When you’re considering a new communication device for your team, your first question is likely: How easy is it to use? If the device has push-to-talk, the good news is that communication is probably pretty simple.
Push-to-talk technology is a necessity in the world of communication devices. This technology, also known as PTT, makes communication streamlined and simple for frontline workers – but you might be wondering how this technology works and what type of PTT radios are out there.
In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to answer all your push-to-talk questions and more, helping you decide what type of device might be right for your team.
What Is Push-to-Talk (PTT)?
Push-to-talk, also known as PTT or press-to-transmit, is a type of technology that is used in mobile apps or two-way radios. Simply put, this technology allows you to press and hold a button to talk, allowing workers to easily stay connected.
Instead of having to dial someone’s number to talk to them, push-to-talk technology allows for instant communication – which has been a game-changer for industries where consistent communication throughout the day is key to efficient workflows and necessary for worker safety.
Even though this technology has developed and become more efficient over time, push-to-talk service isn’t exactly a new thing. PTT technology first became a part of the workplace about 80 years ago when radio transceivers were invented.
Since then, push-to-talk has become a popular feature for two-way radios and walkie-talkies, making connection simpler in situations where real-time communication is necessary.
How Does Push-to-Talk Work?
What’s useful about push-to-talk technology is that it allows two or more workers to communicate by simply pushing a button. You don’t have to type out a message or dial a number to chat. Instead, with push-to-talk, you press a button, start talking, and release the button when you’re finished.
This innovative technology has been one of the greatest developments for frontline teams and those in fields that require consistent communication, such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and hospitality. It’s effective not only for one-to-one communication but also for team communication, helping groups of workers stay connected during the workday.
PTT provides a way to communicate efficiently and prevents two people from talking at the same time. It’s a technology that utilizes what’s known as a half-duplex system, which only allows for transmission from one direction at a time. This makes communication clearer and more efficient, preventing workers from talking over one another.
Who Uses Push-to-Talk Technology?
PTT devices are excellent for any team that needs access to instant communication. Instead of having to worry about logging into a computer, sending a text message, or making a phone call every time you need to communicate with your team, push-to-talk allows teams to communicate instantly without interruption. Some of the industries that use PTT include:
- Manufacturing
- Warehousing
- Logistics
- Transportation
- Hospitality
- Retail
- Healthcare
- Education
PTT has become such a big deal in these industries because it significantly reduces the amount of time spent trying to reach another employee or an entire team. This can have an incredible impact on efficiency, as well as speed emergency situations. Additionally, most mobile push-to-talk devices utilize a WiFi network unlike walkie-talkies or two-way radios that send communication via radio waves.
Benefits of a PTT Radio
If you’re looking for the right communication device for your team, you might wonder whether a device with push-to-talk is the right choice for you. There are many different devices out there, but ones with PTT communication have become even more popular, and it’s easy to see why. Some of the benefits of a PTT radio include:
Instant Communication
Instead of having to dial a number or type out a message, devices with PTT technology allow you to communicate instantly with the person or group on the other end. You can send a message, literally, with the press of a button.
This type of instant communication also allows workers to hear vital messages without having to pick up the device they’re using.
Simple to Use for Any Team
Technology is an important part of the workflow in most industries, but learning new technology can be a challenge for many. Radios with push-to-talk are usually simple to use and easy to train new employees on.
With this type of simple communication, there’s not much of a learning curve. In some cases, workers can even use an app on their own mobile device.
Keep You Connected Across Multiple Locations
Clear communication is the key to a productive and safe work environment, especially for frontline workers. It’s important for these types of teams to stay connected across multiple levels and, often, multiple locations.
PTT technology makes staying connected simple. With a push-to-talk device that utilizes a cellular network or WiFi, it can connect to other devices from anywhere.
Additional Features Such as Live Translation
With push-to-talk, the possibilities are endless for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of communication. Some PTT devices include additional features, such as live translation, that make communication even easier for bilingual workers.
Not only does this help bilingual workers feel included in workplace communication, but it also keeps workers safe and prevents hidden labor costs for your business. Translation services are so critical that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide safety training and instruction in a language employees can understand instead of requiring employees to understand instructions in English.
The PTT Device You Need with Relay
When you’re looking for a device that makes it easy to communicate across teams, Relay checks all the boxes. Our ultra-durable devices have push-to-talk technology, making it simple to keep teams connected.
Our frontline communication platform and devices ensure team safety for frontline workers by offering simple two-way communication, emergency alerts, and real-time location tracking. More than 2.5 billion messages have been sent nationwide with Relay.
Relay devices also include a built-in translation feature on every plan, allowing all workers to communicate in their preferred language. With Relay, communication is simple, efficient, and consistent – pushing past the limits of two-way radios by allowing communication with other Relay devices as well as the Relay app and dashboard.
See Relay in action at your own pace! Check out on-demand videos of Relay’s push-to-talk capabilities in our demo center.
Or book a one-on-one demo with a live product expert today!
