The manufacturing industry was one of the first sectors to readily embrace the innovative Microsoft Dynamics 365 mixed reality technologies. Its use is paying off: the innovations are now generating profits – both in the company’s own factories and in after-sales for customer systems.
Mixed reality in use
The range of applications for mixed reality technologies is as diverse as it is convincing: from accelerated, complex maintenance processes for production systems to supported and assisted remote collaboration and efficient on-site visits to customers. Microsoft also offers mixed reality solutions. Remote Assist for Microsoft Dynamics 365 is now being used in various industries: in discrete manufacturing, process manufacturing, the automotive industry, etc.
Not only can companies save money, they can also optimise customer service and significantly speed up problem solving. However, in addition to these cost benefits, the practical approaches to sustainability are not to be sneezed at: for example, a technician only has to go out for inspections or audits for complex tasks. Remote assist solutions therefore have a direct impact on the carbon footprint, which can be significantly reduced in this way.
More Microsoft and productivity in a virtual world
In the manufacturing industry in particular, clear changes can be demonstrated through the use of remote assist solutions. They are all a real plus in terms of productivity and efficiency. This is because technicians can carry out their repair, maintenance and inspection tasks with considerably shorter turnaround times.
Case study with mixed reality
If, for example, a maintenance officer needs help from an expert on the production line, they can collaborate virtually with the technician on site in a joint mixed reality session thanks to the Microsoft HoloLens 2 headset and the integration of Dynamics 365 Remote Assist.
In this way, the technician’s remote specialist can draw attention to a specific part or area, for example. To do this, the expert can insert an arrow or a line into the display on their PC; this processing then appears synchronised as an overlay in the viewing area of the technician’s headset.
It is also possible for the technician to receive helpful instruction documents or support videos with practical instructions from the expert. Such scenarios can of course also be transferred to working with customers to support them with technical problems from the office.
Further functions of Remote Assist (for Microsoft Dynamics 365)
- Reduced downtimes and accelerated production
For the timely fulfilment of customer orders
- Increased quality and precision
- Faster decisions:
- Demand-driven maintenance intervals
- Needs-based results recording for audits and compliance checks
- Ensured business continuity
- Increased employee and customer satisfaction
- Optimised acquisition and exchange of expertise