The Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) is transforming the way industries operate. With advances in technology and the internet, organisations are now leveraging networks for smart operations to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability. These networks are a combination of hardware and software technologies that enable SCADA systems and applications to communicate in real time and perform specific operations. Given the significance of interoperability between physical systems and their digital twins, it is critical to understand the nuances and complexities of this technology. Without the necessary coverage and bandwidth for accurate decision-making, leveraging any technology for business growth becomes futile. 

In this article, we’ll explore how next-generation networks for smart operations are helping companies automate business processes and achieve business transformation.

Networks for smart operations

As businesses grow, their infrastructure grows and becomes increasingly complex to manage. Equipment spread across the factory floor provides channels to communicate for intelligent manufacturing, logistics, and smart industries, but equally, has the potential to make or break a business. While communicating with equipment is no longer tedious, providing the right coverage and segregation of the network with the ability to transmit the right data without compromising business operations is a challenge. Integrating operational techniques with digital technologies helps mitigate any risks that affect business continuity, transmitting the operational commands that are used to perform intelligent actions on the factory floor equipment. 

Networks for smart operations refer to communication channels between the factory floor equipment and digital software applications that allow for real-time management and analysis of various aspects of an industrial operation. These networks typically include edge and core elements, radio frequency transmitting cells, wi-fi routers, RF tags, etc., that work together to provide the necessary coverage and proximity to factory floor equipment. Networks for smart operations aim to increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve overall productivity.

Challenges in digital enterprise operations

Although digital enterprise operations can provide significant benefits to businesses, they come with attendant challenges. These include legacy systems, data management, cybersecurity, talent and skill gaps, change management, cost, and regulatory compliance. To achieve successful digital transformation, businesses need to be aware of these challenges and develop effective strategies to address them.

• Legacy systems: Several businesses have existing legacy systems that are not compatible with new digital technologies. This makes it difficult to integrate new systems and processes with existing ones, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
• Data management: With increased use of digital technologies, businesses are generating more data than ever before. Managing and analysing this data can be a significant challenge, particularly for businesses that lack the necessary skills and tools.
• Cybersecurity: As businesses become more reliant on digital technologies, they become more vulnerable to cyber threats. Cybersecurity risks can include data breaches, malware attacks, and other types of cybercrime.
• Change management: Implementing digital enterprise operations requires significant changes to business processes and workflows. This can be disruptive and challenging for employees, requiring effective change management to ensure a smooth transition.
• Regulatory compliance: As businesses become more reliant on digital technologies, they must comply with an increasing number of regulations and data protection laws. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant fines and reputational damage.
• Dynamic bandwidth allocation: With time, businesses face the need for interconnected networking solutions for smooth communication across different applications that are critical during inspections and audits. It is crucial for manufacturers to implement a solution/platform that facilitates the bandwidth for a specific area, hardware, or cameras, depending on the need.

Benefits of network rollout in smart operations for industrial transformation

Automation has been one of the most transformative technologies in recent times, offering immense benefits to businesses across industries. In the industrial sector, automation has revolutionised production processes, increased efficiency, and improved safety. Here are some key benefits of leveraging network rollouts for smart operations for Industry 4.0.

• Real-time data insights: Smart operations rely on the collection and analysis of large amounts of data. Rolling out networks allows businesses to collect data in real time, enabling them to make informed decisions based on up-to-date information. This can help businesses optimise their operations, improve productivity, and reduce costs.
• Optimise production processes: A significant benefit of automating network rollouts is the ability to optimise production processes. By collecting data from sensors and production equipment, businesses can identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks in their processes. This enables them to make real-time adjustments and optimise their operations for maximum efficiency. For example, a company may use data from sensors on production equipment to identify when maintenance is needed, reducing downtime and improving productivity.
• Better quality control and lower costs: Automated systems can provide real-time feedback on production processes, enabling businesses to detect and correct defects quickly. This improves quality control and reduces waste. Automation can reduce labour costs and eliminate the need for overtime pay. It can also reduce energy costs by optimising processes and reducing waste. Overall, automation can help businesses to reduce their operating costs and increase profitability.
• Increased agility: Rolling out networks for smart operations can help businesses respond more quickly to changing market conditions. With real-time data insights, businesses can identify trends and adjust their operations accordingly. This can help businesses stay ahead of the competition and keep pace with market dynamics.
• Predictive maintenance: Industrial networks enable predictive maintenance, which involves using real-time data to predict when maintenance is required. This helps reduce downtime and maintenance costs by allowing for proactive rather than reactive maintenance.
• Enhanced flexibility: Industrial networks enable the integration of different systems and technologies, allowing for greater flexibility and adaptability in the production process. This helps companies respond quickly to changes in demand and market conditions.
• On-demand bandwidth: Businesses can enhance performance-specific network sessions based on incoming demand from devices or equipment such that real-time analysis can be performed to improve product quality or perform specific operational tasks. 

Leveraging networks for smart operations is critical for businesses looking to optimise their operations, reduce costs, improve coverage and capacity, and gain a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced digital world. By collecting real-time data insights, improving efficiency, reducing costs, increasing agility, and enhancing customer experience, businesses can achieve significant benefits through smart operations.