New research shows what industry thinks of 5G technology

5G in manufacturing
5G in manufacturing

Research shows half of industry professionals are clearly positive about 5G in manufacturing and see it as a way to obtain universal connectivity.


HMS Networks, a leader in solutions for industrial communication and IIoT, surveyed 50 international industry professionals in spring 2019 to inquire about the positioning of wireless communication in their companies and to see how they are getting ready for the launch of 5G.

The whitepaper titled 5G: Is the Industry ready? presents the results of this study and provides insights into the current situation in the manufacturing industry in terms of 5G preparedness.

Key findings:


  • 54% of the interviewees indicated using wireless communication solutions for remote monitoring and remote operation of assets. 34% stated that their companies were using wireless communication for different kinds of IIoT

  • 48% were clearly positive about 5G in manufacturing – they mostly appreciated that the technology will replace cables, unreliable Wi-Fi, and the many industrial standards in use today

  • 58% of the respondents, the reliability and robustness of wireless systems plays a decisive role in whether to adopt 5G or not, and this was voiced equally by representatives of OT and IT. Low latency was mentioned as important by 26% of the interviewees

Read more: How will 5G impact the UK manufacturing industry?


The research provides an overview of the industry’s opinions towards 5G technology as an emerging trend and future standard in the manufacturing and industrial automation industry. It also touches on the use of wireless technologies in the industry today and future directions of this technology.

“The survey clearly showed that the industry is getting increasingly aware of 5G benefits for industrial communication. What the industry really needs is technical information and practical examples,” commented Marcela Alzin, program manager at HMS Labs, who conducted the research. “This is why I created a fictional model of a typical OT professional and his attitude towards 5G. This should help to better understand the situation on the market.”

HMS Networks www.hms-networks.com

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