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.

Engineering Excellence in a Compact Design

RelayM is an engineering marvel. We challenged ourselves to deliver the core performance and functionality of RelayX in a dramatically streamlined package – optimized for the unique demands of hospitality environments. While RelayM is compact, it still integrates critical communication, panic, and location awareness into a single, simplified device. Building on the success of Relay+, RelayM offers an evolved design that enhances usability and effectiveness in day-to-day hospitality operations. A new integrated screen provides instant visibility into channel, connectivity, and battery status.

RelayM’s size is particularly helpful for housekeepers and mobile staff, as the portable device can easily be clipped to a shirt or worn on a lanyard. This ensures more consistent use and employee protection, all in one holistic tool that addresses both safety and communication needs. RelayM boasts all the capabilities of our previous generation models and more. This includes the TeamTranslate™ feature that has helped escalate our adoption among more than 4,000 hotels, resorts and casinos nationwide and over a million locations tracked. 

A Market Leading Approach to Connectivity 

RelayM — like RelayX — maintains three active connections simultaneously at all times, including WiFi 6E plus 5G dual cellular connections. To ensure the strongest and most reliable connectivity, it monitors the signal of each network 50 times per second to automatically select the strongest network. It has a backup for the backup, and virtually eliminates communication dead spots. This approach is critical for safety and consistent communication, especially in large, sprawling hospitality environments. 

“There were a number of dead zones in the hotel, where we would lose signal… areas that in the past, our communication would drop. With the redundancy of Relay, we no longer have dead zones.” 

– David Palumbo, General Manager of Raleigh Marriott City Center

TeamTranslate: AI-Powered Communication

Central to RelayM’s value is our award-winning TeamTranslate™ feature, recently recognized on Fast Company’s 2025 World Changing Ideas list. This AI-powered live translation supports more than 30 languages, enabling instant voice translation with the push of a button without separate apps or devices.

“As the General Manager, knowing that the device translates automatically to a person’s primary language is extremely comforting, especially if it’s an emergency situation.”

– David Palumbo, General Manager of Raleigh Marriott City Center

For hospitality’s diverse workforce, TeamTranslate creates safer, more productive, and inclusive environments by eliminating language barriers and ensuring every team member can participate confidently.

Performance That Doesn’t Compromise

Other RelayM features include: 

All-Shift Battery Life: Thanks to the new, larger 1780 mAh battery, with 32% more capacity and 25% longer talk time than before, RelayM can cover even the longest shifts, now with 10-16 hours of usage on a single charge. “The battery life has been excellent, we’ve never had to recharge a Relay device during a shift,” shared Palumbo.

Crystal Clear Audio: Features the same high-quality 2-watt speaker as RelayX, providing 50% improved perceived loudness than our previous model. And RelayM’s new and improved advanced noise cancellation ensures crystal clear communication even in the most challenging hospitality environments—whether it’s over noisy vacuum cleaners, in bustling lobbies or restaurants, or on loud city streets.

Military-Grade Durability: Built to MIL-SPEC 810H standards with IP66 and IP68 ratings. Waterproof, dustproof, and able to withstand 5-foot drops onto concrete.

Setting New Industry Standards

RelayM showcases our commitment to continuous innovation and setting new industry standards. By combining cutting-edge engineering with cloud technology and AI-powered features like TeamTranslate, we’re driving the evolution of frontline communication technology.

The post Introducing RelayM: Disrupting Traditional Hospitality Communications appeared first on Relay.

How TeamTranslate is Helping Frontline Teams Communicate Better

Clear communication is essential for today’s diverse frontline teams, where safety and efficiency are top priorities. Relay’s TeamTranslate™ feature is designed to eliminate language barriers, fostering safer, more productive, and inclusive work environments. 

Integrated directly into Relay devices—no need for separate apps or standalone translators—TeamTranslate provides instant voice translation, even across long distances. With the simple push of a button, team members can speak in their preferred language, and others will hear the message translated into their own chosen language. 

TeamTranslate supports more than 30 languages, allowing everyone to be heard and understood.

TeamTranslate allows multi-lingual teams across industries such as manufacturing, warehousing, and hospitality to communicate clearly and quickly. This can lead to:

• Better Safety: Important alerts and instructions are clearly understood by everyone, reducing risks.
• Higher Productivity: Misunderstandings and errors due to language differences are minimized, streamlining workflows and boosting operational efficiency.
• More Inclusive Teams: Every team member can confidently participate and feel connected, improving team cohesion and enhancing the employee experience.
• Efficient Operations: Tasks are completed more accurately and quickly when communication is seamless.

