Having the right tool can make all the difference between a challenging experience and an easy one. Imagine trying to build a table using an orange for a hammer. Or peeling an orange with a pencil. Tools have a purpose, and you need to choose wisely.

Selecting the correct communication tool for your team members is no different. It’s important to consider their roles and the circumstances under which they work. Are they in a quiet environment or a loud one? Is the device likely to encounter heavy use? Are they walking around your facility or driving a vehicle? Will your worker be client-facing? Do they have access to Wi-Fi or LTE? Will they be wearing gloves?

Most organizations will have users in a variety of roles. One of the advantages of Orion over traditional communication tools is its ability to bring your entire organization onto a single platform. Orion is device agnostic and can be accessed through smartphones, tablets, wearable devices, web browsers, and even traditional radios.

In this article, you’ll learn about all the device options your team has when they connect to Orion, so you can choose the most useful device for each team member. You can use any or all of them, in whatever combination best suits your team.

Mobile devices worn by workers and frontline employees to keep them heads-up

Orion Push to Talk app

The most popular option for accessing the Orion platform is the Orion Push to Talk app, available for both iOS and Android devices. Its easy-to-use native application experience allows for both direct messaging and group communication with a virtual push-to-talk button. It’s also compatible with tablets. Orion Push to Talk is perfect for team members that already use a smart device in their daily work and can safely engage with a device.

Orion Device as a Service

Orion Device as a Service (or Orion DaaS) isn’t just a device. It’s an all-inclusive program from Orion that provides everything needed to start using voice services, without shopping for devices or data plans. DaaS enables your team to use Orion right away.

Orion DaaS is perfect for roles that need a simple walkie-talkie-like experience with a tough device. It’s great for maintenance engineers, construction teams, and crews operating in rough environments. Even some of Orion’s biggest hospitality customers use DaaS; learn how Marriott Buckhead Atlanta uses DaaS to deliver premium guest service.

Orion Onyx

Orion Onyx is a wearable voice badge that connects with compatible smart devices. Onyx is perfect for mobile and frontline workers because it enables them to remain eyes-up and hands-free in a busy workplace.

While wearing Onyx, staff can remain in communication without having to pull out devices or take their attention away from the job at hand. And for teams who aren’t allowed to use texting and other messaging apps, Onyx is a perfect solution. Learn how transportation organizations and large medical centers make the most of Onyx.

Integrations with your existing tools for continuity of service

Orion Radio Bridge: Ease your transition from the traditional

Lots of businesses feel stuck with the use of traditional two-way radios. Enter the Orion Radio Bridge. As your radios break, don’t replace them with another radio. Start to transition to powerful, cloud-based communications from Orion, while allowing both worlds to stay in touch. Users on a radio channel can seamlessly communicate with an Orion talk group while both systems are operational. Then, when the time is right, make the full transition to Orion.

Orion Radio Bridge gives your radio users unlimited range by allowing channels on your radio system to interoperate with Orion talk groups. If you wanted to, you can press-and-talk on your radio and you would be heard halfway around the world in your Orion talk group. Reach radio-equipped staff from anywhere, expand radio reach without needing to add hardware. Learn how a global energy and mining firm extended their reach and range in this case study.

Which Orion devices are right for your teams?

Want to know more about Orion-enabled devices and solutions that can help your organization? Curious what would work for you but don’t know how to choose devices? Contact our Solutions Team at hello@orionlabs.io to understand your options.

Related articles:

• Read the Voice in the Workplace Report to understand common problems that leaders face when they choose communications tools for their teams.
• What Is Orion Device as a Service (Daas)? – Go in depth with the details.
• A Day in the Life of a Hotel Using the Orion Voice Platform – Discover examples of how drivers, cleaners, and groundskeepers use different Orion devices.

Acquiring a new communications solution usually requires a complicated purchasing effort: a basket of hardware, software, and subscription options need to be negotiated and secured with multiple vendors before a system can even be tested.

Don’t have time for all that? Would you prefer a fully managed solution that includes everything (hardware, software, and service) you need to keep your teams heads up and always connected?

Orion’s Device as a Service (DaaS) program offers voice-enabled devices that are ready to use immediately. Perfect for teams without their own phones or an existing hardware infrastructure, DaaS simplifies the experience of using Orion and gives your team a familiar tool that makes staying in sync easy.

What is the Orion Device as a Service (DaaS) program?

The Orion Device as a Service program provides a ruggedized Kyocera DuraForce PRO phone provisioned with Orion Push to Talk. We also take care of the network connectivity, device management, and support, so you can utilize the Orion Voice Platform right out of the box.

Why should we use DaaS with our teams?

Orion managed devices like DaaS make it easy for your team to connect anywhere. DaaS phones are rugged and feature a built-in push to talk button. This means that the phone can operate in some of the toughest environments, and it provides a familiar walkie-talkie or Nextel-like experience to your users. (Orion is not affiliated with Nextel or Sprint.)

With our white-glove service approach, we take a complete end-to-end approach in providing devices to your team. The devices come pre-installed with only the Orion app and access to a limited number of settings, meaning you don’t need to worry about your staff using the phones for non-work related uses. No phone calls, no text messaging, no browsing the web or downloading of consumer apps. Our offering is a true, business-grade voice service.

DaaS is perfect for:

• Organizations that don’t want to use staff time for provisioning and maintaining devices
• Teams who need rugged, durable devices that are easy to use
• Operations or IT Managers who prefer a high level of support

Can we use Orion AI Voice Workflows with DaaS?

Yes! Orion’s DaaS program is compatible with every Voice Workflow and feature of the Orion Voice Platform.

Why did Orion select the Kyocera DuraForce PRO?

Orion selected the DuraForce PRO for its built-in rugged durability and large dedicated push-to-talk (PTT) button, powerful battery, and accessory support – all in a slim phone form factor. Our customers find it a convenient and worry-free solution. For more information, see specifications on the Kyocera website.

What accessories can our teams use with DaaS devices?

Please see this article for a complete list of supported accessories.

What cellular carrier do you use?

A variety of major carriers is available. To discuss your options, contact our Solutions Team at
hello@orionlabs.io.

Can DaaS devices connect to our Wi-Fi?

Yes! DaaS phones can connect to onsite Wi-Fi.

Our property has excellent Wi-Fi coverage. Can we get DaaS devices without a data plan?

Yes, you can choose to utilize Wi-Fi only and skip the data plan. This works best for organizations that have strong Wi-Fi coverage throughout their worksite. We recommend you include a data plan if your team works in areas such as sub-basements, rooftops, outdoor areas, and parking garages, as those environments often don’t have strong Wi-Fi.

Can we use Orion with our own phones instead of using DaaS?

Yes! The Orion Push to Talk app works on most iOS and Android phones, including Sonim and Kyocera devices. If you would prefer to manage your team’s devices, you can purchase smartphones and then subscribe to the Orion Voice Platform.

Learn more and try Orion DaaS with your team

DaaS can help you get your team in sync and collaborating faster right away, without going through complicated buying processes to set up your team’s devices and network service.

For more information about the DaaS program, and how you can be a part of it, visit our Orion Managed Devices page or contact our Solutions Team at solutions@orionlabs.io to get started.