10 must-have capabilities in a business push-to-talk application

by James · March 10, 2023

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

However, the PTT offering today remains fragmented, with mainly simple applications for consumers seeking a walkie-talkie experience. Such consumer applications lack the security and reliability that professionals need to work without interruption.

Businesses should look for professional Push-to-Talk applications that are platform agnostic and easily integrated with legacy LMR systems. Before companies decide to use PTT in professional situations, below are the must-have features that should be checked to get an application that meets the needs of employees.

Table of Contents

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

A professional push-to-talk application (nuovoteam dotcom) does much more than consumer-level walkie-talkie applications. Keep in mind the following functions and capabilities that meet professional requirements.

Instant Call Initiation: Powerful Push-to-Talk applications provide sub-second call setup and latency for instant communication. PTT applications allow users to select a user or group and press the PTT button to speak. As soon as the speaker releases the button, the voice message is immediately delivered and broadcast on the receiver’s smartphone.
Queuing: PTT allows one-to-one or one-to-many speaking and is almost instantaneous (no need to wait for dial tone or join a call). A conversation is like a walkie-talkie – only one person speaks at a time, but professional PTT apps have a queuing feature that allows users to easily queue up to speak. There is a possibility that a hierarchy of speakers in critical control positions can override the conversation.
Multimedia communication: A push-to-talk application should do more than allow users to chat instantly. The professional PTT application allows users to easily and securely send text and documents, multimedia such as videos, and large amounts of data in real-time and with the push of a button.
Management Dashboard: Administrators need to manage all aspects of hundreds of devices, including security, updates, management, reporting, and more. PTT applications should offer enterprises a management console that allows administrators to manage devices, including tracking tools and preventive maintenance.
SOS Warning: In many industries, PTT is not used for financial return on investment or productivity gains, which often underpin the demand for PTT applications. In certain industries, such as mining, oil and gas, PTT is often targeted at critical environments where employee safety is paramount. A professional PTT application such as Nuovoteam will provide an emergency alert in the event of an emergency. Users can initiate a 10-second PTT call followed by pinpointing the user’s location.
Supports current radio communication: It is unlikely that companies will stop using LMR (Local Mobile Radio) systems anytime soon. They are preferred as both primary and secondary options for emergency communications. In addition, businesses have invested too much in shelf placement. Enterprise PTT applications must allow smartphones to communicate using radio communication.
Location: The PTT application should include tracking the geographic location of multiple mobile devices with navigation capabilities. For example, in mining operations, on-site teams can enable location tracking so that individuals working in the field can stay safe in the field and avoid accidental exposure.
End-to-end encryption: Radio communications can often be monitored by third parties via scanners, but the encryption is often poor. With a strong PTT application, all communications, voice or data can be encrypted to the highest standards. To keep PTT communication confidential, NuovoTeam’s 128-bit encrypted communication ensures secure information exchange.
Work with existing radios: The handy PPT app allows people carrying smartphones to communicate with teams carrying radios. Smartphones with a PTT application can support joining established LMR groups for easy but controlled communication.
Corporate directory integration: Searching for contact details of employees belonging to different verticals can be time-consuming. The transceiver application can access the organization’s corporate directory and synchronize the phone book and contact list, so workers do not have to waste time searching for relevant contact information.

Advantages of the push-to-talk application

No infrastructure required. Companies do not need to purchase, operate and maintain any infrastructure. This removes all the day-to-day responsibility of owning and maintaining the infrastructure, thereby reducing operational costs.
Cost control. A smartphone equipped with an enterprise PTT application can easily replace expensive and single-purpose walkie-talkies. Organizations can realize real cost savings by investing in readily available consumer smartphones rather than purchasing dedicated land mobile radios (LMRs).
Global coverage. PTT apps integrated with smartphones use a 4G mobile or Wi-Fi broadband connection, which a walkie-talkie does not offer. Internet connection does not degrade the quality of voice messages and does not limit any additional functionality of the transceiver application that may limit its ability.
Streamlined communication. Administrators can consolidate all employees in PTT and create separate groups for each department or location to avoid confusion. In addition to secure communication, transceiver applications allow any number of virtual channels and any number of groups, including the ability to create dynamic call groups.

Packaging

Uninterrupted and immediate communication is important in time-sensitive situations that occur in industries such as logistics, manufacturing, and public safety. Prompt feedback is key. Devices that go beyond simple walkie-talkie communication allow businesses to increase the safety of their employees.

Featured image source: provided by author; Thanks!

Vinayak Singh

product specialist

I work as a product specialist at NuovoTeam Push-to-Talk (PTT). I help organizations select and implement the solutions that best suit their needs, as well as support my clients once they are up and running. I deal a lot with both small and large organizations, so I know how to adapt my suggestions to the unique needs of each organization.