Heavy industrial sectors like mining, forestry, construction, transportation, and manufacturing are on the verge of a major transformation. These industries face increasing challenges, such as stricter worksite safety requirements, the need to minimize downtime, and a shrinking workforce. Consequently, there's a pressing need for digital transformation that connects people, data, and equipment.
Reliable connectivity is becoming crucial for these industrial worksites, enabling Industry 4.0 solutions like predictive maintenance, telematics, remote control, and autonomous operations. With various connectivity options available—ranging from 5G cellular and the Internet of Things (IoT) to Satellite Communications (SatCom)—choosing the right solutions for heavy Industry 4.0 operations can be complex.
Key Trends in Heavy Industry
To better understand the ongoing dynamics of heavy industrial markets, ABI Research has identified the following digital transformation trends:
- Hazardous Worksites: The United Nations (UN) estimates that occupational accidents account for 2.78 million deaths each year. Manufacturing, construction, transportation, and mining operations are the most at risk of work-related safety incidents.
- Operational Complexity: Heavy industries feature a mix of machines, contractors, materials, and several activities running simultaneously. To simplify operations, industrial firms are increasingly requiring robust communication devices, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, telematics, and automation processes.
- Environmental Impact: Roughly one-third of global carbon emissions stem from heavy industry, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF). Therefore, the decarbonization tactics of these industries will be essential for a more sustainable future.
- Labor Shortage: The labor force is less inclined to enter heavy industries than in the past, presenting major recruitment challenges for organizations. To alleviate the effect of a tight labor squeeze, heavy industry must automate more processes.
- Satellite Connectivity: To make digital transformation possible, industrial firms require a reliable, cost-effective connectivity solution. Satellite Communications (SatCom) emerges as a highly flexible connectivity option that provides nearly global coverage, which is vital for remote industrial worksites. It’s also been found that the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for satellite connectivity is, on average, 62% less than that of a private cellular network deployment.
Get More Insight In Our Webinar
ABI Research and Intelsat invite you to a live webinar on July 2 to learn more about:
- Key challenges facing heavy industry
- Industry 4.0 use cases that improve operational performance & reduce TCO
- Comparing connectivity solutions
- Satellite-enabled mobile connectivity applications in heavy industry
- Machinery-as-a-Service solution and more
- Fireside chat with Intelsat mobility fleet connectivity expert
Register for this webinar today!
