Augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR) technologies are exciting. They create dynamic digital environments on top of real-world spaces to show us what’s possible. Many organizations use these technologies to guide and assist their field service workers in performing complex activities faster and with more precision. It’s revolutionary. But wearing these devices in the field may not always be an ideal solution, especially in more high-risk service situations. Neither is it safe or convenient to pull out a tablet or mobile phone to look up information. Assisted reality offers a middle ground.

What is assisted reality?
Assisted reality is a hands-free digital option that allows users to see a screen in their immediate field of vision without disrupting their focus. Unlike AR and VR, information on the screen doesn’t overlay onto a physical environment or create a completely immersive experience. Assisted reality also allows technicians to fully control when and how long they interact with digital technology.

We teamed up with Resco to configure RealWear’s HMT-1 ruggedised headset – the world’s first hands-free Android tablet-class wearable computer for industrial workers – with resco.Inspection software. The solution integrates extended reality technology into your operations while maintaining the safety and flexibility of your field technicians. Workers only need to use their voice to tell the computer what they need to complete a task successfully and efficiently. That includes:

• Hands-free access to checklists, guides, inspection assistance and data entry
• Automatic syncs from fieldwork to a company’s CRM system, providing real-time reporting and documentation
• Full integration with Microsoft Dynamics 365

Whether they’re on an oil rig in the middle of the sea, on top of a windmill or dealing with highly sensitive industrial equipment, field service workers have real-time access to information without jeopardising their safety.

Conveniently digital but grounded in reality
Safety? Check. Efficiency? Check. But what about durability? If you’re wondering whether it’s wise or even practical to expose such technology to hazardous environments – don’t. Part of the value of resco.Inspections on RealWear is its non-intrusive design. Rugged in nature, it easily fits your standard industrial equipment, including helmets, bump caps and safety glasses. No extra equipment. No digital barriers. And both hands are free the entire time on the job.

resco.Inspections on RealWear is ideal for companies working in manufacturing, maintenance and energy. They’re the ones that find digital transformations highly beneficial, yet highly challenging. Let’s look at an international leader in manufacturing and servicing medical and safety technology for instance. Its field technicians work every day to ensure that the equipment that protects people’s lives in hospitals, fire departments, emergency services and elsewhere is in top condition. With an upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Resco Field Service 2.0, we can help streamline its fieldwork processes. An integrated assisted reality feature could take this efficiency to the next level, equipping field technicians with practical digital tools without risking their safety.

This “reality first and digital experience second” outlook is critically important. And we’re here to help configure this exciting new tool to meet your specific needs.

For a more in-depth look at this emerging technology, check out the eBook or email us at DSSQuickStart@avanade.com to schedule a demo.