Using Augmented Reality to Reduce Costs and Improve Efficiency
AR got a bad press when Google Glass failed, but people who actually work with it are quite excited. Companies are using it to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
In warehouses, for example, AR instructions give workers step-by-step visual guidance. This has reduced picking time and error rates to near zero.
Market research
Augmented reality (AR) technology overlays digital information on a real-world environment using smartphones and AR glasses. It can be used for market research to observe consumer behavior in natural settings and to collect data in a less invasive way than traditional methods of observation. AR can also be used to test new product concepts and to promote online channel adoption. For example, Sephora’s AR app allows customers to try different shades of lipstick and foundation before making a purchase. This approach levels the playing field for products that are not as well-known or endorsed by celebrities.
In addition, AR can be used to provide users with valuable information and support them in their decision-making process. The market research results of a study can help companies better understand the market and develop appropriate strategies to maximize their opportunities. In addition to the benefits of AR in marketing, this technology is also a powerful tool for enhancing the user experience and increasing the customer’s retention and satisfaction.
The augmented reality market opportunity is projected to grow significantly in 2021, due to surging demand from the entertainment, education, tourism, retail, and healthcare ar company industries. APAC is expected to contribute the most to this growth, owing to the flourishing enterprises (manufacturing) sector in China and Japan. The increasing investments in commercial applications and the growing popularity of gaming are also contributing to the growth of this market.
Design
For AR applications, companies should develop a clear strategy for how the technology will fit their business. This will include an understanding of the makeup of their audience and their competitors, as well as what they hope to achieve through virtual reality. The best augmented reality companies will conduct thorough market research to ensure that their plans are on target. They will also understand your needs and objectives to create a customized plan that can meet your unique requirements.
AR enables businesses to reduce costs by providing workers with real-time, on-site visual instructions that replace complicated 2-D schematic representations and written manuals. This is especially useful for complex tasks, such as assembly, machine operation, or warehouse picking. For example, an employee at the agricultural equipment company Agco views AR instructions for repairing a hydraulic valvestack.
In addition to improving worker efficiency, AR can help increase customer satisfaction and reduce the need for service calls. For example, Xerox uses AR to connect remote technical experts directly with customers to resolve problems, cutting travel costs and staffing needs.
When choosing an AR development company, be sure to discuss the scope of work and the timeline for delivery. Ask whether they are flexible and willing to scale up or down as required, and what their price structure is. Some companies will charge a flat rate for the entire project while others will charge on a time and materials basis. Also, ask if they have any hidden charges or fees.
Development
The development phase of an AR project involves building the app using a software platform, such as Unity or ARKit. This platform makes it easy for users to create interactive and engaging AR experiences. It also helps developers integrate AR into their internal systems for marketing, retail, and manufacturing.
AR can be a powerful tool to improve the user experience, increase conversions, and drive ROI. It can be used to showcase products in stores, create 3D product configurators, and help customers visualize and interact with their designs in real time. It can also be used to enhance the experience of events and conferences by providing contextual information.
Many companies are adopting AR for cost-reduction and operational efficiencies. For example, a warehouse worker can use an AR headset to view step-by-step instructions for assembling machinery. These AR solutions can also reduce training costs and help employees learn new tasks faster.
Some of the leading AR development firms include Facebook’s Oculus division, which offers AR glasses and software development kits, Magic Leap, ar company which has created a holographic workstation, and Google, which offers Android smartphones with built-in VR hardware and a low-cost headset called Google Cardboard. Other companies are developing their own AR platforms, including NVIDIA, which provides graphics cards for VR and AR systems.
The best AR development company will have a dedicated team that can communicate with you and understand your business requirements. They will also know how to develop an application that fits your budget and goals. Look for a vendor that is committed to following a structured process and will provide long-term support, technical consulting, and training services.
Testing
AR and VR technologies take user experience to new levels by amplifying the real world with digital content and allowing users to immerse themselves in an artificial environment. These technologies present a unique testing challenge, as they cannot be automated and require human testers to fully evaluate them. This makes AR and VR testing time-consuming, physically draining and difficult for many QA companies to manage. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate these challenges.
Using mobile-usability testing, for example, can help companies measure the effectiveness of their AR or VR apps. The tests can also identify any glitches that could potentially interfere with the app’s functionality and performance. This helps ensure that the end-user gets a seamless and engaging experience.
Some businesses are developing AR applications to create business efficiencies. For example, Xerox used AR to connect field engineers with remote technical experts, which improved first-time fix rates by 76% and reduced staffing needs. Similarly, the industrial automation company Iconics uses AR to display data on the factory floor and make it easy for maintenance technicians to understand.
Other companies are implementing AR to train and support workers. For instance, DHL is using AR to guide warehouse workers through picking tasks, leading to productivity gains of up to 25% and fewer errors. Intel has also deployed AR to enable new employees to learn complex assembly or machine operation processes with real-time, step-by-step visual instructions.