In hospitality, we often obsess over what the guest sees: the lobby design, the plating of the food, the smile at the front desk. But as any veteran operator knows, the things that truly define a guest’s stay are usually the things they don’t see.

We recently hosted a panel titled “The Ripple Effect: How Seamless Operations Drive Guest Experience and Hotel Performance,” and the insights shared by our panelists remain a blueprint for operational excellence in today’s market.

Moderated by Nadeem Elborno, Director of Sales at Relay, the discussion brought together leaders from Davidson Hospitality, CoralTree Hospitality, Pyramid Global Hospitality, and the Woodcliff Hotel & Spa. They dove deep into the “invisible infrastructure” that shapes culture, profitability, and consistency.

If you missed the session, here are the four critical takeaways on how back-of-house operations ripple out to the guest experience.

1. Invisible Coordination Creates Visible Luxury

Shane Tavolino, Assistant GM at Woodcliff Hotel & Spa, perfectly captured the essence of the discussion: guests feel everything, even if they don’t see the mechanics behind it.

“Guests feel everything. They feel your anticipation of their needs. They also feel hesitation and uncertainty.,” Tavolino noted. He emphasized that luxury isn’t just about expensive furniture; it’s about the seamless handoff of information. If a guest mentions a birthday at check-in, the restaurant should already know before the guest sits down for dinner. When a guest has to repeat themselves, the spell of luxury is broken.

The Takeaway: Great operations mean the guest never has to ask twice. The data collection and systems behind the scenes must be robust enough to make the front-of-house execution look effortless.

2. Proactive Maintenance is a Guest Experience Strategy

Engineering is often viewed as a department that only gets noticed when something breaks. Chris Richardson, VP of Engineering and Sustainability at Davidson Hospitality, argued that we need to flip that script.

“Preventive maintenance is our biggest deal at Davidson,” Richardson explained. “Your guests are going to feel it right off the bat if you’re missing some preventive things.”

Dan Monahan, Director of Engineering at CoralTree Hospitality, echoed this, noting that preparation is the only way to handle the unexpected. “When it happens, you shouldn’t be asking questions, you should be taking action,” Monahan said. “If you’re asking questions, you’re already behind.”

The Takeaway: Operational reliability isn’t just about fixing pipes; it’s about protecting the guest’s peace of mind. A proactive engineering team prevents the friction points that lead to negative reviews.

3. Reframe Cost as Investment in Efficiency

Implementing new operational tools usually comes with a price tag, which can lead to resistance from owners or busy operators. Molly Preston, VP of Procurement at Pyramid Global Hospitality, shared her strategy for guiding these conversations toward long-term value rather than short-term cost.

Preston noted that her role is half procurement and “half sales and marketing”. When introducing a new tool, she doesn’t just look at the financial ROI; she looks at the impact on the staff. Does it streamline the process? Does it remove a burden from the back-of-house team?

“The [purchasing] system is easier to use, better for the team to navigate, they can get in and get out,” Preston explained regarding a recent system overhaul. “Our corporate teams [are] easily able to facilitate training and support much more quickly. So the teams really feel the end-of-the-day operational impact benefit, even though there was some initial investment of time.”

The Takeaway: If a tool makes your staff’s life easier, it inevitably improves the guest experience. That is a tangible ROI that goes beyond the spreadsheet.

4. Technology Bridges the Gap (and Language Barriers)

A recurring theme was how technology acts as the glue for a diverse workforce. Tavolino pointed out that empowering associates with autonomy—like giving housekeepers the ability to signal for help or report issues instantly—builds psychological safety.

The panel also highlighted a specific feature of Relay that has been a game-changer for diverse teams: real-time translation.

“We have so many beautiful different languages spoken at each property,” Preston said. “One of the things I love about this system is it translates from one language into the next. It’s a really, really cool way to ensure quick communication, effective communication in the language that your team needs.”

The Takeaway: Communication isn’t just about talking; it’s about understanding. Tools that break down language barriers and provide safety (like panic buttons) prove to your staff that you care, fostering a culture that translates into better service.

The Bottom Line

As we move forward, the lesson from this panel is clear: Communication is a strategic lever.

Whether it’s breaking down silos or ensuring engineering is looped into the daily huddle, the most successful properties are the ones where the back-of-house teams are talking, preparing, and anticipating.

The post Why the Best Guest Experiences Start Deep in the Back of House appeared first on Relay.

When it comes to industrial operations, communication is not just about convenience. It directly impacts safety, efficiency, and trust on the floor. That idea sits at the center of a recent conversation on the Industrial Talk podcast, where Chris Chuang, Co-Founder and CEO of Relay, joined host Scott MacKenzie to talk about why communication tools need to evolve to meet real-world conditions.

Why Traditional Communication Falls Short

In many industrial environments, teams still rely on legacy radios or cell phones that were never designed for noisy, high-risk settings. Dead zones, dropped connections, and fragile hardware create gaps that workers have learned to work around, even when the stakes are high.

Chris explains that these gaps are not just frustrating, they can be dangerous. When a message does not get through or a worker cannot reach help quickly, the consequences can be serious. That reality is what pushed Relay to rethink how frontline communication should work.

Designing for the Frontline First

One of the strongest themes in the episode is intentional design. Relay was built specifically for frontline workers, not adapted from consumer devices or legacy radios.

The device is small, rugged, and built to handle drops, water, and daily wear. It supports push-to-talk communication using both Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, helping teams stay connected across large or complex facilities. It also includes features like emergency alerts, location awareness, and real-time translation to support diverse teams working side by side.

Chris also shares why Relay builds its own hardware rather than relying on third-party devices. Owning the design process allows the team to focus on reliability and usability instead of forcing industrial workers to adapt to tools that were never meant for them.

Using AI to Support, Not Replace, People

The conversation also touches on how AI fits into the future of frontline communication. Chris is clear that the goal is not to replace human decision-making. Instead, AI can help surface important signals, identify potential safety risks, and provide insights that teams might otherwise miss.

When used thoughtfully, these tools can help supervisors respond faster, spot trends, and support workers more effectively. The focus stays on making people safer and more informed, not adding complexity for the sake of technology.

Keeping the Human Element Intact

Despite all the technology involved, one thing remains constant. Trust, clarity, and human connection still matter most. Chris emphasizes that communication tools should strengthen these relationships, not get in the way of them.

In high-pressure environments, workers need tools that feel simple and dependable. When communication works the way it should, teams can focus on the job instead of worrying about whether their message will get through.

What Comes Next

Relay has spent years building a strong foundation around reliable connectivity. With that in place, the company is continuing to expand how data and AI can support safer and more efficient operations. The long-term vision is clear: give frontline teams tools that work in real conditions and help organizations make better decisions without losing sight of the people doing the work.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Industrial Talk highlights an important shift happening across industrial operations. Communication is no longer just an operational tool. It is a core part of safety strategy and workforce support.

For leaders responsible for frontline teams, the takeaway is simple. When communication works reliably, everything else works better too.

The post How Reliable Communication Improves Safety on the Frontline appeared first on Relay.

