5G and logistics: technology benefits for the sector
The arrival of 5G technology promises to revolutionize telecommunications, providing high data traffic with high speed, great coverage and low battery consumption. And logistics is one of the sectors that could most benefit from advances in this technology.
The combination of the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G networks will positively impact the Brazilian logistics sector. One of the points raised by specialists is the improvement in the tracking and flow of goods.
What is the difference between 4G and 5G?
It is easier to understand the benefits of this technology when we compare 5G with 4G. The main technical improvements cover three levels:
- Higher speed : In theory, the 4G networks of mobile operators can reach a speed of one gigabit per second (1 Gbps). However, in practice, this does not happen. With 5G, the expectation is to reach the maximum speed, twenty times greater, reaching 20 Gbps.
- Lower latency : The goal is to achieve a latency (minimum time between stimulus and network response) of just 1 millisecond with 5G. Networks with 4G technology have, on average, latency of 50 milliseconds.
- Greater energy efficiency : 5G networks will have energy efficiency 90% higher than the fourth generation, which should make the Internet of Things fully operational, as batteries in various equipment cannot be replaced or recharged frequently.
Benefits of 5G in logistics
These 5G characteristics can revolutionize several segments, opening new business opportunities in different areas. After all, this technology was developed to meet the significant increase in data shared worldwide and support a greater number of simultaneous users.
In Logistics, everything should be easier and faster. In warehouses, for example, the Internet of Things will make a considerable leap forward. RFID tags, optical readers, temperature sensors, cameras, stacker cranes, and other equipment can be controlled with maximum efficiency.
5G should replace wifi, guaranteeing full signal inside the Distribution Center, with robust and high-speed data traffic. Combining the use of other tools, such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and the WMS, we will be able to have, in the future, storage units working practically alone, with a margin of operational errors close to zero and high speed in everyday tasks.
In view of this, we will list below the main benefits of combining 5G and IoT in logistics :
- Greater stock control : possibility of using radio frequency identification (RFID) of goods without suffering signal interference;
- Security for delivery times : with 5G, loads and vehicles can be tracked in real time, which facilitates the flow and tracking of goods;
- Minimization of problems : with the continuous observation of vehicles and machines, it is possible to identify mechanical failures before problems occur;
- Expansion in monitoring : with the greater connectivity provided by 5G, more vehicles, devices and equipment can be on the same network. This helps to improve the monitoring of processes and contributes to making intelligent decisions;
- Wireless connections : with 5G, the need to use cables and wires to connect equipment is reduced;
- Greater stability : 5G technology promotes greater connection stability in existing processes, without external interference.
5G in Brazil
According to the Federal Government, the search for 5G solutions should move 101 billion reais in Brazil over the next 10 years. The consulting firm International Data Corporation (IDC Brasil) believes that this technology could generate investments of US$25.5 billion by 2025.
5G arrived in Brazil in July 2022 and so far 487 cities have already had the 5G network activated. According to ANATEL (National Telecommunications Agency), the expectation is that by the end of the first half of 2023, 1,610 cities will have the release to deploy 5G.
However, it is important to emphasize that the release by ANATEL does not mean that the 5G network will be installed immediately in these municipalities, as this depends on the planning of the telephone operators for the installation of antennas and equipment.