Telecom provider NTT has connected to the cloud-based workflow automation platform ServiceNow to accelerate the use of private 5G (P5G) in the enterprise. The integrated NTT/ServiceNow solution is designed to give organizations a personalized, verticalized, automated approach to P5G deployments.
The solution builds on NTT’s P5G network-as-a-service (NaaS) platform, which was launched in August 2021 and uses technology from Celona Networks. NTT’s P5G technology can be deployed through the cloud, on-premises, or on the edge as a subscription-based service, enabling organizations to build enterprise networks that are very agile. P5G also gives organizations more control because they can manage their own security and network functions compared to using a carrier-based 5G solution.
ServiceNow brings vertical workflows to private 5G
This is a natural fit. ServiceNow has pre-built workflows designed for the needs of specific industries, combined with NTT’s P5G network capabilities to create a bundled service. By having workflows integrated into the private network itself, organizations can facilitate deployment faster. Meanwhile, deploying networks without integrated business processes usually does not give organizations the result they want.
Historically, operational teams have often deployed networks without thinking about the business processes it supports. This limits the value in connectivity and does not always solve real business problems. Organizations no longer rely on network-centric technologies such as cloud, IoT, and mobility, and networking can no longer be a late thought. When the workflow is integrated into the network, it yields better business results.
Companies are now required to digitize new and existing business processes to help bridge the gap between their workflows and P5G networks. However, automating operational service workflows can be difficult. That’s why ServiceNow has developed artificial intelligence-enabled workflow orchestration capabilities to integrate people, processes, and systems.
AI will automate problem solving
Now, network teams no longer have to spend time and resources developing ways to integrate networks into back office systems. Once the ServiceNow AI engine has detected a problem, it can be translated into a workflow and automated.
For example, manufacturing organizations need to export massive amounts of data from the factory floor, which is not a small task, due to the volume of systems deployed. NTT and ServiceNow have done most of the heavy lifting with clients to understand the challenges and used AI to develop logic to drive better results. Its machine efficiency index measures the quality of parts being made, production rate, time spent, and other metrics that can affect overall production. Once the AI engine has identified the problem, a workflow can be created to assign the job to a technician, auditor, or other individual. This means that IT no longer has to manually integrate network data into back-office systems.
Cost allocation is simplified
Another challenge being addressed is billing for deployed networks, where the cost of 5G and Wi-Fi has to be paid for by different departments within organizations. NTT and ServiceNow enable key features such as cost allocation to help organizations go beyond the pilot stage towards fully operational P5G networks.
Approximately half of organizations around the world plan to deploy a P5G network within the next six to 24 months. Nearly a quarter are piloting private 5G networks, while some have at least one operational P5G network, according to a study published recently by Economist Impact and NTT. Most IT decision makers are looking at private 5G as a replacement for Wi-Fi because data security and protection can be customized.
In particular, industries that rely on warehouses, factories, and distribution centers believe that P5G is more economical than Wi-Fi because it only requires the deployment of a few access points compared to hundreds of Wi-Fi access points. . The fact that ServiceNow has different modules for industries, billing, and operations is a major difference.
Industry -specific may have plugins for modules that incorporate 5G into their manufacturing workflow, for example. ServiceNow and NTT combine these capabilities into one ready-to-use kit. This is not something telcos or equipment-only vendors can offer right now.