Ericsson’s Private 5G solutions empower warehouses with resilient connectivity, enhancing automation, asset tracking, and operational efficiency.
As warehouses and logistics centres face mounting pressure to improve efficiency and reduce costs, connectivity has become essential for operational success.
Ericsson provides Private 5G solutions that address key challenges in these environments, including network reliability, automation, and asset tracking.
“The desire to automate manual, repetitive, and labour-intensive tasks prompts many smart warehouses and distribution centres to deploy innovative technologies,” says Ian Ross, Head of Private Cellular Networks ANZ for Enterprise Wireless Solutions at Ericsson.
“Private networks provide seamless integration for PDAs, tablets and mobile scanner devices.
“These tools are instrumental in tasks like goods handling, inventory management through barcode scanning, and optimising processes like order processing and real-time reporting.
“Operations teams are also looking toward Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation and robotics, that can further speed up fulfillment with precision.”
Traditional Wi-Fi networks often struggle in large warehouses due to coverage limitations and interference. CJ Logistics and Toyota Material Handling have both seen increases in productivity by replacing their Wi-Fi network with private networks as phase one of their private networks rollouts, that included connecting mobile scanner devices and communications technology. Consistent indoor and outdoor coverage with fewer access points than Wi-Fi is simplifying network infrastructure and reducing costs.
This technology enables real-time communication for devices and applications, which is essential, as facilities scale and digital transformation accelerates.
“Ericsson Private 5G, which is a converged 4G/5G private cellular solution, offers flexible deployment models and best-in-class coverage, mobility, security, and latency necessary for robotics and automated machinery,” says Ian.
Automation technologies, such as robotics and autonomous vehicles, are increasingly used to enhance efficiency and reduce reliance on manual labour.
Ericsson’s Private 5G networks offer the low-latency, high-reliability connectivity required for these systems to operate effectively.
This capability supports applications such as robotic picking, inventory cycle counting, and autonomous material handling, enabling warehouses to optimise operations and reduce errors.
“Robotics and automation systems often have requirements in terms of minimum throughput, latency targets, packet loss targets and even packet sequencing,” says Ian.
“In a warehousing context, these systems require connectivity across the footprint of the warehouse and at all levels – from the ceiling to the floor.
“5G brings the ability to set and deliver these targets to the different applications that use them, while allowing different types of traffic to co-exist on the one network without impacting or interfering with each other.”
Tracking inventory and equipment in real-time is a common challenge for warehouses. Ericsson’s Private 5G solution uses Ericsson’s Radio Dot System to provide precise location tracking, offering high levels of accuracy.
With visibility into the location of assets and materials, managers can make data-driven decisions to improve workflow efficiency and prevent losses.
“We also find that 5G systems are more adept at providing stable, consistent connectivity through warehousing and logistics environments, with facilities often able to service a substantially reduced number of radios than other technologies, reducing capital costs, wiring, and maintenance needs,” Ian explains.
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Ensuring network resilience
Reliability is critical for logistics operations, which often depend on uninterrupted connectivity.
Ericsson’s Private 5G networks remain operational even if the connection to cloud management is disrupted, maintaining device connectivity and local workload access.
This resilience minimises the risk of downtime and protects operations from external network failures, such as fibre cuts or public network outages.
Warehouses are adopting IoT technologies, which subsequently drives the need for networks that can handle high volumes of connected devices.
Ericsson’s solution can support up to 20,000 devices and cover over 1million m2 of indoor floorspace (plus outdoors), providing the scalability needed for large facilities.
“Ericsson Private 5G is designed to accommodate a large fleet of workers, robots, machines, and sensors – deployed as part of an IIoT strategy – through a single, site-wide communications infrastructure,” says Ian.
“The advanced traffic management features of Ericsson Private 5G can enforce minimum network performance targets and priorities to different applications, ensuring that operationally, critical applications receive priority access to network resources to less important applications.”
A cloud-managed approach simplifies network operations, enabling facilities to scale without requiring specialised technical expertise, automating orchestration and lifecycle management to keep operational complexity low.
“Enterprises don’t need an entire staff of deep cellular expertise to operate networks based on Ericsson Private 5G. Existing technical staff with existing skillsets can largely be leveraged,” says Ian.
“They are provided local administration interfaces to manage day-to-day operations such as moves, adds, and changes, but the cloud-management allows advanced operational capabilities to be delivered by remote systems and remote expert teams working in collaboration.”
IoT connectivity also supports predictive maintenance by collecting real-time data from equipment sensors, allowing warehouse operators to identify potential issues before they lead to breakdowns, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Ericsson’s high-speed, low-latency 5G networks ensure that data from sensors and monitoring devices is transmitted quickly, enabling timely analysis and intervention.
With the rise of connected devices, security is a growing concern in warehousing and logistics.
Ericsson incorporates advanced encryption and zero-trust connectivity to safeguard data and prevent unauthorised access.
The private 5G network’s segmentation capabilities also ensure that critical systems remain isolated, reducing the risk of disruptions caused by cyberattacks.
With private 5G solutions, warehouses and logistics facilities can effectively address critical challenges, from network reliability to automation and asset management.
By providing a scalable and resilient platform, the technology enables operators to optimise workflows and meet the demands of modern supply chains.
As logistics operations continue to evolve, Ericsson’s connectivity solutions are likely to play a key role in enabling the next generation of warehousing and distribution.
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