The Impact of Wireless Communication in the Workplace

The development of wireless communication has changed the way Americans live. Cellular phones are commonplace, and many users carry devices that can double as wireless computers, sending text messages, photos and files on the go. Wireless technology has also had an enormous impact in the workplace, improving communication, increasing efficiency and introducing new ways of performing many different business tasks.

Cellular Phones

1. The most obvious effect of wireless communication in the workplace is the ability to reach employees anywhere, at any time. Before cellular phones, you could call someone’s desk and leave a message if they were not there. With cell phones, however, people are available away from workstations even during non-work hours. Reaching key employees quickly during a crisis can help prevent problems before they become major. However, this constant availability can prove to be a distraction during work hours and an unwelcome intrusion during personal time.

Wireless Devices

1. The advent of advanced cell phones, tablet computers and other high-tech hand-held devices connected to the wireless network has also greatly improved the ability of workers to share information when away from their desks. A mechanic could use a tablet to wirelessly access repair manuals for a difficult job, an architect could transmit an image of plan updates to a client in moments and a lawyer might preview the wording of an important document on his smartphone before having his staff print and send it. These devices can replace much of the functionality of a desktop computer, allowing workers to keep up their efficiency on the move.

Wireless Networking

1. Wireless communication has also made it much easier for Information Technology departments to install and maintain hardware in large organizations. Previously, connecting PCs, printers and other devices to the company network required running lengths of cable throughout the facility, often requiring access to sub-floor or ceiling spaces -- and a single bad wire could trigger hours of work trying to find the defect. Wireless networking is much easier to configure, simply requiring configured repeaters placed to extend the signal throughout the office. Wireless networks are also easy to access, as long as you have the password, allowing for the use of tablet PCs and other portable devices without lengthy configuration and setup.

Radio Frequency Identification

1. Wireless technology has also influenced business logistics. Radio frequency identification uses small tags to track items, much in the same way a barcode records information about a product. RFID, however, allows you to scan multiple items at once wirelessly, does not require line-of-sight and can store more information than other identification methods.