LINEAGE WESTFIELD

Lineage Westfield Improves ROI and Slashes Turn Times up to 80%

Slowed Down by Communication Gaps in the Freezer

In the fast-paced, cold storage environment of Lineage’s Westfield, Massachusetts facility, clear communication is essential for maintaining peak efficiency and excellent worker safety. Previously, the team relied on traditional two-way radios that struggled to penetrate the freezer’s thick, insulated walls. General Manager Matthew Fortune explained his frustration, “The problem with those radios is they couldn’t penetrate the freezer wall. We only had about a 40% connectivity rate.”

This spotty connection meant that 60% of the time, messages didn’t go through, so team members had to physically go and pass along messages in person. Warehouse Supervisor Ivan Serrano shared what the experience felt like prior to Relay, “I would physically go into the freezer, go down the aisles and scream for the operator to make sure they were seeing me.” This wasted valuable time and created operational bottlenecks, especially when coordinating tasks across the vast warehouse. For a company that prides itself on innovation as a core value, Fortune knew that enhancing team connectivity was the key to better serving their customers and improving the site’s ROI.

“We have significantly reduced our turn times over the past three years and now average between 35 and 45 minutes. The Relay devices had a huge impact on that.”
– Matthew Fortune, General Manager, Lineage Westfield, Massachusetts Warehouse

Achieving 98.7% Connectivity with Real-Time Location

The introduction of Relay was a significant step forward for the Westfield facility. With 98.7% connectivity throughout the warehouse, the team could finally communicate instantly, whether they were in the freezer, on the dock, or in the office.

A key feature for Fortune’s team was the ability to see a live map of the facility showing the exact location of every team member with their Relay. “The Relay devices give us a real-time location of our operators, which we did not have before, and it helps us make smarter, faster decisions that translate to better service for our customers.” This new visibility allowed supervisors to direct freight and coordinate tasks with greater efficiency, eliminating guesswork and wasted movement.

Reducing Turn Times up to 80%

The operational improvements were significant. With streamlined communication and location tracking, the team saw a major impact on their benchmarks. Truck turn-around times were reduced from 3-4 hours to an average of just 35-45 minutes. The facility went from handling 35-40 trucks a day to efficiently managing over 50, with the capacity to handle up to 60 trucks on busy days.

This boost in efficiency had a direct impact on the facility’s bottom line. “The return on investment in this building has improved since we brought the Relay devices in,” Fortune stated. “We’ve been able to handle more trucks than we have in the past.”

Built for the Demands of the Warehouse

Beyond the operational improvements, the team was impressed by how well Relay devices held up in the harsh cold of their warehouse environment.

• Durability: In a warehouse environment, devices must perform and survive regular handling, as well as accidental drops. They’ve been durable, they’ve been strong, and they’ve kept operating the entire time,” shared Fortune.
• Battery Life: Even in the energy-draining cold of the freezer, the Relays last. “When you’re in the cold, the battery goes down a lot quicker,” explained Operations Manager Cristian Acevedo. “The Relays are in there for hours and they last in the cold.”
• Safety & Morale: The benefits have also extended to the team’s well-being. “These Relay devices have also helped us operate safer,” said Fortune. “If we see something that’s unsafe, we can call it over the Relay device and we know it’s going to transmit.” This reliability and connectivity also led to a noticeable boost in spirits. “Everybody was so happy,” Acevedo noted. “It just brought up their morale.”

A Recommendation for Any Warehouse

For Lineage’s Westfield team, switching to Relay was more than just a communication upgrade; it was a fundamental improvement to their entire operation. By connecting their team, they unlocked new levels of efficiency, improved safety, and created a more positive work environment.

Fortune’s advice to other facility managers is clear: “To increase efficiencies and ROI, I would highly recommend that people look into this program and try it out in their warehouse.”

• 24/7 cold storage facility in Westfield, Massachusetts

• Large freezer warehouse with 20 aisles, managing 50-60 trucks daily

• Specializing in the preservation, protection, and distribution of food for global brands

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

OBJECTIVE

Replace an unreliable radio system that was prone to dead spots, hindering team safety and creating costly operational delays. The objective was to find a modern communication solution that could penetrate freezer walls, provide real-time team visibility, and ultimately increase the number of trucks the facility could service daily.

RESULT

After replacing traditional radios with Relay, Lineage’s Westfield, MA facility’s connectivity rate jumped from 40% to 98.7% within the freezer walls. This upgrade helped slash truck turn times from hours to 45 minutes, increased daily truck capacity, and improved both safety and team member experience through reliable, real-time communication and location tracking.

GET A DEMO

The post Lineage Westfield appeared first on Relay.

At its core, two-way radio communication allows users to both send and receive messages instantly and directly. Unlike one-way broadcasting systems (like traditional radio or public address systems), two-way radios create a two-sided channel where information can flow both ways. It’s real-time, voice-based communication at the push of a button.

But the question isn’t just, “what is a two-way radio;” it’s how this technology has evolved. What started as bulky walkie-talkies used by emergency responders and security teams has become something smarter, sleeker, and more powerful.

Devices like Relay bring together the simplicity of push-to-talk with advanced capabilities like GPS tracking, smart group comms, and even real-time translation, all in a compact, wearable format.

In this guide, we’ll break down what two-way radio communication means, how two-way radios work, and why modern teams are moving toward next-gen solutions built for the realities of today’s workplaces.

What Is a Two-Way Radio?

A two-way radio is a communication device that can both transmit and receive audio messages over radio waves. Unlike traditional radios that only receive broadcasts (like FM/AM stations), two-way radios let users engage in a back-and-forth conversation, usually at the press of a single button.

What Does “Two-Way Radio” Mean?

The term “two-way radio” refers to its ability to perform two functions: sending and receiving signals. This makes it ideal for fast, voice-based communication in environments where every second counts, such as construction, healthcare, emergency services, and hospitality. 

Some common characteristics of two-way radio communication systems include:

• Push-to-talk (PTT) functionality
  
• Operation on dedicated frequencies (licensed or license-free)
  
• Use in short- or long-range team settings

How Do Two-Way Radios Work?

Two-way radios operate using radio frequencies to transmit voice messages from one device to another. Here’s the simplified breakdown:

When you press the push-to-talk (PTT) button, your device switches to transmit mode. It sends your voice as a radio signal across a specific frequency. Other radios tuned to that same frequency receive the signal and play it aloud almost instantly.

Frequency Types: UHF vs. VHF

Two-way radios typically use:

• UHF (Ultra High Frequency): Better for indoor use or urban environments with lots of obstructions
  
• VHF (Very High Frequency): Ideal for outdoor use with minimal barriers

Modern Advancements

Newer two-way systems like Relay’s smart radios use LTE and cloud-based infrastructure to go even further, all while maintaining instant responsiveness:

• Nationwide coverage
  
• Group messaging and talk channels
  
• Location tracking and safety alerts
  
• Real-time language translation

Types of Two-Way Radios

Not all two-way radios are created equal, and as technology evolves, so do the options. Depending on your team’s needs and environment, one type may work better than another.

Analog Two-Way Radios

Analog two-way radios use continuous radio waves and are great for simple, real-time voice communication.

• Pros: Affordable, easy to use
  
• Cons: Limited range and clarity, no extra features
  

Digital Two-Way Radios

Digital radios convert voice into data packets, allowing for more precise sound and less radio interference.

