Reliable in-building wireless connectivity has become crucial in almost every enterprise’s day-to-day operation. However, their wireless networks’ capacity has recently become no match for all of the data that flows through it, Natasha Tamaskar, Radisys vice president, global marketing and sales strategy, recently wrote for Forbes. To leverage all of the AI-powered apps needed for real-time automation, data must be able to be transmitted instantly. Unfortunately, a lot of current wireless networks aren’t strong enough to handle all of that data.
“If enterprises plan to benefit from all that Industry 4.0 has to offer, they will need to find some way to marry the automation process with a network infrastructure that can handle the necessary real-time data transmission,” Tamaskar said.
Deploying 5G private networks is one solution businesses are looking at to address this issue, according to Tamaskar. There are a number of benefits to doing so. A 5G private network gives businesses a secure communication infrastructure that also supports faster connectivity — an ideal combination for industrial automation. Plus, 5G private networks give businesses additional access to their network operations, which can help them better understand what’s going on within their network.
Private networks also let businesses deploy data-heavy automation apps, such as video-based analytics, so they handle tasks like managing autonomous guided vehicles’ real-time movement, Tamaskar said.
Additionally, 5G private networks allow applications and the network to integrate so they can communicate with one another and make adjustments in real time. Businesses get an improved network and can sync their apps with their network’s performance. This allows for multiple tasks to be finished based on network performance at any given moment.
Leveraging communications platforms
Private 5G network deployment is just part of the equation for businesses looking to solve their automation needs, according to Tamaskar. Embracing programmable communications makes up the other half of this potentially winning combination. The next wave of digital engagement providers is now looking at how traditional communication platforms can transition into platforms that can integrate throughout various business processes.
“They are not only leveraging robust voice, video and messaging solutions but also introducing fully programmable computer vision and audio analytics solutions,” Tamaskar said. “This combination of communications and AI-based media analytics and programmability makes this evolved communications platform an ideal and unexpected solution to Industry 4.0 business needs.”
For example, AI-powered communication platforms with integrated media analytics could allow CRE owners to deploy uses cases such as voice authentication and facial recognition for secure applications and locations and live video and audio analytics for remote monitoring. These platforms could also be used for public-safety measures such as intruder or fire detection or sending alerts for potential fire hazard. Measures to enhance the tenant and visitor experience are also possible, like concierge assistance detection.
Additionally, fully programmable communications and media analytics platform that can work and function on a private 5G network allows businesses to future-proof their Industry 4.0 automation needs. When new automation needs arise, the platform can be modified to accommodate any new app demands, and the private network can still handle the data workload.
Media analytics platforms
Industry 4.0 has created a lot of changes, forcing businesses to rethink the challenges they are currently facing, according to Tamaskar. Rather than search for a single technological solution for one app, enterprises must look at apps that can address multiple-use scenarios, which is why more growth-oriented communication service providers (CSPs) are combining the “expanding capabilities and flexibility of programmable communications and media analytics platforms with the scope and capacity of 5G private networks.”
Doing so has put CSPs in a position to leverage this new opportunity and help their customers design and deploy these future-proof solutions.
“When combined with the power of 5G private networks, these platforms are set to deliver an integrated yet scalable solution to fulfill Industry 4.0 promises in a way that has never been possible,” Tamaskar said.
