Artificial intelligence (AI) technology advancements are driving escalating adoption rates across a wide swath of industries. Apple has even incorporated AI intelligence into their new iPhone, iPad, and Mac products. In fact, it’s now estimated that the top 2000 global organizations will spend more than 40 percent of their core IT budget on AI-related initiatives by 2025.

The AI revolution is certain to drive substantial innovations, fundamentally changing the way businesses operate. How can savvy enterprises make the most of this digital transformation to drive profitability?

AI Opportunity

In large part, the appeal of AI technology stems from the potential for significant process improvements leading to efficiency gains and data insights. Generative AI, machine learning (ML) models, digital twins, and other intelligent tools make workflows more efficient and sustainable. Business applications leveraging AI algorithms range from Industry 4.0 automation, supply chain logistics, and predictive maintenance, to cybersecurity enhancements, improved worker safety, optimized customer service, and streamlined HR recruitment.

Moreover, AI-driven data analytics offer the capability to accurately and efficiently analyze large data sets from across the organization. This intelligence enables enterprises to quickly gain valuable business insights and interpret trends for more informed decision-making — from manufacturing and transportation, to hospitality, retail, and beyond. With AI-powered data analytics, businesses also can reduce costly downtime, improve quality control, forecast demand, increase energy efficiency, optimize processes, and build a more resilient supply chain.

Access Everywhere

To successfully employ AI technology, business leaders need company-wide data collection and reliable, end-to-end network integration of tools and applications in the cloud. The advancement of private 5G greatly facilitates this integration. With faster data speeds and high reliability, private 5G offers a superior alternative to Wi-Fi networks, which are prone to interference and security breaches, leaving too much to chance.

Private 5G network deployment provides dedicated bandwidth, scalable capacity, and reliable security, delivering pervasive mobile and internet of things (IoT) connectivity that extends across the manufacturing floor, throughout buildings, and campus-wide. Private 5G networks offer an ideal opportunity for manufacturers to build out connectivity tailored to their specific needs affordably, particularly when using the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum. With high accuracy and ultra-low latency, private 5G empowers innovative, automated AI applications and mission-critical use cases for improved productivity, streamlined operations, and enhanced profitability.

For example, 5G-equipped autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) using AI-enabled image recognition can identify objects and safely navigate across the factory floor, improving logistics and material handling. Harnessing the power of AI and data analytics, an organization can deploy an entire AMR fleet to efficiently control the flow of materials throughout their facility. This type of AI-powered technology also lends itself to more challenging activities, such as those taking place in hazardous environments.

Mission-Critical Connectivity

To ensure safe and effective use of AI everywhere, robust mobile connectivity is vital. Imagine, if you will, what would happen if your AMR fleet or environmental monitoring systems suddenly lose connectivity due to unreliable Wi-Fi or spotty coverage from nearby mobile networks. This not only could potentially endanger workers, but also would result in missed deadlines and lost profits.

Today’s manufacturers, enterprises, retailers, and other organizations need reliable connectivity everywhere in order to leverage the latest intelligent technologies, data analytics, smart automation, and 24×7 visibility in their operations. By deploying a neutral host SOLiD ALLIANCE 5G Distributed Antenna System (DAS) solution, they can achieve seamless in-building coverage that supports private 5G / LTE networks, as well as commercial cellular that works with all the major mobile service provider frequencies. With a scalable architecture, SOLiD’s DAS solutions offer maximum flexibility for easy upgrades and long-term value, built on a history of reliable, sustainable solutions.

Inflection Point

AI technology growth and evolution is reshaping the way we do business by increasing overall efficiency, enhancing decision-making, and vastly improving both productivity and profitability. Reliable, ubiquitous in-building mobile connectivity is key to enabling this future vision, and SOLiD is paving the way to true digital transformation, delivering the most efficient, sustainable, cutting-edge technologies. To learn more, visit: https://solid.com/us/industries/manufacturing.