• Pros: Better range, improved audio quality, encryption possible
  
• Cons: More expensive, may require infrastructure like repeaters
  

LTE or Smart Two-Way Radios (Like Relay)

Modern solutions like Relay combine the instant talk of two-way radios or walkie-talkies with the reach and intelligence of smartphones.

• Pros:
  
  • Works over cellular networks (for nationwide range)
    
  • Real-time location tracking
    
  • Panic button + safety alerts
    
  • Real-time multilingual translator technology
    

When and Where Are Two-Way Radios Used?

Two-way radio communication remains the backbone of critical operations across industries where speed, clarity, and reliability matter most. Unlike phone calls or texts, these systems are designed for instant coordination, especially in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.

Here’s what two-way radios are used for: 

Hospitality

Hotel staff from housekeeping to front desk use two-way radios to quickly respond to guest needs, report issues, and manage housekeeping logistics without delay.

Healthcare

In hospitals and care facilities, staff rely on two-way radios to ensure smooth coordination between departments, respond to patient needs faster, and maintain security protocols.

Security & Events

At concerts, festivals, and large venues, security personnel depend on two-way radios to manage crowd control, report incidents, and stay in sync, especially in high-pressure situations. 

Logistics & Warehousing

Forklift drivers, managers, and floor staff use radios to communicate across extensive facilities, keeping operations moving efficiently without needing to stop and text or call.

Construction

Noisy sites and large teams make radios essential. Clear, hands-free communication helps coordinate equipment usage, manage safety alerts, and reduce downtime.

Schools & Campuses

Educators and admin teams use radios for daily logistics, emergencies, or lockdown coordination, making sure everyone stays informed in real time.

Smarter Communication Starts with Smarter Tools

Two-way radio communication has long been the lifeline of teams working on the move, offering instant, voice-based communication when speed is critical. But in today’s fast-moving industries, traditional radios just aren’t enough.

Legacy systems often fall short on range, clarity, and functionality. They lack essential modern features like language translation, GPS tracking, team visibility, and real-time safety alerts. Worse, they can’t scale or adapt to the complex needs of distributed, multilingual, or compliance-heavy teams. For frontline workers, this creates gaps in both communication and safety.

That’s where Relay steps in.

Relay isn’t just a two-way radio, it’s a next-gen wearable communication device that’s LTE-based, sleek, and built specifically for the way modern teams work. With push-to-talk simplicity, better connectivity than radios, and a suite of powerful features, Relay bridges the gap between old-school radios and smart tech.

Key features include:

• TeamTranslate™: Real-time language translation that eliminates communication barriers on multilingual teams.
  
• GPS tracking: Know exactly where your people are in real time—critical for safety and coordination.
  
• Smart groups & channels: Seamlessly manage communication across departments or locations.
  
• Emergency alerts & panic button: Empower team members to get help fast when it matters most.

Relay helps businesses stay compliant, responsive, and connected without the clunky hardware or patchy reception. Book a demo today and discover how more innovative tools can unlock smarter, safer communication.

The post What Is Two-Way Radio Communication? A Complete Guide for Businesses appeared first on Relay.

By combining the reliability of two-way radios with the reach of LTE and cloud infrastructure, modern walkie-talkie​​ solutions are redefining what radio communication means for businesses of every size.

What Is a Nationwide Walkie Talkie?

A nationwide walkie-talkie is a two-way radio that stands out from traditional handheld radios. It leverages LTE, WiFi, and cloud infrastructure to enable real-time communication across the country. Unlike its counterparts, these smart devices offer nationwide radio coverage without the need for towers or repeaters, ensuring seamless connectivity regardless of signal range or terrain.

They still feature push-to-talk simplicity but operate more like a cross between a business radio and a smartphone, without any distractions or additional noise to detract from the message. The result is instant voice communication coast-to-coast, with minimal worry about dropped calls and dead zones.

How Does a Nationwide Walkie Talkie Work?

It’s important to take a step back to understand how nationwide walkie-talkies operate. Traditional two-way radios rely on radio frequencies (UHF/VHF) to transmit signals. Depending on terrain, buildings, and interference, this limits their walkie-talkie range, often just a few miles.

Unlike traditional two-way radios that rely on radio frequencies (UHF/VHF) and are limited by terrain and interference, nationwide walkie-talkies connect via LTE and WiFi networks. This means they’re not confined to line-of-sight or local infrastructure. Instead of bouncing signals between radios or relying on repeaters, the message travels securely through the cloud, ensuring reliable and uninterrupted communication.

Smart radio communication devices use this system to offer seamless nationwide radio service, even if teams are in different states. Nationwide walkie-talkies allow for easy management, dispatch, and coordination across the country, all on the same channel to streamline communication. 

Key Features Businesses Should Look For in a Nationwide Walkie Talkie

Functionality is everything when choosing the best walkie-talkies for business, especially ones that need to work across cities or states. It’s an investment in a solution that provides reliability, safety, and coordination.

Several key features make radio communication devices like nationwide walkie-talkies a go-to choice for teams in industries such as security, healthcare, construction, transportation, and event management. 

Here are the top features that set modern nationwide walkie-talkies apart:

• Long-range communication: With cloud-based coverage, your team can communicate across thousands of miles—ideal for logistics, delivery fleets, and multi-site teams.
  
• The push-to-talk simplicity of modern nationwide walkie-talkies ensures instant voice transmission, eliminating delays and confusion, and keeping fast-paced teams in sync during high-pressure moments, making the technology easy and comfortable to use.
  
• GPS tracking: Location sharing is necessary for emergency response, remote team monitoring, or knowing where everyone is during a job.
  
• Waterproof durability: Look for waterproof walkie-talkies with IP67+ ratings to withstand unpredictable weather and harsh environments, such as construction or industrial zones.
  
• Secure channels: Unlike basic license-free walkie-talkies, cloud-based systems provide encryption and access control, crucial for teams handling sensitive information or emergency operations.

Costs and Licensing: What to Expect

When considering a nationwide walkie-talkie, one of the most significant factors to weigh is the potential need for a license and the associated costs. There are several considerations to keep in mind when evaluating radio communication devices, including the type of walkie-talkie, the features it offers, and the extent of coverage required. 

License-Free vs. Licensed Walkie Talkies

Many traditional two-way radios (especially long-range or industrial walkie-talkies) require an FCC license to operate legally, especially on higher-powered frequencies. That can mean:

• Time-consuming applications
  
• Recurring fees
  
• Legal headaches if misused
  

On the other hand, license-free walkie-talkies use pre-approved frequencies like FRS or GMRS for simpler use. However, these often have limited range and shared channels, increasing the risk of interference, especially in urban or event-heavy areas.

Innovative walkie-talkie​​ solutions simplify​​ all of this. Because this type of push-to-talk radio operates on LTE and WiFi, you get nationwide radio service without the paperwork and can easily expand your reach. 

How Much Does a Nationwide Walkie Talkie Service Cost?

Costs vary based on features, hardware, and coverage. Some business radios require upfront device purchases plus subscription plans. Others come with limited coverage or require separate GPS or emergency tools hardware.

Relay offers a simple pricing structure that scales with your business needs. Whether you’re coordinating walkie-talkies for events, construction, or remote teams, you can learn more on our Relay pricing page.

