1. What a factory device sends over cellular
Smart manufacturing covers CNC machine tools, AGVs (automated guided vehicles), a link into MES (manufacturing execution system), OEE (overall equipment effectiveness), and digital twins. Machine tools, robots, AGVs, and sensors report over 4G or 5G. Shop floors often have no cable, or cabling is hard, and 4G is what keeps them covered. SimtoLink supplies 4G and 5G to manufacturers, with a data pool, VPDN, and an API into MES and ERP.
2. Machines, AGVs, the MES, and the twin
The floor covers machine tools, AGVs, the MES, and the line. Bandwidth, and how quickly a command has to land, differ by cell:
CNC machines on the network
CNC machines and PLCs report running state, machining parameters, and OEE over 4G, for remote monitoring and fault warnings.
AGVs and mobile robots
AGVs and AMRs report position and job status over 4G or 5G, for the dispatch system, route planning, and low-latency control.
MES and line data
Line sensors and industrial PCs report production data over 4G, for the MES link, quality traceability, and capacity analysis.
Video and the digital twin
Shop cameras and industrial cameras report over 4G, for remote patrol, AI quality checks, and the digital twin.
3. What the factory link has to cover
- Coverage on the shop floor: Many shops have no cable, or cabling is hard. 4G and 5G keep CNC machines, AGVs, and line equipment online. Older plants being refitted depend on cellular even more.
- MES link: Line data has to reach the MES as it is produced, for scheduling, quality traceability, and OEE. An industrial gateway gathers OPC, Modbus, and other protocols and sends them up over 4G.
- Low latency for AGVs: AGVs and AMRs have to report position and job status live, and the dispatch system sends the route. 5G can support millisecond-level control and several machines working together.
- Security and compliance: Production data and process parameters need a VPDN, TLS, and an IP allowlist. Isolation from the public network is what keeps the plant safe.
- Separate pools: Machine tools, AGVs, and video use very different amounts of data. Pool SIMs by line or shop and keep 20%–30% spare.
4. Which SIM fits which machine
Bandwidth and latency differ by machine, so the SIM follows the device and the job. Use the table as a starting point:
| Use | Recommended network | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machines and PLC data collection | 4G | OEE, running state, and fault warnings |
| AGV and AMR dispatch | 5G / 4G | Low latency, position reports, and route commands |
| Industrial gateways and the MES | 4G | OPC and Modbus aggregation, and line data |
| Industrial video and digital twins | 4G / 5G | High bandwidth, AI quality checks, and remote patrol |
5. How much data a factory device uses
One device typically uses about 200MB–2GB a month, mostly video. Pool SIMs by device type, keep 20%–30% spare, and use a VPDN to keep the link private.
6. Security for process and production data
Production data and process data are sensitive, so treat the link as high security. It needs a VPDN, TLS, and an IP allowlist. SimtoLink provides the VPDN, a private APN, and real-name registration for the SIMs.
7. What SimtoLink would put on the line
For AGVs, line equipment, and industrial gateways, use a 4G or 5G IoT SIM. An AGV that needs low latency can use 5G. Line equipment has to report OEE as production runs. SimtoLink plans for 99.9% network availability, a data pool, and an API into the MES.
8. Taking a plant live
Take a manufacturing rollout through these stages:
Pick the SIM by device type and check coverage in the target shop. Set the VPDN or APN and the IP allowlist, and alert at 80% of the data allowance. SimtoLink stays with the project from the first cell through the plant. Contact us for a plan built around those lines.