Today, enterprise manufacturing facilities are undergoing a radical transformation. This new era of change, known as "Industry 4.0," is forcing companies to digitize virtually every aspect of manufacturing. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), robotics, collaborative robots, sophisticated sensors, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are all bringing tremendous value to production and supply chain processes.
However, in order for businesses to truly benefit from the impact of these smarter, more interconnected "things" across domains, they need to have certain advantages in network resilience and speed.
Dedicated 5G networks could be considered. With their ultra-fast speeds and near-zero latency, businesses can mitigate reliability issues associated with connected systems. The ecosystem is also drawn to the greater flexibility enabled by 5G, as wired connections are no longer required.
Factories equipped with 5G will be able to communicate with much faster response times and stay connected to far more sensors than any wired or wireless system ever before. For example, 5G latency is 1-10m, while Wi-Fi and 4G will approach 20m or more; factories with 5G will also be able to connect ten times more devices per unit area than Wi-Fi and 4G.
5 major benefits of 5G private networks for enterprises
1. Maximize operational efficiency
By capturing real-time data from IoT devices or sensors installed on production lines, organizations can now gain deeper insights into all aspects of their operations and analyze processes with greater precision. The use of near real-time data and artificial intelligence allows for the monitoring and evaluation of the condition of machines and actual manufacturing processes, enabling immediate adjustments to optimize overall plant efficiency.
By leveraging the ultra-high speed and low latency of 5G dedicated networks, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) will now become more common in smart factories or warehouses, thereby improving production efficiency.
2. Supply chain optimization
With the help of dedicated 5G networks, greater visibility means seamless optimization of enterprise supply chains. The use of connected tools and devices enhances automation throughout the supply chain process by ensuring timely replenishment of inventory and parts, thereby guaranteeing on-time delivery and reducing the risk of delays.
3. Visibility of asset tracking
Knowing the location of all connected devices and machines is crucial for achieving efficiency gains within the factory. The emergence of positioning methods, such as cloud-based cellular positioning, has brought disruptive precision to dedicated networks. Factories will now be able to locate any 5G-enabled device with 3D sub-meter accuracy. Combined with support for high-density connectivity, companies can now track more, lower-value assets, creating a plethora of new, more accessible use cases.
4. Predictive maintenance
Balancing downtime and maintenance needs across a company's production facilities is no easy task. By leveraging 5G connectivity, data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to predict maintenance needs, the risk of downtime due to mechanical failures can be reduced, and predictive maintenance windows can be effectively planned. This is achieved by monitoring every step of the production line through 5G coverage.
5. 5G dedicated network = Improved worker safety
Widely available device sensors, combined with 5G's near-instantaneous response time, can create a safer production environment. The number of workers operating heavy machinery in factory floors will decrease, while emergency stop indicators will be more sensitive.
Furthermore, efficiency can be further improved by using edge computing in dedicated 5G networks. Sending, retrieving, or computing data at the network edge, rather than in the cloud, is not only much more secure, but also reduces response time. Saving milliseconds may not sound like much, but every millisecond matters when considering automation within a factory—especially in environments more dangerous for human workers.
By installing 5G tracking sensors in collaborative robot environments, the activities of workers and automated guided vehicles can become safer.
Ultimately, dedicated 5G networks are expected to bring significant operational benefits to businesses. They not only bring new capabilities to technology and productivity, but also strategic value in the form of a stronger competitive advantage.
