Technology solutions such the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) has various industries excited about their capabilities, including manufacturing, SDxCentral reports.
The industry’s enthusiasm makes sense; manufacturing companies have become more automated in recent years, and these technologies, as well as a private wireless network, are critical to ensuring their plants can operate continuously while also keeping workers safe and their facilities secure.
As the industrial landscape changes, the need for factory equipment monitoring and device interconnectivity only gets greater. Manufacturers need networks with low latency and high data speeds—they can achieve this combination with a private 5G network that can connect all of their IoT devices, sensors and workers seamlessly.
David de Lancellotti, VP of Global Sales, Nokia, and Juergen Broemmer, Business Development Partner, Verizon, recently spoke during a webinar, Industrial-grade Private Wireless for Manufacturing, and explained that Industry 4.0 combines technologies that manufacturers can use to improve value creation with efficiency. Additional benefits include increased productivity and agility, as well as the ability to gain insights and take actions in real time without putting workers’ safety at risk.
“In the fourth industrial revolution, the digital disruption is happening right now for industries with a lot of heavy equipment, production lines and material-handling,” the companies said. “Manufacturers who plan to implement digital transformation are regarded as leaders, and they stand to gain a plethora of benefits from becoming Industry 4.0-ready.”
The webinar also noted that a lot of manufacturers are still relying on Wi-Fi for connectivity in their facilities, but it’s often not sufficient, especially during handover between access points. It’s also difficult to run various operations like video surveillance and quality assurance on Wi-Fi networks.
Private wireless networks can help remedy most of these issues, as they can sync with a building’s current Wi-Fi setup. The upgraded network provides low latency and reliable connectivity that’s crucial for ensuring that all of a facility’s Internet-based devices run efficiently.
During the webinar, Nokia and Verizon noted their private 5G networks can provide customizable wireless connectivity that manufacturers can use to support their operations. The companies also provide integrations that can support the current modern production process requirements that exist in manufacturing facilities. The private wireless setup allows manufacturers to operate faster, produce more and create additional innovation opportunities.
“Implementing smart manufacturing technologies will rely on the network to provide mission-critical connectivity in all locations,” the companies said. “Improving speed to market, flexibility and agility to adapt to demand, and optimizing efficiency based on real-time predictive measures — all while maintaining zero safety issues — cannot be accomplished with current connectivity approaches. Don’t put it off any longer. The future has arrived, so start laying the groundwork for your smart manufacturing infrastructure.”
