5G grants operators an opportunity to address manufacturing

The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted several major challenges facing the manufacturing sector and the need for greater operational visibility, including in the supply chain. It is also accelerating digital transformation, which will fuel the growth of IoT connections, particularly in smart manufacturing. Data is the driving force behind digital transformation, and 5G and private networks offer one of many routes to connect manufacturing operations and processes.

Recent announcements suggest that operators have progressed in the way they are addressing the manufacturing sector, including SMEs, as they are increasingly offering simple out-of-the-box solutions. However, as 5G enables multiple modes of deployment, operators are no longer the default service providers. Competition from vendors means that operators must continue to search for the right commercialisation model.