Who this is for
This page is for Operations and IT leaders who are researching Connected Factory concepts with a network refresh in mind — especially when any of the following are true:
- You’re rolling out ERP/MRP-connected shop-floor data collection (tablets, scanners, IoT, line-side PCs) and reliability issues are surfacing.
- You’re planning automation or AI initiatives and you need dependable, timely data from the floor.
- You’ve got recurring pain: Wi‑Fi dropouts in motion, intermittent “system slowness”, rising tickets, or hard-to-troubleshoot faults.
- Cyber risk and compliance are moving up the agenda (segmentation, access control, auditability).
What “good” looks like
A Connected Factory network should deliver clear operational outcomes:
- Less downtime and fewer intermittent faults that waste engineering time
- Data you can trust (consistent, timely flow from floor to systems)
- Faster, safer change with reduced blast radius when something goes wrong
- Stronger security posture through segmentation and identity-based access
- Scalability as lines, cells, and sites grow or change
- AI-ready foundations so pilots can scale into production use
What Connected Factory means
Connected Factory is an architecture, not a product. It’s a practical way to unify IT and OT connectivity so machines, sensors, people, and systems can communicate securely and reliably — while still being segmented and controlled.
The goal is simple: enable shop-floor data and modern operations without creating fragility, vendor silos, or “nobody knows how this works anymore” complexity.
How it works (the 4 pillars)
1) Resilient core and distribution
Design the physical and logical backbone so there are no single points of failure where they matter — and so the site can keep running through faults, maintenance, and growth.
2) Segmentation for IT/OT convergence
Separate what must be separated (zones, systems, tenants, third parties) and allow only the flows you intend — with auditability and clear ownership.
3) Industrial wireless where it’s needed
Use the right wireless approaches for the real world: high-bay spaces, metal, motion, and mixed device estates. Design for performance in motion, not just “coverage”.
4) Visibility and day‑2 operations
Make performance measurable (not anecdotal). Monitor, validate, and document so the environment stays reliable as production layouts and applications change.
Proof
We’re a UK-based networking specialist with deep Cisco experience, and we’re used to delivering in harsh, deadline-driven environments where “it sort of works” isn’t good enough.
- Example delivery: Delivering a resilient Cisco network to a fixed go-live deadline
Related reading
- ERP/MRP shop-floor data collection: the hidden network requirements
- Why your network will decide whether ai actually delivers in your warehouse or factory
FAQ
What’s the best first step?
Start with a readiness / discovery review that maps operational use cases to network requirements, then identifies the highest-risk failure points.
Do we need to rip and replace?
Not necessarily. In many environments, reliability improves fastest by measuring what’s happening, fixing design/config gaps, and prioritising changes by operational impact.
How do you avoid making this overly complex?
By keeping the architecture principle-led: segment intentionally, standardise patterns, validate performance, and build only the layers you actually need.
How does this relate to ERP/MRP shop-floor data collection?
ERP/MRP programmes often reveal that “office-grade” connectivity can’t handle production-critical mobility, uptime expectations, and security boundaries. Connected Factory is a framework for solving that systematically.
Is wireless always the weak link?
No — but wireless is often where issues become visible first. The real root cause is usually end-to-end: RF realities, client behaviour, VLAN/ACL policy, and upstream capacity all matter.
What should we expect as deliverables?
A clear target architecture, a phased roadmap, and validation evidence (before/after) so improvements are proven.
Contact
If you’re exploring Connected Factory with a refresh in mind, email solutions@oxspring.com with subject “Connected Factory” and we'll get in touch to arrange an initial Teams meeting (no cost or obligation) to discuss:
- site type (factory / mixed site), number of buildings, and any yard/outdoor areas
- the trigger (ERP/MRP, automation, Wi‑Fi, security, reliability)
- what “good” looks like for you operationally (downtime, throughput, quality, safety, visibility)
