Communication is the absolute key of industrial operations, especially today. Effective and timely communication results in smoother workflows, better team collaboration, and increased productivity.
But what’s the best way to achieve this communication? This is where SMS comes into play. When used correctly, SMS communication can revolutionize the way industrial employers connect with their teams, with the potential to drastically improve operations and efficiency.
Here, we spotlight the how, why, and many benefits of using SMS communication for industrial employers, revealing numerous tips along the way and citing real-life examples.
Why use SMS in the Industrial Sector?
SMS boasts an incredible open rate of 98%, with most messages read within three minutes of receiving. Unlike emails, which can easily get lost in an overflowing inbox, or calls that are time-consuming and disruptive, SMS provides a less intrusive yet effective way to convey time-sensitive updates instantly.
As an industrial employer, imagine the countless benefits of this technology, from operational updates to emergency alerts and everything in between.
Types of Messages and How to Use Them Efficiently
SMS Announcements
Urgent messages, updates about policy alterations, or production changes can be delivered swiftly via SMS.
Simply create a message using a tool like TxtSquad's SMS announcements tool and send it to the entire team or select members. For example, suppose there's a sudden machinery breakdown. A single SMS can quickly alert the team to delay starting the next process instead of them realizing it halfway and causing wasted effort.
SMS Reminders
Scheduling maintenance routines, meeting reminders, or reminding the team about safety procedures can be easily managed with SMS. A text message sent through TxtSquad's SMS reminder feature can serve to prompt the quality controller to conduct the quarterly equipment survey, for instance.
Not sure how to use texting in industry? Here’s some scenarios and responses on how you could greatly improve work operations:
A sudden machine breakdown occurs that halts the production line.
The site supervisor quickly sends an SMS notification to all workers to halt the operations temporarily until the issue is fixed. The message could say: "Alert: Machine #3 has broken down. Please halt operations until further notice. Safety first!"
There's a mandatory safety training program arranged for the upcoming weekend.
The HR department sends an SMS announcement to all employees with event registration details. The message: "Safety Training Day planned for this Sunday. Reply 'Yes' to register your attendance. Stay Safe, Stay Trained!"
An employee discovers a potential safety hazard.
The employee sends a two-way text to the safety officer: "Found a loose railing on the 2nd-floor walkway that could cause a fall. Needs immediate attention."
A manufacturing executive wants to gauge employee satisfaction on the recently implemented policy changes.
The executive sends out a survey via SMS: "We value your feedback! On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with the new policy changes? Reply with your rating."
A worker has noticed that parts for Machine #7 are running low.
The worker sends a text notification through to the supervisor and inventory manager, triggering automated ordering of the necessary parts. The message could say: "Stock alert: Parts for Machine #7 are running low. Suggest ordering ASAP to avoid operational delay."
All of these scenarios showcase the convenience and immediacy of SMS communication in the industrial workforce, enabling swift action and effective management of operations.
Some Tips for Implementing SMS Communication
- Always get consent from your employees before including them in the SMS database.
- Keep your messages clear and to the point.
- Use direct language and avoid jargon or acronyms.
- Personalize your messages for better engagement.
- Ensure your messages are timely.
- Use automated responses to effectively manage incoming texts.
- Analyze the results regularly to improve future SMS communications.
- Make use of potential benefits of a tool like TxtSquad and integrate it into your SMS strategies.
To make the most of texting, choosing the right SMS platform, like TxtSquad, which offers a range of functionalities is crucial.
Looking for more insights or ready to embrace SMS communication for your industrial sector? Schedule a free demo today to see how TxtSquad can benefit your Industrial Business