Public and private cellular, Wi-Fi and low-power sensors all have a role to play in enterprise wireless for Industry 4.0
The vision of Industry 4.0 sees businesses of all sizes and in all sectors harnessing wireless connectivity and other complementary technologies to drive operational efficiency. In addition to saving time and money and improving outcomes, granular process optimization also promises to boost global sustainability efforts. Nextivity Chief Commercial Officer Stephen Kowal, as part of an interview series with RCR Wireless News, highlighted the importance of a sound, comprehensive enterprise wireless strategy in the broader push toward digital transformation of enterprises.
Given the complexity of wireless connectivity and how it’s integrated and managed, along with seemingly world-changing leaps like generative artificial intelligence, where do enterprises that heavily rely on technology start on the path to digital transformation?
Start with the network infrastructure, Kowal said, given its foundational role in supporting high-value applications. “One of the universal truths about Industry 4.0 and the amount of data being generated is that no matter what kind of people, devices, objects, etc…are employed, they have to be connected,” he said. “We want everything connected. We want data from everything.”
Kowal added that fast movers in the space can gain a competitive edge against their competition and the larger market they participate in. Bottomline, “Use of technology in Industry 4.0 is a strategic differentiator. It doesn’t happen by accident, and it definitely needs a strategy.”
To listen to the full conversation with Kowal, check out the first installment in a four-part podcast series exploring enterprise wireless in the Industry 4.0 era.
That strategy, Kowal explained, should consider all technology options holistically with weight given to speed, cost, ease of use, total cost of ownership, security, coverage, bandwidth, and adaptability to future conditions. “Think about the totality of your needs,” he advised.
He sketched out the key pillars of an enterprise wireless strategy as public cellular, private cellular, Wi-Fi and low-power sensor networks. Accessing all public network carriers inside commercial facilities is important, and opening up private spectrum – like with the CBRS in the U.S. – can help businesses further their tech strategies. Wi-Fi is an enterprise stalwart that’s well understood, and low-power sensors are being deployed in increasing numbers to essentially data mine the real world. “If you’re not thinking about all four, you’re going to have an incomplete strategy.”
To the public cellular piece, Kowal gave the reminder that public cellular signals can be rendered ineffective by modern building materials; solving for in-building wireless is key to productivity, safety and customer satisfaction. “It’s just got to be a must for every enterprise out there.”
Private cellular is often deployed not just for dedicated mobile talk, text and data for employees, but also for a huge array of low-power sensors that underline the data collection that goes into digital transformation and Industry 4.0. Beyond that, Kowal said private cellular is needed for most types of low latency, mobile applications that require high security. “It’s a low latency connection, it’s high security…and these devices can’t be disconnected.”
For more on enterprise wireless, read the following articles and listen to the embedded podcasts:
- How do private cellular networks enable Industry 4.0?
- Cellular vs. Wi-Fi—making the case for mobility
- How Nextivity is bringing private LTE to the middleprise
- Understanding enterprise wireless: Part 2—private networks for Industry 4.0
- Understanding enterprise wireless: Part 3—cellular vs. Wi-Fi
- Understanding enterprise wireless: Part 4—private cellular in action
