October 20, 2023 Simplicity, Scalability and Security

Operational efficiency and growth driven by the network.

By Brian McDonald, manufacturing marketing lead; Extreme Networks

The manufacturing industry today faces global competition, supply chain disruptions, economic pressures and digital transformation, all underscoring that the time for smarter manufacturing has arrived.  Advancements in wired and wireless connectivity, the Internet of Things (IoT), sensors, cloud management and more have enabled manufacturing to evolve from its artisanal origins to what we refer to as Industry 4.0, or the internet-enabled factory. At the heart of any smart manufacturing enterprise is the network. The network enables manufacturers to drive operational efficiency and growth through new business models, and reduce risk—essentially, it provides simplicity, scalability and security. But do manufacturers really have the network infrastructure that’s ready for Industry 4.0?

Does Your Network Move as Fast as You Do?

Most manufacturers are racing toward the future and adopting new innovations to help them drive toward their goals. Technology is creating seismic shifts in how industries operate and finding new pathways to digital transformation is critical to success. But, while digital solutions are alleviating past problems, they can bring their own set of challenges, which can be difficult for small and medium-sized manufacturing companies operating with minimal IT staff. And manufacturing headwinds—supply chain disruptions and operational efficiency hurdles and cost control requirements—pile on even more complexity and require new management approaches.

Industry 4.0 relies on the power of data combined with advanced technologies like IoT, edge and cloud computing, AI and automation—which means it needs a robust Wi-Fi infrastructure that can support all the current and future demands. Increasingly important for smart manufacturing, the state of network technology is steadily evolving and can help make possible some of the industry’s most important opportunities, like improving industrial security and making supply chain operations more resilient.

Manufacturing organizations that are embracing Industry 4.0 have a network that is flexible, reliable and secure. ArcelorMittal, the world’s leading steel and mining company, knew its network couldn’t keep up with its digitalization and Industry 4.0 efforts. With a footprint in 19 countries and over 4,000 dispersed employees, it needed a reliable, robust and easily scalable network. With a new network solution providing a unified wired and wireless infrastructure to more than 1,300 users on 2,500 mobile and fixed devices offices in Luxembourg, London and Brussels, ArcelorMittal has increased workforce productivity by more than 20%, enabled infrastructure for cloud migration toward Microsoft Azure, and centralized network management to a single location.

The Network Is Your Best Asset

Nothing against top talent, innovative machinery or a stellar corporate culture—those are all important and business-critical assets. But thinking of the network as any less important is a mistake, as it helps connect all the various entities to ensure they operate in sync.

By analyzing the data generated from network infrastructure and connected devices, manufacturers can gain valuable insights that can lead to increased efficiency, improved product offerings, and new business models. Network analytics, which can boost new revenue opportunities, offer multiple benefits including:

• Production efficiency: Analyzing data related to production processes, machine performance, and equipment utilization can help identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies. By optimizing production workflows and minimizing downtime, manufacturers can increase output and reduce production costs, leading to higher revenue.
• Quality control: Utilizing network data to monitor product quality in real time enables manufacturers to identify defects and inconsistencies early in the production process. This allows them to implement corrective actions promptly, ensuring higher product quality and customer satisfaction, which can lead to repeat business and positive brand reputation.
• Predictive maintenance: Network-connected sensors and devices can provide valuable data for predictive maintenance. By analyzing this data, manufacturers can anticipate equipment failures and perform maintenance proactively, reducing unplanned downtime, lowering repair costs, and extending the lifespan of their machinery.
• Supply chain optimization: By analyzing data related to inventory levels, supplier performance, and transportation, manufacturers can streamline their supply chain, reduce lead times, and enhance responsiveness to market demands. This can lead to cost savings and potential revenue growth through increased customer satisfaction and better inventory management.
• Customer usage and behavior analysis: If the manufacturer’s products include connected devices or IoT-enabled features, they can gather data on customer usage patterns and behavior. Analyzing this data can provide insights into customer preferences, product usage trends, and unmet needs, which can inform the development of new product features, upselling opportunities, and personalized customer experiences.

A Network Upgrade Brings Tangible Results

Though ignorance can be bliss, it can also be a missed opportunity. By testing and exploring solutions to gain an in-depth understanding of network health and performance, manufacturers can fine-tune – even turbocharge – their operations with surgical precision. The Kraft Group, a holding company for several subsidiaries operating in various sectors including sports, found that Wi-Fi was what it needed to get clear insight into network health and performance for its forklifts, virtual warehousing, employee interaction, monitoring the location of trucks within and out of their facilities.

According to the Manufacturing Leadership Council, “Over 84% of manufacturing leaders now expect to see an acceleration in the adoption of digital technologies over the next few years, helping to drive growth and competitiveness, spur innovation and new product development, empowering employees to make better decisions, and create more efficient, cost-effective, flexible, and sustainable production approaches for the future.”

When manufacturers upgrade and leverage their network as a strategic asset, they’ll enable numerous capabilities, from quality control to R&D and admin operations, across the entire manufacturing value chain.

Preparing your business for Industry 4.0 may seem like an uphill journey. But when manufacturers have a network that can support new solutions while helping them identify and eliminate obstacles, they’ll be well on their way to leveraging the network as a strategic asset and creating more efficient and sustainable business models that will bolster future success.

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