AI integration in manufacturing boosted by Zyxel Networks

Nearly 60% of manufacturing companies are exploring ways to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency. However, according to recent insights, approximately half of these companies find the integration of AI into their operations daunting due to the high investment costs, talent shortages, and security concerns associated with network infrastructure. Zyxel Networks aims to address these challenges through its Nebula cloud networking solution, which offers centralised network management with zero-touch provisioning and AI-powered monitoring.

Zyxel Networks' Nebula solution has reportedly transformed manufacturing facilities globally from small standalone factories to massive multi-location operations. By delivering secure and cloud-powered networking solutions, Zyxel seeks to improve manufacturers' efficiency and bottom lines. Zyxel’s Nebula solution supports over 100 compatible devices, including WiFi 7 access points, multigigabit switches, security firewalls, and 5G mobile routers, providing a comprehensive suite to meet varying connectivity needs.

One of the standout features of the Nebula solution is its zero-touch provisioning and centralised management capabilities, allowing administrators to set up devices rapidly and monitor entire networks from a single interface. The AI-powered functionalities, such as wireless health monitoring, auto-heal connectivity, and client onboarding journey analysis, enable real-time monitoring and troubleshooting, ensuring network reliability and uptime even in harsh manufacturing environments.

Manufacturers across different regions have reported significant benefits from implementing Zyxel Networks’ solutions. In Turkey, for instance, the textile maker Baltal Group has experienced a transformation in efficiency across its widely distributed sites. Kadir Öztürk, IT Audit Specialist at Baltal Group, stated, "With Nebula, we can manage the networks of our factories wherever they are, and do it all from a single interface. This new infrastructure has also enabled us to create separate VLANs and deliver super-fast 10G connections across the whole network."

In Italy, tape manufacturer Rotogal has adopted the full Nebula suite to connect and monitor precision machinery across its 25,000 square meters of floor space. A chemical company in India, managing over 1,200 nodes across nine production facilities, has also chosen Nebula to ensure uninterrupted connectivity, highlighting the scalability and robustness of Zyxel’s solutions.

Additionally, Zyxel Networks has facilitated improved network speed and stability for SR Suntour Cycling, an international company producing high-quality bike parts. At its Vietnam production facility, Zyxel’s solutions enabled significant improvements in surveillance, reducing footage backup time from several hours to just a few minutes. Junhao Chang, IT Manager at SR Suntour Cycling, noted, "The new network ensures real-time surveillance, reduces footage backup time substantially, and makes network management much easier."

By providing scalable, accessible, and secure networking solutions, Zyxel Networks seeks to eliminate the barriers to AI adoption in manufacturing environments. As manufacturers continue to explore AI to boost productivity and efficiency, solutions like Nebula offer a pathway to streamline operations and enhance connectivity in even the most challenging settings.