New radio technology opens options
OTAGO FORESTRY WORKERS ARE USING new digital radio technology to manage 23,730 hectares of forest more safely, even enabling them to perform under low-level COVID-19 restrictions.
Initially deployed to replace an outdated analogue radio network, the system delivers many additional benefits for forestry company, City Forests. Among those benefits are contactfree communication and social distancing in the field, replacing the need for drivers to exchange paper job dockets with a digital docketing system.
The new solution incorporates digital twoway radio repeaters across four sites with radio dispatch software providing valuable data and safety features, helping to locate workers wherever they are in the forest.
The system also provides a touch-free method for workers to exchange other essential job details including truck numbers, log quantities and crew ID numbers. All of these solutions are integrated and connected to a digital network radio core.
Ensuring safety and security for workers and recreational forest users throughout City Forests’ expansive area of forest in the Otago region, growing more than seven million trees, requires instant, dependable and secure communication.
Forest Production Manager for City Forests, Guy Bonner, says his organisation has experienced many benefits by migrating to an advanced digital communication system.
“Upgrading our network to digital not only enabled clearer voice communication, but provided us with other useful features like text messaging and GPS capability,” he says.
“Moving to a digital platform also gives us the option to plug in further capabilities to improve safety in the future.”
Motorola Solutions Channel General Manager for Australia and New Zealand, Rhys Clare, says the evolution of digital radio technology is helping enterprises to increase collaboration and performance across their entire operations.
“Enterprises have always depended on radio systems for clear and reliable voice communication, but now they are getting many more safety and productivity enhancing features,” Mr Clare says.
“Digital radio solutions are also extremely flexible, enabling organisations to adapt to rapidly changing situations. Even throughout a global pandemic, these solutions are helping organisations keep their operations running and their people safe.”