Smart Industries

Technology has always played a part in industrial development. Now, innovations in cloud computing, data analytics, blockchain, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) are driving the latest generation of manufacturing. Also known as Industry 4.0, smart industry draws on real-time data insights combined with integrated IT and operational technology (OT) systems to drive efficiency, resilience, and flexibility in manufacturing.

Data lies at the heart of smart industry, making the industrial IoT's role pivotal. Manufacturers gain real-time insight into their operations by collecting and analyzing data from sensors across manufacturing and industrial sites. These sensors can collect data such as vibration or temperature, capture and analyze images, or detect the location of moving items. And by integrating IT systems, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) with OT systems, manufacturers can act on this data in real-time.

Benefits include identifying when equipment needs maintenance, undertaking AI-based quality control on production lines, and retooling machines in real-time to personalize products based on changing customer requirements. These benefits can extend beyond a single factory and company. By integrating data with the wider supply chain, companies can predict demand, switch suppliers during disruption and ensure product traceability from raw materials to the finished product.

The network plays a crucial role in collecting and processing data, both inside and outside of the smart factory. Factories and industrial facilities are often challenging environments for networks. They can be in remote locations, and the significant presence of metal structures can make optimizing wireless networks difficult. Factories will typically use multiple networks for different requirements, including 5G, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, IP VPNs, LTE, LoRAWAN, satellite, and industrial networks like Modbus, Serial, DeviceNet, Profibus, Fieldbus.

Security is a prime consideration for smart industry, with cybercriminals targeting smart facilities for extortion, espionage, and disruption. These attacks can come from either IT or OT systems because of the increased integration. Securing this converged environment requires segmentation of systems and collaboration between IT and OT teams.

Orange offers a wide range of devices and equipment suitable for smart industry deployment. Check out our catalogue for more information. Want to know more about smart industry? Read our FAQ.