Supply chains have seen major disruptions over the last two years as key players across various industries continue to play catch up from the early days of the pandemic. So far, the production of everything from baby formula to electric vehicles has slowed down, creating constant pressure for industrial companies to do more with less.
To overcome these supply chain issues, the industrial space has developed automation-driven technologies that rely on connectivity to operate. These technologies include robotic arms, autonomous guided vehicles, advanced sorting systems and automated capacity management. Many logistics and manufacturing organizations rely on Wi-Fi and wired connectivityto enable Internet of Things (IoT) devices. However, there is another affordable more reliable and secure option – cellular LTE. While 5G is still ramping up, manufacturing organizations can benefit from cellular by using private LTE for lower bandwidth costs, greater reliable coverage, and increased security policies
Enhancing efficiency and application performance
Private LTE is a smart move for those looking to speed up production by optimizing operations and reducing network-related delays from IoT devices. By introducing private LTE, busy warehouses and distribution centers can increase efficiency with enhanced application and network performance.
In fact, a survey by Nokia and ABI Research indicated that 90% of manufacturing decision-makers stated they are investigating the use of either 4G and/or 5G in their operations, while 84% of these decision-makers are considering deployment of their own local private 4G/5G wireless network. Additionally, 63% of these respondents cited the need to improve existing infrastructure, and 51% cited enhancing automation within robotics.
Securing the network and supply chain from disruption
Not only is application performance a top factor influencing private LTE implementation, but software supply chain attacks also grew by more than 300% in 2021 compared to 2020, making enhanced network security a top priority for manufacturers.
Instead of relying on a Wi-Fi network that uses Wi-Fi protected access (WPA), which has a less secure encryption method and allows any outsider to enter with a password, a private LTE network only allows authorized users and devices to connect to the network. This closed model strengthens security against malicious intrusions and prevents the possibility of a breach that could cause supply chain disruptions. Private LTE also provides companies with greater visibility by collecting data from the network, making it easier to spot abnormalities and hackers in the network.
Building the backbone of private LTE in warehouses
As IoT products are added to warehouses and factories, enterprises need to start their private LTE journey by implementing the backbone of LTE into their facilities with wireless in-building solutions. These solutions can include hybrid distributed antenna systems (DAS), which leverage traditional DAS and small cells for a cost-effective solution that ensures reliable coverage throughout the whole building.
During this implementation process, a system integrator will conduct a walk-through assessment of the building, taking into consideration the square footage, number of floors, and areas of strong and weak coverage that need enhancement throughout the building. They will also look at what the building is made of since warehouses and factories often have signal-inhibiting materials such as thick layers of concrete or metal walls. This walk-through helps the system integrator better understand the DAS and small-cell solutions needed to achieve robust, dependable connectivity.
Manufacturers are already seeing strong potential for private LTE, but they will need a foundational in-building network automating manufacturing processes first. To help enable better coverage and connectivity in warehouses and factories, system integrators and carriers have to be better partners to manufacturers and help educate them on the best in-building solutions available. In doing so, industrial organizations will be empowered to have the best resources enabling their automation-driven technologies, which in turn, keep the supply chain running smoothly.
