IoT and 5G are changing the world

By 2025, there will be 5 billion cellular-connected devices, unlocking unprecedented potential. As 5G becomes a reality, coupled with artificial intelligence and edge computing, this means more than just a small leap in the efficiency of cellular technology. Ericsson examines the impact of this change in the study "Connected Industries - A guide to successful digital transformation for your enterprise."

change

Reinvent yourself to keep pace with digital competitors and win business. Being first to market with digital products can make a huge difference in gaining market share.

The vast amounts of customer information captured provide OEMs with insights they can use to improve products, get closer to customers, and maintain a competitive edge. In addition to regulatory compliance, especially in certain industries such as utilities and automotive, OEMs also need to meet ever-increasing safety and efficiency standards—and ensure that their products, services, and business processes meet these demands.

Business considerations

Use digitalization to increase productivity and minimize inefficiencies. Productivity and efficiency are the main drivers of most IoT projects today. For example, with smart meters, utility companies can save up to $200 per meter per service visit because technicians don’t have to be on-site to read or repair meters.

While digitalization helps companies streamline operations and face competitive cost pressures, information about how their products and services work and how customers use them can help improve service quality, active customer engagement, and personalization.

Sustainability

Reduce consumption and promote a smart and sustainable environment. More and more companies are committing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in response to the public's growing expectations on environmental and social issues.

For them, digital transformation plays an important role in taking social and ecological responsibility in addressing global challenges. In logistics, the Internet of Things is helping to reduce global food waste from farm to table by 30%, while in the automotive industry, connected safety cameras enable car manufacturers to reduce collisions by up to 20%.

Mercedes Benz Case

When Mercedes-Benz designed its new factory in Sindelfingen, the company wanted to replace its traditional assembly lines with automated driverless transport systems and increase the efficiency and flexibility of its production lines. To achieve these goals, Mercedes-Benz knew it had to introduce innovative technologies.

The car manufacturer has partnered with Telefónica Deutschland to build the world’s first 5G mobile network for automotive production. The solution is an Ericsson private network with 5G Radio Dot System, which enables high-performance coverage of 20,000 square meters within the business premises and will be expanded to every 220,000 square meter facility.

All production systems and machines in the newly built factory are connected and operated via a secure 5G network, which has gigabit data rates and extremely low latency when processing large amounts of data.