In this part, we will highlight a mundane but yet important part of User/Account Managment features that the IT manager or Operations Managers will need.
Enterprise Applications typically differ from consumer apps in the user management space as companies expect a certain level of control. This control is even more important when the users might not be that experienced with apps on smartphones. Having employees leave or changes in a department usually also requires a change in access control. This needs to be managed by the administrator rather than the user as the company wants to ensure it can be done without the co-operation of the user. New User Sign Up For Walkie Talkie Apps, users of course need an account to identify themselves. However not all of the Walkie Talkie Users have corporate Email accounts. Because of the nature of work they do, they did not require an email address previously. Thus a sign up flow requiring email address would be a significant issue. The company also has to pay for an email address that is rarely use.This would seem to be a travestry to IT folks who are accustomed to having multiple email address that are also free but it is important to make it easy for users accounts to be created without email addresses. Most consumer apps use phone number with SMS verification for new user sign up. Again this is another issue for the IT manager when they need to create many users or import the staff list. The phone number also assumes every co-worker has a corporate phone number which is not the case. In the Communication system that you buy, ensure that you can create new users without depending on email address or phone numbers. Company Directory Consumer communication apps auto match you with your friends by scanning your address book or Facebook login. This makes it easy to find someone that you want to speak to. Enterprise Apps however certainly do not expect you to “make friends” with all your colleagues or have their contact numbers saved. Instead Enterprise Apps should have a directory of all the personnel using the same app and created by your Administrator. When you login to your new app, all the possible users should already be added for you without needing to send connection request. More advance systems should allow you to integrate to existing company directory systems like ActiveDirectory or Google Work Contacts. Group/Channel Management Walkie Talkies are great for Group Broadcast. However company administrators need to have the ability to remove group members when required. This is often the case when users resign or change departments. Walkie Talkie Apps should allow official and unofficial groups. Official groups are rigidly controlled by company adminstration. Unofficial groups would be more akin to consumer chat apps groups where users can be added and removed by their own preference. Shared Devices Devices like Walkie Talkies are shared across multiple people in different shifts. Thus one user account might not be sufficient. Users expect to pick up their device from a colleague, login and start their work day where they left off yesterday. Consumer Apps typically assume that the account is personal and that the device is only used by you. Logout buttons are hard to find as they want to you stick around forever. And once you do logout, all your data is erased. If you are sharing devices, look for Apps that allow multiple sign-in on a device without destroying your colleague's data who will use the device after your shift. In Part 3, we will explore "Billing & Deployment". Visit us at www.2waytomobile.com/ to see how VoicePing can benefit your Organization.
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When looking for a professional walkie talkie app for your business use, your requirements will be quite different than that of a normal user. The feature set in the App you choose, should suit your requirements as closely as possible. There are many “Walkie Talkie” or voice communication apps available but not all are enterprise or business ready. Many features that are important to the enterprise user are rarely found in most consumer walkie talkie apps.
