Various connection standards optimize the integration of machines, sensors, actuators and controllers, which helps to increase efficiency, optimize industrial processes and speed up fault diagnosis. Connectivity therefore plays a crucial role for industrial companies. Against this backdrop, it is hardly surprising that German companies consider high reliability (52%) and high security (49%) to be particularly relevant. By contrast, special capabilities such as the transmission of particularly large data packets (15%) or particularly wide network coverage (21%) are less in demand.

This is why companies primarily rely on widespread wireless networks such as WiFi (63%) and Bluetooth (48%). However, the still relatively new 5G mobile communications standard is already in use by half (49%) and has thus overtaken its predecessor 4G (37%).

In order to be able to cover all technical specifications, companies are turning to hardware that supports them in making optimum use of their connection standards. Hardware requirements that are particularly important to companies include dust resistance (50%), water resistance (43%) and heat resistance (35%).

The WLAN router is used most frequently in companies (64%), with the server in second place at 46% and the LAN cable in third place at 42% of respondents. For greater security, 36% use firewalls to prevent unauthorized access to their own network.

Over half stick to current hardware

In addition to cyberattacks, there are other challenges that companies have to deal with when it comes to the various interfaces for connecting devices and components. For example, 81% of respondents state that they have problems with data transfer. For example, if the data transfer is still too slow (25%) or the system is generally overwhelmed by the amount of data (23%). Problems also occur when the connection between the various devices cannot be maintained (20%) or the connection is repeatedly interrupted (18%).

Nevertheless, 51% are not planning any new investments in their hardware within the next two years. The main reason for this is that the solutions and the necessary expansion, such as laying new cables, would be too expensive (67%). If new technology can be purchased, companies are primarily looking for better compatibility between different devices (47%) and faster data transmission (41%).

Trending topics 5G, cybersecurity and interoperability

In terms of investment, 45% of respondents see the future in the 5G mobile communications standard and would invest in it. They hope that this will increase the performance of data transmission - a trend that 43% expect to see in the next five years. According to the survey, in addition to better data transmission, the issue of security will also become an even greater focus (45%), which is why 31% would invest in the expansion of cybersecurity. In terms of hardware equipment, 32% see better interoperability between the individual components as a clear trend.

"The topic of connectivity should not be underestimated," comments Thomas Kruse, Product Manager Network Technology at Reichelt Elektronik. "Companies today are well positioned and value reliable data transmission. But this is just the beginning. Over the next few years, we will see major changes in this area, led by the widespread use of 5G. These data transmission protocols will open up many new opportunities for companies, but will also require them to rethink their own infrastructure and hardware."