SCOTTISH whisky distilleries have the potential to save £30m over five years by investing in 5G technology according to a new impact report by The Scotland 5G Centre.
The Scotland 5G Centre commissioned consulting firm Jacobs to explore the potential use of 5G in whisky distilleries.
The report reveals £376,500 of potential benefits could be realised for a medium-large distillery on an annual basis as a result of the implementation of 5G.
The key findings of the report are based on research and primary data from a distillery in Central Scotland which produces approximately a quarter of a million litres of whisky per year.
With 146 malt and grain distilleries in Scotland producing around 401 million litres per year, the installation of 5G technology could be significant in both modernising and futureproofing the sector – particularly for distilleries in more remote areas of the country.
Exploring the current challenges faced by whisky distillers, the study identified four key areas where 5G technology could support the industry.
These are: health and safety, cask management, site management and maintenance and security.
The report found that 5G-enabled geofencing, used to set up virtual boundaries across the site, could reduce health and safety incidents by 50%.
This would work by sending real-time alerts to workers entering potentially high-risk zones.
Cask management efficiency processes could also be boosted by 15% using 5G-enabled RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems, according to the report.
The systems would support real-time data collection and allow warehouse workers to monitor the location of the casks.
The report also says that 5G connectivity can enable the granular mapping and tracking of equipment and assets, enabling more effective planning and sequencing of tasks.
It even found that security breaches could be cut in half by the deployment of remote and automated security measures, using 5G-enabled surveillance and monitoring.
Another key finding was that distilleries could gain £125,000 due to increased labour productivity in cask management process (reduce manual-record keeping).
Ian Sharp, Head of Delivery at The Scotland 5G Centre emphasised the “value of Scotland’s whisky industry, not only to the economy, but also to Scotland’s strong reputational heritage.”
He added: “distilleries are always looking for new ways to enhance innovation and drive operational efficiencies.
“With challenges such as rising inflation and sustainability firmly on the agenda, it’s becoming increasingly important for distilleries to find new ways of remaining commercially competitive.
“This report indicates that investing in…5G connected technologies…will allow distilleries to unlock new ways of working that will not only reduce costs but boost productivity and efficiency.”
Rick Robinson, Director of Smart Places at Jacobs added: “5G technology has the potential to revolutionise Scotland’s whisky distillery industry.
“Advanced communications like this could significantly change the way distilleries operate and enhance the efficiency and productivity of the industry as a whole.
“This study illustrates that 5G capabilities are relevant in every sector, and I believe we’re only skimming the surface of what this technology can do.”