By breaking down communication silos, TeamTranslate empowers businesses to fully support their diverse workforces and significantly improve how teams collaborate and perform.

“Our Spanish-speaking employees now feel that they are listened to, they’re more part of the team. With TeamTranslate, there’s been a lot of positive change.”

– José Luis Vàsquez, Production Manager at Poppies Bakeries

Why This Recognition is So Meaningful to Us

Being recognized as a category honoree on Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas list is very meaningful to us at Relay. It supports our core mission in several ways:

• Focus on Innovation: This recognition highlights our work in creating technology that solves real problems for frontline workers. We listen to our customers to build solutions that make a real difference in their daily work.
• Supporting Inclusivity: TeamTranslate helps overcome language barriers, creating more inclusive workplaces. We’re glad to be recognized for an idea that contributes positively to a mission we believe in.
• Serving the Frontline: Frontline workers are vital, and often don’t have the technology they need. This recognition emphasizes our desire to give these teams tools that improve their safety, productivity, and work experience.
• Reflecting Our Values: We believe in the power of connection at Relay. TeamTranslate supports this by enabling clearer communication for everyone.

The real-world impact of TeamTranslate is best told by the frontline teams who use it every day. See how our customer, Recycle Management LLC, uses TeamTranslate to bridge language gaps, enhance safety, and improve efficiency at their recycling facility.

Continuing Our Journey of Innovation

Being recognized by Fast Company for TeamTranslate encourages us to keep innovating and providing great value to frontline teams. It joins other recent achievements for Relay, like being named to the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ list, securing $35+ million in Series B funding, and being recognized in the top 20% of the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. These milestones show our continued growth and dedication.

We thank our customers who inspire features like TeamTranslate and whose partnership is key to our success. We look forward to sharing more updates and continuing to help build a more connected and efficient future for frontline work.

Thank you for being part of the Relay journey!

The post Relay’s TeamTranslate™ Makes Fast Company’s 2025 World Changing Ideas List appeared first on Relay.

SUPERLITE BLOCK LONE BUTTE

Concrete Manufacturer Expands Hiring Pool with TeamTranslate™

Delivering Innovative Products with Modern Communications

Superlite Block Lone Butte Plant, a subsidiary of Oldcastle APG, a CRH company, is a recognized leader in concrete masonry technology and design. Located near Phoenix, AZ, the Oldcastle location strives to deliver high quality standards and innovative products to its local major retailer and professional landscaping customers. Some of the landscape and architectural products they manufacture include premixed bags of concrete, permeable pavers, paving stones, and retaining walls.

With a 90-person team spread out across a 36-acre operating facility, Site Manager, Christian Schultz quickly recognized the need for a better way of communicating. 

36-Acre Manufacturing Facility Needed Better Communications

Before Relay, Christian and his workers were used to using cheap walkie talkies or non-company provided cell phones out on the forklifts in the yard. Inside the plant, workers just yelled over the loud machinery or used hand signals to communicate. Having worked at many other manufacturing facilities throughout his career, Christian shared that his teams have always been frustrated by the radios they’ve used in the past.

He described the high-costs, reliance on radio dealers, and constant need for replacements, just for the radios not to work properly. “They were good, but not great. Nothing like the all-in solution Relay has.” Because even the best traditional radio solutions have their flaws, he shared that sites often go with a cheaper solution, leading workers in the field to lose trust in radios all together. “Most people buy a cheaper one and then it doesn’t work and people believe no radios work.”

Using Radios Beyond Communication

Regardless of past poor radio experiences, Christian recognized that radios were absolutely necessary for communication in areas where workers were spread out. It didn’t sit well with him knowing that their current way of communication wasn’t reliable. “They didn’t have real-time, crisp and clean communication,” he shared.

When Christian saw an ad for Relay, he was immediately attracted to the modern yet rugged hardware design and reached out for more information. He admitted that he had never even considered that radios could be more than just communication tools. It wasn’t until he had onboarded Relay that he realized the full extent of what Relay could do. 

Describing Relay’s Dashboard, he shared, “I didn’t even know I needed this but I love it and it’s not just because it’s cool, it gives you that flexibility that I never even realized you could have.” Christian also mentioned that he has appreciated the extra thought and user-friendliness that’s gone into 1:1 calling, automatic time outs back to the home channel, ease of channel management, and of course, language translation. “Those things are really cool and they’re a massive step over other solutions.”

