Revolutionizing Field Force Operations with Smart Glasses
Key use cases for Immersive Reality (XR) including Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR / VR)
This article was originally published on April 25, 2016, and has been updated in 2025.
In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, smart glasses are emerging as a game-changing tool for field force operations across various industries, including Oil and Gas, Resources, Mining, and Aerospace. These wearable devices are transforming how workers access information, collaborate with experts, and execute complex tasks, leading to significant improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.
Key Benefits of Smart Glasses in Field Operations
Hands-Free Information Access
Traditional methods of accessing work instructions, such as paper manuals or digital devices, often require workers to divert their attention from the task at hand. Smart glasses eliminate this issue by providing hands-free access to critical information, allowing workers to maintain focus on their work while simultaneously viewing instructions.
Enhanced Productivity and Accuracy
By providing real-time access to information and expert guidance, smart glasses can significantly boost productivity and reduce errors. For instance, DHL reported a 25% increase in efficiency after implementing smart glasses in their warehouse operations.
Cost Savings
Implementing smart glasses can lead to substantial cost savings for companies. By enabling less experienced workers to perform more advanced tasks and reducing the need for on-site expert visits, organizations can optimize their workforce and reduce travel expenses.
Primary Use Cases for Smart Glasses in Field Operations
1. Over-the-Shoulder Coaching
Smart glasses enable remote expert capability, allowing field workers to connect with specialists worldwide in real-time. This "see-what-I-see" technology facilitates immediate problem-solving and knowledge transfer.
Benefits:
Faster issue resolution
Reduced travel costs for experts
Improved knowledge sharing across the organization
2. Visual Work Instructions
Smart glasses can guide workers through complex tasks using a combination of text, pictures, videos, and 3D models. This capability allows less experienced workers to tackle more advanced tasks with confidence.
Benefits:
Increased task completion accuracy
Reduced training time for new employees
Ability to handle a wider range of tasks with existing workforce
3. Procedural Checklists
Digital checklists displayed on smart glasses offer a significant improvement over traditional paper-based systems. Workers can view and complete checklists hands-free, while automatically updating backend systems with completion information, photos, and annotations.
Benefits:
Improved accountability and compliance
Real-time data collection and reporting
Elimination of lost or damaged paper forms
The Future: AR and VR Integration
As augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies continue to advance, their integration with smart glasses will further enhance field force operations. These technologies will enable more immersive training experiences, advanced visualization of complex systems, and even more intuitive interaction with digital information in the physical world.
In conclusion, smart glasses are proving to be an invaluable tool for field force operations across multiple industries. By providing hands-free access to information, enabling remote collaboration, and streamlining procedural tasks, these devices are helping companies build more efficient and effective workforces. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect even greater innovations that will further transform how field work is performed.