5G-OT Alliance Brings 5G/LTE to OT Environments

Industry leaders have come together to establish the 5G Operational Technology Alliance (5G-OT Alliance), a unique initiative led by network owners with the goal of enhancing the integration of private 5G and LTE networks within operational technology (OT) settings. This approach places decision-making power in the hands of network owners, promoting impartial knowledge sharing and collaborative innovation. The primary objective of the Alliance is to accelerate the adoption of private 5G and LTE networks in OT environments, inspiring and shaping the future of OT by maximizing the capabilities of 5G to revolutionize industries and create smarter, more efficient, and secure global operations.

Looking ahead, the 5G-OT Alliance envisions that private 5G and LTE networks will transform industrial operations by enabling real-time data usage for automation and faster decision-making, ultimately increasing efficiency. Enhanced security measures will protect crucial systems, while intelligent connectivity will optimize resource usage and pave the way for sustainable practices. The Alliance aims to unlock the full potential of private 5G through best practices and concrete use cases, fostering smarter, more efficient, and secure industries worldwide.

Tripp Winkler, Executive Director of the 5G-OT Alliance, emphasizes the importance of practical, real-world use cases in accelerating the adoption of private 5G. By bringing together network owners to share knowledge and drive innovation, the Alliance ensures that private 5G solutions are tailored to the specific needs of industrial operations. This member-led focus is seen as key to the success of the Alliance in promoting the adoption of private 5G networks.

Private 5G and LTE networks are essential for supporting the automation, real-time data analysis, and interconnected systems promised by Industry 4.0. These networks provide the low latency, high bandwidth, and secure communications necessary for advanced industrial applications. The 5G-OT Alliance facilitates collaboration among network owners on private 5G and LTE deployments, addressing Industry 4.0 challenges and opportunities by focusing on practical use cases, sharing best practices, and ensuring operator-led governance.

Michael Krumay, Head of Technics at Hamburger Containerboard, highlights the significance of private 5G in unlocking new levels of connectivity and automation in operational processes. He acknowledges the crucial role that the 5G-OT Alliance will play in driving innovation and ensuring seamless integration of 5G technologies, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and technological advancement in industrial operations.