Setting Up Nationwide Walkie-Talkies

In the past, setting up walkie-talkies may have typically required bulky equipment and complex installations. However, this is not true for smart push-to-talk radios such as cloud-based nationwide walkie-talkie systems. The setup is refreshingly fast and straightforward, with limited IT resources needed to get up and running.

Modern radio communication devices are built for business users. No additional IT infrastructure is needed, and users can typically be onboarded in minutes via an online dashboard.

Deployment is fast and scalable, so cloud-based nationwide walkie-talkies can be easily rolled out across locations. Teams in different cities or states can connect instantly without needing to fiddle with frequency assignments or manual syncs.

Even though the set-up is straightforward, nationwide walkie-talkies come with powerful features that allow you to further tailor the experience for teams. You can enable GPS tracking and emergency alerts, centralize device management, and remotely create custom groups or channels. 

Many of these features can be accessed and managed through streamlined tools such as apps, making it easier for teams to customize as and when needed. This makes cloud-native two-way radios ideal for growing teams who need fast, scalable communication. 

Relay: The Modern Business Radio

As more organizations shift toward dynamic, mobile-first operations, Relay offers modern solutions to traditional business and two-way radio needs.

Relay offers nationwide radio coverage by combining LTE + WiFi, enabling coast-to-coast reliability without relying on outdated towers or limited range. This makes it a top contender for businesses that operate across states and industries requiring fast and effective communication tools. 

Relay is an all-in-one radio communication solution built for speed, clarity, and control. 

Key features include:

• Live language translation for multilingual teams
  
• GPS location tracking for field visibility and dispatch
  
• Group channel management via a cloud dashboard
  
• Hands-free voice commands and secure encrypted channels
  
• Durable, waterproof walkie-talkies with long battery life
  

Relay delivers reliable, secure, and innovative communication solutions, including nationwide walkie-talkies built for purpose. To learn more, schedule time with one of our product experts here.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a nationwide walkie-talkie?

A nationwide walkie-talkie is a modern two-way radio that uses cloud-based networks like LTE and WiFi instead of traditional radio frequencies. This allows teams to communicate in real time across different cities or states. 

2. How does a nationwide walkie-talkie work?

It works by leveraging internet-based infrastructure. Instead of relying on limited radio towers, these devices connect via cellular data and WiFi. That means you can get nationwide radio coverage without worrying about distance limitations or dead zones.

3. What is the range of a nationwide walkie-talkie?

With cloud-based tech, the “range” is essentially unlimited, as long as your device is connected to LTE or WiFi. Unlike traditional long-range walkie-talkies, which max out at 30–35 miles, these can connect users across thousands of miles.

4. Do nationwide walkie-talkies require a license?

In most cases, no. Cloud-based devices like Relay operate as license-free walkie-talkies, so there’s no need to go through Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensing. That makes setup and deployment faster for businesses.

5. What are the pros and cons of using a nationwide walkie-talkie compared to a cell phone?

The pros of a nationwide walkie-talkie compared to a cell phone include instant push-to-talk, group coordination, better battery life, fewer distractions, and secure channels. However, the cons of these devices are that they are not ideal for personal calls or apps, which may hinder some businesses. 

6. How much does a nationwide walkie-talkie service cost?

Pricing varies by provider and features. Some plans are subscription-based and include hardware. Check out Relay’s pricing page for up-to-date costs to see what’s best for your business size and communication needs.

7. Are nationwide walkie-talkies secure?

Yes. Modern devices use encrypted channels, reducing the risk of eavesdropping or interference. That’s especially useful for teams handling sensitive data or operating in regulated industries.

8. Where can I buy a nationwide walkie-talkie?

You can purchase directly from providers like Relay. Look for trusted walkie-talkie brands that offer cloud coverage, business support, and compatibility with your team’s workflow.

9. How do I troubleshoot my nationwide walkie-talkie if it’s not working?

Start by checking your LTE/WiFi connection, ensuring the device is charged, and verifying that the correct channel or user group is selected. Smart walkie talkie solutions such as Relay also offer a dashboard where admins can monitor and manage devices in real time.

10. Can I use a nationwide walkie-talkie for emergency communication?

Yes, a nationwide walkie-talkie can be used for emergency communication. Many handheld radios are built with emergency alerts, priority channels, and rugged designs. Whether it’s a construction zone, an event, or a logistics team, these devices offer fast, clear, and reliable emergency communication when it matters most.

The post Nationwide Walkie Talkies: What Are They and How Do They Work? appeared first on Relay.

There’s a hidden tax on your business. You pay it every day. You pay it in lost minutes when a battery dies. You pay it in stalled projects when a radio goes down. You pay it in safety risks when a call for help is lost in static. This is the hidden tax of legacy technology. A tax on your productivity. A tax on your budget. A tax on your people. The industry that sold you these tools is counting on you to keep paying it. So, to the industry, to Big Radio, we say, enough already. It’s time for a revolution. And the revolution has one word: Uptime. You see, we believe the tool should honor the work. That’s our line in the sand. So we built a new model. Not a warranty, but a shield. A shield against the fine print. A shield against battery failure. A shield against the business model that profits from your problems. This is our promise: our job is to keep you operational. Period. A promise that a dead battery is our problem, not your fault. A promise that if a device breaks, another is on its way. A promise that your team is always connected and your budget is predictable. So stop accepting a model that leaves you exposed. Stop accepting excuses. Stop budgeting for failure. And stop paying the hidden tax of downtime. Join the Uptime Revolution. Your work deserves more than a compromise. It deserves a shield.

Today, we’re introducing the Relay Fleet Shield Program, our radical new approach to ending the era of disposable frontline tech for good. It’s not a warranty. It’s an entirely new way of managing your hardware that eliminates downtime, kills budget surprises, and treats you like a partner, not a sales target.

The Vicious Cycle of Bad Tech

If that daily device struggle feels all too real, you’re not alone. We recently surveyed hundreds of frontline managers and workers, and the results confirmed what we suspected: legacy communication tools are a hidden tax on your morale, your time, and your bottom line.

• A Daily Disruption: More than a third of frontline teams have a communication device fail every single day. The top culprits? Dead batteries and physical damage.
• The Financial Drain: All that troubleshooting adds up. One in four organizations loses more than an entire day of productivity every month just dealing with broken tech, contributing to those six-figure annual losses.
• Innovation, Interrupted: Nearly half (48.2%) of all companies have been forced to delay or cancel important projects, like new safety protocols, because their communication hardware just wasn’t reliable enough to support them.

As our President, Jim Mulcahy, says, “For too long, the industry has accepted a broken model: buy an expensive, single-purpose device, watch it fail, and then pay again. That cycle of operational disruption and budget surprises ends now.”

Our Unbreakable Guarantees

Fleet Shield transforms your hardware from a headache into a reliable, always-on foundation for your team’s success. It’s all backed by our four unbreakable guarantees.

1. A New Device Before You Ship the Old One. Downtime is now a thing of the past. We intelligently monitor the health of your devices. If one is about to fail for any covered reason (including the industry’s #1 issue, a worn-out battery), we ship a replacement for next-day delivery before you even send the old one back.

2. A Full Fleet Refresh for Just $75 Per Device. Tired of watching your fleet get worn down by wear and tear? When you renew your service plan, you can replace every single device with a new, same-generation model for only $75 each. Keep your team operating at peak performance, always.

