Oct 05, 2023

The era of workplace operations has entered a new frontier. With digitization continuing to evolve in the industry, modern practices are continuing to change. This includes maintenance workflows. Maintenance workflows deal with an event that is often set off, and the action of closing that event out. For example, a report coming in on a faulty piece of equipment would likely trigger a maintenance workflow within the workplace in order to figure out a solution.

In a world where new industry behaviors and practices are becoming the norm, having the proper workflow tools has become even more important. With pressure from the outside to be able to do more with less, all while continuing to meet higher consumer demand, companies are beginning to feel the pressure. With maintenance workflows, in particular, a company may slip into the cracks if they are unable to create efficient solutions. Automating tasks, fixing equipment, and assigning the right workers to the right tasks are just a small sample under the umbrella of maintenance workflows.

Luckily, there’s a solution to help enhance the process. Voice technology has grown over the past few years and presents companies with new opportunities to create voice-directed solutions. Bringing the power of voice solutions into maintenance workflow can be easy and ready to install right away, provided that businesses do their research on what exactly their particular company needs.

Examples of Voice Technology in the Workplace

From production to distribution, more businesses are relying on voice technology. An obvious example would be a wireless headset. These devices easily connect to one’s established device system and keep employees connected with their tasks. It also creates a smarter workflow when something happens. For example, if an employee discovers an error with a product in the back, for example, they can immediately communicate with the proper team member.

Voice technology isn’t just limited to a headset. Many industries rely on mobile devices as well. These products have the comfort of a regular smartphone, yet they are designed to handle a plethora of tasks. This can include RFID tracking, barcode scanning, and of course voice solutions. Employees can enable Push to Talk (PTT) software to stay connected as they go from task to task. For example, if an employee is presented with a customer question they are uncertain about, say if an item is in stock, they no longer have to run and find a supervisor. This employee can immediately connect with the right team member to get a rapid response. The implications of this include a better line of communication between the front and back of the store, and ultimately more opportunities to make a sale and increase company profits.

Voice technology isn’t merely physical tools, either. This technology also features software solutions that can connect with a pre-existing work network. The integration process allows businesses to utilize these services right away and create custom voice solutions fit for whatever requirements a business may have. With proper voice enablement solutions and proper tools such as a mobile headset, companies can begin implementing more connectivity solutions within maintenance workflows as early as day one of the integration process.

Creating 5 Maintenance Workflow Benefits with Voice Technology

1. Network Optimization: Having more connectivity within the workplace also means a strong network: many voice solutions UTILIZE FASTER WI-FI SPEEDS AND BLUETOOTH CAPABILITIES in order to make this a reality. If something does need to be fixed, workers can have a voice-directed guide to assist them with the process as well, instead of relying on manual instructions that can take their attention away from their work.
2. Faster Updates: Another important aspect of voice technology is getting real-time updates and data. Employees can’t afford to stand around waiting: downtime can cause business money. Voice technology allows workers to stay in the loop on tasks and other important updates. This will decrease downtime and minimize discrepancies and errors.
3. Workplace Connectivity: In addition to communication between one staff member and another, companies can keep their employees updated better on any major news or other important details, especially with maintenance workflow information. Circling back to the equipment discrepancy example, if a business needs to replace equipment on a conveyor line, then they need to be able to let their entire staff know right away. In turn, the staff needs to create solutions while the device is being exchanged, which may involve putting workers in different spots in order to keep production going based on their skill set and/or experience.
4. Bridges for Language Barriers: Something else to consider is any potential language gaps within the workforce. Employees need to be able to work together with maintenance workflows. Voice technology can help connect workers with a language barrier with different communication tools and software. This may include a translation software or service to help with tasks that employees need to complete, or with collecting valuable data during the day. Many solutions are able to understand dozens of languages as well, which can help non-native speakers with things such as training.
5. Automation: Automation is also a possibility with voice technology. If employees don’t have to spend long periods of time with meticulous tasks, they are able to tackle more in a workday and help a company grow. The capabilities of voice technology can allow workers to simply speak what they want to be accomplished and allow for software and other solutions to achieve the said assignment. This could include AI voice capabilities or voice-automated software.

Voice technology has become the bridge to help businesses get across maintenance workflows without tripping or stumbling. The ultimate goal is keeping companies connected with efficiency and productivity in an ever-changing digital world. With Heartland’s AlwaysOn mobile device management and AlwaysConnected wireless network connection services, our clients can receive a fully customizable plan fit for their business. GET IN ON THE ACTION and speak with one of our experts to learn more.