Research
Interviews
Copywriting
Private 5G is fundamentally changing manufacturing environments, enabling real-time analytics, hyper automation, AR/VR capabilities, and seamless collaboration across facilities. As connected worker technologies become more prevalent, manufacturers are not only optimizing operations—they're also revolutionizing how they develop and retain talent.
Article: Connected workers, competitive advantage: Private 5G transforms manufacturing's talent equation
Connected workers, competitive advantage: Private 5G transforms manufacturing's talent equation
The manufacturing paradox
The manufacturing industry faces a significant global talent challenge. In the US alone, about 26 percent of the manufacturing workforce is over 55,[1] illustrating the demographic headwinds many countries confront as experienced workers approach retirement. This accelerates the need for digitally skilled, analytical, and collaborative professionals.
However, the sector still struggles with a perception problem. Too often, professionals at all career stages view the industry as outdated, not recognizing how digital transformation has revolutionized modern manufacturing. Bridging this gap requires a two-pronged approach: showcasing these technological advances to attract new talent while simultaneously providing existing workers with the tools and training they need to thrive in increasingly connected environments.
By demonstrating the industry's digital transformation and making these advances accessible to all workers—from recent graduates to veteran employees—the manufacturing sector can build a stronger, more adaptable workforce.
Modern manufacturing capabilities remain invisible
While many of today's manufacturing facilities are making significant strides in their digital transformation journeys—leveraging connected sensors, computer vision, machine learning, and digital twins to optimize operations—potential workers often don't see this progress. Instead, they still envision traditional factory work as dirty, boring, and not intellectually engaging—especially compared to other professions where digital technologies are more visibly employed. This perception gap obscures the highly technical and intellectually engaging careers that are increasingly available in modern manufacturing environments.
The disconnect between perception and reality becomes clear when comparing modern manufacturing roles with other industries. While tech companies highlight their collaborative tools, real-time data dashboards, and mobile-first workflows, manufacturing facilities often undersell similar capabilities they've already implemented. Workers across all generations increasingly expect digital tools that enable them to access information instantly, collaborate with colleagues efficiently, and see the direct impact of their contributions—expectations that modern manufacturing can meet through connected technologies.
This perception gap has real consequences. Manufacturing needs both fresh perspectives from new professionals and the deep expertise of experienced workers. By investing in comprehensive workforce development—from recruiting programs to continuous learning initiatives—companies can ensure they have the diverse expertise needed to implement advanced technologies, improve efficiency, and remain competitive.
What modern manufacturers need to achieve
Today's manufacturers are pursuing three critical objectives that require robust digital infrastructure:
Enhance worker productivity
Manufacturers must equip workers with task-specific digital instructions on devices, ensuring precision, accuracy and consistency at every step. With real-time access to product quality data, workers can spot and resolve issues instantly, while benefitting from individual performance feedback that helps them refine their skills and optimize their workflow.
Improve worker safety
Modern safety relies on environmental sensors that detect harmful gases, excessive noise, and extreme temperatures—triggering alerts whenever limits are exceeded. Wearable devices monitor vital signs, such as heart rate, fatigue, and posture, warning workers of potential health risks. Location tracking via precise positioning or RFID tags enables faster emergency response, particularly in hazardous areas. Meanwhile AI-powered systems identify potential safety hazards in real-time and computer vision detects improper PPE use or unsafe behaviors, allowing timely intervention.
Drive data-driven decision making
Continuous data collection from machines and systems enables manufacturers to analyze performance, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions. Advanced analytics can leverage Industrial IoT data to automate certain decision-making processes, like adjusting production speeds based on real-time conditions. This requires robust wireless connectivity that can handle massive data flows while maintaining reliability and security.
Turning these goals into reality requires next-generation tools now transforming the manufacturing floor.
AR-guided workflows cut troubleshooting time and democratize expertise
At Ericsson’s factory in Tallinn, Estonia, AR-guided workflows overlay visual instructions directly onto equipment, eliminating up to 50 percent of troubleshooting time typically spent in manuals. Rather than replacing workers, AR creates a level playing field—enabling employees at any stage of their career to handle complex tasks confidently. Experienced workers can share their knowledge through AR systems, while those newer to the role can access that expertise instantly [2].
