In the dynamic landscape of digital transformation, consultancy firms like Capgemini play a pivotal role in guiding enterprises towards innovative technological solutions. Capgemini’s recent blog post on implementing private 5G for airport operations in Norway, in collaboration with airport operator Avinor and a local mobile operator, sheds light on valuable lessons learned during the process. This project emphasized the importance of a meticulously set up 5G network for managing autonomous guided vehicles (AGV) used for tarmac inspections. As enterprises consider similar ventures, the insights offered by Capgemini can serve as a crucial guide to navigate the intricacies of private 5G deployment, ensuring efficiency and seamless operations.
Fredrik Valo, director of telecom, media, and technology at Capgemini Invent, highlights the vital role of system integration in reaping the benefits of private 5G. His commentary underscores that while public 4G/5G networks might seem comparable, private 5G significantly outshines these options in terms of performance and meeting specific requirements. Despite the technicalities of the Avinor trials, Valo extends his insights to the broader picture, detailing how businesses can swiftly and effectively adopt private 5G to drive digital transformation. According to him, the answer to whether 5G holds relevance for modern enterprises is an unequivocal “yes,” with notable operational and financial benefits. From aviation to offshore safety and AI implementation in manufacturing, private 5G often fills the crucial gap in the journey towards full digitalization.
1. Aim for Quick Wins
One of the key takeaways from Capgemini’s 5G workbook is the emphasis on setting clear objectives and understanding the prerequisites needed to progress through each phase of a project. Valo stresses the importance of avoiding the trap of getting bogged down by a myriad of use cases and technicalities that can paralyze an organization. Instead, he advises identifying the most promising potential applications quickly, narrowing down the scope of what to test, and proving value early in the process. This approach ensures that once the value is demonstrated for one use case, the project can be scaled efficiently, transforming future phases into priority exercises rather than repetitive proofs of concept.
This methodology is critical in maintaining momentum and ensuring that the organization doesn’t lose sight of its goals amidst the complexity of technical requirements. By focusing on quick wins, businesses can not only validate their investments but also foster confidence in the new technology across the organization. The ability to demonstrate tangible benefits early on can pave the way for smoother transitions and greater buy-in from stakeholders, ultimately leading to successful implementation and greater overall impact.
2. Look for Assistance
Capgemini underscores the significance of leveraging existing knowledge and experiences when embarking on a private 5G project. Valo recounts how Capgemini facilitated a visit to its Paris 5G lab for the project team, providing invaluable hands-on experience with network setup and use cases. This initiative allowed the team to engage directly with industry experts, gain insights into common challenges, and explore potential solutions. Such engagements can accelerate the learning curve and enhance the team’s understanding of the technology’s complexities and applications.
Additionally, reaching out to other companies within the same or similar industries can yield further insights and shared experiences. This collaborative approach allows organizations to learn from each other’s successes and pitfalls, adopting best practices that have been tested in real-world scenarios. The collective wisdom gained from such interactions can significantly streamline the implementation process, reduce pitfalls, and enhance the overall efficiency of the project. Thus, seeking assistance and fostering a network of shared knowledge is a strategic move that can greatly benefit enterprises venturing into private 5G territory.
3. Concentrate on Fundamentals
While private 5G networks offer a plethora of advanced capabilities, focusing on fundamental applications can yield substantial benefits with minimal effort. Valo points out that basic improvements, such as replacing old wired connections with 5G, can drive significant efficiencies. In the context of airport operations, for example, substituting outdated wired connections for sensors, cameras, and technical equipment with 5G can save considerable time and money, eliminating the need for extensive cabling installations. These fundamental changes, although seemingly simple, can provide immediate, tangible benefits.
Moreover, embracing private 5G for basic functions helps build a solid foundation for more complex use cases in the future. Once the fundamental infrastructure is in place and operational efficiencies are realized, enterprises can gradually expand to more advanced applications such as predictive maintenance, digital twins, and AI implementations. This staged approach allows organizations to manage the transition effectively, ensuring that each step is fully optimized before moving onto more sophisticated integrations. Thus, concentrating on fundamentals is a pragmatic strategy that can lay the groundwork for future innovation and expansion.
4. Focus on Smaller Tasks
In the evolving realm of digital transformation, consultancy firms like Capgemini play a key role in steering businesses towards innovative tech solutions. Capgemini’s recent blog post discusses implementing private 5G for airport operations in Norway, in collaboration with airport operator Avinor and a local mobile operator, sharing valuable lessons from the project. This initiative highlighted the critical role of a well-established 5G network in managing autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) used for tarmac inspections. Capgemini’s insights can guide enterprises considering similar ventures in navigating the complexities of private 5G deployment, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
Fredrik Valo, director of telecom, media, and technology at Capgemini Invent, stresses the importance of system integration in maximizing private 5G benefits. He notes that although public 4G/5G networks may appear similar, private 5G excels in performance and meeting specific needs. Drawing from the Avinor trials, Valo expands his insights, showing how businesses can quickly adopt private 5G for digital transformation. He affirms that private 5G is crucial for modern enterprises, offering significant operational and financial advantages. Whether in aviation, offshore safety, or AI in manufacturing, private 5G is vital for achieving full digitalization.
