The modern, fast-paced business world relies on seamless communication. Though we live in a cutting-edge world of AI, AR, and VR, one technology has stood strong for generations: the two-way radio.
It’s still popular today and vital to many industries. This article sheds light on choosing the best two-way radios for your business.
We’ve covered five tips to help you find the perfect match. Plus, you’ll get some pointers on how to seek out a radio that fits your business needs and industry. Read on to upgrade your technology with this timeless invention.
1. Establish Your Company’s Needs
Before choosing a two-way radio, you need to understand what features you need as a business.
Not all two-way radios are the same. What’s the purpose of the radio? By answering that question, you are more likely to find one that fits your requirements.
Here are some questions to help you determine what you need:
- Do you need a radio for indoors, outdoors or both?
- How extensive is the area that the radio will cover?
- What volume of communication traffic do you anticipate?
The nature of your business and industry will help you narrow your options. Construction means working in harsh environments, and you’ll need robust, weather-resistant radios.
In contrast, a restaurant or retail store won’t require the same distance. But you might prefer a discrete and quiet radio to avoid disturbing customers. You’ll also need reliable solutions that keep the clients happy.
Think about your business processes and practicalities too. If you use a radio regularly, you need one that’s reliable and easy to maintain.
2. Compare Frequency Bands and Channels
When shopping for two-way radios, it helps to understand frequency bands and channels. That will make it easier to compare and contrast features in different models.
Radios have two main frequency bands. The first is Very High Frequency or VHF. The second is Ultra High Frequency or UHF. Each has different characteristics and uses.
VHF radios are best suited to the outdoors. They work well in open, expansive spaces. And benefit from spaces with few obstructions, such as fields or open water. They are well suited to industries including agriculture, forestry, and maritime.
UHF radios work well indoors and outdoors. They can penetrate through obstructions, including walls, buildings, or foliage. They are highly versatile and well-suited to a range of environments.
They are the best choice for manufacturing, hospitality, and education industries.
You should also check the number of channels provided when comparing radio features. Large businesses and those with many departments need multiple channels for separate communications.
It means a more organized system without interference across the radio. However, this isn’t as high a priority if you only have a handful of individuals in the business who will use the radio.
3. Consider Battery Life
Battery life is crucial in a two-way radio. If you need a device to work during long shifts, you want a long battery life.
Similarly, you may need your radio in remote locations where recharging isn’t possible. And so you must choose a radio that has sufficient battery power.
This becomes critical in certain industries where the radio is crucial to the role. Security, emergency services, and events management all fit this category.
Check whether the radio operates with rechargeable batteries if your budget is tight. This is the most sustainable option and will save you money. You’ll need to allocate time each day for recharging so that the radios are fully powered for the next shift.
For some industries, disposable batteries are more practical. That includes jobs where you work in remote areas and places where recharging facilities aren’t available.
4. Easy to Use Radios
You don’t want your radio to slow you down when working in a hectic environment. It must be simple and easy to use for all your staff.
That’s the difference between efficient technology and one that becomes a burden. You must ensure usability is high on your list when shopping for devices.
Team members should be able to quickly grasp the radio’s features with minimal training. This is vital if you operate in high-pressure situations like security or hospitality.
Certain features on the radio will provide clues about how easy it is to use. For example, VOX stands for Voice-Activated Operation. If you see this on a product description, it means the radio offers hands-free use.
That’s helpful for staff who need their hands for other tasks, such as construction. A backlit display on a device is also a good feature to check if you need the radio during the night or in low-lit rooms.
5. Costs and Licensing
All businesses come with a limited budget. Therefore, you need to check the cost and licensing before shortlisting radios. But remember that value for money is more important than a listing price.
The cheapest products may appeal when on a tight budget but may not offer the right functionality. Quality radios are also more durable; your investment will last longer. It will need fewer repairs. And you won’t have to budget for regular replacements.
You should also check potential licensing requirements. Some powerful two-way radios in Canada need a license from ISED (Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada).
Licensing takes time and comes with costs. So factor this into your overall budget.
Check the specifics of each shortlisted radio to see if it falls under licensing. It may be more cost-effective for a small business to choose a radio with fewer functions but one you can use without a license.
Two-Way Radios: Some Closing Thoughts
If you haven’t bought two-way radios before, the choice can make the process seem complex. However, navigating your way to the perfect match for your business is possible.
Remember that communication is about helping your team and improving your business performance.
Keep this in mind to find the best product within your budget. If you are considering upgrading your communication, it might be worth enhancing other aspects of your business, like your deliveries.
Check out the top courier services available by contacting 1021 Sunrise. With speed and reliability, we can make your deliveries as efficient as your communication efforts.