Warehouse
Digital two-way radio streamlines operations, improves productivity and enhances safety
With just-in-time inventory systems and increasing demand for home deliveries, warehouse operations are increasingly a critical, sophisticated, and highly automated element in the dynamic manufacturing and supply chain process.
Streamlining receiving, put-away, storage, picking, packing, and shipping operations to maximise warehouse productivity and profitability calls for all of these processes to work synchronously. In addition to the technology, automation, and mechanical handling systems widely in use, clear and reliable communication between management and the workforce is essential to supporting the accurate and safe working practices needed to minimise mistakes, reduce redundant processes, disruption, and downtime; and ultimately to increase efficiency.
As a global manufacturer of electronics products, we are acutely aware of the impact warehouse operations have on the productivity of our manufacturing facilities and distribution centres and despite increasing adoption of technology and automation, our workforce still represents a high percentage of warehouse operating costs.
Optimising resource availability, flexibility, and accuracy to maintain a competitive edge is a goal we share with all warehouse operations, and it is made considerably easier with the use of two-way radio communications supporting many of the processes:
| Receiving: |
Improved loading dock operations |
| Put away: |
Coordinate correct placement of goods |
| Accuracy: |
Reduce picking errors with timely accurate information |
| Redundant processes: |
Reduce redundant processes and double handling |
| Stock levels: |
Maintain correct stock levels, preserve revenue |
| Capacity: |
Maximise availability of space |
| Productivity: |
Allocate workforce to where it is needed quickly |
| Downtime: |
Reduce response times to mechanical breakdowns and maintenance |
| Seasonal resources: |
Reduce errors with clear instructions to seasonal workers |
| Inventory control: |
Maintain vigilance and reduce stock loses |
The free flow of communications in voice, or voice and data, between management, staff, production lines, stores, purchasing, sales teams and customers is vital to line efficiency and the management of component and finished stock inventory where accuracy, speed and detailed reporting is essential.
REDUCING AND MANAGING WAREHOUSE OPERATIONS RISKS
In addition to operational risks to the business, warehouses can be hazardous places for workers. Having processes in place to actively reduce avoidable accidents and respond efficiently to incidents is not only good practice, but it also underpins your duty of care and reduces costly stoppages.
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Operational Risks |
Worker Risks |
Digital radio communication brings greater efficiency and accountability to managing and coordinating daily activities and supports worker safety and wellbeing by providing staff with the ability to report new or temporary hazards, alert management to the presence of threats, call for medical assistance and report accidents.
However, where it really excels is in the event of a major incident. Whether that be a medical emergency, staff at risk, fire or an event that requires key staff everywhere on site to be alerted instantly and to initiate emergency or evacuation procedures.
TWO-WAY RADIO BENEFITS OVER MOBILE PHONES
In this age of smart, connected devices, what are the advantages two-way radio brings to enhancing workplace efficiency and the safety of workers? It’s an often-asked question.
It seems that everyone wants the latest devices with a bewildering range of capabilities accessed by applications. However, no matter how smart, it’s important to remember that these devices are primarily designed for a consumer audience where time constraints, usage and environmental conditions are very different to a warehouse floor. Imagine one of your staff reporting a fault, spillage or accident having to fumble with an unwieldly device, finding and selecting a contact or launching an app, then waiting for a connection in the hope that they are not in a GSM or Wi-Fi blackspot and that the contact picks up the call.
sharp contrast, professional two-way radio devices are robust, easy to use, reliable and cost less to buy and run than GSM or IoT connected devices, with no voice or data charges or service contracts. Designed for use in all conditions indoors and out, two-way radio provides instant communications at the push of a button without unnecessary cost or distractions.
Even the most basic license-free PMR446 hand-portable radio (walkie-talkies) can provide one-to-one and all users communication capability, while more advanced licensed systems like DMR and NEXEDGE NXDN bring significant additional benefits, not least GPS and with it, more automated features, IT integration and advanced worker safety functions.
In a warehouse environment, the overarching benefit of radiocommunication over other technologies is that it provides the instant communication method of first and last resort, with the ability to remain operational even in situations where mobile and IP networks become overloaded or rendered unavailable.
Being equipped with a reliable two-way radio gives managers the real time information they need to maximise productivity and deal with issues as they arise while providing workers with the reassurance they need to work more confidently, under less stress and with greater efficiently - secure in the knowledge that even when working alone, they are never more than the push of a button away from assistance.
