5G is a game-changer for manufacturing

Smart factories, in which massive, connected machines communicate and work together with less need for a human touch, are the future of manufacturing.

More and more traditional human tasks are now being automated, and those that remain are becoming centralized via remote control, leading to ever-increasing productivity, smoother production, and efficient use of manufacturing resources. This is a game-changer for manufacturing and one that must be properly harnessed if this new chapter in industrialization, Industry 4.0, is to be realized. In fact, ABI Research expects digital factory revenues to hit $375 billion USD in 2030.

Learn more in this 5G manufacturing opportunity brief.

As more standalone 5G networks are deployed over the next few years, this will enable private mobile networks, ultra-reliable low latency communications  (URLLC) network slicing and multi-access edge computing (MEC). Manufacturers can reap huge efficiency and productivity gains, but not without a reliable 5G network. For mobile operators to drive profits from 5G-enabled services, they need a network performance monitoring solution that provides near real-time accurate data to meet tighter 5G performance KPIs.

Here’s how fast and reliable 5G networks can help manufacturers:

1. Laying the foundations for smart factories

5G will power everything from collaborative mobile robots, self-driving machines, automatic guided vehicles (AGVs), predictive maintenance, augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) headsets, and more, thanks to 5G URLLC.

5G URLLC provides ultra-high network reliability and very low latency, ensuring data transmission within a few milliseconds. But deploying 5G URLLC comes with new stringent performance requirements for MNOs. An accurate and detailed network and per-slice performance visibility is mandatory to assure exceptional end-user experiences.

2. Private 5G networks and network slicing

5G can eliminate the need for most cable wiring because it offers high capacity, wireless ubiquity, and flexibility combined with low-latency performance. Manufacturers can then “cut the cables”, which makes it easier to adapt the physical locations of operations, avoid unreliable WiFi performance and get rid of different IoT connectivity standards such as LoRa.

According to a survey from Cap Gemini, 75% of manufacturers say 5G is a key enabler of their digital transformation strategy. Large manufacturers are more likely to deploy dedicated private networks where they have control over security and architecture. 

With 5G, a single physical network can be partitioned into multiple virtual networks, each optimized for its specific requirements. Individual slices of the network can be allocated to guarantee the adequate speed and latency for every application. This allows the manufacturer to scale their network up or down to meet dynamic needs and adapt to real-time demand, and for assembly lines to be quickly deployed or reconfigured.

5G network slicing is a major new revenue opportunity, worth over $20 billion by 2026, ABI Research predicts. End-to-end (E2E) and segmented performance assurance is critical if mobile operators want to capitalize on that opportunity.

Here’s a guide on how to assure dynamic network slices for premium performance.

3. AI, machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL)

Applications built on these technologies, such as advanced predictive maintenance and automated quality control on production lines, can be deployed rapidly without disrupting the production line or supply chain thanks to more seamless integration with the cloud via 5G.

5G applications in manufacturing

5G networks can help manufacturers by opening up possibilities in a number of strategic areas as a result of the above.

Remote and real-time control

By applying smart sensors, companies will be able to remotely monitor and control production processes in real-time in order to discover manufacturing failures more promptly, identify issues, and adjust processes while they are in motion.

Smart automation

5G supports the growing use of automated guided vehicles and wireless robotics, which are fundamental to increased efficiency and flexibility. Moreover, broad deployment of connected automated machines that support asset positioning and tracking that’s accurate to the centimeter will allow more flexible production processes, more efficient use of materials and reduction of complexity and downtime.

Predictive maintenance 

Next-generation, integrated predictive maintenance solutions demand massive machine-type communication using a single platform. Real-time data collection from many more devices supported by AI and analytics enhances the quality of predictive maintenance enormously.

Edge analytics

5G provides real-time information from massive numbers of connected devices, which can be converted into real-time insights leveraging edge computing. Plant operators gain quick access to up-to-the-minute information and also updates on production in a glance on a number of different devices. This provides them with the ability to rapidly tackle problems or new requirements.

Virtualization

Manufacturing in the future must connect the shop floor to the entire pool of machines, thus outsourcing parts of the control elements usually used in machines to a local production cloud. Virtualization and on-demand cloud delivery have broad applications within AR devices. AR devices can provide visual tools and information to technicians to help them make production adjustments and work hands-free.

Performance management: reliability is key

To understand how 5G networks and production are performing to productivity and safety standards, manufacturers need to monitor and secure the thousands of connected machine-type communication devices. 

Performance visibility of all the applications on the network and in the cloud is needed, and without the right performance management solution, the benefits of 5G will not play out in manufacturing. 

Accedian Skylight offers a single pane of glass view for passive and active monitoring of network and applications performance. It delivers both high-definition network testing, wire data, and integrated network traffic security analytics. 

5G manufacturing will only be successful if ultra-low latency is achieved throughout the network and if one can ensure the network is performing as expected. 
It is easy to see how 5G plays a big role in the future for the manufacturing sector. For a deep dive into how performance management can be essential for 5G success, download our free guide, Out of the blocks: performance management central to winning the 5G race.