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With the evolution of alarm management technology, keeping up is challenging. Even then, what to choose, when one option looks just as promising as another?
Manufacturers are optimistic about digital transformation progress. One might say most manufacturers have control over their digital transformation process. But this is the issue: with all emerging technologies, you can’t sit still.
According to data from a smart industry survey, manufacturers show a positive outlook on digital transformation (63%), with the majority feeling they’re at least on par with peers (39%) or slightly ahead (24%). David Pfeifer, Head of Solutions for the DACH region at Ascom, guides us through some industry trends to assess their current state.
Is it time to get mobilized?
At this moment, it’s all about the mobilization of everything and integrating different technologies. So, 5G, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), and LoRa (Long Range), are all completely different, each with certain benefits and drawbacks. With mobile data traffic, expected to be almost 330 exabytes per month by 2028 (Statista), more than three times the volume consumed in 2022, one cannot argue that the adoption of 5G won’t make a significant impact.
For example, with 5G there are issues with cyberattacks because the 5G NR standard doesn’t have end-to-end encryption. While BLE cannot be used for long-distance wireless communications. And LoRa technology generally only supports one-way communication. Combining these technologies in the most appropriate way for your business, that’s where the real magic happens.
Should you be doing more with 5G?
When 5G launched in 2019, it was all talk without much action. By 2022, one-tenth of global connections used 5G. And it’s predicted that we should have 100 percent 5G connectivity by 2030. Today, numerous use cases demonstrate its real-time monitoring, enhanced connectivity, and support for advanced devices.
The big thing about 5G is that it empowers the so-called fourth industrial revolution. Enabling self-driving cars, smarter cities, more connected devices, remote surgeries, better AR/VR experiences, faster internet, and reliable communication. These will all directly or indirectly impact alarm management.
For me, it’s not about having the latest thing, it’s about having the right thing.
Where are you with AI?
According to a study by Deloitte, 93 percent of companies believe AI will be a pivotal technology to drive growth and innovation in the sector. We already see that 90 percent of the manufacturers utilize some form of AI in their operations. However, 38 percent report they feel behind their peers in implementation. And 91 percent of AI projects failed to meet their expectations. In other words: a lot is happening, but we’re not there yet.
AI is set to revolutionize alarm management, much like it has in other industries. While not all benefits are clear yet, some are obvious. AI is about ease of use. AI is super simple; you don’t need to be a tech expert or specialist in the field to benefit. AI will help organizations make more efficient decisions by evaluating vast amounts of data and being flexible and unbound by rigid rules.
AI can easily filter false alarms, improve predictive maintenance, speed up response times, and assist with customization. It seems that most companies are already convinced about the power of AI. According to a recent Forbes survey, over half the respondents were already using AI tools for cybersecurity and fraud management.
So, what’s the conclusion?
For me, it’s not about having the latest thing, it’s about having the right thing. Make a wish list for your ideal situation. Forget about limitations. Your ideal world is the best starting point. In many cases, with some clever additions and aggregations, customers reach or come very close to their overall alarm management goals.
Ascom, a global solutions provider, has over 50 years of expertise in alarm management, driving innovation and setting industry standards.
