The steel industry, like all industrial industries, has undergone a sea change over the past few decades. This can be seen to be down to changing global patterns, different needs and competition from abroad, but it is fair to say that the industry has had its difficulties. To stay strong, those companies in the steel industry must learn to save money at every turn, and above all be as efficient as possible. This is not easy when working in an environment that requires the utmost safety, and any slipup could cost the company a fortune, as well as cost lives.
Holding onto old equipment so as to save on costs is a false economy; take communication for instance. Industrial intercom systems have come forward in leaps and bounds, but many companies hold onto their old means of communication on the floor, or even have very little technology to help in communicating across a busy floor. This makes for increased mistakes, slower reaction to emergency situations, and a lot of time walking around wasting time where the employees could be making the company some much-needed profit.
Industrial level communication equipment can be used and installed in a number of places in the factory, from the rolling mill to the blast furnace. Crane cabins can include these systems to allow them to act as a command center. Doors and entrance gates can be equipped so as to increase security in a plant.
As well as general communication, an intercom system is key when it comes to emergency situations. A PA system can be used to advise employees of the dangers, and remind them how to follow emergency evacuation procedures.
Most industrial PA and communication systems are designed to be incredibly rugged and stand up to some of the very harsh conditions that can be found in a plant. Wired systems are common, but the cabling tends to be simple and it can be used over long distances. These systems are designed to be used for all applications, so there is less technology that needs to be purchased or maintained. Finally, most industrial systems are designed to make language comprehension easier by employing software that will cut out background noise – a feature rarely found on standard communication systems.
It is therefore clear that an excellent intercom system can be more than simply an aid to a company working within the steel industry – it can be an indispensible tool.