Peak Technologies approached RB Express with the opportunity to run a pilot program using Workforce Connect Push-to-Talk (PTT) Pro — a Zebra software application that provides drivers the ability to communicate with each other and central operations in real-time. RB Express was immediately impressed with the robust capabilities of Workforce Connect, which include:

• Private, encrypted, secure group communications through push-to-talk half-duplex voice conversation, including one-to-one, one-to-group and site-to-site with user priority
• Alert to PTT prior to talk
• User presence that identifies who is available before placing a call or sending a message
• Contact list to select multiple users for one-to-group communication
• Operates over enterprise-grade voice-ready Wi-Fi network or cellular network to always ensure connectivity
• Session tracking reports, including total calls, call duration and total users
• Support through multiple devices, including Zebra Android mobile computers, Android and iOS consumer devices, and Microsoft Windows Desktop
• Optional API service through Interworking Gateway (IWG) cloud service, allowing external sources to send messages to PTT Pro users
• Optional location area service (LAS) cloud service that provides the user’s indoor location indication within the PTT Pro App

This lower-cost solution allowed the company to modify a variety of requirements including picture sharing and other features. For example, Workforce Connect allowed RB Express to disable the “Do Not Disturb” function, allowing Blatt to be in constant contact with his entire fleet. While security can often be a concern with wireless communication, Peak Technologies helped RB Express create an exclusive group of users where drivers needed to be registered to communicate with each other. This helped to cut down on unwanted noise traffic that can occur with other applications.

Many of the stations the drivers enter to pick up packages are large warehouses, which often have limited or poor Wi-Fi connectivity. Being able to automatically switch to cellular allows RB Express to be in constant communication with drivers. This was a tremendous benefit to the owner, since many other providers only operate on WiFi.

RB Express is also able to manage tasks independently from the carrier, including name changes, text messaging and GPS tracking, while also restricting parameters on each mobile device. This affords the company additional flexibility compared to the service offered by the leading logistics provider.