As if the wi-fi applied sciences for manufacturing couldn’t have extra choices: here 5G is! Wireless technology has clearly become the future expertise for manufacturing, particularly the OT side of production. It’s versatile, highly customizable, and intensely value-efficient compared to conventional network drops. There are so many options available today, with hundreds of which producers are already heavily invested in, with excellent results, so what does the future hold?
The manufacturing industry is undergoing significant transformations, including the exodus of experienced staff that’s creating a skills gap, and the impact of increasing interest rates, which are forcing companies to reassess their fixed asset investments. These interlocking components, paired with relentless focus on driving results, demand that we prioritize the enterprise over individual expertise.
While we’re all familiar with our destination, navigating the route can be challenging. To achieve a successful business payback on investment, it’s essential to start with a conventional “crawl-walk-run” approach, gradually building momentum before scaling up. This means identifying a compelling use case for 5G implementation and driving it forward. Once this project is complete, we can begin leveraging additional use cases across our operations to maximize the value of this new network.
As the manufacturing landscape undergoes a profound transformation, a critical factor driving this change is the interconnectedness of components – the community that binds everything together seamlessly. Consider the essence of a factor: whether it’s a person, tool, program, database, production line, facility, or even an entire operation – what does that entity entail? The cornerstone of automation, connectivity fosters a vital foundation for industrial evolution. Our aim is to cultivate a thriving community that leverages AI, AR/VR, and other innovative technologies to transform factory operations, unlocking unprecedented efficiency and productivity. The pieces all run across the community.
Although significant advancements have been made in connectivity technologies like fiber optics and 5G Wi-Fi, the software development for industrial applications remains in its infancy and progresses slowly due to the inherent complexities of manufacturing processes and environments. While shipping vast amounts of data over cell networks or long-haul transport might be feasible, ensuring the necessary speed, reliability, and management to guarantee security is a distinct challenge.
To unlock the potential of Industry 4.0, the 3GPP group envisioned a wireless technology that would liberate manufacturing processes from wired constraints, enabling a more agile and adaptable production floor by replacing traditional industrial Ethernet connections with a flexible, untethered solution. As a hallmark of Business 4.0, this visionary concept has far-reaching implications that, upon realization, will revolutionize not only factory construction but also management strategies. Numerous benefits arise when teams opt for the flexible, agile approach often referred to as “factories of the future”, where traditional organizational structures give way to more adaptable and responsive systems.
To fully grasp the potential of these novel visions, we require advanced 5G equipment, including UE/Radio/PacketCore infrastructure, as well as manufacturing unit-grade instruments, functionalities, network, and security solutions that can seamlessly integrate these new modes of communication at a value proposition that manufacturing unit operators are willing to invest in. Significant strides have been made in the development of core infrastructure for 5G over the past few years, with notable advancements in integrating these technologies into manufacturing systems. Ongoing work is focused on refining new releases from the 3GPP organization, specifically R16, which enables Ultra Low Latency use cases in UE and radio equipment.
As we’ve witnessed various scenarios, deploying mobility technology on the plant floor has significantly boosted productivity. By bringing information and options closer to the worker, we can reduce unscheduled downtime and enhance group communications. What if instead of conventional level-to-level radios on the plant floor, a more innovative approach emerged?
- If you have smartphones with the Webex consumer app installed, all components become seamlessly integrated.
- You may wish to venture outside the plant.
- You can engage in conversations with various individuals across multiple groups to address and overcome any difficulties that may arise.
- Analytics can be integrated into the system to better enable a clear understanding of what’s happening (or not happening!) within operations.
- Access to consumer manuals, troubleshooting guides, and knowledgeable communities is just a fingertip away for everyone.
The primary challenge associated with mobility lies in ensuring adequate protection. This is a concern we encounter even in our daily lives when using smartphones, making it crucial to safeguard your network’s connection points with all forms of mobility techniques. The key is to thoroughly verify the location evaluation and utilize partners like Cisco to develop and enable this critical expertise with our world-class wireless IoT team. Ultimately, security must be addressed upfront, not as an afterthought in any network design – a top priority consideration in these discussions.
When selecting a new home, prioritizing community and safety is crucial; it’s essential to ensure you’re partnering with a reputable and trusted ally in this critical aspect of your journey.
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