The Rise of Real-Time Process Automation

The next major leap in enterprise IT isn’t about faster transactions or more detailed reports; it’s about real-world, real-time applications. The potential benefits in this space are immense, rivaling the cumulative impact of all IT investments since the 1950s. But enterprises won’t dive in headfirst. They’ll adopt a phased approach, starting with areas closest to their existing capabilities: process automation.

Real-time process control and edge computing are already commonplace in industries like manufacturing, warehousing, energy, and utilities. These environments leverage IoT devices and localized computing systems to automate operations. Traditionally, this has relied on wired connections or Wi-Fi. While effective, wired connections limit mobility, and Wi-Fi struggles with range, reliability, and security at scale. Private wireless networks, initially gaining traction before the advent of 5G, now offer a compelling alternative.

Today, a growing number of businesses believe private 6G will have a greater impact on their operations than public 6G services. This is because their immediate focus is on extending existing process automation initiatives, effectively expanding the definition of “local” networking. Private wireless provides the ability to connect both stationary and mobile assets over greater distances, with enhanced reliability and security. Nearly a third of organizations heavily invested in process automation are already deploying or testing private wireless solutions, with the majority focused on 5G.

Empowering the Roving Workforce

Beyond process automation, another critical driver is the need to connect and empower field technicians. Industries like utilities and oil & gas rely on skilled specialists to maintain and repair complex infrastructure. These technicians are increasingly equipped with laptops, tablets, and smartphones containing vital plant information. A 5G-FWA infrastructure, evolving towards 6G, can provide these devices with the high-speed, low-latency connectivity needed for tasks like real-time video streaming and remote control of systems.

A strategically placed tower can often cover multiple sites, significantly reducing infrastructure costs. This same network can simultaneously support real-time process control, creating a unified and versatile communication platform. The ability to deliver high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity to remote locations is transforming how these industries operate.

But what are the implications for latency and security when integrating private networks with public services? Once committed to private 5G/6G, seamless integration with public wireless networks becomes possible, leveraging features like network slicing and latency management. While continental-scale real-time applications remain challenging, the inherently local nature of most control systems makes this a viable approach. For example, coordinating just-in-time delivery of components between factories within the same city is a realistic application.

These two application areas – process automation and roving tech – are also fueling the growth of industrial AI. The recent partnership between Nvidia and Dassault Systems, aimed at creating a platform for industrial AI development, underscores the importance of this convergence. This represents a progression from office-centric automation to distributed process automation, and ultimately, to empowering both technical workers and, potentially, consumers.

The potential benefits are staggering, representing a multi-billion dollar opportunity. These technologies aren’t just a bridge to the future; they’re a catalyst for a new era of innovation. What new applications will emerge as private 5G and 6G become more widespread? And how will these networks reshape the competitive landscape across various industries?

Frequently Asked Questions About Private 5G and 6G

• What is the primary benefit of private 5G for industrial applications?

  Private 5G offers enhanced reliability, security, and lower latency compared to traditional Wi-Fi or public networks, making it ideal for critical industrial processes and real-time control systems.

• How does private 6G differ from private 5G?

  While building upon the foundation of 5G, private 6G promises even lower latency, higher bandwidth, and improved support for advanced applications like AI and machine learning at the edge.

• What is Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and how does it relate to private 5G?

  FWA is a common deployment model for private 5G, utilizing a single antenna to provide broadband connectivity to fixed locations over a significant distance, often up to a mile or more.

• Can private 5G/6G networks integrate with public wireless networks?

  Yes, integration is possible and often desirable, leveraging features like network slicing and latency management to extend the benefits of private networks while utilizing the broader coverage of public networks.

• What industries are most likely to benefit from private 5G/6G?

  Industries with demanding connectivity requirements, such as manufacturing, energy, utilities, transportation, and healthcare, are poised to see the greatest benefits from private 5G/6G deployments.