We’ve offered examples of how Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) improve customers’ experiences, but they can also improve experiences for your internal customers. Imagine the cost and time savings your business could realize if you discovered ways to facilitate collaboration and improve training for your employees? If you’re not sure how this is possible, read on to learn how some businesses are already reaping the benefits of using Virtual and Augmented Reality to enhance their internal customers’ experiences.
Improving Productivity by Facilitating Collaboration Finding new ways to improve productivity is on every manager’s mind. Improving collaboration can bring a 20-30% increase in productivity. While collaboration has always posed challenges for businesses operating across diverse locations, the proliferation of virtual workplaces has created more physical distance among employees creating new obstacles to collaboration. Innovations in technology, like Virtual and Augmented Reality, offer solutions. Microsoft’s recent launch of HoloLens Remote Assist was designed with this in mind. The HoloLens allows employees across different functions and locations to be immediately connected with live 3D visuals. This provides a framework for solving operational problems quickly and efficiently. Downtime related to communication delays or travel are eliminated. The technology brings the right team together in real time to solve problems and get businesses back to generating revenue. The productivity gains are attainable for businesses willing to invest in this technology. 
The construction and equipment supplier, Caterpillar, is discovering ways to increase productivity through technology. They utilize AR to deliver expert support in areas not easily accessible by technicians. Providing this real time support in the field real allows Caterpillar to get their equipment back up and running quickly minimizing operation disruptions. Making Training More Effective and Engaging Walmart recently purchased 17,000 Oculus Go headsets to train employees. This technology offers consistent training across all employees groups and locations. Employees determine their training schedules and the need for onsite instructors is eliminated. Orange Silicon Valley offers another example of businesses using Virtual and Augmented Reality to train their employees. They are using VR technology to provide Fire Emergency training. Employees that miss the annual physical fire drill have the option of experiencing the fire drill using VR rather than reading through the 22 page procedure manual. Because VR training can be conducted more frequently than physical fire drills, employees will be better prepared in the event of a real fire emergency. As collaboration and training usages for Virtual and Augmented Reality accelerate, awareness and acceptance of this technology will continue to grow among the general public. Gone are the days when VR/AR was reserved for heavy gamers. Have you thought about the benefits VR/AR might offer your business? Labs8 can help you discover ways to use these innovations to grow your business. Let’s set up a time to talk.