Integrating Wireless Solutions in Automated Processes

• Fear of change from implementing new technology can prevent industrial operators from integrating wireless solutions into existing industrial processes
• Integrating wireless solutions into industrial automation processes and manufacturing has been around for decades – it’s nothing new!
• Improvement in technology have brought more reliability and security to IIoT integrated automation processes

The common reasons why companies still use wired solutions rather than wireless solutions fall into two broad categories. The first category is one of apprehension. There’s a fear of change, a fear of stepping into the unknown, a concern that the transition will be complex. The second category is about the technology. There’s a concern that the wireless technology is not good enough. The latency too high, bandwidth too low, or the connection is not stable or secure. Both concerns are understandable as to why companies may be hesitant with integrating wireless solutions into their automated processes.

It’s Important to Consider Constraints and Benefits of Wireless and Cellular Standards When Integrating Wireless Solutions

Hesitance to Change Current Automated Processes

The fear of change makes sense, a common mindset in the industry is “if it’s working don’t break it.” This mindset is understandable as caution is fundamental in industrial applications. We want to ensure safety and prevent downtime. But the transition from cables to wireless does not need to be complex and wireless solutions are already in use. It’s not a step into the unknown. There are companies, such as Anybus, with years of experience who can help with the transition. 

Concern that Wireless and Cellular Standards Don’t Meet the Requirements 

This concern is getting less valid with every wireless advancement. The key thing is to establish your requirements and then look at the options, including the wireless and cellular standards. If stability is key, the amount of data is low, and no internet connection is required, then Bluetooth is a good choice. If you need an internet connection but with low bandwidth, low cost, and low power then a cellular connection using Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) standards is an excellent choice.

New Technologies Improve Integrating Wireless Solutions into Existing Automated Processes

If you want low latency, high bandwidth, and high security then the newer wireless solutions may meet your needs, and this is where wireless solutions will be a key driver over the next few years. The advancements of 5G compared to 4G and Wi-Fi 6, compared to Wi-Fi 4 and 5, enable more industrial applications to cut the cables and install a wireless solution as the wireless technology can meet more technical requirements. This means that more industrial applications can take advantage of the benefits of wireless solutions which we outlined above such as automation, flexibility, and remote management.