INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Mobile Technology
Motorola enhances communication across New Zealand forests
Innovative digital communication solution increases coverage and security for Otago forest workers during the pandemic and beyond .
A new digital radio system from Motorola Solutions and communications partner Central Radio Services is helping New Zealand ’ s City Forests to work more safely and efficiently while complying with COVID-19 work requirements .
Initially deployed to replace an outdated analogue radio network , the system delivers many additional benefits . Among them are contact-free 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 MOTOTRBO SLR5500 digital two-way radio repeaters across four sites with TRBOnet 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 provided by the Orion Network .
City Forests manages more than 23,730 hectares of forest in the Otago region , growing more than seven million trees while maintaining high standards and certifications for sustainability .
Ensuring safety and security for workers and recreational forest users throughout such an expansive area requires instant , dependable and secure communication .
Forest Production Manager for City Forests , Guy Bonner , said his organization 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 ,” said City Forests ’ Forest Production Manager , Guy Bonner .
“ 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 , said 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 ,” Clare said .
“ Digital radio solutions are also extremely flexible , enabling organizations to adapt to rapidly changing situations . Even throughout a global pandemic , these solutions are helping organizations keep their operations running and their people safe .” p
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