How do I Choose the Best Wireless Paging System?

A wireless paging system alerts individuals or groups remotely with sound or displayed text by use of a personal receiver unit. This unit is accompanied by an encoding device and a radio transmitter, which may be as small as a desktop keypad device. Used in busy settings like restaurants and hospitals, these systems allow service providers to interact with customers and guests quickly and efficiently. They can increase traffic throughput, add value to customer service, and reduce customer congestion or confusion. Choosing the best wireless pagers requires thorough understanding of available signaling types, intended messages, environmental conditions, technological capabilities, and company service.

These paging systems can send signal types that include a tone alert, a dual tone and voice alert, and numeric or alphanumeric messaging. A simple beeping or flashing coaster is enough to call a group, but the addition of a personalized name or voice message adds a little extra service. Numeric and alphanumeric pagers allow the display of a phone number or written text message for the more varied communications required by personal interactions and on call professionals. Users can input custom information via options such as dial pad, computer, or phone.

Installation of a wireless paging system requires clear assessment of environmental conditions. Differences between rooms require pagers that can be heard during peak times, yet not be too alarming during quieter periods. Other factors influence the effectiveness of the alert, such as room dimension and ceiling height, changing ambient noise levels, and the quality or distinctiveness of the page.

A wireless paging system often alerts people by flashing, beeping, or vibrating, and some can send messages directly to the client's cell phone. Cell phone paging allows customers to leave the area for extended waiting periods. It also removes any need for buying individual units like pagers, chargers, or transmitters, but depends on customers' giving out their numbers or even noticing their alerts in a crowd.

Other technical considerations include paging range and required frequencies. For busier environments, bear in mind downtime for charging or battery replacement, anti-theft functions, and out of range alerts. In addition, think about visibility, ease of use, and reliability of the unit.

In terms of company service, choose a wireless paging system that allows it to expand with unforeseen increases in traffic. Know the maximum number of pagers the system can handle, as well as overall costs and fees required by regular servicing of hardware and software. Pagers that allow staff to send back information such as table status add value and help eliminate lags between customers. Unique system identifications help minimize signal interferences. On-site pagers increasingly find service in environments such as bowling alleys, hotels, pharmacies, nurseries, and trade shows.