Private networks create a flexible, secure, high-performing foundation for advanced IoT in manufacturing
In 1952, two best friends gave the world a glimpse into the limitations of factory work on an episode of “I Love Lucy.” As the pair frantically hand-wrapped chocolates from a speeding conveyor belt, it became evident that the operational demands of the candy manufacturing facility outpaced human abilities. Modern manufacturing automation and connectivity advancements have rendered these “I Love Lucy” scenarios all but extinct. Still, the increase in technological complexity and data traffic across factory floors has created a need for manufacturers to shift from traditional wired and wireless LANs to a promising new solution: private 5G.
Connectivity challenges of today’s manufacturing plants
Network connectivity is the linchpin to labor cost reduction, improved productivity, effective communication, and innovation in manufacturing. The introduction of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), video inspection solutions, and other IoT devices is pushing the limits of wired, Wi-Fi, and public cellular networks. As a result, manufacturers are experiencing networking challenges such as:
- Degraded performance — Network speeds and latency impact signal delay between devices, which is critical to informed decision-making and the performance of industrial manufacturing robots.
- Reduced coverage and mobility — When wired or Wi-Fi (indoors and outdoors) limit connectivity, it’s nearly impossible to connect new devices, move existing devices, or scale production. Additionally, spotty coverage or sticky clients on W-Fi interrupt productivity when devices are temporarily offline.
- Complicated governance — The administration of multiple devices and networking solutions is cumbersome for lean IT teams that rely on “swivel-chair” management across various systems.
- Penetrable security — An influx in manufacturing automation technology and the resulting data traffic creates a larger attack surface, creating more opportunities for bad actors to infiltrate the network.
How private 5G improves manufacturing networks
Private 5G networks address the challenges of traditional connectivity solutions. In a manufacturing environment, this translates to rapid data collection and processing, quicker response times for manufacturing automation applications such as robotics and autonomous vehicles, and the ability to connect a high volume of IoT sensors, trackers, and machines, without wired or Wi-Fi coverage limitations.
Nearly 30% of respondents to an Endeavor Business Intelligence and IndustryWeek survey also listed “improved security” as a benefit they’ve experienced since deploying a private cellular network. Because private networks use dedicated spectrum and end-to-end encryption, they are inherently more secure than public cellular or Wi-Fi networks.
The combination of capacity, coverage, flexibility, performance, and security creates a competitive edge for manufacturers incorporating private 5G into their network architecture. Following a successful proof-of-concept, private networks create:
- Improved network performance — Faster data speeds, higher bandwidth capacities, and ultra-low latency create frictionless communication paths for AMRs, AGVs, and more.
- Expanded coverage and mobility — Not only do private networks provide support for device connectivity in dynamic, obscure, or mobile locations, but their infrastructure can also be leveraged to create macro coverage extension solutions.
- Consolidated management — As opportunities for advanced process digitization through applications are created, IT teams can deploy, monitor, and troubleshoot the network and its devices regardless of location and without capacity limitations.
- Fortified security — Through dedicated spectrum, SIM-based authentication, and custom security policies controlled by the enterprise, private networks bolster privacy and security.
Companies such as Atlas Copco — a world-leading manufacturer of compressors, vacuum solutions, generators, and pumps — have experienced these benefits firsthand, citing 5G private networks as a critical technology to connect moving machines, secure their factory environment, and enhance their smart manufacturing processes.
Key ROI considerations for private cellular networks
Research conducted by Juniper indicates that nearly $10 billion will be spent on private networks globally by 2028, with 35% of that spend attributed to manufacturing. While this growth is impressive, the adoption of private networks in manufacturing is still in the early stages, although familiarity and interest in the technology are high.
The decision to deploy a private network to support manufacturing automation often depends on an organization's level of connectivity pain, ambition, and cellular maturity. Regardless, these businesses will be successful if they invest in a partner or dedicated resource who can champion and articulate the vision and long-term scalability of a private 5G investment. Often, the enterprises getting the most bang for their buck are those that deploy private networks in multiple locations, using an initial testing site as their blueprint.
Instead of viewing private 5G as a single application, manufacturers must consider these networks as foundational technology, capable of supporting a variety of evolving use cases that all contribute to a growing return on investment (ROI).
The future of manufacturing automation through private 5G
Enterprises already implementing a private network are reaping significant benefits with room to grow. As adoption rates increase, manufacturing and Industry 4.0 will continue to evolve, increasing dependencies on collaborative robots, AMRs, AGVs, advanced IoT devices, and other manufacturing automation applications. Thanks to the inherent flexibility of cellular, the proliferation of pop-up factories and the versatility and fluidity of factory floor setups are also expected to increase.
At the end of the day, manufacturers who embrace private network technology now will gain a strategic advantage over their competitors and be positioned at the forefront of innovation and transformation.