Unlocking the potential of private 5G in manufacturing

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Manufacturing is undergoing a transformative shift towards greater automation, enhanced efficiency, and superior connectivity. With tight operating margins, manufacturers must find ways to drive productivity and efficiency to stay competitive. From the first industrial revolution, which harnessed the power of steam, to the third industrial revolution, which embraced PC-based automation, each leap has relied on technology and private 5G is the latest.

Today we stand in the middle of the fourth industrial revolution—with eyes on what may come next. This transformation has been characterized by its own new technologies, such as industrial internet of things (IIoT), artificial intelligence (AI), ICS security, and digital twins. However, the successful deployment of these technologies hinges on robust, reliable, and secure connectivity—with private cellular as a key driver. (Note that private cellular encompasses both LTE (4G) and 5G and which generation is used depends on the needs of the client ecosystem.)

Private 5G: Meeting the need for reliable and secure connectivity

As factories become increasingly digitized, manufacturers will need to complement existing connectivity solutions, such as Wi-Fi, with other flexible types of connectivity. Wi-Fi can suffer from interference in environments that are dense in metal and obstacles, may require additional access points to cover wide areas, and may lack the ability to support high mobility vehicles, which can hinder the vertical integration between the shop floor and cloud for advanced manufacturing processes.

One way to address this is by augmenting Wi-Fi and its latest standard Wi-Fi 7 with private 5G networks, such as private 5G. Private cellular networks offer dedicated, high-performance connectivity that can enhance the reliability, coverage, and security required to support the next generation of manufacturing technologies.

Boosting the manufacturer’s bottom line with private cellular

In today’s hyper-competitive manufacturing landscape, every investment must deliver measurable returns. Private cellular networks are emerging not just as a technological upgrade but as a strategic business enabler that accelerates ROI, reduces risk, and supports sustainable growth in the following ways:

Automation: Private 5G supports increased automation that results in fewer workers on the floor, which reduces labor costs, speeds up processes, and boosts product yield, all while lowering the risk of costly workplace injuries.

Productivity gains: Private 5G enhances efficiency by supporting additional sensors and AI tools in brownfield facilities, leading to improved quality, reduced changeover times, and higher margins.

Energy efficiency: Private 5G can help optimize lighting, HVAC, and water management, resulting in lower utility expenses and operational costs in areas where Wi-Fi connectivity may be challenged.

Flexibility: Private 5G reduces complexity and downtime when implementing process changes, such as retrofits and expansions, reducing capital expenditures and minimizing downtime.

IT efficiency: Private 5G is evolving towards more streamlined IT and network operations by integrating all the components of the private cellular network to drive greater simplicity, lower IT overhead, and improve efficiency.

Explore private 5G for manufacturing

Private 5G networks offer a multitude of benefits and use cases for manufacturers to augment existing Wi-Fi networks. For additional insights and success stories from other manufacturers, check out our whitepaper How Private 5G is Transforming the Manufacturing Sector Through Automation and Innovation.