Why digital transformation for enterprises relies on 5G private networks
Enterprises are continually seeking ways to improve business outcomes. Productivity, operational efficiency, quality, cost, workplace safety, revenue growth and sustainability are all areas that dictate the success or failure of a business. To realize such outcomes, an outstanding digital infrastructure is essential. 5G is the technology that promises to enable new services and applications that will allow enterprises to address these areas. In fact, 5G and its associated technology ecosystems (IoT, AI, edge compute and robotics) are the substrate on which enterprise business and operational models can be transformed.
Today, there is huge demand from various verticals—from transportation and logistics to manufacturing, education, health services and agriculture—for digital transformation. The advanced network characteristics of 5G private networks, combined with the latest disruptive technologies, will empower enterprises to realize the ultra-low latency applications and use-cases set to impel business transformation.
This is because 5G private networks not only offer faster speeds, improved bandwidth, and ultra-low latency, but they also provide exclusive control of the network, as well as the ability to manage security policies with data stored and processed locally on-site. These features are especially critical for organizations such as shipping ports, distributor warehouses, factories and universities, where high network performance, consistent reliability and data security are vital to manage and optimize operations.
Up until now, wired networks have been limited in their ability to connect large numbers of small devices, or support the mobility of people and equipment. 4G and Wi-Fi on the other hand don’t deliver the same ultra-fast speeds, reliability and low latency that 5G can achieve—a key enabler to data-hungry applications on the move such as AR, VR and XR. With enterprises requiring performance, reliability and increased levels of security to transform their processes through digitalization and automation, 5G private networks, combined with edge computing, can deliver these assurances.
Demand for wireless in the enterprise is being driven by the appetite for mobility across industrial sites and campuses in numerous business vertical scenarios. As a result, focus on the use of 5G for private networks is seen as critical. For a 200-acre shipping port, or a large construction site, mobility solutions are essential to enhance operations and drive business development. Wearables, portable devices, handhelds and tablets augment worker’s abilities, provide access to essential real-time information and improve productivity. By moving beyond purely fixed access which does not support roaming, workers are empowered to achieve more whilst capacity increases.
Today, 5G private networks and their associated technologies—converged connectivity and next-generation devices—provide the foundation which allows enterprises to realize their digital transformation ambitions.
