Open Access

Private 5G networks, which are localized and designed for specific organizations or facilities, enable industrial production environments to transform by providing unparalleled opportunities for enhanced operational efficiency, flexibility, and digital connectivity. Based on four expert interviews and a detailed literature review for further validation, this paper presents a holistic roadmap for implementing private 5G networks in production settings. This roadmap adopts a phased approach, beginning with awareness and needs assessment, followed by the development of specific technical concepts, pilot implementation, network scalability, and ongoing optimization. Each phase is designed to address unique challenges and critical decisions involved in the successful deployment of 5G, including use case identification (e.g., predictive maintenance and autonomous systems), network architecture, partnership models, and integration with legacy IT infrastructure. This guided approach provides production facilities a pragmatic framework to navigate the technical, organizational, and economic complexities of 5G implementation, ensuring alignment with industry requirements and future technological developments. The proposed roadmap synthesizes insights from subject matter experts and recent literature, providing a sustainable, adaptable, and resilient strategy for 5G network deployment in production environments.