Unlocking Industry 4.0: Europe’s Largest Private Industrial 5G Network Deployment at Alcatel Submarine Networks
In the modern digital age of escalating automation, the communication needs of world appliance manufacturers have evolved to demand seamless connectivity, robust data transmission, and real-time collaboration. As manufacturing processes become increasingly automated and interconnected, the reliance on efficient communication networks has become paramount. Manufacturers require reliable and high-speed connectivity to support a myriad of applications, including real-time monitoring, remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and supply chain optimization.
Moreover, as the industry embraces Industry 4.0 principles, the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) further amplifies the demand for advanced communication solutions that can facilitate data-driven decision-making and drive operational excellence. In this dynamic landscape, appliance manufacturers are tasked with harnessing the power of connectivity to drive innovation, enhance productivity, and maintain a competitive edge in the global marketplace.
Company Overview
Founded in Türkiye in 1955, Arçelik stands as a global household appliances manufacturer with a rich legacy spanning over six decades. Employing over 40,000 individuals worldwide, the company operates subsidiaries in 52 countries, boasting 30 production facilities across 9 nations and offering a diverse portfolio of 12 brands. Arçelik’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement has cemented its position as a leader in the industry, continually striving to enhance manufacturing efficiency and drive operational excellence.
Organizational Needs
Arçelik embarked on a transformative journey to revolutionize its manufacturing operations through digitalization. Recognizing the need for advanced connectivity solutions to address operational challenges and unlock new opportunities, the company sought to deploy a robust private wireless network. However, the project encountered hurdles, including the absence of 5G infrastructure in Türkiye and operational disruptions caused by stray cats within manufacturing facilities.
Despite these challenges, Arçelik remained committed to its vision of leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, productivity, and safety across its global network of factories. With a clear goal in mind, the company collaborated with industry-leading partners to overcome obstacles and achieve its digital transformation objectives.
Key Use Cases
Expand AGV use and capabilities across all their facilities
Gain additional bandwidth for enhanced video analytics
Connectivity for Indoor and Outdoor Positioning systems and handheld mobile terminals
Future potential for Digital twins, Augmented Realty (AR) Remote support, and Site Surveillance
Technologies + Solutions Deployed
Teaming up with Nokia and Türk Telekom, Arçelik initiated the deployment of Türkiye’s pioneering private cellular network, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digitalization journey. Leveraging Nokia’s state-of-the-art Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) solution, the industrial-grade 5G-ready private wireless network was implemented at Arçelik’s Çayırova-based washing machine manufacturing facility.
The Nokia DAC platform provided Arçelik with a comprehensive suite of capabilities, including reliable high-bandwidth connectivity, low-latency communication, and local edge computing. With Türk Telekom’s support in providing LTE spectrum and managing the project’s end-to-end execution, Arçelik was well-equipped to accelerate its digital transformation initiatives and embrace the era of Industry 4.0.
Nokia Digital Automation Cloud:
Nokia’s Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) shines as a pioneer in industrial connectivity, offering versatile 4G and 5G support for 4.9G applications in industrial IoT. With its seamless wireless networking and edge computing prowess, DAC is reshaping operational efficiency across sectors. Explore how Nokia DAC drives manufacturing, transportation, energy, and more into a new era of connectivity, agility, and productivity.
Benefits and Results Experienced
The deployment of the private wireless network yielded tangible benefits for Arçelik, driving significant improvements in operational efficiency and performance. With pervasive coverage and enhanced connectivity, the network facilitated real-time asset tracking, enabling precise indoor positioning and seamless coordination of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) throughout the manufacturing facility.
Arçelik witnessed a remarkable 25% improvement in AGV cycle time, translating into increased throughput and reduced production lead times. Furthermore, the network empowered Arçelik to explore a myriad of innovative use cases, ranging from augmented reality applications to video analytics for safety and security. As a result, the company identified over 30 potential use cases, poised to drive productivity, efficiency, and safety across its manufacturing operations.
The successful implementation of the private wireless network underscored Arçelik’s commitment to innovation and technological leadership, setting a benchmark for manufacturing digitalization in Türkiye and beyond. By embracing cutting-edge solutions and fostering collaboration with industry partners, Arçelik remains at the forefront of driving operational excellence and delivering value to its stakeholders.
““At the beginning, we thought we needed 5G capabilities for implementing the use cases we had in mind. But then we found we could start with a 5G-ready network and go ahead with what is effectively 4.9G – and this would allow us to implement whatever we wanted to implement.”” Pinar Kose Kulacz, Director of Innovation at Arçelik
Concluding Notes About Arçelik
As Arçelik continues its digital transformation journey, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to leveraging technology to shape the future of manufacturing. With the successful deployment of Türkiye’s first private cellular network, Arçelik has laid a strong foundation for realizing its vision of a connected, intelligent, and agile manufacturing ecosystem. Moving forward, Arçelik will continue to explore new opportunities, drive innovation, and enhance its competitive edge in the dynamic landscape of the global appliance industry.
References
- https://www.rcrwireless.com/20210615/5g/arcelik-recruits-nokia-turk-telekom-for-turkey-first-private-5g/amp
- https://www.nokia.com/thought-leadership/articles/customer-success-stories/arcelik/
- https://www.telecoms.com/5g-6g/nokia-and-t-rk-telekom-make-private-ar-elik-network#close-modal
Photo Credits
- https://www.arcelikglobal.com/en/company/about-us/locations/
Notes About Deploying NDAC Solutions
While our Infinity Technology Solutions team was not involved in this project, our expertise in deploying Nokia’s Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) solutions positions us as a trusted partner for manufacturing clients and third-party service providers seeking to harness the transformative power of private wireless networks.
With a proven track record and deep domain knowledge, Infinity stands ready to assist manufacturing businesses in deploying cutting-edge connectivity solutions to unlock their full potential in the digital age.
About Infinity Technology Solutions
Infinity Technology Solutions specializes in broadband and critical communications infrastructure development. We help our channel partners create and deploy private wireless, microwave backhaul, IP/MPLS, and optical networking technologies.
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