Wireless in Discrete Manufacturing:“Ahead” or Different?

Harry ForbesSenior Analyst

ARC Advisory GroupHForbes@ARCweb.com

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Commercial Wireless Technologies

Up to50 km

100 m

10 m

<1 m

WAN

MAN

LAN

PAN

Low Data Rate High Data Rate

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Initially networked via cradles Ruggedized equipment Windows/Windows Mobile

are platform standards Convergence with voice using

converged devices But what are the differences?

Mobility Support

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Differences in Perspective: Wireless in Process vs. Discrete

Question Discrete Manufacturing Answer

Process Manufacturing Answer

Low-Hanging Fruit? Mobility, Tracking Wireless Process Sensing

Scale-up issue? Provide Common Services Provide Physical Coverage

Voice convergence need? Carrier Cellular Private Network

Real-time Location Value?

Asset tracking, Supply Chain Visibility

Personnel Safety, Material tracking