David de Lancelloti
VP, CNS Enterprise Sales, Nokia
In today’s constantly evolving technological landscape, industries such as manufacturing, logistics and mining are particularly poised for digital transformation.
These sectors can benefit hugely from private wireless networks, Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and edge computing, all of which enhance productivity, worker safety and sustainability.
Manufacturing digitalisation benefits
In manufacturing, where precision and efficiency are key, the benefits of digitalisation can be dramatic. “Manufacturing can significantly benefit from automation and real-time analytics to enhance productivity, minimise waste, improve worker safety and improve quality control,” says David de Lancellotti, VP of CNS enterprise sales at Nokia.
Private wireless networks boost efficiency
Private wireless networks are key to supporting this transformation. By connecting machines, sensors and workers with reliable, high-performance connectivity, manufacturers can avoid costly breakdowns and reduce downtime. Edge computing plays a crucial role by processing data closer to the source, enabling real-time data exchange, boosting overall product quality and minimising waste.
When it comes to logistics, private wireless networks combined with tracking and positioning applications allow for real-time tracking of inventory and shipments. “These technologies can optimise supply chains, track inventory levels and shipments in real-time and reduce operational costs,” says de Lancellotti.
Having high-performance connectivity via private wireless networks ensures that, as enterprises roll out new Industry 4.0 use cases, they have the secure, reliable and high-bandwidth, low-latency foundation they need to ensure they run seamlessly and without interruption.
Enhancing worker safety
A huge component of business resilience is worker safety, and this is especially true for an industry like mining. Private wireless networks enable mining companies to deploy advanced technologies like remote control drilling to help avoid potentially dangerous environments.
Drones can perform inspections in dangerous areas, minimising worker exposure to risks like rockfalls or gas leaks. Geofencing is also possible through private networks. This improves worker safety and reduces fuel consumption and other costs, contributing to the industry’s broader sustainability goals.
By embracing digitalisation, mining companies can create safer and more sustainable operations, says de Lancellotti, and the data backs it up. By deploying private wireless networks, 65% percent of enterprises surveyed by Nokia and GlobalData, reported an improvement in worker safety enabled by geofencing and robotic technologies, while 79% reported a reduction of carbon emissions.
Complementary technologies
When combined with other technologies like edge computing, private wireless networks can support AI and advanced analytics to boost efficiency and productivity and unlock even more efficiencies. For example, machine-learning algorithms can analyse patterns from IoT sensors to predict when equipment is likely to fail, enabling pre-emptive maintenance, in turn reducing downtime and preventing costly interruptions.
“Having high-performance connectivity via private wireless networks ensures that, as enterprises roll out new Industry 4.0 use cases, they have the secure, reliable and high-bandwidth, low-latency foundation they need to ensure they run seamlessly and without interruption,” concludes de Lancellotti.