TeamTranslate™ Bridges Language Gaps

Relay’s translation capabilities have been a game changer for the Superlite Block Lone Butte plant in many ways. Limited-English-speaking workers are using TeamTranslate™ to send and receive all Relay messages in their native language. They’ve always managed to get by, but this has helped certain employees understand things better. Christian shared, “We ended up changing his device to Spanish so that he could communicate more clearly and he definitely has a better understanding of stuff being said back and forth, and same the other way.”

The facility also has hundreds of truck drivers come through everyday, some not speaking any English. The Superlite team has used Relay’s pocket translator function many times to streamline communications with these visitors. “When interacting with non-English speaking truck drivers, our employees would have to get someone who spoke their native language. Now with the pocket translator feature, we can avoid any delays.” He continues, “We can just turn the device to translate and then exchange it back and forth. That’s been immensely helpful and has been used many times. It’s been well worth it.”

Best of all, the Superlite team has been able to expand hiring efforts now that they have a reliable translation tool in place. “There’s a lot of hardworking Hispanic groups in the area but many of them don’t speak English,” shared Christian. “I just want good talent, period. You’re often going to find that in different groups with different cultures and languages, but I’ve always kind of been restricted because if they can’t speak English, I couldn’t teach them safety or train them properly.” They started by hiring one non-English speaking employee, and after great success, tapped into even more non-English-speaking talent. “Relay now allows us to tap into that employee for referrals. He has referred three more people who were in the same boat, but now we have a way to work with that in any plant that they go into,” shared Christian. Seeing how passionate the non-English employees are about their Relays has been awesome for Christian to see, “I’d paid for that all day long.”

“I think we’re only scratching the surface on what this will do for us. It’s exciting.”

– Christian Schultz, Site Manager at Superlite Block Lone Butte

• Concrete manufacturing site located near Phoenix, Arizona

• Employs approximately 90 team members across 36-acres

• Produces concrete blocks, pavers, retaining walls, and premixed concrete products

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

OBJECTIVE

Improve communication across a 36-acre concrete manufacturing facility by replacing unreliable radios and breaking down language barriers to expand hiring potential and support a multilingual workforce.

RESULT

Superlite Block Lone Butte implemented Relay with TeamTranslate™, enabling real-time communication in multiple languages, streamlining training and safety processes, and unlocking access to a broader talent pool—leading to improved team coordination and increased hiring success.

GET A DEMO

The post Superlite Block Lone Butte appeared first on Relay.

RECYCLE MANAGEMENT

Metals Recycler Overcomes Language Barriers with Real-Time Translation

Recycle Management Simplifies Communications and Operations for its Diverse Team

Recycle Management LLC operates a sprawling 20-acre metals recycling facility in Rockingham, Virginia, recycling everything from household appliances and automotive vehicles to industrial scrap and recreational equipment. Handling heavy materials in a dynamic environment that is inherently loud, dusty, and dirty requires precise coordination. For the team at Recycle Management, clear and immediate communication isn’t just about efficiency—it’s critical for safety and smooth operations. However, language barriers within their workforce were hampering the team’s ability to communicate effectively.

Communication Bottlenecks in the Harsh and Demanding Environment

Operations Manager Blaine Cash emphasized the importance of clarity in their environment, stating, “Communication is very key back there, either loading the right material or staying out of the way of whatever else might be going on.” Before adopting Relay, attempts to bridge the language gap were inefficient and often frustrating. Yard Supervisor Nathan Walker recalled, “Trying to communicate before Relay was Google Translate or I had to go find somebody that was bilingual. It was difficult, especially if you needed something quick.”

These makeshift methods often led to misunderstandings and costly errors. “When we were communicating with just cell phones, the guys back there would say they would understand us, and then be off doing the exact opposite thing,” Blaine shared. This not only affected productivity but also placed an unfair burden on the bilingual employees. “The bilingual guys would feel like we’re always going to them, putting them in a position that they really didn’t want to be in,” Blaine added. 

Finding a Robust, Multilingual Solution

Recognizing the need for a fundamental change, Recycle Management sought a communication tool that could provide instant language translation, withstand the elements in their harsh physical environment, and cut through the loud machinery noise, especially during critical safety situations. Relay stood out with its integrated real-time translation capabilities, rugged design suitable for demanding industrial use, and clear audio performance. “Listening to the guys in the loud environment back there, I can hear them clear as a bell,” Blaine remarked. The ability to communicate instantly with individuals or the entire team also addressed their operational efficiency and safety needs. Dependable battery life has further contributed to their confidence in choosing Relay, with Blaine noting, “I haven’t had anyone run out of battery yet. I think they can go 2-3 days.”

