LyondellBasell Uses Microsoft VR, AR Tools amid COVID-19

The Chemical Industry Giant Described its Digital Transformation as 'Phenomenal'

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LyondellBasell Uses Microsoft VR, AR Tools amid COVID-19
Mixed RealityInsights

Published: June 18, 2021

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Rory Greener

From food packaging to automotive parts, LyondellBasell have customers in over 100 countries and is one the leaders in producing components, plastics, and chemicals.

The Texas-based firm provides solutions to a massive customer base and was forced to quickly adjust to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to avoid a halt in production.

Working with US technology company Microsoft, LyondellBasell has been provided with augmented reality (AR) Hololens 2 hardware and a Dynamic 365 extended reality (XR) remote audit solution.

Working with Microsoft’s Remote Solutions

LydonellBasell first implemented the Hololens 2 for security at its UK site to conduct overseas assessments.

Gerard Raja, senior manager of operational platforms at LyondellBasell, describes the remote assessments as “phenomenal”, adding:

“We sent the HoloLens device to a site in the United Kingdom and a number of remote experts joined a Teams call to guide a colleague at the site through the assessment”

Continuing the firm’s digital transformation, the team at LyondellBasell also adopted Microsoft’s Dynamic 365 XR remote audit solution.

In 2020, Microsoft’s Cloud Operation and Innovation team introduced the Dynamics 365 system for Hololens 2 and smartphones, with much of the limited testing taking place at its Azure data centres.

LyondellBasell is ahead of the pack after increasing efficiency and reducing facility downtime with Dynamics 365.

Microsoft commissioned a study to outline the benefits of Dynamics 365, which found how “$93,000 [can be saved] in annual labor and travel costs per expert.”

The Hololens 2 receives information from the Dynamics 365 system such as graphs, guides, and images that can help on-site employees with maintenance routines.

Thanks to the Microsoft solution, employees at LyondellBasell can collaborate remotely and the digital transformation has allowed for better decision making.

Kathy VanLandingham, CIO LyondellBasell, said “Microsoft 365 brings information closer to the decision-makers to make better decisions.”

The news comes as the Hololens 2 has been providing global firms with an efficient solution to combat the downtime due to the pandemic.

Companies such as Serbian Hemofarm pharmaceuticals used the Hololens 2 solution in the wake of the pandemic to improve communication and receive remote assistance for engineering and repairs.

The Hololens 3 is predicted to be released in 2024 and targets the consumer market, and the wider accessibility from the consumer focus could open digital transformation to more companies.

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