Building Immersive Remote Experiences for Systems Control
ビジネス状況
Systems Control, a leading fabricator of electrical control panels and buildings for the utility power and controls industry, traditionally relied on in-person Factory Tours and Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) to showcase their manufacturing capabilities and ensure products met client specifications. These onsite experiences were critical to differentiating their services and building customer trust.
Then, when travel restrictions and safety concerns limited onsite visits, Systems Control faced new challenges in demonstrating their value. The absence of physical tours risked dulling their competitive edge and potentially impacting project timelines and client satisfaction.
Recognizing the need for an innovative solution to bridge this gap, Systems Control set out to recreate the in-person experience virtually, allowing clients to continue to engage meaningfully with their manufacturing processes.
考察
When Virtual Engagement meets Augmented Reality
To tackle the future of touring without losing the impact of in-person experiences, NRI introduced an augmented reality (AR) solution. With Microsoft’s HoloLens 2, a hands-free, head-mounted device equipped with a built-in camera, speaker, and microphone, Systems Control would be able to offer immersive virtual tours and FATs. Rather than getting a disconnected demo experience, clients would get true remote access to the manufacturing environment experience.
Through the Dynamics 365 Remote Assist application, clients could join Microsoft Teams meetings and view real-time visuals from the HoloLens wearer’s perspective. This setup unlocked the potential of interactive sessions where clients had new ways to communicate directly with on-site personnel, request specific views, and provide immediate feedback.
Collaboration and Documentation Get a Reboot
The AR solution also allowed both Systems Control and their clients to capture screenshots during sessions to document engineering changes and follow-up actions. This feature streamlined collaboration and ensured clarity in project specifications and modifications.
More Access and Fewer Costs
One notable advantage of the AR implementation was the ability to include more client stakeholders in virtual sessions. A recent example saw a virtual FAT hosting 31 participants, while the physical sessions typically hosted four attendees. This broader participation meant increased enhanced client engagement with reduced travel-related costs and time commitments.