Real-Time Translation Boosts Productivity, Safety, and Confidence

The implementation of Relay yielded immediate and substantial benefits across Recycle Management’s operations. The most significant impact came from overcoming their language barriers. “With Relay, they’re actually understanding us,” Blaine confirmed, highlighting the effectiveness of TeamTranslate. “English to Spanish works great, the guys are understanding what we’re saying now and it’s boosting production. We’re not having to go back and ask guys to do what they already should have done.”

This newfound clarity streamlined daily tasks and even simplified routines like morning meetings. Previously the bilingual owner needed to conduct separate briefings. “Now with Relay, I’m able to hold the meetings, translations happening in real-time, and we only have to say it once,” Blaine explained. These positive changes extended to the team’s morale, as non-English speaking workers feel more empowered to ask questions and are more confident in their ability to understand instructions.

Beyond productivity and language translation, Relay has significantly enhanced safety protocols. “One of the big things with Relay is emergency situations. With a cell phone you’re just texting one person. With Relay, you’re getting it out to the whole crew,” Blaine stated, emphasizing the critical advantage of instant group alerts. 

Just with the communication side and everyone doing what they need to do at the time they need to do it, communicating through the device, we already know it’s a big return on the investment.” 

– Blaine Cash, Operations Manager at Recycle Management LLC

• Workforce is 75% Spanish-speaking – teams work across large indoor and outdoor areas with heavy machinery
• 20-acre metals recycling facility
• High-traffic, loud and fast-paced environment requiring constant coordination

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

OBJECTIVE

Upgrade and modernize team communication by implementing a rugged, multilingual communication system to eliminate language barriers, enhance team coordination, and improve safety at a 20-acre metals recycling facility.

RESULT

With Relay, Recycle Management achieved instant English–Spanish translation, clearer team communication, faster task execution, and improved emergency response—all contributing to increased productivity and worker confidence.

GET A DEMO

The post Recycle Management appeared first on Relay.

Employees with different backgrounds and native languages can bring a lot to the manufacturing workforce, but if you’re not doing everything possible to make their job efficient, you’re putting your workers and your business at risk. Every factory that hires multilingual workers is responsible for providing a simple and efficient way to overcome language barriers.

With the increasing availability of translation technology, there’s no reason why your workers should have to consistently communicate in their non-native language – and you may find the solution to many of your safety, efficiency, and productivity problems lies in finding the right manufacturing translator device for your team.

Why You Need to Overcome Language Barriers

The need for a simple way to overcome language barriers in the workplace isn’t new, but as the number of bilingual employees in the U.S. grows, the need for translation devices becomes more urgent. According to the United States Census Bureau, 68 million Americans spoke a language other than English at home in 2019. Although this number has grown significantly since the 1980s, there are still many businesses that struggle to provide consistent translation services – so what does this mean for the technology in your workplace?

Considering the number of multilingual citizens in the U.S., it’s likely that you have multilingual employees on your team as well. Even if they speak English fluently, it may not be the most efficient way for them to communicate.

According to a report on the hidden cost of language barriers in industrial environments, 86% of manufacturing professionals report that language barriers reduce productivity at their site. These barriers can hold your team back by requiring employees to spend extra time translating, making communication inefficient and unclear.

In an industry like manufacturing, where things can change at a moment’s notice, it’s vital that employees can easily communicate with one another and with management should the need arise. Whether the equipment isn’t working properly or there’s an emergency evacuation taking place, language barriers prevent things from running smoothly for your team.

How a Manufacturing Translator Device Boosts Safety, Efficiency, and Productivity

If you’re wondering how language barriers are costing you in the workplace, it isn’t just about productivity, although that’s certainly part of it. 

Multilingual workers can and should be an asset to your team, but when they’re not properly supported, they don’t perform at their best. A manufacturing translator device can increase productivity and efficiency as well as improve safety outcomes. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of having a translation device:

Improved Safety Outcomes

Translation technology is one of the best ways to improve safety outcomes for bilingual and multilingual workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were nearly 400,000 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses in 2020 alone. Although the number of nonfatal injuries was reduced between 2016 and 2020, emergencies in the workplace are still a reality for many employees.

No matter what kind of injury or illness happens, clear communication is key to keeping employees safe and preventing further injuries. If, in the event of an emergency, someone has to wait for another employee to translate, this can lead to a delay in communication, causing you to lose vital seconds that prevent the employee from getting the help they need.