3. An Upgrade Path to the Latest Tech. Technology moves fast. Your team should too. Our Fleet Shield Upgrade Guarantee gives you the right to upgrade your entire fleet to the newest Relay models at 50% off MSRP. It’s a clear, cost-effective path to the future.

4. Accidents Happen. You Shouldn’t Be Punished for Them. Dropped it? Lost it? No problem. We replace lost or broken devices for a 50% discount. We’re your partner, which means we don’t profit from the realities of a tough job.

“Industrial companies are racing toward AI and automation, but they’re still handing out disconnected radios that are a technological dead end. This data is a wake-up call: legacy communication tools are a hidden tax on productivity and a drain on morale.”

– Chris Chuang, CEO of Relay

From Firefighting to Future-Proofing: A New Reality for Your Team

So, what do these guarantees actually mean for you, your team, and your business? It means shifting from a reactive state of constant firefighting to a proactive state of operational excellence.

• For Managers: Budget Predictability and Peace of Mind. Imagine turning budget chaos into clockwork predictability. Fleet Shield converts a volatile capital expense into a stable, managed service. This frees up your resources, and your mental energy, to focus on strategic initiatives that move the business forward, not just keep the lights on.
• For Frontline Staff: Tools They Can Trust. When you give your team reliable tools, you’re sending a clear message: you value them and the work they do. Fleet Shield removes a major daily frustration, allowing employees to focus on their jobs with the confidence that their equipment will work when they need it most. Our research shows this matters, with 43% of workers saying they’d be less likely to quit if guaranteed access to modern, automatically upgraded devices.
• For Your Business: Unlocking True Innovation. A reliable hardware foundation is the launchpad for digital transformation. With operational certainty, you can finally implement those data-driven workflows, new safety protocols, and efficiency projects that were impossible with yesterday’s technology.

Building the Future of Frontline Work, Together

Your team is the engine of your business, and they deserve tools that empower them, not hold them back. Fleet Shield is more than a program; it’s our commitment to providing the operational certainty you need to build a safer, more productive, and more connected frontline.

By moving past the broken hardware model, you can finally focus on what matters most: leading your team and driving your business forward.

Ready to leave the cycle behind? Discover how Fleet Shield can become the foundation for your team’s success at relaypro.com/fleet-shield.

The post The ‘Buy, Break, Replace’ Cycle is Officially Broken. Introducing Fleet Shield appeared first on Relay.

Establishing an innovative culture on the shop floor is now a competitive requirement rather than a “nice to have.” Encouraging your frontline teams to innovate is one of the most effective ways to stay ahead in a time of rapid technological change, labor shortages, global pressures, and customer expectations for better, faster, and less expensive results.

From leadership techniques to employee empowerment, communication, and continuous improvement, this article examines what it takes to create a shop floor culture that values innovation.

Why Innovation Belongs on the Shop Floor

The shop floor is the heart of any manufacturing operation because it’s where the action happens. Teams manufacture products, handle materials, monitor machines, and create value on the shop floor, making it a hub of practical insights.

Frontline employees directly witness inefficiencies, equipment malfunctions, material waste, and safety hazards. They are the first to notice when a setup takes longer than necessary or when a process slows down. They are also in the best position to develop and implement practical solutions if they have the appropriate resources and support.

Fostering a culture of innovation on the shop floor can yield substantial benefits:

• Higher factory productivity through process improvements
• Reduced waste and downtime
• Faster problem-solving and decision-making
• Improved employee morale and retention
• Greater adaptability to customer or market demands

Yet many companies overlook this opportunity by failing to recognize the value of bottom-up innovation.

What Does a Culture of Innovation Look Like?

Even though technology is helpful, an innovative shop floor isn’t necessarily populated by robots and digital dashboards. Instead, people and practices define it by encouraging creative thinking, learning, experimentation, and problem-solving.

Key characteristics include:

• Psychological safety: Workers can speak up and suggest ideas without fear of criticism.
• Ownership and accountability: Employees may identify and address issues, rather than just reporting them up the chain of command.
• Continuous learning: Teams are encouraged to seek new skills, share knowledge, and learn from mistakes.
• Structured idea channels: There are clear pathways for proposing, testing, and implementing improvements.
• Recognition and feedback: Good ideas are acknowledged, celebrated, and rewarded.

Leadership: Setting the Tone from the Top

Leadership is the foundation of culture. Innovation won’t be prioritized on the floor if it isn’t at the top.

All levels of leaders, including supervisors, plant managers, and executives, are essential in establishing standards and providing behavioral examples. Among the top leadership techniques are:

• Make innovation a part of the mission: Discuss it frequently. Tie it to company goals, such as quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead by example: Show openness to new ideas. Ask questions. Experiment with various approaches in your decision-making.
• Invest in training: Provide resources for lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, creative problem-solving, and other frameworks that equip employees with the tools to innovate.
• Flatten hierarchies: Encourage direct communication across all levels. Create opportunities for workers to interact with leadership in meaningful ways.

A shop floor will only innovate when it knows leadership is listening—and willing to act.

Empowering the Frontline Workforce

Empowerment is the engine of innovation. Employees who take pride in their workplace are more inclined to question the status quo, find proactive solutions to issues, and make suggestions for enhancements.

Here’s how to empower your teams:

1. Promote Ideas from the Bottom Up

• Provide staff members with avenues to share their ideas, such as digital platforms, whiteboards, and physical suggestion boxes.
• Assign kaizen or continuous improvement projects to teams.
• Establish cross-functional improvement teams that include maintenance personnel, quality personnel, and machine operators.

2. Provide Resources and Time

• Set aside time during the workday for experiments, brainstorming, or improvement projects.
• Make simple tools, software, or prototyping materials available so that new concepts can be tested quickly.

3. Celebrate Wins and Learn from Failures

• Recognize employee contributions publicly—through shoutouts, bonuses, or awards.
• Normalize that not every idea will succeed, but every effort helps the team learn.

4. Offer Autonomy

• Allow experienced workers more freedom to adjust setups or tweak processes within clear safety and quality parameters.
• Train employees to self-inspect and self-manage wherever possible.

Autonomy signals trust—and trust fuels initiative.

Bridging the Gap Between Engineering and the Shop Floor

Innovation often fails when ideas are siloed between departments. Engineers may design solutions that don’t work well in practice, while operators may encounter daily pain points that are never addressed.

To bridge this gap:

• Invite shop floor workers into design reviews or process planning meetings.
• Use feedback loops—implement pilot changes and gather structured feedback before rolling out new procedures plant-wide.
• Establish cross-functional teams that include production staff, engineers, quality personnel, and logistics personnel to co-create solutions.

The result is better collaboration, fewer surprises, and solutions that work in the real world.

The Role of Technology: Enabler, Not Driver

Although they are effective, digital tools like real-time dashboards, AI-powered monitoring systems, and Industrial IoT (IIoT) do not alone foster an innovative culture. Technology is not a driver; it is an enabler.

But when paired with an improvement-oriented and inquisitive culture, technology can:

• Highlight bottlenecks, enabling more targeted improvements
• Automate repetitive tasks, freeing workers to focus on higher-value activities
• Enable better communication through mobile tools or digital work instructions
• Provide instant access to training, standards, and troubleshooting guides

The key is to choose tools that serve the workforce—not replace it. 

