managing such a large resort with so many amenities and features.” And while Goren is vigilant about creating a seamless communications plan, she also keeps budget in mind at all times. Topping her list though is creating the best possible experience for guests while keeping her team in constant touch. “We are always exploring new options for better equipment that also meets our budgets. We are committed to whatever allows us to best do our jobs and give our guests the best experience.”

 

2.   More work, fewer resources: Despite the fact that most states are opening up more businesses, dramatic shifts in employment means in many industries there’s much more work to coordinate between a smaller group of people. Smart managers have to prepare for the unplanned and keep an open line of communications at all times. But it’s almost a vicious cycle of needing better equipment to help smaller staffs do more work while not having time to properly research better options. Williams said that he and his team “are always looking for alternatives to walkie-talkies.” As for those walkies, “They are so dated, and I have yet to find the perfect equipment. Many of them are too cumbersome and not light enough.” Topping Williams’ wish list “Our ideal way to communicate at an event, would be to have our cell phones act as walkie talkies.”

 

3.   Change in operations: Getting back to business means understanding that all the rules have changed…and will probably keep changing for the foreseeable future. Being nimble and able to understand that new procedures and processes are required to get back to business is crucial while new and flexible tools are required to support all these changes. “We continue to work just as hard and efficiently and find ways to adapt,” Goren said. And she and her team are proactive about creating a results-driven workplace. “We don’t wait for solutions; we simply find the solutions necessary to make sure we complete the task at hand. If we have to stay on top of each other with more phone calls, e-mails, or walk-talkies, we’ll do it however necessary.” And while for some a classic mobile phone could work, many workplaces realize that a screen provides extra distraction when living and working through a global pandemic has made all of us realize there isn’t room for mistakes.

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Bottom line: More people are working together apart than ever before and it’s crucial to provide the best possible communications options and overall experience than ever before. You need new tools to solve these challenges and we have them. Relay anticipated a shift in work communications style and already has the network and products to make switching effortless and easy.

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Relay also created a guide to COVID Solutions to help you understand why Relay products are the ideal solution for communications during coronavirus and beyond.

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Ready to buy? The Relay product overview walks you through the product and how it best serves active teams.

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https://blog.relaypro.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Blog-01-–-2.png 711 1747 Travis Aptt https://blog.relaypro.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/relay_blog.svg Travis Aptt2020-09-10 00:56:112021-03-30 11:25:233 COVID Communication Challenges You Must Address Right Now

Interview with Lynn Minges, President & CEO of NCRLA

September 1, 2020/in Relay for Business

What has been the biggest operational challenges to the hotel and restaurant industry due to COVID-19? 

  • Guest safety and public health are of paramount importance. There is a significant new focus around making sure employees are healthy when they come to work and that they embrace best practices with regard to cleaning, social distancing, and making sure guests are compliant with social distancing and face coverings. Both restaurants and hotels were already heavily regulated and inspected every day before COVID, operating with strict standards to comply with public health guidance. During COVID, they have embraced an even higher level of sanitation and protocols.

 

What are some examples of the greatest creativity you have seen by operators to address these challenges?

  • Many businesses have altered their protocols to allow them to operate during COVID. Many hotels can no longer offer breakfast buffets, for example, and instead are doing pick up or more creative room service options.
  • With regard to restaurants, we’ve seen a shift toward more takeout, delivery and drive-thru. Most businesses have embraced technology in new and innovative ways like touchless menus, touchless payments and mobile ordering. Business owners are dependent on delivery services, and we see them embracing delivery in a way they never did before.
  • Businesses are revamping systems in the kitchen to respond to significant increase in takeout and delivery.
  • We see restaurants pivoting to offer meals delivered to your home, ready to eat or heat and eat. Some are offering a marketplace box or meal prep kit with ingredients to be finished at home.
  • Business owners are concerned about safety and security as well as social distancing, so they are embracing tech like Relay that allows them to communicate with their teams effectively and remotely, doing virtual shift meetings for example. Many businesses are operating with skeleton staffs, so security features like panic buttons are vitally important to call for assistance quickly and efficiently.

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What operational adjustments do you see as more permanent changes to hotel and food service operations in the future?

  • We will continue to see strict cleaning protocols because it’s good operational practice not only for COVID but also for the future.
  • I believe social distancing is a concept that will stick for the foreseeable future as it will take some time before people are comfortable sharing space with others.
  • Embracing technology has been expedited as restaurants depend on delivery, and that is a trend that will stick around. The move toward webinars and telework means that we will see fewer in-person meetings and conventions which will have a lasting effect on hotel and restaurant businesses.

 

​”Business owners are concerned about safety and security as as well as social distancing, so they are embracing tech like Relay that allows them to communicate with their teams effectively and remotely, doing virtual shift meetings for example. “

 

For hotel and restaurant operations, do you see there being a return to normal or an adaptation to the ‘new normal’? 

  • We are not going back to the old way of doing business. Restaurants have been operating on razor thin margins for quite some time, and that’s just not sustainable. I believe we’re going to see more realistic menu pricing to offset the expense of the delivery model along with increased pay and benefits as employees will demand it. I expect to see continued reliance on takeout and delivery and less self-service options like buffets and drink stations.

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What will operators’ top priorities be going into 2021?

  • Businesses must work to instill confidence in their guests by reassuring the the public that they are following best safety protocols. Face coverings and social distancing will need to be implemented not as an afterthought but as a priority. Restaurants and hotels must embrace doing more with less — finding efficiencies, adding technology, make do with less labor. There is going to be a lot of interest in efficient cleaning systems that healthcare settings use, which can be a huge capital expense but may be more efficient in the long run.

 

Any other trends we should keep an eye on?

  • Before COVID one of the trends we saw was sustainability — a rejection of plastic straws and to-go containers — but now the industry is using them more than ever out of necessity. It will be interesting to see if any innovations arise to address this new reality.
https://blog.relaypro.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Blog-01-–-1.png 711 1747 Travis Aptt https://blog.relaypro.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/relay_blog.svg Travis Aptt2020-09-01 00:46:162021-03-30 11:25:30Interview with Lynn Minges, President & CEO of NCRLA

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