The factories, logistics hubs and industrial estates powering the Gulf’s economy are under pressure to operate faster, smarter and more efficiently than ever. 

As Industry 4.0 gains momentum across the region, robust connectivity has moved from the IT room to the shop floor – and Wi-Fi is now a mission-critical layer of modern operations.

Yet for many sites, wireless networks remain an afterthought. Large warehouses struggle with signal blackspots. Manufacturing lines suffer from interference. Devices disconnect. Downtime creeps in. The result: lost productivity, frustrated staff, and systems that never quite perform as expected.

At Northstar Telecom, we deploy industrial-grade Wi-Fi solutions powered by IO by HFCL – designed specifically for the high ceilings, metal-heavy environments and rugged use cases of warehouses and factories across the Gulf.

These are not repurposed office networks. They’re engineered to support handheld scanners, automated machinery, IoT sensors, mobile workstations and operational staff – all moving through complex environments in real time.

One of the biggest challenges in these environments is mobility. Devices don’t sit still – they move through aisles, zones and loading bays. Our Wi-Fi deployments ensure seamless roaming and low-latency handoff, allowing continuous connectivity for barcode scanners, pick-by-voice systems, forklift terminals and more.

We also address environmental realities. Industrial sites in the Gulf are often exposed to extreme heat, dust and fluctuating humidity. Our access points are built to perform in these conditions, with ruggedised enclosures and mounting flexibility that suits warehouse racks, ceilings, or outdoor perimeters.

Management and visibility matter too. IO by HFCL’s cloud controller gives IT and facilities teams centralised control – to monitor performance, troubleshoot remotely, and enforce security policies across one or multiple sites. It also supports segmentation between operational and administrative traffic, ensuring that critical systems stay prioritised and protected.

As supply chains become increasingly digitised and automation tools grow more sophisticated, the demand for stable, scalable, and secure wireless connectivity is only increasing. Whether it’s a logistics warehouse using Wi-Fi for last-mile tracking, or a production floor integrating real-time quality control tools, connectivity is at the heart of operational excellence.

Across the Gulf, industrial zones are being upgraded to support smart operations. The companies that get ahead won’t just invest in machinery – they’ll invest in the network that makes everything work.

Because in manufacturing, performance isn’t just measured in output. It’s measured in uptime.

– The author is director of operations, Northstar Telecom