Connected, smarter, faster: What every manufacturer wants to know about private 5G

Many modern factories are a far cry from their predecessors. Gone are the choking fumes, the oil-stained overalls and the ear-splitting clamor. These facilities are quiet, exceptionally efficient and almost eat-off-the-floor clean.

But progress is always a balancing act. As factories become more digitalized, their dynamics become more complex. They still weigh efficiency against flexibility and cost against output, but they must also juggle reliability and the ability to access the network from anywhere. This demands a new way of thinking, especially as manufacturing operations become more predictable, self-optimizing and autonomous.

At the heart of this exciting shift is private 5G. With its promise of high speed, low latency and adaptive, scalable connectivity, it lays the perfect foundation for smarter and faster manufacturing.

Even if there are plenty of questions — as with the deployment of any new technology — it’s clear that the future of manufacturing has never looked more connected or full of promise.

Let’s explore some of the questions that every manufacturer is asking.

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How much does it cost to adopt private 5G?

Cost is a common concern — and for good reason. Deploying any new technology at scale often requires significant capex investment. Beyond that, you need to understand the ripple effects across your operations, employees and, most importantly, output. Will your investment yield a measurable, significant ROI?

For manufacturers, this question isn’t a barrier. It’s part of due diligence and making sure the leap forward is both strategic and sustainable.

How complex is it to integrate private 5G into my existing operations?

Complexity is another valid concern. You don’t deploy a new system at the flip of a switch. There are legacy processes, systems and technologies to consider. Will the deployment cause downtime or production disruptions?

While it’s important that private 5G delivers on its promise to manufacturers, equally important is that it fits seamlessly into what already exists.

How do I manage high data volumes and device density with private 5G?

In modern factories, every machine, sensor and robot generates data, often in real time and at a massive scale. Data needs to move fast and reliably when all these devices connect at once. Older technologies often struggle to keep up with the sheer number of simultaneous connections and data flows. So, connectivity needs to scale seamlessly as the number of connected devices and the volume of data they produce continue to grow.

How can I guarantee reliable, low-latency connectivity on the factory floor?

In manufacturing, critical applications such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) — specialized computers that control and monitor industrial equipment and processes — depend on near-instant responsiveness to operate safely and effectively.

Even the slightest network delay can disrupt both operations and productivity. Physical structures such as walls and metal fixtures on the factory floor, along with interference from other technologies such as Wi-Fi, can slow wireless signals down. Manufacturers therefore need to create a network environment where their critical systems can perform reliably and consistently.  

Do I have the in-house expertise to deploy and operate private 5G networks

Private 5G isn’t plug-and-play. It needs the right people with the right knowledge to deploy and run the network without glitches. A lack of specialized IT and telecom expertise can make deployment complex and costly — especially if teams are already stretched thin managing existing systems.

So, how do you access the right skills? Is it through training, hiring or partnering with experienced providers that can bridge the gap?

A private 5G partnership provides the answers

Opening the door to private 5G can transform manufacturing operations. Its ultrafast, low-latency connectivity holds the key — and with the right partner at your side, you can unlock its full potential.

As a global leader in private 5G, IoT and edge-computing integration, NTT DATA can help you realize private 5G’s promise of connected, intelligent and adaptive facilities that operate efficiently and reliably. Our Private 5G solution addresses many of the concerns raised above and delivers measurable results.

We offer private 5G as a service

Delivered as part of a full network-as-a-service model, our solution covers everything from design and deployment to ongoing management. This approach closes the skills gap, keeps performance reliable — even during power outages — and shifts what would be heavy upfront capex line item into a predictable opex model.

We simplify integration and operations

Our solution is designed to work with what you already have. It plugs into your existing local area network (LAN) infrastructure, incorporating your current IT and security policies, so there’s no need to reinvent the wheel completely.

With zero-touch provisioning for access points, the network configures itself, cutting down on cabling needs, complexity and delays. And by using your enterprise Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol for device allocation, each connected asset remains visible and reachable.

We offer performance and reliability you can trust

We know every second counts on a factory floor. That's why our solution is built for ultra-reliable, low-latency communication that keeps critical systems running without interruption. Through advanced techniques such as network slicing and virtual LAN segmentation, traffic can be separated and prioritized so that essential applications like PLCs always get the bandwidth and responsiveness they need.

This isn’t just theory. In a live pilot at a pharmaceutical facility, we demonstrated consistent low latency of below 100 milliseconds for manufacturing-critical PLC traffic, even under heavy network loads.

We build in security from the start

Our private 5G solution is secure by design, with protection built directly into the network. Data in transit is safeguarded with enterprise-grade encryption, and device identities are kept private to prevent exposure. With network slicing, traffic can be segmented and isolated — critical applications run in their own protected lanes.

Our solution also supports zero trust strategies, integrating with enterprise tools such as Cisco Identity Services Engine and HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass Policy Monitor for automated access control and consistent policy enforcement. And, because the 5G core is deployed on-premises and behind your firewall, your data never leaves your site.

Wherever you are, we’re there

NTT DATA operates in more than 100 countries, bringing both global scale and local knowledge to every project. We’ve built partnerships that make it easier for you to access the spectrum you need to run private 5G networks, no matter where you’re located. Our access points are designed to work across a range of frequencies, which means your network is supported almost anywhere in the world.

With NTT DATA, a connected factory is a reality

Manufacturing is entering a new era defined by agility, intelligence and always-on connectivity. Private 5G isn’t another network upgrade; it’s the foundation for faster, smarter, more resilient factories.

At NTT DATA, we have the deep expertise and experience to cut through the complexity. With private 5G, the factory of the future is here — and we’re ready to build it with you.

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