Will 5G Augment the Growth of Smart Factories

Recent tech strides in the areas like Data Collection, Analytics, Machine Learning and Augmented Reality (AR) has fueled the growth of smart, automated factories. Still connectivity remains a critical barrier to realize the full potential of the automated factories, otherwise referred as Industry 4.0. Even though the smart startups are coming up with exceptional technology stack, still they are relying on inexpensive Wi-Fi networks with potential drawbacks, believes leading business consultants worldwide.

Is 5G a Reliable Alternative for the Manufacturers

High-band 5G is expected to enable critical communications with wireless control of machines and manufacturing robots. Mass proliferation of 5G-specific IOT devices are expected to unlock the full potential of the industry 4.0. According to leading business consulting firm McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), by 2030, top performing manufacturing firms will definitely provide $400 billion to $6500 billion of global GDP impact. Even the small business consulting firms are relying on this insight while assessing the growth of the small manufacturing units alongside the large ones. More interesting is that the majority of this value will be generated through the accelerated dependence on the public or private high-band 5G networks.

How 5G Support Will Impact Productivity

High Quality Vision Inspections

Connectivity-enhanced vision checks depend on real-time analytics. Which, further results in quick and hassle free spot deviations. On the other hand, machine vision models required at least eight months to develop, which naturally delays process. Also, data-driven vision inspection offers top-notch quality checks and that too in real time.

Embracing Augmented reality (AR)

In the manufacturing units productivity to a large extent is measured by the quantity. When a firm is investing in the AR glasses to display instructions in workers’ visual fields, they must think of uninhibited connectivity, so that the device can process data in real time and comes effective for production, logistics, and R&D. With high-band 5G that offers low-latency and high-speed communication this is definitely possible while reducing costs and increasing energy efficiency.

System-wide real-time Processing Control

Aided by advanced Analytics, manufacturing units can optimize and adjust processes with sensor driven analyses. With enhanced connectivity, you can have a reliable, wireless, and low-latency communication that can help prevent breakdowns to a large extent.

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs)

Transport vehicles mostly used for logistics essentially rely on fixed paths, primarily because they have limited scope of optimizing routes. However, with the low latency of frontier connectivity will empower large fleets of next-generation AGVs with analytics-driven navigation and coordination decisions.

Final Thoughts

No matter how great is the connected manufacturing opportunity, it’s still at its nascent stage. According to the startup business consultants, it’s important to have a clear strategy to begin to seize it. As for the startups, it’s easier than the established firms to start off with the frontier connectivity. They do not need to face the transformational challenges and unnecessary delays which the big firms relying on age-old Wi-Fi connection can face.

However, at this phase, companies, be it a start up or a conglomerate, need to fully leverage advanced warehouse management to connect with partners and suppliers outside their traditional ecosystem. No wonder, a stable collaboration with technology and infrastructure providers, and equipment and vehicle manufacturers is basically the need of the hour.

This is definitely not an easy shift for the established firms. There are large asset bases, which are challenging to upgrade or involve huge outlays. Secondly, the organizational structure might be apathetic towards radically new business case. However, with continuous efforts you can make the scene a little less daunting. All it needs reliable tech partners who can deliver best ROI.