Location? That really would be Tallinn
A private 5G network is the perfect chrysalis for factories to undergo metamorphosis and there is a prime example in the Baltics right now, according to Swedish equipment maker Ericsson and mobile operator Telia, who have unveiled Ericsson Private 5G. The exclusive network went live on 2 May 2023 at Ericsson’s supply site in Tallinn in neighbouring Estonia, hopefully bringing in a new era of productivity, finesse and sustainability as the crucible for the ingenious factory. The new environment for manufacturing 4.0 is provided by the unique conditions of a 5G Private Network (5G PN).
Reliability, predictable latency, security and speed create the perfect conditions for productivity, while the 5G PN supports variety of use cases. Asset condition monitoring and management and computer vision all help the project manager. Meanwhile, the creatives who may be charged with modifying proceeds as production evolves will benefit from the extra options afforded them by digital twins, collaborative robotics and new features like 5G precise indoor positioning.
That last development in the Ericsson and Telia collaboration could have a significant impact, both locally and globally, on the Tallinn Supply Site and its contribution to Estonia’s export market. The supply site in Tallinn plays a central role in Ericsson’s global supply chain footprint, accounting for nearly half of the company’s New Product Introductions (NPIs). These NPIs involve extensive research and development to keep products relevant, compete and expand at will, all of which are essential to the successful ramp-up of new products. The use of Ericsson 5G PN cuts the dependency on wires dramatically, which in turn unleashed the layout and design artists, which mobilises the automated guided vehicles (AGVs).
The 5G PN is actually a hubris 4G and 5G hybrid whose connectivity is in the gift of its single server dual mode core. Built for business operations, the system is pre-integrated to jump to attention and instantly produce the latest intelligent operations in any environment.
Andre Visse, CTO of Telia Estonia, has been working with Ericsson for decades as each generation of mobile networks has emerged in Estonia, “from the very first 1G.” Contributing to the first 5G private networks gave him insight into what advantages and opportunities today’s technology can offer businesses and customers in order to digitise their processes even smarter, more efficiently and more securely. “They contain Industry 4.0 solutions and help us to create a sustainable future,” said Visse.
Building Private 5G at Ericsson’s supply site is testament to its commitment to connected manufacturing and emerging data-driven technologies, said Sirli Männiksaar, Country Manager of Ericsson Estonia.
The new network is already having an impact at the supply site by improving the monitoring and management of all devices in a defined area. This gives better coverage with less infrastructure and sets up seamless connectivity through wireless sensors on the shop floor.
Around €8.3 billion will have been spent by 2026 on Private LTE/5G says IDC Research, so the Ericsson-Telia partnership needs to be sharp. By showcasing their 5G private network technology, the duo are also creating ample opportunities to test new use cases and expedite industry-wide adoption. Implementing this technology in a real-world scenario provides valuable practical insights on how to best implement and use 5G private networks.