Author: Mary Dudley

Modernizing Communications in Warehouses

Modernizing Communications in Warehouses

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

The adoption of digital technology and the movement towards “smart warehouses” is a leading topic these days that is written about in industry publications such as Industrial Distribution. These articles highlight that manufacturers and distribution warehouses are shifting toward smarter technologies to automate processes, connect employees, and create a more modern environment. This new technology shift recommends improving the communication process with employees. Automation might not come to people’s mind when they think about communicating with employees on a manufacturing floor but automating daily announcements, shift and break tones, and emergency alerts simplifies redundant tasks so your staff can keep the organization running smoothly.

In a recent study conducted by ZEBRA, it was found that the critical component to employee satisfaction and workplace efficiency is fostering a sense of unity and collaboration. As a warehouse and distribution center manager, your role in facilitating effective communication is pivotal. The flow of communication is what guides us in our roles, and informs us about who is doing what, when, and where. This is particularly crucial when examining workflows involving multiple employees or tasks. By identifying operation areas where overall workflow improved could increase speed accuracy and productivity, you can help streamline operations well into the future. To identify productivity bottlenecks, start by asking the question, “How can I help my teams communicate better and faster?” For midsize organizations, warehouse distribution centers, and light manufacturing facilities, the task of finding a communication solution can be overwhelming. The need for a reliable, comprehensive and cost-effective communication system is crucial for these organizations to maintain operational efficiency and safety.

What Solutions Exists to Help Streamline Communications in Warehouses?

VIP-895-S Images. touchscreen console with colored icons enclosed in a grey casing.
VIP-895-S Building Communication Panel

Valcom’s latest solution, the VIP-895 Series, does precisely what midsize organization need: it simplifies complex communication needs, ensures rapid and secure emergency alerts and daily paging. The VIP-895-S Building Communication Panel and the VIP-895-E Emergency Communication Panel are designed with user-friendliness in mind. They simplify communication complexities and streamline emergency notifications. This ensures that even those with minimal technical expertise can easily navigate the systems, providing a sense of reassurance within your organization. Let’s take a closer look at these two panels.

Streamline Daily & Emergency Communications with the VIP-895 Series

The VIP-895 Series is engineered to seamlessly enhance daily paging and emergency communications.

  • One-Touch Messaging: Send recorded audio, live voice paging and text to LED signs and desktop popups with a single touch.
  • Intercom Support: Easily make intercom calls to Valcom IP speakers, ensuring clear and immediate communication across your organization.
  • Scheduled Notifications: Automate shift and break-tone scheduling to maintain a well-organized workflow.
  • Secure Emergency Alerts: Quickly relay emergency notifications with PIN code security, targeting specific departments or groups as needed.
  • Pre-recorded Alerts: Streamline emergency responses with pre-recorded messages that save time when it matters most.
  • ShakeAlert® Compatibility: Be prepared for earthquakes with integrated ShakeAlert® technology, allowing for immediate and effective responses.

By integrating these features, the VIP-895 Series simplifies the process of keeping everyone informed, making it a valuable tool for enhancing workplace efficiency. In additional to efficiency, the VIP-895 series provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing your organization can respond swiftly and effectively to any emergency.

Enhancing Efficiency in Light Manufacturing and Warehouses

The VIP-895-S and VIP-895-E are designed to improve workplace efficiency and communication in light manufacturing facilities and warehouses. These panels streamline daily operations and ensure emergency alerts are handled efficiently and securely.

A Cost-Effective Solution without Compromising Quality

What sets the VIP-895 Series apart is its ability to deliver robust functionality without the added expense of extra servers. This cost-effective approach means that midsize organizations can benefit from top-tier communication solutions without straining their budgets. These panels are set to become essential tools in any organization’s communication strategy by simplifying complex communication needs and ensuring quick, secure alerts.

Sound360 Improving Audio Solutions

Improving Audio Solutions in Warehouse Distribution and Industrial Facilities

February 2024

Many warehouse distribution centers face limitations in their audio technology, often restricted to basic one-way paging announcements without the ability to play quality background music.  The audio is typically transmitted through horns, which are not designed for music reproduction. This leads to poor audio quality and can cause premature horn failure.  Consequently, workers resort to listening to their music through headphones or the mixed sounds of the conveyor belt, forklift, and other machinery equipment. However, OSHA has cautioned against using headphones since “listening to music via headphones may produce a safety hazard by masking environmental sounds that need to be heard.” In today’s competitive labor market, where companies struggle to hire and retain employees in manufacturing, exploring solutions that will enhance employee satisfaction and well-being is essential.  In a recent study of 500 workers, 87% of those surveyed said they “think that playing music creates a positive working environment.”   

What audio solutions exist that will improve the work environment?

According to this 2023 article from Geekwire.com, Amazon is testing headphones at some fulfillment centers, incorporating strict controls to comply with OSHA safety standards. However, ongoing headphone provision can be costly and does not allow for important paging announcements. 