KENWOOD DIGITAL RADIO SYSTEMS SUPPORTING SAFE AND EFFICIENT WAREHOUSE OPERATIONS
KENWOOD digital two-way radio systems are designed to operate efficiently in the difficult environment of a modern warehouse where extensive use of concrete, steel racking, a proliferation of electronics, mechanical handling equipment and great distances can make communications a real challenge, with radio frequency interference and background noise adding to the mix; so when it comes to selecting the communications equipment, it is critically important to make an informed decision on the right solution to meet the needs of your organisation today and into the future.
License-free PMR446
While you can buy multi-packs of ‘license-free walkie talkies’ for less than the price of a basic mobile phone, don’t be deceived, you get what you pay for; they might work for a while, but you wouldn’t want to risk the safety of your staff or efficiency of your operations on them.
The simplicity, convenience and low-cost of KENWOOD ProTalk analogue and digital license-free PMR446 technology has made it a popular choice in professional applications within defined localised areas, for example inside a small warehouse or parts and components stores.
ProTalk digital dPMR446 radios are better built and equipped than most and offer native analogue to digital mixed operation, a second programmable PTT button, 32-digital and 16-analogue channels for congestion free operation even in cities, ease of use, durability and a long battery life between charges. For an entry-level radio offering one- to-one and call-all-radios feature, there’s little to better them.
Licensed DMR and NEXEDGE NXDN radio systems with advanced automated functions and worker safety features
For larger warehouses across multiple sites, wider coverage areas and a host of built-in and programmable functions and advanced worker safety features, KENWOOD NEXEDGE NXDN and DMR digital systems offer much more than the ability to transmit voice and data instantly, including:
- Productivity
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- Individual, group and all radios calls |
- Audit trails/monitoring/logging workforce activities |
KENWOOD DMR and NEXEDGE NXDN technologies offer highly flexible, voice and data enabled digital conventional, IP networked and trunked communications systems – the utility of which can be greatly expanded with the addition of applications and software suites including KAS-10/20 AVL & Dispatch and Trackuracy asset tracking and monitoring software that allow you to monitor and track every radio so you always know where staff are and have the flexibility to pinpoint and assign resources as required. Naturally, KENWOOD systems can be integrated with other applications including telephone, building maintenance, fire and security, access control and telemetering etc., so offer a failsafe and future-proofed communication solution.
- Advanced Health & Safety and Lone Worker Protection
All NEXEDGE NXDN and DMR digital two-way radio devices feature an Emergency Key and Emergency Call features as standard, while more advanced models additionally offer built-in or optional GPS modules, Lone Worker, Motion Detection and compatibility with Location services, which can be programmed to deliver automated proximity triggered prompts – for example when a worker enters a hazardous area, or requires special safety clothing – making them essential in a robust health and safety policy.
These advanced safety features offer an added layer of protection in support of emergency and first aid protocols with the ability to automatically send alerts and alarms to the control centre and/or other radio users, for example:
| Priority Call: |
The Priority Call feature ensures the availability of a radio channel in the event of an emergency and allows a dispatcher to interrupt all existing calls on a channel. |
| Emergency Key: |
An alarm is triggered along with the user ID of the sender and when the Emergency Key button is pressed. GPS equipped radios can additionally send the location (GPS coordinates) of the user. |
| Lone Worker: |
An alarm is triggered along with the user ID of the sender if a user does not respond to a status prompt within a specified time. |
| Man Down: |
An alarm is triggered along with the user ID of the sender if the radio is tilted beyond a pre-determined angle indicating that the user may have fallen or become incapacitated. Other programmable features include: - Stationary Detection: Emergency mode is triggered along with the user ID of the sender when the radio remains in a stationary position for a period exceeding a pre-set time, indicating that the user is unable to operate the transceiver, or it’s has been lost, mislaid etc. GPS equipped radios can additionally send the location (GPS coordinates) of the user to a control centre using software such as KAS-10 and KAS-20 AVL and Dispatch suites. - Motion Detection: Emergency mode is triggered along with the user ID of the sender when the radio is vigorously shaken or swung for a period exceeding a pre-set time, indicating that the user is running to or from an incident. GPS equipped radios can additionally send the location (GPS coordinates) of the user to a control centre using software such as KAS-10 and KAS-20 AVL and Dispatch suites. |
| Location Services: |
