Ruckus Accelerate Event

Championing Specialist Knowledge in a Changing Market

Our Director, David Ballard, was recently invited to speak at the RUCKUS Accelerate Event in Amsterdam, one of our key partners’, focused on the fast-evolving Manufacturing, Warehousing and Logistics (MWL) market. RUCKUS asked David to present because they recognise the unique experience Performance Networks has gained across the complex manufacturing and logistics industry, from Wi-Fi 6E/7 upgrade strategy to industrial network segmentation.

His presentation covered the critical role that robust network infrastructure now plays in enabling automation, IoT adoption, robotics, data intelligence, energy optimisation and operational uptime.

IDC data shows that manufacturing now accounts for the largest share of European digital transformation investment, making up 22.5% of all activity in 2024, a reflection of accelerating adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, including IoT, digital twins and robotics.

Manufacturing facilities account for approximately three-quarters of all MWL network spend, driven by the rise of connected plants, smart production lines, and autonomous warehouse operations.

How RUCKUS Enables MWL Digitalisation

David’s session, presented along with Nicola Gabbriellini, Manager System Engineer – EMEA South, outlined the role RUCKUS technologies play in enabling advanced MWL environments at scale, including:

• Industrial-grade wireless performance for IoT sensors, robotics, scanners, AGVs and AR/VR applications
• Secure IoT integration for real-time monitoring, data automation and environmental intelligence
• Cloud-based network management for remote operations, multi-site assurance and predictive analytics
• Scalable network infrastructure capable of adapting to growth, demand fluctuations and device density
• Integrated security architecture to protect data, streamline access control and enable trusted digital expansion

The presentation also explored how robust RUCKUS networks help address real industry pressures, from labour shortages and cost-to-serve, to supply-chain disruption, sustainability expectations, IT/OT convergence and e-commerce-driven fulfilment demands.

Network Connectivity

The presentation illustrated the practical reality of Industry 4.0 environments by walking through a modern manufacturing facility where connectivity underpins every stage of operations. From:

·         RFID inbound tracking at loading bays:

·         connected forklifts and AGV navigation

·         IoT-enabled production lines

·         Wi-Fi 7-powered AR/VR worker guidance

·         warehouse scanning systems

·         zero-trust security overlays

·         real-time MES or SCADA insights

The entire journey depends on a robust network infrastructure.

Even cloud-hosted operations management systems and AI-driven network assurance rely on continuous, high-performance connectivity. In these environments, every operational layer runs on a high-availability network backbone, making performance, coverage, uptime, roaming integrity, security, and system integration mission-critical.

Supporting Decision-Makers Across the MWL Industry

Nicola and David also discussed the evolving roles involved in MWL connectivity, from Directors of IT Infrastructure to Network Operations Managers, Plant IT Managers, CTOs and Operations leaders responsible for end-to-end digital performance in production environments.

This reflects the increasing alignment between IT and OT functions, and the need for strategic design that supports sensors, robotics, warehouse systems, MES, WMS, IoT telemetry, handheld devices and business intelligence applications.

Why RUCKUS Values Performance Networks

Being recognised as the first MWL Specialist partner by RUCKUS reflects our real-world experience delivering Wi-Fi 6E/7 and ICX switching across large industrial estates, our deep understanding of OT/IT integration and plant complexity, and our proven track record of eliminating bottlenecks, downtime, and operational risk.

We design networks that directly align with MES, SCADA, WMS, and broader production KPIs, underpinned by a security-first approach that meets EU regulatory requirements and supports supply-chain resilience.

David’s insights come from hands-on delivery, not theory, with project experience spanning manufacturing, logistics, cold storage, food production, robotics environments and large-scale national distribution centres. From early design consultancy through to high-density implementations, we’ve consistently demonstrated how purpose-engineered network infrastructure improves stability, safety and overall operational performance.

We’re proud to represent the MWL sector at RUCKUS Accelerate and even prouder that RUCKUS trusts our David to help drive partner knowledge and specialisation.

As Industry 4.0 accelerates, the need for resilient, intelligent, secure connectivity has never been greater, and Performance Networks will continue to lead from the front.

If you’re an MWL operator looking at Wi-Fi 7, robotics, OT integration, SCADA visibility, WMS improvement, network audits or network planning, our specialist team is always here to help.