As manufacturing environments increase in complexity, scheduling systems must be able to respond dynamically to unexpected changes and disruptions such as equipment downtime due to a component failure or a manpower shortage. Improvements in production scheduling can directly impact operational performance in the form of increased throughput or more efficient machine utilization rates.

Digital manufacturing greatly benefits from the use of data from various points on the factory floor. When aggregated, data can be utilized for a broad range of use cases such as identifying improvement opportunities. Traditionally, these data streams have been sent securely and with high integrity via hardwire in the factory. As the digital transformation advances, the use of sensors and other data sources will be relied upon at an increasing rate. Connecting with data sources via hardwire is no longer resource-effective and new wireless protocols must be adopted. The manufacturing industry needs guidance on wireless solutions that allow flexibility, mobility, and security.