A manufacturing translation device allows workers to communicate in their native language, immediately getting the help they need in an emergency.

Increased Efficiency & Productivity

In industrial environments, bilingual employees lose around four hours every week translating, which could be costing your business up to $7,500 per employee every year. When employees can’t effectively communicate due to language barriers, it can significantly slow down workflows, delaying production. 

Since communication may not be clear for every employee, especially those who have a native language other than English, it can also lead to more errors in their work. Having to go back and check or redo work that has already been done can add to the cost of production.

Translation devices allow workers to receive instructions and clarifications in their native language, preventing errors and delays.  

Expanded Hiring Pool

Many industrial businesses without a translation device simply can’t hire non-English speaking workers, as they don’t have the right tools in place to train them to use equipment safely and efficiently. 

This reduces the already small pool of qualified candidates HR has access to and is one of the reasons 77% of manufacturers say they have ongoing difficulties in attracting and retaining workers.

Translation Services: The Key to Your Business Success

The simplest way to ensure all employees can communicate effectively and efficiently is to provide them with a way to speak in their native language, such as a real-time translation device. Previously, multilingual workers had no choice but to adapt to the language spoken in the workplace, or risk missing important instructions and training, but now there are technology solutions that make translation easy.

Your multilingual workers likely want to be engaged in their role, but when they feel disconnected, they’re less likely to do their best work. There’s significant research showing the importance of employee engagement when it comes to productivity, efficiency, and overall business growth. But it’s difficult for employees to be engaged in their job when they can’t communicate clearly with the other members on their team.

Real-time translation services using a manufacturing translation device can help these employees feel connected and valued, allowing them to communicate as efficiently as everyone else.

Overcome Language Barriers with Relay

At Relay, we believe every manufacturing worker deserves to be able to communicate easily in their native language. Not only does this help workers feel more connected and valued in the workplace, but it also benefits your business by increasing productivity, efficiency, and overall communication.

Our manufacturing communication system is specifically designed for diverse frontline teams, eliminating language barriers with real-time translation features included on every device. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), language barriers are a factor in 25% of workplace incidents.

Relay’s TeamTranslate allows workers to choose their desired language, and Relay automatically translates every message. With the ability to translate over 30 different languages, Relay is the manufacturing translator device your team needs to stay connected. 

If you’re ready to find out how Relay can improve communication between your workers and help your business save on the cost of translation, book a one-on-one demo or get pricing today!

The post How Manufacturing Translator Devices Boost Safety, Efficiency, and Productivity appeared first on Relay.

But what happens when players and staff don’t speak the same language?

For many golf courses, language barriers are a hidden challenge—one that impacts safety, efficiency, and player satisfaction in ways that aren’t always obvious until something goes wrong.

Why Language Barriers Matter in Golf

Golf courses are busy, dynamic workplaces. From early morning maintenance crews to clubhouse staff and course marshals, teams need to be in sync. And when communication breaks down—whether between staff or between staff and golfers—problems start to stack up.

• Missed safety cues (like weather warnings or cart path restrictions)
  
• Delayed maintenance because instructions aren’t understood
  
• Poor guest experiences due to confusion or misunderstandings
  
• Overreliance on bilingual staff, leading to burnout and inefficiencies
  

Simple instructions like “cart path only today” or “watch for wildlife near hole 12” need to be understood the first time. Misunderstandings lead to damaged turf, frustrated guests, and operational hiccups that slow down the pace of play.

Staff-to-Staff Communication: Safety Starts Here

Behind the scenes, every golf course is a complex operation involving machinery, chemicals, unpredictable weather, and tight schedules. That makes effective communication a safety issue, not just a convenience.

If a maintenance lead is showing a new hire how to operate a mower or handle irrigation, there’s no room for misinterpretation. One small error can cause equipment damage—or worse, an injury.

Yet in many cases, bilingual employees are asked to carry the weight of communication. While helpful, this approach has major flaws:

• If they’re off for the day, communication suffers.
  
• If they’re overburdened, things fall through the cracks.
  
• It’s not scalable as your team grows.
  

Instead, providing real-time translation tools ensures that all staff can understand instructions, respond to urgent updates, and collaborate more effectively—without needing a dedicated translator on hand.

Read our guide to Effectively Managing Golf and Resort Teams here.

Staff-to-Golfer Communication: A Better Experience from the Start

When someone visits your course, they expect to feel welcomed and informed from the moment they check in. That experience hinges on your staff’s ability to communicate clearly—even if a golfer doesn’t speak the dominant language.

