What’s holding manufacturers back from IoT?

The benefits of IoT in manufacturing are well established. The insights from connected devices can improve everything from energy efficiency to inventory management. For example, IoT-enabled sensors can reduce unplanned downtime by constantly monitoring machine health. However, in many cases, the use of IoT is still undeveloped or isolated to specific areas of the business.

Understanding the hold-up

One of the main reasons for this is network capability. 4G and Wi-Fi networks can struggle to support the volume of connected devices that smart factories need. This high device density causes congestion, a major challenge as delays in data transmission make it hard to react quickly enough to reap the benefits of real-time insights. For manufacturers relying on precision and low-latency responses, such as in robotics or automated quality control, these limitations present a serious obstacle.

Security is also a contributing factor. Despite the productivity benefits that IoT can bring, each connected device represents a potential vulnerability to cyberattacks. For manufacturers with legacy systems or limited in-house IT expertise, maintaining visibility and control over a growing network of endpoints can be daunting. For many, maintaining regulatory compliance over a large, distributed network can feel unmanageable.

Enter 5G

5G connectivity could be the answer to many of these concerns. Unlike previous generations of mobile technology, 5G was developed with enterprise and industrial use cases in mind. Its key features — ultra-low latency, high reliability and the ability to support massive numbers of devices simultaneously — directly address the limitations of current networks.

With latency as low as one millisecond, 5G enables real-time control of machines, allowing for more responsive automation. It also opens the door to advanced technologies such as collaborative robotics (cobots) and predictive maintenance systems. 5G’s high bandwidth and support for high device density mean that hundreds or even thousands of sensors and machines can operate on a single network, making it scalable without compromising performance.

Crucially, 5G also offers built-in security features such as enhanced encryption, mutual authentication and network slicing, which allows manufacturers to segment network traffic by application or department, for example. With private 5G networks, businesses can retain tighter control over their infrastructure and data, reducing the risk of cyberattacks and ensuring compliance with industry standards such as ISO 27001.

Taking the next step

Despite 5G’s potential, some manufacturers remain uncertain about how to apply it effectively within their operations. Questions about cost, compatibility with existing systems and regulatory compliance can delay decision-making, particularly if internal knowledge about the technology is limited. The key is to start small, identifying a clear use case such as asset tracking or condition monitoring and build from there.

Working with a knowledgeable and trusted connectivity partner is also crucial. The right provider can help manufacturers navigate the technical and operational complexities of adopting 5G by providing managed services and helping to integrate new infrastructure with existing systems.

As the manufacturing sector continues to shift toward digital-enabled operations, 5G will be critical in allowing the industrial IoT to reach its full potential. It reduces many of the long-standing constraints that have held back IoT adoption and opens the door to smarter, more responsive operations. Manufacturers that embrace this evolution now will not only improve efficiency but also position themselves at the forefront of industrial innovation.

Crystaline is a managed IT service provider, offering hands-on support and guidance at every step of the technology rollout. To find out how we can help your business to unlock the benefits of IoT with 5G connectivity, please get in touch.