Qualcomm estimates that 5G will create $12.5 trillion of economic output over the next decade and a half, creating 3.4 million jobs in the US alone. The economic opportunities are…
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Steam turbines generate most of the electricity that powers U.S. homes and industries. They are large and expensive pieces of mechanical equipment that require regular maintenance. Over time, their components wear out and have to be replaced. If components aren’t replaced in good time, turbines become less efficient. Eventually, they may break down or even fail catastrophically—turbines spin at over 3000 RPM.
The question facing utility companies is this: when is the best time to replace a steam turbine’s components? Traditionally, maintenance was reactive or preventative. Reactive maintenance replaces parts when they fail. Preventative maintenance replaces them on a schedule. Both have cost and operational tradeoffs.
Modern sensors, networking technology, and analytics offer a third option—predictive maintenance. A vibration sensor attached to the turbine generates data that is fed over the network to a cloud-based analytics platform. The analytics platform knows what a baseline “healthy” turbine vibration reading looks like. It can detect divergences from the baseline and alert operators about an imminent component failure.
A more sophisticated system with several sensors may be able to predict which part is about to fail, order the part, schedule repairs to minimize service disruption, and create a work order to trigger the repair. Integrated systems like this are the essence of Industry 4.0 — they close the loop between sensor data, analysis, and action.
What Is Industry 4.0?
Industry 4.0 is the culmination of advances in numerous areas and is closely related to the Industrial Internet of Things. Technical evolution in four main areas contributes to Industry 4.0: big data analytics and machine learning; cloud computing; ubiquitous inexpensive, network-connected sensors; and low-latency, high-bandwidth mobile network connectivity.
We might also add to the list advances in robotics, augmented reality and user-interface design, and additive manufacture (3D printing).
But it is not the technology itself that generates the hype of a new industrial era. It is the way that technology is applied to give industry fine-grained real-time control over industrial processes that range from manufacturing and maintenance to logistics and supply-chain management.
Industry 4.0 connects the physical to the digital and the digital to the physical. Sensors generate data, data informs decisions made by analytics platforms and machine learning algorithms, and automated systems implement those decisions in cooperation with human operatives—all to boost productivity, streamline processes, and drive growth.
COVID–19 testing is a timely example of how Industry 4.0 techniques accelerate and streamline processes. Medical organizations were tasked with testing hundreds of thousands of people per day to achieve the widespread testing needed to monitor the spread of COVID–19 and manage treatment.
The goal was achieved in part by scaling up testing facilities. But improved process efficiency, automated testing, and extensive data collection and analysis played a critical role. Robotic testing machines processed thousands of samples far faster than manual processing. Test results from the machines were pulled into cloud-based data lakes and analyzed along with process data, stock levels, and other relevant information.
The results of that analysis informed decisions about resource allocation, supply chain management and procurement, logistics, and treatment. It would have been impossible to achieve widespread testing without an integrated, digitized, and automated system.
The Role of Private 5G Networks in Industry 4.0
Network technology is one of the pillars on which Industry 4.0 is built. Data collection and automation are not new ideas, but older automation efforts relied on inefficient wired connectivity. Modern mobile networks and small connected smart devices with sensors are transformative, empowering organizations to collect massive volumes of data inexpensively.
The introduction of 5G networks is particularly exciting for Industry 4.0. 5G offers higher bandwidths at lower latencies delivered by devices with substantially reduced power requirements. With 5G, more data is delivered faster, giving businesses much greater insight and control.
That’s why 90 percent of manufacturing businesses are investigating the potential of private 5G networks. Today, many companies rely on WiFi networks or wired networks, both of which limit the scope of data collection and automation needed to fulfill the promise of Industry 4.0. Private 5G networks will give businesses the low-latencies, high-bandwidth, and improved reliability they need to leverage the operational efficiencies and cost savings of Industry 4.0.
Recognizing the need for private 5G networks, the U.S. government has authorized the use of the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) frequencies for shared spectrum.
To make the most of the opportunity of private 5G networks, businesses across the U.S. need to develop 5G and mobile networking expertise. Demand for executives experienced in the design and implementation of 5G networks will increase sharply in the next few years. Competition for the most capable technical executives will be fierce. TD Madison helps businesses to recruit high-caliber senior executives with technical expertise. We have been the trusted recruitment partner of the cable and telecoms industry for three decades.
Contact us today to speak to a recruitment specialist who can help your business to recruit executives with the experience and expertise to further its 5G and Industry 4.0 strategy.