Imagine these scenarios:

• A golfer doesn’t hear “cart path only” until the fifth hole.
  
• A weather alert goes unrecognized.
  
• Lunch orders aren’t called in from the 8th tee, backing up the 10th.
  

Each of these issues can be traced back to one thing: communication. And when it breaks down, so does the flow of the course.Real-time translation solves this by enabling your staff to answer questions, share policies, and give course instructions without language getting in the way. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about creating a course culture where every guest feels considered.

Equip Your Course with the Right Tools

Language barriers may feel like an unavoidable part of running a diverse team and welcoming a wide range of players—but they don’t have to be.

Relay makes real-time translation possible at the push of a button. With support for over 30 languages, staff can speak in their native language and be instantly understood by coworkers or golfers.

Here’s what that means for your course:

• Safer training and daily operations
  
• More inclusive and welcoming guest experiences
  
• Less reliance on bilingual team members to “fill in the gaps”
  
• Faster response to urgent situations—no waiting for a translator
  

And since Relay also works as a communication platform for teams, it consolidates messaging, translation, and incident response in one tool.

The Bottom Line: Communication Drives the Game

Golf is a game of focus, rhythm, and timing—and that applies to your operations, too. When communication is clear, everything flows better. Maintenance gets done right the first time. Guests feel more at home. Emergencies get handled faster.

Investing in real-time communication tools like Relay means your course is ready to serve every guest and support every team member—no matter what language they speak.

Make your course a place where everyone feels welcome, safe, and heard. Learn how Relay is helping customers break language barriers and elevate the experience—for staff and guests alike.

The post Breaking Language Barriers on the Course: How Better Communication Leads to Safer, Smoother Golf Operations appeared first on Relay.

POPPIES BAKERIES

Food Manufacturer Removes Language Barriers, Radio Frustrations

World's Largest Creampuff Supplier Upgrades Team Communications Across its U.S. Plant

Founded in 1976, Poppies Bakeries began as an artisan bakery in Belgium, selling traditional Flemish pastries and biscuits to market vendors, small shops, and other businesses in the local community. Today, they’re an international company with 13 bakeries and more than 1,300 employees across Europe and the USA, selling mostly private label products in over 64 countries. In the U.S., their popular Delizza brand, known for frozen cream puffs and eclairs, is produced at their only American facility in Battleboro, NC. We visited the Battleboro location to chat with the Preventative Maintenance and Safety Coordinator, Jordan Childers, and Production Manager, José Luis Vàsquez, about Relay’s impact on their bakery operations.

Traditional Radios Were Causing Dead Spots and Safety Concerns

Before Relay, Poppies Bakeries’ U.S. location was using traditional two-way radios. Not only were these creating obstacles in their communications, the radios were big and heavy for staff to carry around. A main concern was the radio’s connectivity issues. “Especially if it’s an emergency, you’re trying to communicate with someone and you don’t know if they heard you or not,” shared Jordan. 

The old-school radios were also interfering with the food manufacturer’s industrial equipment. “If you were to use the two way radios too close to the metal detector, it would actually cause it to go off which was causing headaches for our production team and our QA team,” said Jordan. He continued, “They have to go in there and justify why this went off and then run product back.” 

Removing Language Barriers with TeamTranslate™

One of the big reasons Jordan began looking into Relay was its real-time language translation capabilities because language barriers have been a safety concern for him. “Before Relay’s translation feature, in order to overcome the language barrier, we would have to have a bilingual person translate that meeting or conversation, no matter how big or small it was,” shared Jordan. 

José Luis Vàsquez, Production Manager at Poppies Bakeries and one of the team’s primary bilingual translators gave us insights into how this affected his day to day. “It was frustrating,” he said. “Sometimes I was in the middle of doing something important and then all of the sudden I’d have some translation to do.” He continued, “Now with Relay, I don’t have to call maintenance or other departments for help when needed. All the employees have to do is speak in Spanish and Relay will translate.” 

“Our Spanish-speaking employees now feel that they are listened to, they’re more part of the team. With Relay, there’s been a lot of change.”

– José Luis Vàsquez, Production Manager

José Luis also shared that the Relays can be used for private 1:1 training sessions that the plant does for new employees every 30, 60, and 90 days. “We have Spanish-speaking new employees that don’t speak a word of English, and that has made a big difference.”

“Just prior to us getting on board with Relay, we actually did have a significant safety incident that occurred with a non-English speaking person and I was unable to communicate with them as a safety coordinator. Had we had the Relays in place already, I would have been able to communicate with that person on my own and not need an interpreter.”

