10 Must-Have Features in an Enterprise Push-To-Talk Application

The widespread adoption of smartphones and associated Wi-Fi connectivity among business users is driving organizations to adopt push-to-talk (PTT) technology. Instead of an employee using multiple devices (walkie-talkie or LMR device), companies are considering using PTT to deliver voice and data communications on a single mobile device.

However, PTT offerings in the market today remain fragmented, with mostly simple apps for consumers who want a walkie-talkie experience. These consumer applications lack the security and reliability that professionals need to perform uninterrupted work.

Companies should look for Push-to-Talk business applications that are platform independent and easily integrate with legacy LMR systems. Before companies decide to adopt PTT for business situations, here is a list of must-have features to check for an application that meets the needs of employees.

What to check in a professional Push-to-Talk application

A professional push-to-talk app (nuovoteam dotcom) does much more than consumer walkie-talkie apps. Keep in mind the following features and capabilities that meet business requirements.

1. Immediate call initiation: High-performance push-to-talk applications can provide sub-second call setup and latency to ensure instant communication. With PTT apps, users can select a user or group and press the PTT button to talk. Once the speaker releases the button, their voice message is delivered instantly and streamed to the receiver’s smartphone.
2. Queuing: PTT allows one-to-one or one-to-one talking and is almost immediate (no need to wait for a dial tone or connect to a call). The conversation is like a walkie-talkie – only one person talks at a time, but professional PTT apps have a queuing feature that allows users to easily queue to take turns talking. There may be an option where a hierarchy of speakers in critical control positions can override a conversation.
3. Multimedia communication: A push-to-talk application should do more than allow users to talk instantly. A professional PTT application allows users to easily and securely send text and documents, rich media like video and data-rich information in real time and at the touch of a button.
4. Management Dashboard: Admins need to control every aspect of hundreds of devices, including security, updates, governance, reporting, and more. A PTT application should offer enterprises a management console that allows administrators to manage devices, including device tracking and preventive maintenance.
5. SOS alert: In many industries, PTT is not implemented to generate return on investment or increased productivity, which often drives the demand for PTT applications. In some industries, such as mining, oil and gas, the PTT is often intended for critical environments where employee safety is paramount. A professional PTT application, such as Nuovoteam, provides emergency alerts in case of emergency. Users can initiate a 10-second PTT call followed by a pinpoint of the user’s location.
6. Support for current radio communications: Businesses are unlikely to stop using Local Mobile Radio (LMR) systems anytime soon. They are beneficial as both primary and secondary options for emergency communication. Also, companies may have invested too much to put it on the shelf. Enterprise-grade PTT applications should be able to enable smartphones to communicate with radio communications.
7. Location Tracking: The PTT application must include location tracking of multiple mobile devices with navigation capabilities. For example, in mining operations, crews working on site can be enabled with location tracking so that people working in the field can be safe in the field and not accidentally step or drive into danger.
8. End-to-end encryption: Radio communications can be frequently monitored by third parties via scanners, but often exhibit poor encryption. With a powerful PTT application, all communications, voice or data, can be encrypted to the highest standards. To keep PTT communications private, NuovoTeam’s 128-bit encrypted communication provides secure information exchange.
9. Work with existing radios: A handy PPT application allows smartphone carriers to communicate with radio carrier teams. Smartphones with a PTT app can support connection with established LMR groups for easy yet controlled communication.
10. Company directory integration: Finding contact information for employees across various verticals can be time consuming. The PTT app can access the organization’s corporate directory and sync the directory and contact list so workers don’t have to waste time searching for relevant contact information.

Avantages de l’application Push-to-talk

• No infrastructure is needed. Companies do not need to buy, operate and maintain infrastructure. This removes all the day-to-day responsibilities of owning and maintaining the infrastructure, thereby reducing operating costs.
• Cost control. A smartphone equipped with an enterprise-grade PTT app can easily replace expensive, single-use walkie-talkies. Organizations can realize real savings by investing in readily available consumer smartphones instead of getting dedicated Land Mobile Radios (LMRs)
• Global coverage. Smartphone-integrated PTT apps use 4G cellular or Wi-Fi broadband connectivity, which walkie-talkies cannot offer. Internet connectivity does not degrade the quality of voice messages or limit any additional features of the PTT application that may limit its capability.
• Streamlined communication. Administrators can group all employees in the PTT and create separate groups specific to departments or locations to avoid miscommunication. In addition to secure communication, PTT applications allow an unlimited number of virtual channels and as many groups as needed, including the ability to create dynamic call groups.

Wrap

Uninterrupted and instant communication is important in urgent situations that occur in industries such as logistics, manufacturing, and public safety. Instant feedback is crucial. Devices that can go beyond simple walkie-talkie communication allow companies to keep their employees safe and secure.

Featured image credit: provided by the author; THANKS!

Vinayak Singh

product specialist

I work as a product specialist at NuovoTeam Push-to-Talk (PTT). I help organizations choose and execute the best solutions for their needs, and I also provide support to customers once they’re up and running. I have a deep involvement in working with organizations large and small, so I know how to tailor my suggestions to each organization’s unique needs.

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