An alternative solution worth considering is the Sound 360 warehouse speaker from Valcom. This innovative speaker offers 360-degree coverage in open spaces and generates minimal reverberation compared to traditional cone-type speakers. Unlike headphones, Sound 360 can facilitate voice paging and background music, making it suitable for distribution warehouses, light manufacturing centers, and large retail stores. Notably, a prominent home improvement retailer has adopted the Sound 360 in all their US distribution centers.  Other innovative products launched by Valcom to improve workplace efficiency and day-to-day communication include the Building Communication Panel. The Building Communication Panel helps companies streamline daily communications and allows for quick activation of emergency alerts to multiple departments and channels. To learn more, contact your Regional Sales Manager or email us. 

When Seconds Count

Be Proactive in Your Emergency Preparedness for Earthquakes

March 2024

In a world where natural disasters pose significant threats to life safety, communities, and infrastructure, the need for proactive measures to mitigate their impact is a top priority. Among these disasters, earthquakes are sudden, destructive forces capable of causing widespread devastation within seconds. Yet, amidst the unpredictable nature of seismic events, Valcom’s Earthquake Early Warning System provides on-premises notifications triggered by the USGS ShakeAlert® to alert individuals to take protective actions – DROP! COVER! HOLD ON!

Earthquake early warning systems are pivotal in disaster preparedness and response strategies. These systems leverage technology and scientific understanding to detect seismic activity and provide vital seconds to minutes of warning before destructive shaking occurs. The importance of such warnings cannot be overstated, and here are compelling reasons why investing in earthquake early warning systems is paramount.

First and foremost, the paramount concern in any disaster scenario is preserving human life. With their abrupt onset and potential for catastrophic consequences, Earthquakes demand swift and decisive action. By providing advance notice of impending seismic activity, early warning systems offer precious moments for individuals, communities, and emergency responders to enact life-saving measures. Whether taking cover, securing hazardous materials, or initiating evacuation procedures, even a few seconds of warning can significantly mitigate casualties and injuries. Investing in Valcom’s Earthquake Early Warning System is a proactive approach to disaster risk reduction, and providing early earthquake notifications is imperative to saving lives.

The benefits of early warning systems are universal, whether in seismically active regions prone to frequent earthquakes or areas with historically low seismicity. As stewards of our collective safety and well-being, we must prioritize investments in resilient infrastructure and emergency disaster preparedness measures. Valcom has added its Earthquake Early Warning System to its latest product, the VIP-895-E Emergency Communications Panel. The Emergency Communication Panel is a wall-mounted device designed for facilities of any size that integrates with your existing overhead paging system and Valcom visual displays to send emergency alerts to notify employees. VIP-895-E receives ShakeAlert messages, and once the message is received, the VIP-895-E is triggered to send out an Earthquake Early Warning audibly, visibility, or both to satisfy OSHA and ADA regulations.

By adopting Valcom’s Earthquake Early Warning System, you mitigate the immediate seismic risks and enhance safety measures to save lives.

Valcom Warranty

Valcom, Inc. warrants its products only to the original purchaser, for its own use, to be free
from defects in materials and workmanship under conditions of normal use and service for a
period of one year from the date of shipment. This Limited Warranty obligation shall be limited
to the replacement, repair or refund of any such defective device within the warranty period,
provided that:

  1. inspection by Valcom, Inc. indicates the validity of the claim;
  2. the defect is not the result of damage, misuse or negligence after the original
    shipment;
  3. the product has not been altered in any way or repaired by others and that factory
    sealed units are unopened (a service charge plus parts and labor will be applied to
    units defaced or physically damaged);
  4. freight charges for the return of products to Valcom are prepaid;
  5. all units ‘out of warranty’ are subject to a service charge. The service charge will cover
    minor repairs (major repairs will be subject to additional charges for parts and labor).
    This Limited Warranty is in lieu of and excludes all other warranties, expressed or implied and
    in no event shall Valcom, Inc. be liable for any anticipated profits, consequential damages,
    loss of time or other losses incurred by the buyer in connection with the purchase, operation,
    maintenance, installation, removal or use of the product. The maximum liability of Valcom
    under this warranty is limited to the purchase price of the specific Product covered by the
    warranty.
    Disclaimer. Except for the Limited Warranty provided herein, the product is provided “as-is”
    without any warranty of any kind whatsoever including, without limitation, any WARRANTY OF
    MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NONINFRINGEMENT.
    This warranty specifically excludes damage incurred in shipment. In the event a product is
    received in damaged condition, the carrier should be notified immediately. Claims for such
    damage should be filed with the carrier involved in accordance with the F.O.B. point.

Headquarters:
Valcom, Inc.
5614 Hollins Road
Roanoke VA 24019-5056
Phone: (540) 563-2000 FAX: (540) 362-9800

Email: is@valcom.com