Smart manufacturing to increase M2M demand

Traditionally, the manufacturing sector has implemented a range of wired networks to automate plant floor operations. However, emerging M2M systems (such as short-range wireless and long-range cellular networks) are rapidly becoming the choice solutions for the factories of the future. M2M systems can be used to supplement or replace wired networks, enabling advanced robotics and enterprise mobility on the plant floor. This in turn enables convenient connectivity in inaccessible areas, communication across barriers and simplified installation based on wireless local area, wide area and sensor networks.

Frost & Sullivan have predicted that the adoption of M2M communication may be slow as the traditionally-conservative manufacturing sector will be apprehensive about potential downtime and the risk to the value and quality of their output, as well as any potential security concerns. Aside from these technical challenges, the relative inexperience of telecommunication companies in this market may dissuade manufacturers from availing their services.

In order to make smart manufacturing a reality that much quicker, manufacturers must be educated on the benefits of advanced M2M technologies, the secure functioning of wireless networks must be ensured and developers must consult with manufacturers to tailor solutions to their unique requirements.

Shuba Ramkumar, Research Analyst, Information and Communication Technologies, Frost & Sullivan, comments: “Telecommunication companies' ability to offer enterprise-grade communication services integrated with plant-level communications is critical to reliable plant-level operations. Existing partner networks can also be leveraged to provide end-to-end services, including network implementation, provision of applications, and data analytics. In areas where telcos do not have in-house expertise, there is room for partnerships with automation providers, system integrators, or data analytic providers. Acquiring smaller companies that specialise in innovative enterprise mobility applications and data analytics will help telecommunication companies capitalise on the immense potential available for M2M communications in the manufacturing sector.”