In recent years, global manufacturing and production processes have undergone a major shift as industries adopt cutting-edge technologies. Advanced data analytics, combined with artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT), have resulted in unprecedented operational efficiency.

Dubbed the fourth industrial revolution, or “Industry 4.0,” these changes mark a paradigm shift in how goods are produced. Factory floors across the globe are seeing the benefits in terms of faster production times, higher quality, and the ability to rapidly detect and resolve manufacturing issues. At the heart of this process shift is the devices and networks that enable full-scale industrial connectivity.

In many cases, however, the ability of traditional wired network infrastructure to keep up with the demands of these new systems is limited. Manufacturers using wired networks may find themselves frustrated with the difficulties of scaling or reconfiguring their operations. Or unable to tap into the transformative capabilities of technologies like augmented reality (AR) and advanced robotics. However, with the addition of 5G cellular network technologies, the picture changes. Using 5G, manufacturers are empowered to reimagine operations – turning siloed processes into smarter, interconnected, and responsive industrial systems. Systems that allow them to take full advantage of the transformational capabilities of Industry 4.0. And that positions them to rapidly respond to new trends and changing market demands.