Relay was built with this philosophy in mind: to enable seamless, real-time communication that supports your workforce and helps unlock smarter, safer operations. Explore our solution at your own pace in our on-demand video demo center. 

Training and Upskilling: Building the Innovation Muscle

Innovation requires knowledge. Workers must understand not just what they do, but why they do it—and how it fits into the larger operation. That’s where training and upskilling employees comes in.

A strong training program supports innovation in several ways:

• Onboarding that emphasizes problem-solving as part of the role
• Regular cross-training to increase flexibility and broader process awareness
• Workshops or certifications in lean, Six Sigma, 5S, root cause analysis, etc.
• Mentorship programs that pair seasoned operators with newer employees to transfer tribal knowledge

Skilled, confident workers are more willing to contribute new ideas—and more capable of making them happen.

Measuring Innovation on the Shop Floor

What gets measured gets improved. Tracking innovation doesn’t mean just counting patents or R&D spend. Instead, consider metrics like:

• Number of employee improvement suggestions submitted and implemented
• Percentage of frontline teams involved in improvement initiatives
• Reduction in downtime, scrap, or rework tied to shop floor-driven improvements
• Productivity gains from process changes initiated by workers
• Employee satisfaction and retention rates

Even qualitative feedback—such as surveys or town hall comments—can offer insight into whether your culture is moving in the right direction.

Overcoming Common Barriers

Creating an innovative culture is not without its difficulties. Typical challenges consist of:

• Fear of failure: If errors are penalized, employees might be reluctant to propose changes.
• Lack of time: Strict deadlines and output targets may not allow much time for introspection or trial and error.
• Opposition to change: Certain teams might be dubious, particularly if earlier attempts at improvement were disregarded or shelved.
• Communication breakdowns: Without a defined procedure for assessing and implementing good ideas, they may never get spoken.
• Language barriers: When teams speak different languages, valuable ideas can be lost in translation, and misunderstandings can hinder collaboration.

The solution is to address these issues directly. Build safety nets for experimentation. Make time for improvement in the schedule. Demonstrate follow-through on ideas. And keep lines of communication open at all times.

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Think Big

Building a culture of innovation on the shop floor doesn’t require a considerable budget or radical change. It begins with listening to your people, empowering them to think creatively, and fostering an environment where learning and improvement are integral to the job.

When workers feel heard, supported, and trusted, they stop just running the machines—and start improving the business.

Innovation isn’t a department. It’s a mindset. And it belongs everywhere—including your shop floor. For your next read, check out our guide to overcoming resistance to change when implementing new technology.

The post Building a Culture of Innovation on the Shop Floor appeared first on Relay.

While most models feature a push-to-talk button and a straightforward channel setup, clear communication requires more than just basic operation. In busy or high-pressure environments, getting your message across quickly and clearly is what really counts. 

For effective communication in organizational settings, you need to understand radio etiquette and stay alert throughout each exchange. Even a brief delay or unclear message can lead to confusion, downtime, or even major safety risks. 

To help you avoid these issues, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide that goes well beyond the basics. It explains how walkie talkies actually work, along with key techniques for using them clearly and effectively. 

Whether you’re training a team or refreshing your own knowledge, the following sections can help you communicate with confidence when it matters most. After all, no one wants to be stuck fumbling for the right words in the middle of an emergency. 

Top Tips: How to Work a Walkie Talkie  

Before you can talk into your walkie talkie at work, it’s a good idea to decide who will serve as your company’s dispatcher. That way, there will always be someone listening who is ready to respond. Most businesses give their dispatcher the walkie talkie code name of BASE, which makes it easier to understand who you’re talking to. 

Everyone else at your company may want a code name too, but keep it simple. In addition, remember to keep your names professional at all times. In a business environment, it’s probably best to stick to either your real name or your department. For example, if you’re on the production floor, you could say, “production floor to BASE.” 

Sample Conversation 

• Pick up your walkie talkie, press the talk button, and say, “production floor to BASE.”

• BASE will then respond by saying, “go ahead, over.”

• Your production floor employee will then tell BASE what they need and end their turn by saying, ‘over.’ 

• BASE responds and ends their response with ‘over.’

• Your production floor employee will say ‘clear’ or ‘over and out’ to end the conversation. 

Of course, before you can even have a similar conversation, you must first know how to use the talk button correctly. Never begin speaking instantly. Instead, press and hold the button, wait approximately one to two seconds, then begin your transmission. Otherwise, your words could be partially cut off, which can cause confusion. 

Also, don’t forget to hold the button the entire time you’re speaking, then release it when you’re ready to receive a reply. 

Commonly Used Radio Codes 

It can be extremely helpful to review the following codes when you’re learning how to use a two-way radio. The good thing about these codes is that they’re universal, so no one will be left trying to interpret what you said. 

• Roger/Roger That/Copy/Copy That – These are all ways to indicate that you’ve received and understood the message. To keep things as simple as possible, choose one of these phrases and have everyone else use it.

• Over – You’re done talking and ready to receive a reply. 

• Say Again – If you didn’t understand what the person said, you can reply with ‘say again.’ 

• Out – Usually paired with over, saying ‘over and out’ means you don’t require any further responses. 

• Affirmative – Used as walkie talkie speech for ‘yes.’ 

• Negative – Used as walkie talkie speech for ‘no.’

• Wilco – Saying ‘wilco’ is a shortened version of ‘will comply.’ 

• Disregard – Ignore the last thing that was said. 

There are also numerical ten codes that can be used. Again, come up with a plan for how to use two-way radios so that everyone at your company is on the same page. 

• 10-1: Receiving poorly (can’t hear what the other person is saying) 
• 10-2: Receiving well
• 10-3: Stop transmitting (this one is good if you don’t want others nearby to hear your conversation) 
• 10-4: Message received 
• 10-5: Relay the message to (insert name/department) 
• 10-6: Busy, please stand by  
• 10-7: Out of service
• 10-8: In service 
• 10-9: Repeat message 
• 10–10: Businesses may use the phrase ’10-10’ to indicate ‘transmission completed, standing by’ 
• 10-20: Location requests such as ‘what’s your 20?’
• 10-23: At the location (can be used when you arrive or when you’ve already arrived)
• 10-24: Assignment completed

Proper Communication Etiquette 

In addition to learning the codes listed above, it’s also a lot easier to use a walkie talkie if everyone uses proper communication etiquette. In fact, this is a big piece of learning how to talk on a walkie talkie. If someone on your team doesn’t do this correctly, they could cause the rest of your team to lose time and productivity as they attempt to decipher the exact meaning of the message being relayed.

To keep conversations clear and professional, follow these etiquette essentials:

• Listen, then talk – Before you press the talk button, take a beat to ensure no one else is currently using the channel. Otherwise, everyone could become confused. 

• Keep it short – No one wants to hear a lot of idle chatter on their two-way radio. Use concise, clear messages and get straight to the point. 

• Identify yourself – To make your message as effective as possible, always begin by identifying yourself or your department. To use the previous example, it’s best to say, ‘production team to BASE’ or ‘Alex to BASE.’ 

• Make sure you can be understood – Only use codes that everyone else has been taught. Avoid slang or overly technical words. 

• Pause before speaking – Again, always be sure to press the button, then wait a beat before you begin speaking. 