– Jordan Childers, Preventative Maintenance and Safety Coordinator

Relay’s translation feature has been really positive for Poppies Bakeries’ U.S. location because most of their workforce is Spanish-speaking. By having the translation feature, Relay has been able to eliminate their language barriers.

Better Connectivity, Audio Quality, Battery Life, and Durability

By switching to Relay, the bakery has eliminated the frustrations of missing messages and machine interference due to its superior connectivity. José Luis shared, “the connectivity is much, much better.” He continued, “now I feel comfortable knowing that my partners know when I’m calling them.”

In terms of durability, Relay has blown Poppies’ past solutions out of the water. “I’ve dropped them, I don’t know how many times, from different heights and they’re intact,” shared José Luis. José Luis has also noticed Relay’s improved battery life over the traditional radios they were using before. In addition to lasting through two 8 hour shifts, “It’s a fast-charging device, it won’t take more than 30-minutes to an hour to fully charge.”

Jordan shared that Relay’s audio quality is superior to the two way radios they were using before. The noise cancellation feature has proved to be really impressive, with communications coming out crystal clear, even in their 100dB+ ammonia room.

When it comes to Relay’s App and Dashboard, Jordan uses these to see where devices are, make sure they’re up to date, and to assign or reassign devices when necessary. “It’s also nice from a safety perspective or even a HR perspective,” he shared. “We’ve had instances where HR has requested the recording logs and that’s obviously something that’s not available with our two way radios.”

With two way radios, they are just what they are. They’re push-to-talk. At the end of the day, that’s it, that’s all that they offer. Relay offers the chance for there to be growth, new features, new technology, new accessories. That was another big plus that we were looking for.

– Jordan Childers, Preventative Maintenance and Safety Coordinator

• 120,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility

• Diverse, multilingual team spanning production, maintenance, and safety roles

• Poppies’ only U.S. manufacturing facility

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

OBJECTIVE

Replace unreliable two-way radios and overcome critical language barriers by implementing a communication solution with real-time translation through TeamTranslate™.

RESULT

By switching to Relay, Poppies Bakeries eliminated language barriers and unreliable radio communication, leading to faster response times, improved safety, and more empowered frontline teams.

GET A DEMO

The post Poppies Bakeries appeared first on Relay.

In fact, our research finds that language barriers could be costing your business as much as $500,000 each year in hidden fees and lost profits.

A growing solution for businesses is real time translator technology. Ditching walkie-talkies for smart radios enables bilingual staff to receive live audio translation – a gamechanger for many industries today.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of real time translation technology for frontline staff, and compare the best live translator devices in the market today.

7 Ways Real Time Translator Technology is Shaping Frontline Businesses

Live translation devices are a revolutionary addition to many frontline businesses – from casinos and golf courses to large-scale manufacturing facilities.

With better communication, companies can enhance customer service and boost productivity in the workforce – alongside other benefits, which we’ll get into below.

1.   Better Customer Service

Good customer service is the crux of business success. Communication issues in a workforce can have both a direct and indirect impact on customer satisfaction rates.

For example, in hospitality, guest requirements and emergencies must be handled quickly and efficiently. Yet language barriers can lead to slow or poor service.

In other settings, like warehouses and logistical centers, language barriers can cause unnecessary delays – whether that’s due to wasted time or something more serious, like an accident or major manufacturing oversight.

Preventing language barriers within in-house staff, namely through smart radios, can drastically improve customer service for your clients.

2.   Increased Productivity

Productivity in the workforce is another pillar of success. The more productive your staff, the better things are for business.

Various factors can impact workforce productivity, but our research shows that language barriers are a prominent drain on staff. As many as 86% of manufacturing professionals feel that language barriers reduce their productivity.

Additionally, bilingual staff costs businesses an average of $7,500 per employee annually due to lost time spent translating (an average of 4 hours per week). Some bilingual staff also tend to assume a translation role, which can worsen productivity and lead to staff burnout.

By removing language barriers from business, workforces can save precious time and feel less burdened by translation challenges.

3.   Faster Communication

Live translation devices enable faster communication between key professionals on the frontline. In a warehouse, logistical center, or hotel, managers can convey changes and receive instant updates – with no wasted time.

In turn, this leaves a workforce operating as smoothly as possible, with all staff well-utilized and managers able to manage at the highest level.

