While promises of a more connected world and smart infrastructure are a few years off, carriers are beginning to take the first procedures to apply this game-changing wireless system, with speeds almost 100 times faster than 4G. In early April, Verizon launched a 5G service in parts of Chicago and Minneapolis, building itself as a domestic leader in the new wave of networks. In parallel, equipment providers such as Nokia are widening their offers to include enterprise 5G LAN systems, providing an exclusive solution that augments this technology’s public rollout.

 

As extensive adoption draws near, the public and private sector alike are in search of ways to achieve competitive advantages through 5G technology. Its abilities have led to a worldwide fight over which country will lead the way. By some estimates, the “winner” could land $500 billion in GDP and up to 3 million new jobs – a sum that justifies the worldwide scramble.

 

Manufacturers early to embrace the new technology will position themselves as technological titans in their field, embarking the industrial innovation wave to new heights by carrying out disruptive IIoT technologies. 5G technology is already here – now manufacturers must develop a plan and use it effectively.

 

Full Speed Ahead

 

With speeds supposed to ascend to an average of one gigabit per second, 5G opens up the way for near-instant data transfers and lighting-fast access to information. While swift downloads pique the interest of consumers, upgraded networks are also posed to significantly affect industrial operations. On the factory floor, higher speed and lower latency will enable continuous monitoring of equipment’s health and performance. Keeping track of and quickly responding to data gives factories unparalleled manufacturing agility without forcing them to relinquish high productivity levels.

 

Real-time insights allow manufacturers to proactively determine machine wear and tear rather than waiting for equipment to break down. More effective troubleshooting and preventative maintenance minimizes on the $50 billion a year manufacturers cede to unintentional costs. Through 5G’s faster network, companies reduce production costs while improving product quality – reducing expensive recalls and boosting customer satisfaction. The benefit of continuous monitoring also extends to construction jobsites, where fleet managers can track equipment performance data and make instant adjustments.

 

Decision makers need information promptly, and 5G-based endpoint devices deliver it in a flash and reliably. U.S. manufacturers can get ahead of the industrial IoT curve by pairing data-collection devices with a 5G network. Consumers continue to demand quality products at a faster pace, saddling factories with a heavy workload and a thin margin for error. Constant inter-device communication through faster wireless networks helps companies increase productivity and rise to this challenge while still complying with necessary regulations and standards.

 

Adding in Automation

 

Starting from the grocery store to the bank, automation has become established in society, and the factory floor is the same. As 5G networks emerge, automation may take on a bigger role than most experts anticipate. Robots are completing significantly complex tasks, making rapid data processing an expectation as opposed to a luxury. Now, 5G technology is transforming the role of robotics, allowing systems to not only monitor in real time, but also accept feedback.

 

By communicating with other machines, as well as their human counterparts, robots carry out tasks more effectively, adjusting to changes without severely altering productivity. 5G’s speed and reliability also opens the door for improved machine learning, permitting robots to assume greater responsibility and improve accuracy over time. Outside of productivity, automation can make better working conditions, taking on riskier worker tasks and simplifying jobs through human-robot collaboration.

 

Beyond factory efficiency, automation and lag-free intra-machine communication will lead to better, more automated supply chain management. With more data points and significantly granular information, manufacturers obtain greater visibility into product delivery times, transit conditions and more. Higher supply chain awareness allows companies to alter production strategies and optimise schedules.

 

A new era in network connectivity is here, with the U.S. doing all it can to finish first in the race to 5G. Although the changeover may demand significant time and resources, the investment guarantees to pay off. With advantages like greater production speed, cost savings and new jobs stemming from industrial IoT technologies, utilizing a 5G network’s capabilities will allow manufacturers to take a swift, bold step toward the future.

 

This article is originally posted on TRONSERVE.COM