Collaborative Technological Process Planning with 5G Mobile Networks and Digital Tools: Manufacturing Environments' Perspective

Abstract

Technological process planning (TPP) requires an adaptation to the newest industrial trends, such as virtual reality (VR), mobile communication networks (e.g. Fifth Generation (5G) networks), Internet of Things (IoT), etc., to satisfy the frequently changing product demands in different manufacturing environments. TPP also uses the best practices, knowledge of experts and various digital tools (DTs), which have been implemented as software or hardware digital solutions, helping to achieve the anticipated production aims in the digital era. The DTs have been developed in parallel to the latest industrial trends. This paper presents the general notion of a collaborative technological process planning approach (CTPPA), taking into account the capabilities of the latest developments in mobile communication techniques such as 5G mobile networks. It also discusses the levels of communication within a manufacturing environment and several scenarios of the CTPPA, by considering TPP performance. Finally, it presents how the new 5G technology and new DTs can enhance TPP in the near future. It also demonstrates how faster data transfer can change the functionalities of existing DTs and redefine TPP methodologies.