Enterprise technology landscape is today being shaped by the two tech trends of AR and VR. They have become, undoubtedly, the latest tech industry buzzwords – no doubt empowering enterprises. Immersive technologies such as VR and AR are among some of the most exciting and promising technologies available today which I feel are going to revolutionize the automotive and transportation industry. Here, I am going to discuss what major ripples this change will create for the future in enterprise technology landscape.
Changing technological landscape
I see enterprises today implementing AR and VR technology in their daily tasks, take for example the revolutionary creation and development of new automobile models using virtual reality and 3D.
Manufacturing and logistics – According to me AR/VR technology is poised to radically improve manufacturing, logistics, and skilled trades. AR is immensely valuable for educating workers on how to use large machinery or specialized devices. The technology has the potential to increase productivity in warehousing and transport by optimizing processes across the entire supply chain. AR/VR will be highly valuable for training skilled talent in manufacturing hubs. This technology will significantly improvement productivity by shortening the learning curve for on-site staff. AR/VR training tools can be used for imparting training for other skilled trades, such as various engineering disciplines, welding, plumbing, and electricity systems.
Another area ripe for use of this AR/VR experience is the expensive environment of process optimization by enterprises. For instance, a factory with a 24/7 fabrication line wanting to test some changes in the way their employees work in order to optimize the process. If the company can virtualize the line, the operator can try those changes and measure results in the virtual world. This gives the company a chance to decide whether or not to implement the changes without requiring to halt the production line or wasting resources before they are sure of the changed process.
Automobile industry – The use of AR/VR technology in the automobile industry means making improvements and taking decisions much faster. This technology has enabled reduction in the number of prototypes needed to be made physically prior to launching a new model thus reducing production time by 30%. Virtual technologies also provide an immersive experience to introduce improvements even before the physical production begins. This reduction in time and resources in the production of a car has a direct effect on customers, not only in the precision and quality of the product, but also on lowering the final price.
Although the initial design of a new car always begins with pencil and paper, 3D technology soon comes into play. Designers not only evaluate purely creative aspects, but other more functional ones as well, which ensures that 90% of the initial sketches are viable. Using 3D glasses and a few controls, technicians can imitate and analyze the movements made by workers on the assembly line in order to optimize their working time and improve workstation ergonomic. Designers with HD glasses have an immersive driving experience which is similar to what future customers will have. This is what makes me state that enterprise technology landscape is today being rewritten.
Even the real estate industry has been bitten by the AR/VR bug as they realize that this technology that can assist in virtual visits to a lot more homes in a lot less time. This will naturally translate into increase sales efficiency, as well as allow the ability to see more potential buyers. Guided virtual visits is the name of the game — essentially just like a promotional video, except that it is produced and shot in 360 degrees. This method works wonders for existing properties. For properties still in construction, VR will be a groundbreaking tool for real estate agents, as they will be able to show unfinished projects like never before. The interactive experience is created with hotspots that appear in your field of vision when you turn your attention from one direction to another. By keeping your sight on the hotspot, you are transported to where the hotspot is located, allowing you to do a virtual walk-through of the property at your own pace. Let me tell you that the technology has already progressed and I believe the future of VR is mobile, through apps.
I will conclude by reiterating once again that VR/AR is an exciting technology that allows all enterprises to tell a story like never before, and can be easily integrated into the existing platforms — increasing sales efficiency and without having to hire more staff. The acceptance and implementation is now in the industry’s court.
By: Yuvraj Krishan Sharma, Co-founder, Kompanions
