In today’s fast-paced business environment, industrial organizations are always looking for innovative technologies to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. One promising technology is augmented reality (AR), which can revolutionize industrial operations by providing real-time, interactive information to field workers. But how do industrial AR solutions differ from commonly used communication tools like Teams and WhatsApp? In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences and explain why AR solutions are crucial for industrial operations.
Industrial AR solutions overlay digital information on physical objects and environments, allowing workers to interact with it in real-time. This technology enables workers to receive instructions, visualize 3D designs in their physical environment, and access important data without switching between devices. AR platforms facilitate collaboration between experts and field workers during various industrial operations such as customer service, repair, and maintenance.
Interactivity
Industrial AR solutions and Teams and WhatsApp serve different purposes and cater to different audiences. Teams and WhatsApp are designed for team collaboration in office settings, while AR platforms are specifically aimed at addressing the needs of deskless workers. Unlike Teams and WhatsApp, industrial AR offers interactive and contextual features such as ‘see what I see,’ real-time annotation on video streams, and viewing 3D models in real environments. Teams and WhatsApp mainly rely on text-based communication through written messages, voice calls, and video conferences, lacking the advanced capabilities provided by industrial AR.
On the other hand, industrial AR solutions are designed for field use. Through a heads-up display (HUD) that overlays digital information on the physical environment in real-time, they allow workers to access data and instructions seamlessly. For example, workers can use voice commands or gestures to interact with complex designs and identify specific components. Some AR solutions also offer text-based translation for international operations. This interactivity improves productivity and reduces errors in industrial operations.
Reporting
Reporting is an essential part of industrial operations, and industrial AR collaboration solutions offer enhanced reporting features compared to Teams and WhatsApp. AR solutions provide options to record sessions, including text, documents, 3D objects, edited files, and participant history. These recorded details can be revisited long after the session, and meeting notes can be shared for reporting purposes.
Most industrial organizations use a ticketing system, and AR platforms offer solutions that integrate with these systems. With detailed reporting features, service companies can utilize officially registered time stamps for billing purposes. These reporting capabilities, along with ticket system integration, demonstrate how AR solutions are tailored to the needs of industries compared to Teams and WhatsApp.
Enterprise Level Security
Data security is crucial for industrial companies, and AR platforms prioritize secure storage, processing, and transfer of data. They offer additional protective measures compared to Teams and WhatsApp. Industrial AR solutions adhere to international enterprise level security rules and compliance standards. They provide features like flexible data storage, two-factor authentication (2FA), regularly updated custom passwords, and strong encryption methods. The focus on industrial operations ensures that companies can collaborate without concerns about the safety and security of their data.
Compatibility & Ease of Use
Industrial AR solutions offer compatibility beyond Teams and WhatsApp for industrial operations. They can be used with various devices such as smart glasses, smartphones, and tablets. Most AR solutions have dedicated applications or web browser access, making them accessible on different platforms.
Collaboration solutions powered by AR are designed to improve usability for field workers by providing convenient ways to join sessions using QR codes, 6-digit codes, and links for impromptu meetings or integrations with platforms like Outlook. With a specific focus on the industrial workforce, industrial AR platforms outperform alternatives like Teams or WhatsApp in terms of performance and functionality.
The Power of AR
AR-powered industrial remote collaboration platforms leverage the power of AR to enhance remote collaboration. They offer features like dynamic annotations, real-time pointers, reaction buttons, collaboration using field snapshots or 3D models in a real environment, measurement tools, and more. These features make AR platforms more suitable for companies compared to Teams or WhatsApp when it comes to boosting operational efficiency.
Considering that AR technology is constantly advancing, using platforms that utilize this technology for industrial needs is an attractive path for companies. It can eliminate physical boundaries, increase productivity, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Customized Experience & Support
The overall experience provided by AR-powered collaboration solution providers is another important consideration. Many solution providers continuously improve their services based on user feedback. Unlike Teams or WhatsApp, AR solution providers’ customer success teams assist users with various topics, from onboarding to general user experience. User feedback and specific requests are taken into account to increase user satisfaction by adding new features that cater to their needs.
AR solutions also offer customization options such as white labeling. Companies can use the platform with their own branding, including unique brand names and logos. Furthermore, specific feature requests are more likely to be implemented in AR collaboration platforms compared to the more generic and standardized approach of Teams or WhatsApp.
In conclusion, while Teams and WhatsApp remain valuable communication tools for remote communication, they lack the interactive features, enterprise-level security, compatibility, usability, and customization that industrial AR solutions provide. With AR solutions, workers can receive real-time information about machines they are working on or receive step-by-step instructions for tasks. AR solutions, developed specifically for industrial operations, significantly improve productivity, aid in onboarding and live training, reduce errors, and provide real-time access to critical information. As a result, industrial AR solutions are increasingly important for organizations aiming to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced, data-driven environment.