• Acknowledge all messages – By saying ‘roger,’ ‘copy,’ ‘roger that,’ or ‘copy that,’ the other person will know you’ve received and understood their message. 

• Say ‘over’ when you’re done speaking – Saying ‘over’ will let the other person know you’re done speaking and ready to receive a response. 

• Say ‘over and out’ at the end of the transmission – Saying ‘over and out’ indicates your conversation is done, and you’ll be putting your walkie talkie away. 

• Be aware of your two-way radio volume – Have you ever been working and suddenly heard an employee’s walkie talkie blaring out a message? This is distracting, and it could even cause major issues if the sound startles someone and they make a mistake. Keep it loud enough to hear, but not so loud that it becomes a distraction to the rest of the team. 

• Never interrupt, except during an emergency – Walkie talkies typically use one communication channel. Therefore, if someone is already using the channel, be sure to wait your turn. The one exception is if you’re dealing with a serious emergency. 

Keeping Your Device in Good Shape 

Now that you understand the basics of how to use a two-way radio, let’s spend some time discussing how to keep your walkie talkie in tip-top shape. 

Even if your business has a specific department that keeps track of radio maintenance, it’s still wise to understand the following steps: 

1. Don’t block the vents – Walkie talkies have ventilation areas that are necessary to prevent overheating. Avoid letting these vents become blocked by dust or debris. 
2. If there is one, keep the antenna clear of obstructions – To receive optimal signal strength, ensure your antenna isn’t obstructed. 
3. Keep an eye on the battery – Always ensure you’ve got a full battery at the beginning of your work shift. You don’t want to have an emergency happen and not be able to use your two-way radio. In fact, this is something you need to make absolutely sure your entire team remembers when teaching them how to use a two-way radio. 
4. Wipe it down regularly – The buttons and openings on a walkie talkie collect dust and debris unless they’re wiped down on a regular basis. 

Contending with an Emergency Situation 

No matter how much time you spend on drills, training, and planning, an emergency still has the power to make people forget what they’re supposed to do. Therefore, take a breath and remember that staying calm will make it easier to get your message out there. If you have a specific emergency channel, be sure to turn to it before speaking. If all else fails, pick up your radio and say, ‘SOS.’ That way, everyone will immediately know that there is trouble. 

For more detailed guidance on how to stay clear and composed in high-stress moments, explore these emergency communication strategies. They offer useful reminders and radio protocols that can help keep your team coordinated when it matters most. 

More to Know About Walkie Talkies

Learning the basics of how to use a walkie talkie should allow anyone to use them with a level of confidence. For those who wish to know more, though, here’s a good start: 

• Frequency – Knowing what frequency or frequencies your business transmits over, along with any applicable restrictions, can make you a better walkie talkie user. 

• Special features – Do your walkie talkies have special features such as emergency channels or weather alerts? Learn how they work so you can help your employees when an issue arises. 

• Signal strength and range – One of the problems that some workplaces have with walkie talkies is staying in range. Although this problem can be solved by moving within range, this can also be difficult during an emergency. For this reason, it’s becoming increasingly popular for people to use a smart radio like Relay instead of traditional walkie talkies. 

Smart Radios are the Future 

Walkie talkies have been connecting people to one another since 1940. However, now that 85 years have passed, it’s time to upgrade to a simpler yet better device. Smart radios such as the ones offered by Relay make it easier to talk to people, nationwide. Even better, they offer a whole host of important features, including instant translations of 30+ languages and enhanced worker safety.  

Enter the 21^st century with Relay smart radios! Contact us today to schedule a demo. 

The post How to Use a Walkie Talkie: A Beginner’s Guide to Instant Two-Way Communications appeared first on Relay.

SAUDER’S EGGS

Sauder's Eggs Cracks Communication Barriers, Boosting Efficiency and Morale

PHOTOGRAPH © SAUDER’S EGGS

An Egg-Packing Powerhouse with Family Roots

Sauder’s Eggs isn’t your average egg company. What began as a humble family operation in the 1930s has become one of the nation’s leading egg companies. For decades, they have built their business by partnering with over 100 local, family-owned farms across Pennsylvania and Ohio to deliver some of the freshest eggs possible. At their packing facilities, like the one in Lititz, PA, a dedicated team works around loud, fast-moving machinery to grade, pack, and ship fresh eggs to customers across the country.

A Scramble to Be Heard

Inside Sauder’s busy packing facilities, however, past communication methods couldn’t keep pace with their commitment to quality. Plant Manager Cody Rhinier, knew the old system was flawed. They had previously used traditional walkie-talkies with long cords that would snag on equipment. This led to a less-than-ideal workaround. “Half the time people were just yelling across the production floor,” Cody shared.

The challenge was compounded by a significant language barrier. With a team that is roughly 50% non-English speaking—including speakers of Spanish, Vietnamese, and Arabic—clear, real-time communication was often difficult, relying on typing into translation apps or using an on-call phone service. This not only slowed down operations but also limited opportunities for talented employees who weren’t fluent in English.

A Fresh Way to Connect the Flock

Having heard about Relay at a previous company, Cody knew it could be the right solution for their diverse Lititz, PA facility. He introduced the devices to bridge the gaps in their operations and the impact was immediate, especially for overcoming language barriers. No longer limited by impersonal apps, team members could now speak in their native language and be understood instantly by others.

This unlocked new potential for the team. “It’s easier to move some of these non-English-speaking employees into some more key positions that do require radios and communication,” Cody explained. “And now, we have some very good employees who don’t speak any English, but they’re some of my key people on the floor that I need every day.”

The change was deeply felt by employees. Cody shared a story about introducing the Relay device to a key Vietnamese-speaking line lead: “I spoke into it and she heard it in English and she goes, ‘oh good.’ And then it started translating in Vietnamese and she just kind of looked at me and she was so happy. It was just a really really cool reaction to see and now we use them every day.” 

The sentiment was echoed by Sophie Schmitt, Senior Director of Marketing at Sauder’s Eggs who had recently been discussing the capabilities of Relay with Sauder’s CEO. She shared his feedback that he wished he had Relay back when he was running the plant because it was often difficult to be understood, resulting in wasted time and miscommunications.

Clearer Communication Delivers Grade A Results

With Relay in hand, Sauder’s has transformed its day-to-day operations. The crystal-clear audio has eliminated the need to shout over machinery, creating a more organized and professional environment. “With the radio’s running off 4G, I can hear them whether I’m here or if I run to another facility for something,” Cody adds, highlighting the reliability of the network.

• Operational Efficiency: In egg packing, precision is everything. Miscommunication can lead to over-packing one order while shorting another. With Relay, the team can coordinate seamlessly. “It’s just crucial to have good communication to make sure orders are getting completed as efficiently as possible,” said Cody.
• Enhanced Safety: Should a team member need assistance, they can use their Relays to instantly alert Cody and a supervisor, far faster than if they had to walk to the intercom, page someone, and wait for a callback or to be met at a specific location. The intercom system didn’t allow the team to communicate additional details quickly and could be difficult to hear over the facility’s loud machinery.
• Stronger Culture: For Cody, the biggest change has been in the team’s culture. He can now connect with every employee, regardless of the language they speak. “I’m a huge people person, and when I come in on a Monday, I like to ask people how their weekend was. Before, I could only ask whoever spoke English, but now that we have so many different languages, I can go around, use the radio and ask everybody,” he said. This ability to build personal connections, he believes, is critical for retention.

