Total Access Communication (DTAC) Plc, the country's third largest mobile operator by subscriber base, has collaborated with the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (Nectec) and auto parts maker Daisin to develop a smart factory prototype capitalising on 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) technology.
The Federation of Thai Industries indicated its survey in 2018 revealed only 2% of the 1,589 firms surveyed were at the Industry 4.0 level and the proportion is likely to increase to only 4-5%.
According to management consultancy McKinsey & Co, driven by IoT technology, global factories could generate between US$1.4 trillion and $3.3 trillion by 2030.
"Manufacturing is one of the most important sectors that will benefit from 5G and DTAC will work with strategic partners to assist factories in transforming digitally," said Krit Prapatsakdi, head of enterprise sales division at DTAC.
DTAC has the opportunity to work with aluminium vehicle parts maker Daisin and Nectec to develop a smart factory prototype, which could be followed by other factories in Thailand, he said.
Thanin Leegomonchai, president of Daisin, pointed out in the wake of the pandemic, the company has seen the importance of technology and automation which could transform it into a smart factory.
"This cooperation with Nectec and DTAC is our first step in leveraging 5G power to address some pain points in the manufacturing process," he said.
Daisin has adopted automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for parts delivery during the production.
The use of a DTAC SIM installed in an AGV to transmit 5G signals and Nectec's automatic identification and indication system could support precise parts delivery to each production process.
The technology helps Daisin optimise the use of AGVs, he said.
Mr Krit pointed out the collaboration is the first stepping stone for Daisin to become a smart factory by embracing Internet of Things, 5G and data analytics to unlock the potential for a smart factory which draws together automation, efficiency, productivity and insight.
Panita Pongpaibool, deputy executive director of Nectec, indicated that factories may not be confident in investing in technology during this time of uncertainty.
But the development of use cases through financial support by the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Research and Development Fund along with network partners could support operations to demonstrate the benefits and value of investing in technology, she said.
