The aim of automation is to streamline production processes, lower energy consumption and improve safety. Sensors measuring process parameters, such as pressures or temperatures, operate in a closed loop by means of central and/or local controllers in conjunction with actuators, e.g. valves, pumps, heaters, etc. A process-automated manufacturing facility may range in size from a few 100 m² to several km², or may be geographically dispersed within a specific region.

Example use cases [1] for process automation include mobile robots, massive wireless sensor networks, closed-loop process control, process monitoring and plant asset management.

Communication services for process automation need to meet stringent requirements. For instance, low latency and determinism are crucial for closed-loop control. Interaction may be required with the public network (e.g. for service continuity, roaming, etc.).