2021

Tech in Industry Report

5G
Executive Summary

Is Your Factory 5G Ready?

by
Patricia A. Chatman. Ph.D.
Download PDFBack to Chapter

Introduction & Summary

Industry 4.0 has proven that better connectivity leads to greater productivity, and 5G, the fifth generation of wireless technology, is the enabler that will truly transform global production systems.

Summary

Industry 4.0 has proven that better connectivity leads to greater productivity, and 5G, the fifth generation of wireless technology, is the enabler that will truly transform global production systems. Since 1979, wireless telephone communication has evolved from the first generation of analog technology to the fifth. 5G wireless technology pledges to provide end-users faster data rates, higher connection density, lower latency levels, energy savings, and more. 5G has the potential to deliver transparent communication throughout a product's lifecycle across processes and assets between goods and services, production systems, logistics, and people.Despite 5G’s revolutionizing promise, small and medium-sized manufacturers have yet to realize maximum levels of connectivity.

Patricia A. Chatman, Ph.D.
Patricia A. Chatman, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Business, Entrepreneurship and Professional Development, Henry Ford Community College

Dr. Patricia Chatman brings over 30 years of workforce and professional development, training and development, entrepreneurship, grant writing/management, and college-level teaching to the position of Dean of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development. As Dean, Dr. Chatman is oversees Workforce and Professional Development, CIS, Cisco, and Cybersecurity, Business/Economics, Culinary Arts + Hospitality Management, Advanced Manufacturing, Trade and Apprenticeship Education, Automotive Technology and ASSET, and Building Sciences (Construction Trades) departments. Pat previously taught at University of Phoenix (Southfield, MI), and currently at Oakland University (Rochester Hills, MI) and Henry Ford College (Dearborn, MI). Dr. Chatman earned a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University in 2014. She holds an MSA degree from Central Michigan University at Mt. Pleasant and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources with a specialization in Training and Development from Oakland University (Rochester Hills, MI). Before coming to HFC, Patricia served as Director of Employment and Training, Detroit Career Center at Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit and President and Owner of Choices Supported Employment.