To this end we have a series of posts to elevate your understanding of the requirements of an Enterprise Walkie Talkie System so that you are able to choose the right app during your evaluation. Here are some Enterprise features that you should expect in a Walkie Talkie System and these have been categorized into the following:
Part 1: The walkie talkie app Transmission time of less than 2 seconds Walkie Talkies needs to be fast and live. The app should operate in an Instant mode where the sender should not need to finish his entire message before the receiver can hear him. Many consumer walkie talkie apps do not operate in Instant mode and even WhatsApp, the largest messaging app, does not operate in Instant mode. So do check for Instant mode as a basic requirement. If a walkie talkie app is in instant mode, once the sender starts speaking, a receiver should be able to hear what they say in two seconds or less. There are varying speeds for each app so do test them out to see how they perform. Group Broadcast of at least 50 people You will probably need the group broadcast feature. Check that the maximum group size can be at least 50 people and that all 50 people receive the messages at about the same time. The maximum difference should be two seconds. Private Mode You will find that migrating from traditional Walkie Talkies to Smart Walkie Talkies is that you have Private mode which allow you to just talk to one person. Private model increase privacy and also keeps the noise from disturbing other people. Also check how easy it is for you to switch between different channels and modes. Managers or supervisors would most likely be the people who need to speak in multiple conversations. Use Phone Buttons as PTT Being able to use one of your phone buttons as the PTT is invaluable as you can use it without needing to touch the screen. It is also very useful when operating in a wet environment or when you have gloves on. You will also be able to operate the PTT without needing to look for the button on the screen. Headset Support For event organisers or hotel staff, having headset support is essential. With the use of a headset, you maintain the privacy of your operations and upkeep a professional image. The basic requirement is to allow PTT via the headset button. Extra features include Bluetooth headset support and being able to change channels via the headset. Desktop PTT Not all co-workers will be using a Mobile Phone. Transportation and Logistics companies typically have Operations Support in the office and behind a desk. They would usually already have a desktop or laptop and rely heavily on typing instead of talking. Having a desktop version great enables them to communicate via PTT and also send text and emails from their seat. In Part 2, we will explore "User Management". Visit us at www.2waytomobile.com/ to see how VoicePing can benefit your Organization. DIGITAL VOIP PTT - (PUSH-TO-TALK) SOLUTIONTourTrax VoicePing is a cloud-based Digital PTT (Push-To-Talk) solution designed as a replacement for traditional Walkie-talkie radios. It can be installed on virtually any Android Smartphone, allowing staff to minimize the equipment carried in the field.nce. True International Coverage, No RF Interference.The VoicePing application is purely VoIP (Voice Over IP) based, using the Internet to communicate with crystal-clear reception. This completely eliminates the distance limitations of traditional PTT Walkie Talkies- ANY VoicePing-enabled device can communicate, anywhere in the world, so long as a Wi-Fi or Mobile Cellular Internet connection is available. Communication With Specific Users and GroupsVoicePing allows users to talk directly with, and switch between specific users, or in multi-user “Group Channels” containing any number of staff and devices. Enhanced Communication HistoryHow often have employees experienced issues with missed important memos, and “10-9, I didn’t hear that”? VoicePing logs and allows playback of recent communications, and indicates which messages haven’t been listened to yet. Users also can tell if their messages have been listened to with delivery receipts. Photo MessagingA picture is worth 1,000 words. Voiceping allows staff to capture photos in the field and send them to other users and group channels, increasing communication effectiveness, assisting in dispute resolution, and decreasing the amount of time needed to ensure users are “on the same page”. Pictures can also be automatically emailed to recipients not on VoicePing. Text-To-Speech MessagingIn some busy work environments, it can sometimes be too noisy to relay effective communication through voice chat. VoicePing has the ability to assist in these cases by allowing users to type quick messages, inserting them into single user or group chat, which are read aloud to recipients as they are received. Handset/Earset CompatibleVoicePing is compatible with most bluetooth-enabled and wired handsets, headsets and loudspeakers, allowing for maximum flexibility and ease of use. High Compatibility with Existing HardwareUsing the SolidTronic RT- RolP2 Bridge, you are able to connect your existing Traditional RF Walkie Talkie devices to a single VoicePing channel, and communicate with other VoicePing-enabled smartphones and tablets. Traditional 2 Way Radios come at a High Cost. Hardware & Licensing/Service Costs make Communications with your workforce a High Overhead Cost. We all know too well that Communications-be it 2 way radios or cellphones take a good portion of your budget. Companies are always on the look out for ways to reduce cost, increase productivity and enhance efficiency. Combining VoicePing and your existing 2 way radios for communications across your entire organisation reduces your overall costs.
Adding other TourTrax Applications such as our Proof of Presence, Digital Forms and Mobile Device Management Suite of Products, gives you the tools that will enhance your operations now and in the future!. |
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August 2020
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