“Relay creates a more personable experience and you build a stronger relationship with your employees. I think this will help make them feel more comfortable here and want to stay rather than go to another company where they can’t talk to anybody.” 

– Cody Rhinier, Plant Manager, Sauder’s Eggs

For Sauder’s Eggs, the decision was simple. The affordability and immense value made it an easy choice. As Cody put it, the cost was a “no brainer.” By investing in their people and their ability to connect, Sauder’s Eggs didn’t just find a better walkie-talkie; they found a tool that strengthens their entire operation from the ground up.

• Founded in the 1930’s

• One of the nation’s leading egg companies, with five grading and processing facilities across three states

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

OBJECTIVE

Sauder’s Eggs sought a reliable communication solution to replace their outdated walkie-talkies, aiming to overcome language barriers, improve safety, streamline operations, and build a more connected team culture.

RESULT

After implementing Relay, Sauder’s Eggs achieved seamless communication across their linguistically diverse workforce, enhancing safety with instant alerts, and ultimately fostering a more efficient and inclusive operation with a stronger team culture.

GET A DEMO

The post Sauder’s Eggs appeared first on Relay.

In high-pressure, fast-moving, and multilingual work environments, delays or misunderstandings caused by language barriers can impact safety, efficiency, and customer experience. That’s where wearable translator devices play a crucial role as a powerful tool for real-time communication. 

Why Wearability Matters

When it comes to real-time communication, wearability can make a huge difference in communication flows and situation management. A wearable translator, with its hands-free design, enables workers to communicate instantly without needing to reach for a phone, launch an app, or navigate screens. This hands-free freedom translates to faster response times, fewer interruptions, and safer operations, especially in roles where multitasking is a constant requirement, providing a sense of ease and comfort.

By contrast, handheld translators and app-based solutions often require employees to pause their activities, which can be frustrating or even dangerous in time-sensitive situations. Many of the tools available on the market tend to rely exclusively on WiFi or the single cellular network their cell phone works off of, which can be unreliable in large buildings or remote sites.

That’s why wearable translation is especially beneficial for:

• Deskless teams: These may include housekeepers, maintenance workers, or security staff who are always on the move.
  
• Frontline roles: Roles such as nurses and warehouse workers, where they can’t afford delays caused by language gaps.
  
• Multi-lingual teams: Real-time translation breaks down communication barriers and helps everyone stay on the same page.
  

How Wearable Translators Work

At their core, wearable translator devices are designed to capture spoken language and instantly convert it into another language. Using a combination of real-time audio capture, AI-powered translation, and wireless connectivity, these devices enable seamless communication between individuals who don’t share a common language.

Most wearable translator devices feature:

• Multi-language support: Many support 20+ languages, covering the most commonly spoken languages in global workforces.
  
• Long battery life: To survive long shifts without constant recharging.
  
• Compact and portable form: Designed to be clipped onto uniforms, belts, or worn around the neck, thereby eliminating the need to pull out a phone or a device.
  

While general-purpose wearables, such as smartwatches with translation apps, offer occasional convenience, they aren’t necessarily suited for business use. They tend to lack the ruggedness, security, and instant responsiveness required in critical business environments.

Industries Using Wearable Translators

Wearable translator devices are transforming how industries with high-paced, multilingual workforces communicate. 

Hospitality

Hotels are bustling hubs of multilingual interaction, from international guests at the front desk to diverse housekeeping teams. Relay empowers staff with hands-free, real-time communication and translation, ensuring seamless service across languages.

At Fairfield and TownePlace Suites in Norfolk, management credits Relay with boosting both response times and team confidence. As one manager put it:

“We love our Relays here. I would 10/10 choose these over a traditional radio any day of the week.” – Sara Dahlkoetter, General Manager at Fairfield and TownePlace Suites of Norfolk

Warehousing and Manufacturing

In warehouses and manufacturing plants, productivity and safety depend on clear communication across a multilingual workforce. Misunderstood instructions for heavy machinery or logistics can cause serious delays and accidents. Relay’s hands-free, wearable translator bridges the language gap in real time, ensuring every worker understands critical commands and safety protocols to keep operations running smoothly and securely.

Healthcare

Language should never be a barrier to patient care. For nurses and caregivers working with patients who don’t speak English, Relay’s wearable language translator device enables smoother check-ins, safer responses, and better emotional support tailored to a patient’s language.

Facilities and Fieldwork

From cleaning crews in large office parks to technicians on remote job sites, facility teams rely on precise, mobile coordination. Relay’s wearable, real-time translation radio communication device supports real-world work, which is often movement-heavy, hands-on, and frequently spread across large campuses or outdoor areas.

Security and Events

Security staff and event personnel operate in dynamic environments with zero tolerance for miscommunication. With wearable translator devices, they can issue instructions, coordinate responses, or report incidents in real time, even across language barriers. The built-in push-to-talk and GPS tools further streamline responses in crowded or high-risk areas.

Relay’s Translator + Safety Capabilities

Relay’s wearable translator isn’t just a translation tool, it’s part of a broader real-time radio communication system. 

That means workers can push-to-talk, send alerts, and receive translations all through one streamlined device. And because it’s cloud-powered and optimized for enterprise, there’s no clunky setup or app dependencies for employees to navigate, making it easier to adopt. 

Relay’s wearable translator is designed for teams that need to move fast, stay connected, and feel protected, especially in industries where communication breakdowns or safety risks can’t be ignored.

At its core is TeamTranslate™, Relay’s enterprise-ready, AI-powered translation tool. With support for 30+ languages and growing, it allows frontline and deskless teams to communicate naturally in their language, with translations delivered instantly to the listener in their preferred language.

Relay’s wearable translators also serve as a crucial tool for emergency communication. Workers can trigger an instant safety alert using a discreet, built-in panic button. Alerts are sent directly to designated responders, complete with the worker’s real-time GPS location and open push-to-talk communication.

Explore more of Relay’s Worker Safety capabilities here.

Translation Only vs. Full Communication System

While most wearable language translator devices on the market act as standalone tools, Relay’s TeamTranslate™ offers a comprehensive communication system. Relay devices are built for team coordination, featuring push-to-talk functionality, group channels, and multilingual support that keeps everyone informed across different languages. 

Durability and Software Integration

Unlike many off-the-shelf translators that are delicate or designed for tourist-level use, Relay is industrial-grade, water-resistant, drop-tested, and ready for real-world frontline conditions. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with team structures and requires minimal IT setup, ensuring a seamless and reliable user experience.

Passive Tools vs. Real-Time Alerts

Where other devices stop at passive listening, Relay keeps teams protected. If an incident occurs, a user can trigger the panic button, instantly broadcasting their location and a call for help to supervisors or emergency contacts.

In fast-moving environments where every second counts, Relay serves as a comprehensive solution that empowers teams to communicate across languages, respond to emergencies, and stay connected hands-free in real-time.

Interested in learning more about how Relay works? Book a demo to learn how Relay can transform the way your team communicates.

The post Wearable Translator Technology: How to Choose the Best Solution appeared first on Relay.