Real-time performance feedback creates engagement and accountability
Connected sensors and dashboards provide immediate visibility into how individual actions affect production quality, efficiency, and machine performance. Manufacturing facilities implementing these systems have demonstrated up to 25 percent efficiency gains compared to manual tracking methods [2]. When workers see how their decisions impact outcomes, it builds both confidence and ownership.
AI-powered safety systems demonstrate intelligent work environments
Connected safety systems monitor environmental conditions like air quality, temperature, and noise levels. Wearable devices track workers' vital signs and ergonomic risks for proactive intervention. Computer vision detects unsafe behaviors and triggers automatic alerts, as demonstrated in Ericsson’s SDG Tower safety enhancements.
These systems protect people while demonstrating that modern factories operate on intelligent, data-driven safeguards. This creates exactly the kind of technology-rich environment that appeals to skilled professionals seeking meaningful careers.
Remote collaboration bridges expertise gaps
High-resolution video and AR tools enable on-site workers to collaborate with remote experts in real-time for troubleshooting complex equipment issues. At Ericsson's USA 5G Smart Factory in Texas, these capabilities reduced travel costs by 40–50 percent and improved maintenance efficiency by 10 percent [3]. This benefits workers at all levels—experienced technicians can share expertise without constant travel, while team members on-site gain confidence through real-time support.
Workforce development through immersive training
VR simulations benefit the entire workforce by allowing practice of complex procedures in safe, controlled environments. Experienced workers can refresh skills or learn new equipment without production downtime, while those new to specific roles can build confidence before working with actual machinery. For example, Hyperbat leveraged 5G and VR technology to accelerate vehicle battery design processes, demonstrating how immersive technologies transform both training and product development across all skill levels. Digital twin technology enables any worker to troubleshoot scenarios and test solutions virtually, reducing training time while improving safety outcomes.
Private 5G as the foundation for connected manufacturing
While many facilities have adopted advanced tools, existing networks often struggle to support the mobility of connected workers. Legacy wired and fragmented wireless systems limit flexibility, create operational bottlenecks, and prevent real-time access to critical data—slowing processes and reducing workforce efficiency.
Private 5G overcomes connectivity barriers by delivering high-performance wireless networks designed for industrial scale. Industry research indicates that a typical smart factory requires roughly one connected device every two square meters. In large manufacturing facilities, this can mean tens of thousands of devices operating simultaneously, generating massive streams of sensor data, video feeds, and worker communications that demand a robust, reliable network [2].
Built to support this density, private 5G ensures consistent performance, low latency, and enterprise-grade security based on 3GPP standards. This foundation enables transformative use cases—from AR-guided maintenance to AI-powered safety systems and real-time collaboration tools.
The deployment of private 5G varies depending on the facility. Established factories often modernize existing systems, while new sites can be designed with connectivity at the core. Both approaches—brownfield and greenfield—demonstrate how private 5G empowers the workforce and unlocks the next era of manufacturing.
Brownfield modernization empowers the entire workforce
Private 5G transforms existing factories by enabling guided assembly and AR-supported workflows, helping all workers adapt quickly to new processes. These digital systems capture and share institutional knowledge of experienced workers, making expertise visible and actionable across entire team. Rather than replacing people, the technology amplifies human capabilities—making every worker more effective regardless of their tenure.
Greenfield facilities showcase manufacturing's technological evolution
In new facilities designed with private 5G from the ground up, connectivity drives every process, creating a dynamic environment for a diverse workforce. Experienced operators, process engineers, and tech specialists can seamlessly collaborate with automated systems, from guided vehicles to energy monitoring tools. These modern setups highlight the sophistication of today’s manufacturing careers, offering opportunities for professionals at every stage to innovate, optimize and excel.
Building the connectivity foundation for manufacturing's future
Private 5G provides more than just reliable connectivity—it creates an environment where all workers can excel. By building workplaces that value both technological innovation and human expertise, manufacturers can close the perception gap while improving safety, efficiency, and quality of service.
As manufacturers modernize operations, this connectivity foundation becomes increasingly critical. Private 5G doesn't just support better manufacturing—it enables work experiences that engage and empower every member of the workforce, from apprentices to master technicians, ensuring manufacturing excellence for generations to come.
References:
[1] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Employed Persons by Detailed Industry and Age, 2024 Annual Averages," Current Population Survey, Household Data Annual Averages, table 18b, accessed September 15, 2025, https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat18b.htm.