There are many reasons for manufacturers to consider deploying wireless technologies and applications inside and outside the plant. Vendors tout everything from improved productivity, to cost savings, to real-time visibility into processes.
But there is a lot to consider before taking the plunge.
First, there’s the network infrastructure. Do you need a sensor-based mesh network, RFID, WiFi, WiMax, or simply cellular? Depending upon which wireless route you take, network access points may need to be installed and managed. And the IT department must select and manage the hardware, in the form of user devices, such as industrial computers and handheld smart phones. But that’s not all.
The wireless applications must also be selected or developed and deployed. And, when it comes to applications, there are plenty of options from which to choose. If the problem you’re trying to solve involves accessing information in the plant, automation software vendors such as Wonderware (an Invensys Operations Management company), Emerson Process Management, and Honeywell Process Solutions can get you started by helping to set up the wireless infrastructure and, in some cases, providing the handheld devices through partners such as Motorola and Intermec.
If, however, the problem is outside the plant — for example, in the sales department — there are vendors with very specific wireless customer relationship management (CRM) applications and/or middleware. They are proficient at training your team in how to move back-end applications out to a mobile workforce. Among those vendors are Maximizer Software, SAP and its partner Syclo LLC, and Sybase.
And, when it comes to managing it all, there are specialty vendors for that, too, including Psion Teklogix, Rivermine, and Sybase.
That’s a wide array of choices, indeed. Fortunately for manufacturers that may not want to become experts in wireless technologies themselves, telecommunications carriers such as AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon have begun to bundle wireless services and applications, with the help of partners.
“In the last 18 months, we’ve shifted away from just selling a solution to becoming an enabler and a partner with multiple developers” to add value for the customer, says Charnsin Tulyasathien, Sprint’s Mobile Business Solutions group manager.
For example, Sprint’s customers are asking for help in setting up wireless data networks for in-building communications, as well as building out mobile applications that will take advantage of the airwaves. Sprint partners with companies such as IBM, Microsoft, Nortel, and Cisco to deliver such offerings as voice-over-IP and managed services that enable unified communications.
Similarly, AT&T’s mobile platform strategy encompasses its wireless third-generation (3G) data network and mobile middleware, as well as about 100 applications, developed on its own or with partners, that deliver industry-specific solutions for the industrial, automotive, aerospace, and petrochemical segments, among others. For example, in a production environment, AT&T’s cellular 3G coverage, at speeds of about 3.6Mbps, can be used to build a wireless LAN that supports in-building unified voice communications and data applications, including asset management; maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) management; and workforce management.