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How SD-WAN Enables Internet of Things in Manufacturing

According to a recent report, there will soon be over 35 million IoT devices installed worldwide. But what does this have to do with the manufacturing industry? Similar reports estimate that companies could be investing as much as $15 trillion into IoT by 2025, and smart factories may be worth up to $500 billion by 2022. Given such trends, many organizations are switching over to production lines that incorporate IoT devices and other technologies. One of the most effective ways of incorporating and managing IoT devices is by using SD-WAN. SD-WAN seamlessly incorporates IoT devices into your network and allows them to support several aspects of the manufacturing process.

SD-WAN Is Critical to Enabling IoT

Adding IoT and other edge-computing devices to your production line makes your network a critical component for productivity. SD-WAN uses software to configure, manage, and optimize your network, ensuring the most efficient use of bandwidth and data paths. Centralized control makes it easier and more cost-efficient to manage and operate devices at every location.

In addition to providing solutions for the overall design of your manufacturing infrastructure, SD-WAN specifically addresses some of the essential needs for the manufacturing industry:

  • SD-WAN can establish improved connectivity regardless of location or purpose. This benefits not only the internal workings of a manufacturing plant but also external elements, like your supply chain and product distribution.
  • Network visibility. When using IoT devices and other edge technologies, one thing the network administrator needs is visibility. That way, they are able to monitor all devices for endpoint security and respond promptly to risks. They can anticipate operational failures and minimize downtime.
  • Real-time access. The combination of centralized control and a reliable network means that data is received in real-time. This is critical because IoT devices need to be able to send and receive data to operate productively.
  • Cloud services. SD-WAN’s software-defined approach enables it to mesh seamlessly with cloud-based applications while maintaining security.

SD-WAN Helps Improve Manufacturing

Traditional WAN is very costly and time-consuming to expand. But SD-WAN’s virtual network can be deployed to scale with less time and investment. Adding on and configuring new devices and applications can be done easily from a centralized point, and your production line will be more adaptable and responsive. SD-WAN also makes production scheduling, inventory tracking, management of clients, sales and invoicing, and shipping and delivery services easier.

Enable IoT With SD-WAN

Integrating IoT devices into your organization’s infrastructure requires dependable and efficient connectivity. Managed SD-WAN provides agile solutions at scale, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. As the use of IoT devices increases exponentially, Managed SD-WAN has the ability to streamline your network so you can manage, operate, and expand your production line to meet the needs of the future.

Not all SD-WAN is created equal, so make sure you do your homework before choosing the SD-WAN solution that’s right for your organization. Understand the differences in this blog and the advantages of SD-WAN by downloading this whitepaper

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