NEXEDGE NXDN and DMR radios equipped with GPS can additionally be programmed to send location information to the control centre using software such as KAS-10 or KAS-20 AVL and Dispatch suites so that the user at risk can be located quickly and response times reduced. |
| Asset Tracking and Monitoring: |
With Trackuracy, KENWOOD DMR and NEXEDGE NXDN systems can be equipped with low-energy, real-time asset monitoring and tracking across single and multiple sites, indoors and out. Alerts, alarms delivered as audible tones, voice or data messages can be programmed to trigger automatically should the user stray off course or enter prohibited areas. |
| Remote Monitor: |
Remote Monitor allows dispatchers to listen in to a radio through its microphone in situations where an alarm is activated, and the radio user is unable to respond. This provides the dispatcher with the intelligence to assess a situation in real time and to quickly initiate an appropriate response. |
| Intrinsically Safe Radios: |
NEXEDGE NXDN ATEX/IECEx certified radios provide the solution for lone workers operating in explosive atmospheres or situations where hazardous airborne particles are present. |
LOCATION SERVICES
In the drive to reduce costs, improve productivity and ensure worker safety, warehouse operators look to their radiocommunications systems to not only provide failsafe voice and data capability, but also to support the implementation of automation, provide all-site mobility and traceability, and the data and metrics to analyse workplace productivity.
Trackuracy Platform
KENWOOD DMR and NEXEDGE NXDN systems integrated with the Trackuracy asset tracking and monitoring platform enables you to monitor people and assets in real-time, indoors and out, throughout the full extent of a site or multiple sites.
Its rich feature set include the ability to automatically switch views seamlessly between indoor and outdoor tracking when users are in vehicles and allows you to receive location information on multiple devices including Dispatch Positions (PC), iOS and Android Tablets and Smartphones.
Trackuracy provides Real-time Location Services (RTLS) that help you get the right resources to the right place at the right time – with information visible to you as it happens, including live-action views, reporting and analytics. Data accuracy, low-energy Bluetooth and reduced radio bandwidth consumption, coupled with the ability to automate actions and notifications form the backbone of a Trackuracy system.
Trackuracy employs simple, reliable I-beacons and smart sensors, combined with GPS and both DMR or NEXEDGE NXDN radio systems to deliver a simple, scalable, and cost-effective solution to real-time tracking, reporting and recording of each person’s location and status.
KAS-10 & KAS-20 AVL/Dispatch Suites
For applications requiring lower levels of automation, the basic KAS-10 or more advanced KAS-20 software suites empower KENWOOD DMR and NEXEDGE NXDN systems with AVL and Dispatch capabilities including dispatch and voice recording, fleet management, call logging and event sharing features.
COST-EFFECTIVE MIGRATION FROM ANALOGUE TO DIGITAL
The beauty of a KENWOOD digital two-way radio solution is that your investment in new equipment when upgrading from analogue can be phased over time as all KENWOOD digital radio devices feature automatic analogue/digital Mixed operation (which allows them to communicate automatically with any existing analogue radios whatever the make) providing a predictable and cost-effective path to full digital implementation.
SECURITY & PRIVACY
As more products are connected by IP and to networked information and automation systems, there is a growing risk of leakage and theft of personal and other information, fabrication or destruction of data, and hijacking of products.
As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of radiocommunication products and solutions, we take our responsibility for ensuring the security integrity of our products and the data we hold on systems developed on behalf of our customers. Click for more information on JVCKENWOOD’s Group Privacy Policy.
Product Security
Secure encryption is an essential requirement in radiocommunications to provide security against eavesdropping, jamming and other malicious attacks on a radio system.
All KENWOOD digital radio devices are equipped with a voice scrambler as standard, while licenced NEXEDGE NXDN and DMR radios are further protected with more advanced encryption:
| PROTALK PMR446: |
Voice inversion scrambler |
| NX-1000 Series: |
Built-in digital scrambler as standard, optional upgrade to ARC4 Encryption for DMR |
| NX-3000 Series: |
Built-in digital scrambler as standard, optional 56-bit DES encryption and upgrade to 256-bit AES (NEXEDGE NXDN and DMR) and 40-bit ARC4 encryption for DMR |
| NX-5000 Series: |
Built-in digital scrambler and DES-56 bit (4 keys) as standard, optional hardware upgrade to 56-bit DES and support to 256-bit AES |
Information Security
The Communications Systems Business, Professional Systems Business and the Healthcare Business units of JVCKENWOOD Corporation are certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2013 international standards for information security management system and JIS Q 27001:2014 Japanese industrial standards, both of which specify standards for information security management systems and establish requirements and implementation of the framework to protect information assets.
