UC Advanced - issue #9

Q Are factories fully connected now? Matthieu Bourguignon

such as Flowlio. This approach is proven to connect the workforce, and suppliers to meet customer demands.” Q Are there any challenges with communications technology inhibiting productivity? Don Valentine “The adoption of any ERP solutions, including SAP, requires effective change management to navigate potential challenges in communication technology that may inhibit productivity. Engaging stakeholders at all levels of the organisation and clearly articulating the advantages and objectives of SAP solution adoption are crucial steps in cultivating support and minimising resistance, particularly in the face of technological hurdles. “Maintaining a schedule of regular updates and fostering open communication channels becomes even more vital in addressing any communication-related concerns that may arise, ensuring that productivity remains unhindered during the transition.” Katie Fradley “Technology underpins change and if it is not implemented in the correct way, there will undoubtedly be issues that impact productivity. We have seen many technology projects fail due to poorly procured solutions and inadequately planned and executed projects. “Technology is only as good as those who use it. It is, therefore, crucial when delivering projects that solutions are tested, people are trained, and there are the support and tools required for a successful implementation. If any of these are lacking, there will be an impact on productivity, quality, and the customer experience, resulting in reputational damage and an increase in business risk.”

“No, and there is a long way to go. We believe that an approach needs to be taken that uses a combination of technology, from Campus 5G through to Passive Optical LAN, that can work together seamlessly to support the applications needed to make the shop floor autonomous. “There are concrete examples of implementing Industry 4.0 in Alcatel Submarine Networks in France or Lufthansa in Germany. Technology provides genuine support to workers (like remote maintenance) and efficiency to certain processes, such as real- time video monitoring of activity. Don Valentine “In the context of factory connectivity, one of the key challenges encountered is integrating SAP S/4HANA with pre-existing legacy systems. Numerous manufacturing enterprises have long relied on legacy systems for an extended period, highlighting the importance of achieving seamless integration. “To address this challenge and move towards full factory connectivity, businesses can choose a phased implementation strategy. This involves gradually migrating to SAP S/4HANA by breaking the process into smaller, more manageable phases, such as data cleansing and system compatibility assessments. “This approach allows companies to maintain their day-to-day operations while reducing disruption and ensuring a seamless transfer of data and processes towards achieving full connectivity within the factory environment” Katie Fradley “I would say they are becoming increasingly more connected through the use of data analytics and AI, robotics, cloud-based platforms and the integration of supply chains. The growth of technology and the pace of change have undoubtedly enabled factories to become leaner and more connected across their productivity and supply chains. “However, there are variables that can influence the level of connectivity, such as the size of a business, the product offering and the maturity of business processes. When developing a business and delivering change, it is especially important to have a skilled workforce that can deliver this change using fast and efficient project management tools,

The collaboration between manufacturers, the service providers who own spectrum, and the vendors who drive innovation will help deliver the factories of the future.

Matthieu Bourguignon Senior Vice President, Network Infrastructure

Matthieu Bourguignon “The biggest challenges in telecoms are always the speed of adoption and

interoperability between vendors. At Nokia, we have always prided ourselves on our openness and willingness to cooperate with others, and this can be seen in our latest innovations, such as Network as Code, where we invite developers to utilise the APIs in a network. “The collaboration between manufacturers, the service providers who own spectrum, and the vendors who drive innovation will help deliver the factories of the future.”

nokia.com

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