Lunch & Learn: Connected Manufacturing Event – 24th February

Competitiveness is everything to manufacturers and future gains in efficiency, profitability and sustainability will be achieved through digital transformation and the use of next-generation connectivity.

This week we held our first Lunch & Learn event – hosted by Tom Marchbanks, Business Engagement Manager for S5GConnect Forth Valley. Discussing 5G and its capabilities, with a specific focus on connected manufacturing, the speakers highlighted the transformative impact which advanced connectivity can have for businesses.

S5GConnect Forth Valley is set to open for business shortly, offering a range of services including exclusive access to an Ericsson private 5G network and the opportunity to develop and test 5G new applications and services. While available to businesses of all sectors and sizes, S5GConnect Forth Valley will specifically explore how 5G can support businesses in transport and logistics, industry and environmental monitoring and the manufacturing sector.

Peter Marshall, Global Strategic Marketing Director at Ericsson presented on the industry 4.0 transformation with private cellular technology, highlighting the quantum shift from 4G to 5G and the advanced capability and adaptability which 5G supports.

Using the findings of a recent Ericsson survey, Peter showcased the benefits of 5G to the manufacturing industry – 86% of those surveyed believe that smart factory initiatives will be necessary to drive competitiveness in the next 5 years as applications such as autonomous robots, real-time automation, augmented reality and digital twin and enhanced video services begin to take off.

Crispin Moller, 5G Project Lead Account Manager at UK5G showcased the latest 5G campaigns and projects across the UK in a number of sectors including health and social care, creative media, mobility and supply chain diversification. UK5G is an impartial innovation network that exists to accelerate the adoption of 5G across the UK, aiming to manage information about 5G activities and support learning of its capabilities. With an advisory board, 8 active working groups and 5000+ registered users, UK5G is supporting the development of a 5G ecosystem.

The virtual event hosted more than 50 attendees over the lunch-time session, with a Q&A at the end.

For those who weren’t able to attend or those who want to watch the event again, you can watch the event recording here.

Speaker’s slides are available here.