BUILT TOUGH TO WITHSTAND RAIN, DIRT AND THE ROUGH AND TUMBLE OF USE IN OUTDOOR AND INDOOR SETTINGS
As you would expect, all Kenwood professional hand portable walkie talkies and mobile radios conform to MIL-STD-810 C/D/E/F/G for ruggedness and durability and are IP54/55/67 Water & Dust Intrusion rated, making them suited for use in any environment.
In addition, KENWOOD can offer ATEX IECEx devices for use in hazardous, explosive atmospheres.
EXCEPTIONAL AUDIO QUALITY EVEN IN NOISY ENVIRONMENTS
KENWOOD radiocommunication devices benefit from JVCKENWOOD Group’s 60-years’ experience in producing consumer audio and visual equipment (Trio, JVC and KENWOOD), renowned for exceptional sound quality.
This transfer of knowledge and experience has led to the development of a number of novel and innovative solutions which overcome the problem of cancelling ambient noise while improving the audio clarity of the transmitted voice in any operating environment.
| Ultimate noise cancellation: |
NX-5000 Series hand-portable radios achieve optimum noise cancellation with the use of two integrated microphones. The main microphone is situated closer to the desired source (front of the radio), while a second microphone in the rear of the radio receives the ambient noise. In a noisy environment, both microphones receive noise at a similar level, however, the main microphone receives the user’s voice more strongly. The processor in the radio subtracts one noise source from the other so that most of the ambient noise is cancelled which effectively enhances the quality of the transmitted audio of the user’s voice. |
| Active Noise Reduction: |
Both NX-5000 and NX-3000 Series radios feature Active Noise Reduction (ANR). ANR serves to cancel the noise component of the collected audio to improve the transmitted audio quality. Noise cancellation functions can be ‘Custom’ configured to adjust the vocoder, DSP, filters, specific noises etc. to suit the operating environment. |
| Selectable Audio profiles: |
The received audio will sound different depending on the usage environment of the radio, characteristics of the device (such as the microphone to be combined with the radio and external devices), and the tone of voice and manner of speaking of the speaker. The received audio will also sound different depending on the output method, such as using the speaker of the radio or via an earphone, to hear the received audio. KENWOOD radios feature 6 customisable audio profiles which can be configured for specific scenarios and selected by the user to suit the operating environment. |
ACCESSORIES TO SUIT YOUR OPERATION
KENWOOD offers a comprehensive range of accessories for its professional two-way radio systems and devices including covert earpieces, remote mics, headsets, cables, connectors, high capacity batteries, battery chargers and software packages allowing you to tailor your equipment or system to precisely meet your operational requirements.
PROVEN RADIOCOMMUNICATION SOLUTIONS FOR WAREHOUSE OPERATIONS
The use of KENWOOD two-way radio communication to coordinate workflow and safety in warehouse operations around the world is widespread not least at our own facilities, providing the ability to deliver clear voice and data transmissions to different teams located within a single site or across multiple sites to streamline work, respond to situations, manage emergency procedures and ultimately, to maximise the efficiency, improve safety, security and productivity and reduce downtime.
EXPLORE KENWOOD SOLUTIONS
To discover more about the millions of KENWOOD devices in use by countless customers in hundreds of applications around the world, including the innovative, multi-protocol NX-5000 Series (NXDN, DMR, P25 and FM Analogue), NX-3000 Series (NXDN, DMR and FM Analogue) and exceptional value offered by the entry-level NX-1000 Series hand portable walkie talkies and mobiles, please click on the banners below.
For more information on KENWOOD digital system solutions, including DMR Tier 3 trunking and Simulcast, NXDN Type-C, Type-D, and Gen2 trunking, click here.
If you’d like to learn more about our TRACKURACY, our real-time Bluetooth Low Energy asset tracking and monitoring solution, click here.
Alternatively, please post an enquiry to us or contact an authorised KENWOOD Communications reseller.
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