NEWS
Business views wireless connectivity as a route to productivity but challenges remain
New research from Panasonic Connect Europe has revealed that businesses expect wireless technology investment to boost their productivity by 32% on average in the three years after implementation, with 36% of respondents saying that 5G is the most important wireless technology investment for their business, with private campus networks more popular than public networks. The survey, carried out by Opinion Matters and commissioned by Panasonic Connect Europe, questioned more than 300 senior decision makers with responsibility for wireless and network technologies, across the UK, France and Germany, in the retail, logistics and supply chain, manufacturing, education, location-based media and entertainment and public sector and emergency services sectors. The research also found that 22% view WiFi 6 as the most important type of wireless technology. Interest in Bluetooth and Long- Range Wide Area Networks (LoRaWAN) were similarly high (21% respectively), as organisations seek the right technology for specialist applications in their own sectors, such as supply chain logistics and manufacturing. Overall, there is rapid progress being made with investment in wireless technology, with 41% of decision-makers having already made the decision to invest in wireless projects or are
in the planning process. An additional 38% of respondents are already at the implementation stage. However, there are challenges to overcome, with 24% of those surveyed admitting to concerns around IT security while 22% are worried about interoperability and connectivity issues with their existing IT infrastructure. One in five are troubled about the manageability of the wireless network technology and a similar percentage report a lack of confidence in IT resources, knowledge and skills. “This research highlights that this is a crucial period in wireless technology investment and decision making,” said Jan Kaempfer, marketing director for Panasonic Connect Europe. “The advent of 5G, the evolution of WiFi, and the innovation around Bluetooth and LoRaWAN are all driving the connected world in ways that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. Clearly, business leaders believe wireless connectivity presents enormous opportunities, but there are also challenges to overcome. “Businesses have a lack of internal expertise and resources and there is a role for technology providers to play in supporting organisations with expertise and education to instil greater confidence and plug some of the resource gaps. But overall, the picture for wireless is very positive, with a strong appetite for innovation and advanced deployment.”
eu.connect.panasonic.com
Midwich launches new investment arm
Midwich Group plc has launched Midwich Ignite – the Group’s new corporate venture capital arm, which will invest in, and support, entrepreneurs to propel innovation within the industry. Focusing on investments in high-growth start-ups and scale-ups within AV and the wider technology ecosystem globally, Midwich Ignite will operate as a standalone enterprise and will utilise the Group’s connections and expertise garnered over 45 years. Midwich Ignite is seeking to invest in forward- thinking companies shaping the future of the industry. Key sectors include emerging AV technologies, smart and connected spaces, hospitality and event technology, and robotics and automation.
“Having worked in the AV industry for many years, both as a value-add distributor and as an investor, I am excited to be heading up this new venture, bridging the gap between finance and deep industry knowledge to help drive innovation in our industry and support those entrepreneurs who are at the forefront of technological transformation,” said Alex Kemanes, managing director of Midwich Ignite. Stephen Fenby, managing director of Midwich Group plc, added: “Midwich is deeply embedded in the AV industry, with thousands of customers and vendors, and a large, knowledgeable and highly connected team. Midwich Ignite gives us the opportunity to promote innovation in the industry by leveraging our extensive capabilities.”
Alex Kemanes managing director
midwichignite.com
10 31062
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