Key points
The food industry is one of the oldest and most important industries in the world. However, even with its antique roots dating back to Ancient Egypt, this sector is far from old-fashioned. In fact, everything from manufacturing to packaging is on the cutting edge of technology. And plant floor communication is no exception, as it is one of the systems that has evolved fastest in recent years.
In this article, we will explore five different communication systems and which is best for a manufacturing setting.
1. High Noise Communication Headsets
One of the major drawbacks of most communication methods is the inability to communicate while performing work tasks. However, there is one tool that could help food manufacturers bypass this issue — high noise communication headsets.
Besides being perfect for factory tours, introducing these headsets to manufacturing facilities could improve communication between workers and management without affecting the performance of either.
Furthermore, as the name suggests, high noise communication headsets are perfect for high noise environments. Obviously, the food manufacturing process at certain industrial venues can get pretty loud. Still, with their state-of-the-art noise-canceling technology, these headphones will allow workers to hear and be heard by their interlocutors at all times.
Finally, given the purpose of the headphones, it’s good to know that they can be worn under a safety helmet. This feature is critical for visitors and employees touring, walking through or working in areas of the facility which require this kind of protective equipment.
2. Mobile-Friendly Communication
For teams that are not operating on the plant floor, there are many reasons mobile-friendly communication is good fit for the food industry. The connection between workers and management needs to be as effective as possible, so it's only natural for businesses to adjust to the needs and capabilities of their employees. And since most of them are more or less proficient with their mobile devices, they will adopt this means of communication effortlessly.
There are several ways mobile devices can be used in the food industry. First, workers can communicate through direct messages. What is more, owners and managers can improve on this idea by introducing specialised software or group chats. Secondly, mobiles can be used for voice communication. Voice calls can also be carried out in groups, using existing or custom apps.
However, both of these methods require participants to step away from their assignments and concentrate on their gadgets. Therefore, they aren’t as efficient for manual workers, as it is essential for them to focus on what they are doing at all times.
3. AI Communication
Artificial intelligence is one of the most recent and prominent trends in the food industry. In fact, this technology managed to automate many processes in this sector, including communication. Furthermore, seeing that it is a relatively new and unexplored field, AI could become even more prominent in the near future.
But how can AI foster communication in a food manufacturing facility? First of all, AI engines can be programmed to answer frequently asked questions and thus save precious time. In addition, these engines can forward more complicated questions to the appropriate sectors without human intervention.
Secondly, certain AI-driven tools are able to stimulate conversation during brainstorming. This, in turn, will help harness the collective intelligence of the team, making the process more productive. That said, AI is no substitute for real-time human communication at the floor level.
4. Face Timing
It is a well-known fact that the food manufacturing industry is one of the most globalised industries. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a single manufacturer to have facilities in different countries or even continents. Therefore, face timing emerged as an excellent way for different branches or divisions within a single entity to communicate more effectively.
Food manufacturing companies can use this method to hold business meetings or even dinner parties, as long as all participants have an internet connection. Furthermore, face timing can be great for presentations considering its visual component.
One of the major advantages of face timing is the fact that it allows interlocutors to pick up smaller cues that would go unnoticed with voice-only calls. Therefore, it’s perfect for higher-level meetings that cannot be conducted using other methods on our list. However, it’s not ideal for everyday communication between workers, since it requires a lot of resources and doesn’t allow them to exchange messages smoothly enough.
5. Voice-Activated Technology
Voice-activated technology is the newest trend in the world of business, and it’s taking the food industry by storm. This change has been made possible thanks to the broad adoption of the technology by a wider public. Engines such as Alexa, Siri, and Google Voice are used on a daily basis by 40% of adults in the U.S. So, people are more than happy to utilise voice-enabled technology in their workplace as well.
Combined with the AI engines we’ve already mentioned, voice-activated technology can potentially serve as a communication tool. However, because of the inherent noise in various volume levels in most factories, the machine sounds themselves and immediately activate the microphone.
This can unintentionally open the microphone and inadvertently take the place of the voice of presenters, guides and staff by defeating and/or confusing the purpose and content of the activity. This can create an annoying and frustrating experience for all.
Final Thoughts
The food industry has changed significantly over the years, and communication technology has evolved alongside it. Every food manufacturer that fails to adopt some or all of the mentioned methods is bound to fall behind its competition.
For a communication solution that stands the test of time, we recommend high-noise communication headsets. Simply put, they are the most effective, easiest to use, most durable and least troublesome of all the options. They are sure to help you improve workflow, coordination, and communication between coworkers.
