A digital revolution is underway Latin America after deploying the region’s first private 5G standalone network with a 100% local network architecture, operating completely separately from the public mobile network.
As a collaboration between Nestle, ericsson and the communications service providers Claro and Embratel, this state-of-the-art solution is also a world first for Nestle. It signals the transition from an automated to an autonomous factory – a transformation that aligns with the company’s Industry 4.0 ambitions.
The Ericsson Private 5G solution enables fast data processing – network data transfer speeds are up to 25 times faster than 4G – and is particularly suitable for supporting mission-critical applications that require ultra-fast response times in the millisecond range.
The consistently high data volumes and low latency of 5G will significantly transform Nestlé’s industrial environment by changing the way it works – further building on the company’s focus on smart factories and improving productivity, efficiency and safety in the workplace. The project uses frequencies licensed from Claro for experimental use.
In recent years, Nestlé has embraced emerging technologies such as robotics, automation, artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML), virtual reality and self-driving vehicle (AGV) operations. With the 5G standalone private network, the entire digital ecosystem becomes even more reliable and comprehensive, enabling new innovative use cases. This new solution serves as an example for other manufacturers who want to tackle the digital transformation of the smart factory.
The private and closed cellular network will also strengthen network security as sensitive data stays exclusively on the factory local network.
Marcelo Melchior, CEO of Nestlé Brazil, says: “Nestle’s nationwide operation will be a reference in an unprecedented project where it will be possible to realize the benefits of 5G for Industry 4.0. With our partners who have believed in this pioneering project from the start, we will continue to optimize operations to achieve key productivity and efficiency metrics for the industry. This is another step in the innovation and digital transformation journey that Nestle is driving in the country, particularly at our Cacapava factory, which is known for developing new technologies that will later be implemented in other industrial units of the company.’
Gustavo Mura, Manager, Digital Transformation for Operations Program, Nestle Brazil, says: “Private 5G networks offer a new reality for the industry. For us, the benefits include changing and simplifying the physical environment of the factory and being able to connect a large number of devices to the same network. The first to implement this solution in Latin America is an exciting growth opportunity.’
Rodrigo DienstmannPresident for the southern cone of Latin America, ericsson, says: “This new solution meets the new challenges and needs of the industry by helping them to rapidly advance their digital transformation. from the outset, Ericsson’s The 5G private network solution is designed to allow businesses to manage their networks and integrate with operator management systems. The solution is highly resilient to intrusion and attacks, ensuring critical business operations meet the most stringent security requirements. It also provides reliable and complete coverage of the entire site, both internally and externally, which simplifies management while allowing complete control over network-connected devices at no additional cost per gigabyte of data.’
Jose Formoso, CEO of Embratel, says: “5G offers new opportunities for innovation and is a crucial component of Industry 4.0 as it provides the right infrastructure, support, stability and latency. 5G enables the next level of digitalization by building an autonomous factory and will significantly benefit Nestle’s digital investments as it increases the operational efficiency of the manufacturing unit. In addition, new, highly innovative applications can be implemented. The installed ecosystem is fully integrated into Nestle’s operations, allowing the factory to make the most of its created value chain.’
Rodrigo Modesto Duclos, Director of Innovation & Digital, says: “Claro and Embratel believe that collaboration is the best way to create solutions and ventures that have a large, positive impact on business and society. We created our innovation hub beOn Claro to enable interaction and dialogue with other players in the open innovation community. The goal is to generate hardware and software-based ventures that solve problems in innovative and efficient ways. All of this uses Claro’s assets such as technology, infrastructure and talent to accelerate and grow new businesses in different sectors. The partnership with Nestle is instrumental in driving practical Industry 4.0 applications forward.’
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