Industry 4.0 involves a variety of technological developments coming together to enable a fundamental shift in how the manufacturing value chain is automated. It is shaped by design principles such as the interoperability and interconnection of cyber-physical systems; real-time capabilities for data capture and analysis; the ability to create virtual models of equipment and systems using sensor data; and the ability to support new business models1. The common thread that runs through all these is connectivity.
Choosing the right Industry Internet of Things (IIoT) connectivity partner is critical to the success of your business. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start. To help you navigate the process, we've identified the top 3 things you must look for in a reliable and effective IIoT partner. By leveraging the right partner, you can unlock the full potential of IIoT, optimize your operations, and stay ahead of the competition. Don't wait - start transforming your IIoT strategy today with the perfect connectivity partner.
OEMs need to work with a communications service provider (CSP) that can provide the following:
1) A comprehensive suite of communications technologies
As use cases increase, some of the communication technologies that are stepping up to meet varied IIoT needs include:
· 4G and 5G mobile cellular technologies
· Cat-M1, a low-power wide area network (LPWAN) cellular technology designed for IoT projects with low data upload speeds of 200-400 kbps
· Narrowband IoT, an LPWAN that can be deployed in the unused portion of the LTE band with good obstacle penetration and a much wider range compared with Cat-M1. Can be used only for stationary applications
· LoRaWAN, or Long-Range Wide Area Network. Shares many similarities with NB-IoT but uses unlicensed spectrum and consumes lesser power, making it significantly cheaper to deploy and operate
· eSIM and its software component eUICC (embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card), allow for the storage of multiple network profiles and enable these profiles to be provisioned and managed over the air
To lay a robust foundation for highly connected, next-generation IIoT solutions, companies must choose a CSP that can offer the full range of communication technologies to support the needs of different business segments and help the company expand its service offerings across various technologies.
2) Reliable connectivity with strong services and support
Reliable connectivity is the cornerstone of effective IIoT implementations. The stakes are much higher here than in consumer IoT since IIoT often supports mission-critical systems with significant safety, operational and financial implications.
The CSP must be able to support the management and monitoring of many devices and provide service assurance for early detection of anomalies and quick root cause analysis for events such as service degradation.
Leading CSPs will also provide value at various points in implementing IIoT solutions. For example, they will have ready-to-deploy IIoT solutions with automated cloud-based network and application management capabilities to support IIoT experimentation and pilots. They offer cloud-based platforms to enable ease of integration of various systems, provide interoperability and enable quick de-provisioning capabilities. And they have strong capabilities in cybersecurity to secure IIoT data, manage access controls, and detect suspicious activities in IIoT.
3) Strong presence across key markets
One of the biggest challenges companies face while implementing IIoT solutions across multiple markets, for example, across the Asia Pacific, is the technological and regulatory heterogeneity of the region. They have to deal with market-specific CSPs, domestic regulatory policies, and differing levels of technological maturity, making cross-border IIoT operations complex and expensive.
A CSP plugged into regional technology and communications ecosystems and has a strong presence across different key markets can bring significant value to a company planning to implement local and multi-region IIoT solutions. The CSP will be well-placed to help companies adopt a multi-domestic strategy, which presents a simplified model for rolling out connected devices across the region.
Under the multi-domestic approach, companies have one master agreement and country-specific addendums for supplemental contracts with local providers. This eliminates the need to contract with each country's mobile network operators and other service providers. Thus, it facilitates streamlined billing, service delivery and customer support. The CSP can also help the company to manage multi-regional regulatory complexities and technology imbalances.
Conclusion
The sheer breadth of IIoT application possibilities and the impact that these could have on the manufacturing sector means that robust and seamless industrial connectivity has become more critical than ever before. The right choice of CSP – one with a comprehensive technology portfolio, a proven track record in delivering reliable connectivity, and a strong presence in key markets - will thus be critical in helping companies to shape their IIoT strategy and scale their deployments across the region.
For deeper insights, download the full version of Frost & Sullivan's Guide to successful IIoT implementation in the Asia-Pacific.
Reference:
1. Frost & Sullivan, A Guide to Industrial OEMs for Successful IIoT Implementation in Asia-Pacific, 2023