The challenges of connected industry
Industry 4.0 refers to the4th industrial revolution. It has opened the way to new uses by integrating digital technological advances such as IoT(Internet of Things), artificial intelligence, big data and advanced robotics. These new tools have transformed methods, creating intelligent working environments for greater flexibility and production efficiency.
Digital transformation aims to make processes more reliable, fluid and faster, thanks to improved interaction between employees and technology. In particular, by taking advantage of better resource allocation and management, operational efficiency is greatly enhanced.
Industry 4.0 also relies on the collection of large quantities of data in real time. At the same time, advances such asartificial intelligence make it possible to make the most of this data, benefiting from better monitoring, finer analysis and a better understanding of expectations. New technologies have thus shaken up codes and reorganized working methods in many sectors, such as the automotive industry, where video and Artificial Intelligence are replacing the human eye to automatically check the conformity and quality of vehicles coming off the production line.
Connectivity plays a central role in making the most of this intelligent work environment. It acts as the engine that fuels these new uses and reveals their full potential. Indeed, in order to improve operations, it is essential to have a reliable, continuous and secure connection to accommodate the most innovative methods and the tools that accompany them.
Industrial operations in critical environments: the importance of connectivity
Some industries require ultra-fast, seamless and transparent connections to ensure smooth operations.
By relying on appropriate connectivity methods, organizations can now call on the best technologies to secure their practices and boost performance. Here are just a few examples of uses made possible by proven connectivity:
- Predictive maintenance: to prevent plant breakdowns, a company can use sensors to collect and analyze data in real time. By processing this information, such as machine vibration data, it is possible, for example, to guard against incidents that could interrupt production, by planning a maintenance operation before problems arise. This approach reduces costs andboosts productivity, by minimizing downtime.
- Augmented reality: during these maintenance operations, a technician can equip himself with augmented reality glasses and obtain the best information according to the context, directly in his field of vision and with his hands free. They can also be used to share information with remote experts, as if they were on site. This assistance helps to guide the user in his or her work, reduce the risk of error , and make the best use of scarce skills.
- Automation : the deployment of autonomous robots makes it possible to take over tasks that used to be carried out by employees, but which can be tedious or don't add value. For example, AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) use AI to move around warehouses, optimizing certain logistics operations. The use of these robots can relieve teams so that they can concentrate on more strategic missions. In this context, connectivity also plays an essential role in ensuring their mobility over large areas, without loss of signal or interruption of service (when moving from one terminal to another, for example).
- Monitoring devices: thanks to a high-performance connectivity solution, plants can be equipped with security devices (cameras, sensors) covering the entire site. In this way, sensitive areas are secured, anomalies are quickly detected and personnel are alerted promptly in the event of a breakdown or incident. Video devices can also be used to carry out quality checks: the goal is 0 defects!
Still on the subject of security, the best connectivity solutions reduce a company's exposure to cyber risks by being isolated from other networks, relying on expert supervision and integrating robust security mechanisms.
For manufacturers, it is now crucial to rely on a robust connectivity method, in order to integrate best practices and guarantee reliability, especially in large-scale or critical environments, where the slightest failure can have serious consequences.
TDF: your private mobile network partner
As mentioned, deploying the right connectivity solution boosts operational performance. And the private mobile network is ready to take on this role!
What is a private mobile network?
A Private Mobile Network is a wireless network entirely dedicated to an organization or company. By being totally detached from public operator networks, it ensures the best coverage in a specific area, thanks to the exclusive use of a dedicated frequency. This approach confers absolute control over the network, unprecedented performance and reliability in terms of throughput, latency reduction and service continuity, as well as enhanced communications security to bring best practices to life, transforming your connectivity into a lever for improving industrial operations.
How TDF supports you
Now mature, this technology is capable of powering the most advanced professional uses and needs. To support you, TDF designs, deploys and operates private mobile networks, and offers you a turnkey solution capable of meeting your most personalized challenges, working with you to identify operational improvement levers and their return on investment.
TDF's support is based on a wide range of skills: more than 50 years of radio engineering expertise, an infrastructure park, a supervision center (Network Operations Center) and technicians capable of intervening in record time anywhere in the country.
Would you like more information? Please do not hesitate to contact our teams .
*Source: Internet of Things, a market to conquer