4.   Fewer Accidents

Workplace accidents cost the US economy $167 billion annually. OSHA estimates that a quarter of accidents are caused by language barriers, presenting a major challenge for frontline businesses.

Essentially, language barriers are a risk to safety, with staff potentially misunderstanding hazard warnings and safe operating procedures – particularly during an emergency, like an evacuation.

It can also leave staff unable to report issues effectively, which is a major safety concern. With technology that enables fluid communication at all levels, employers can reduce the risks of language-related workplace accidents.

5.   Happier Workforce

Businesses can achieve tangible benefits from investing in technology with real time voice translation features. But it isn’t just about what’s in it for your business. Staff can significantly benefit from understanding each other better, too.

Our research into language barriers found that, in a warehouse environment, three-quarters of the workforce actually wanted their employers to invest in solutions that reduce language barriers.

We also found that 65% of workers would feel more satisfied at work if language barriers were removed. High morale and a strong sense of work are important in a workforce, both offering vast hidden benefits to companies.

6.   Reduced Staff Turnover

High turnover rates can be a major problem in certain industries. In logistical hubs and manufacturing departments, time is of the essence. Yet constantly re-hiring and re-training new staff takes precious time away from the production line.

Even the wider workforce can suffer from having to help new employees adjust. In fact, our research finds that almost half of employees feel language barriers contribute to high turnover rates.

Investing in live translation devices for frontline staff can potentially decrease turnover rates, reducing the burden of constant re-hiring practices.

7.   Better Trained Staff

Every workforce needs sufficient training, but it’s particularly crucial on the frontline for safety reasons. Research finds that most training (70%) happens on the job from coworkers and team managers. Most staff actually prefer this type of training, too.

But language barriers can make operational learning significantly less effective. Not to mention, the impact it has on budgets, with companies having to invest more in robust training regimes – potentially in multi-languages to cater to bilingual staff.

With live translation devices, staff can stay better informed on how to get every job done right, potentially reducing the need for extra training.

Benefits of Real Time Translation Technology in Frontline Services

Investing in language barrier solutions can produce major benefits for the workplace, particularly in warehouses, retail settings, and other frontline services. It can even outweigh the costs of investment.

When staff have access to a live audio translation device, it can potentially save a company thousands of dollars per employee. This can be through fewer accidents, reduced turnover rates, and increased productivity.

Real time translator technology can also boost business operations, with staff able to work faster, smarter, harder, and even more happily when language barriers are removed. In turn, this creates more opportunities to successfully expand and grow as a company.

All-in-One Solutions: Comparing Live Translator Devices For Your Business

Unlike traditional two-way radios, Relay offers businesses a chance to reinvent communication channels and boost productivity in the process.

Read how TownePlace Suites is overcoming language barriers with real time translation.

Pros of Relay:

• Real time voice translation to 30+ common languages
• Up to 1,000 channels
• Nationwide connection to 4G LTE Cellular and WiFi
• Indoor and outdoor real time location updates
• Lightweight design
• Durable and water-resistant composition

Alternative solutions to prevent language barriers on the frontline are to use smartphone apps, online software, and earpieces. These, however, can be clunky for staff to use, with the potential to cause even more delays or safety concerns.

With most frontline services already using radios as an integral communication tool, upgrading to a device with an integrated real time language translator makes the most sense for increasing productivity and minimizing delays.

When choosing the best device and solution for your business, consider the translation needs of your workforce and how language barriers may be impacting staff, along with the other requirements you have for a sufficient radio device.

Learn more about Relay for your industry – hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare, food services, and more – or get a demo today to discover its potential to transform your business.

FAQs

Can I Translate Live Audio?

Through major developments in modern technology, various software and devices can translate live audio in real time, like our Relay smart radios. These devices allow conversations in workplaces to be instantly translated into a language of choice.

Is There a Device That Translates Languages in Real Time?

Relay is a smart radio device that translates languages in real time with TeamTranslate™. With unique customization features, every member of staff can choose their preferred language to receive important radio communication. Our device can translate messages into 30+ languages to improve productivity and communication in any workforce.

Conclusion

Communication is an integral part of business – especially when you’re working on the frontline. In healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, hospitality, and even retail industries, language barriers can present a major challenge.

Businesses can’t afford to ignore the benefits of real time translation technology, particularly in the modern era. Technology has progressed significantly to provide instant live translation to staff, with high accuracy rates to benefit the workforce.

Get a live demo today or learn more about how Relay can benefit your business.

The post 7 Ways Real Time Translator Technology Improves Frontline Communication appeared first on Relay.