In 2020 Microsoft ran a trial using Hololens hardware at, Serbian, Hemofarm Pharmaceuticals to provide remote AR assistance for machine maintenance during the pandemic.
Following from this and taking the idea further by integrating a similar XR remote assistance, but this time, on a much larger scale. Microsoft’s Cloud Operations & Innovation team are introducing Dynamics 365 Remote Assist system for Hololens 2 and mobile devices.
In its current early stage, much of the limited testing is taking place in Microsoft’s Azure data centres, remote inspections are held through XR space with Azure workers using a hololens 2 to create a shared vision.
Dynamics 365 in Enterprise:
The auditor will be able to see the point of view of a worker via the Hololens 2 headset, from the desk of the audit they can give detailed directions and fully inspect the maintenance issue from across the globe. The Hololens 2 gives the ability to display graphs, guides and images in the headset; giving both parties a real time collaborative system that saves time and money.
Under the commissioned study “The Total Economic Impact™ Of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Remote Assist” key benefits to using Dynamics 365 were laid out, notably they quote that “$93,000 [can be saved] in annual labor and travel costs per expert.” The reporting predicts large benefits to enterprises looking to adopt remote audits; predicting that setting up a remote audit will pay itself back after 12 months.
“This Dynamics 365 Remote Assist on HoloLens 2 combination has been a game changer for us, for our auditors, and for the staff supporting us in the data centers.” – Lee Moscal: Senior Program Manager Microsoft
Dynamics 365 is also having limited enterprise use across various sectors at: NHS, Mercedes Benz, Ecolab, Saint-Goblin and L’Oréal. NHS and Mercedes Benz are using the XR solution to create paperless and hands-free meetings around the world; exchanging data on the Hololens 2 display in real time.
Efficacy is the key word. How can enterprises save cost, time and travel; it looks like Dynamics 365 could be the XR solution that enterprises need. But outside of the limited case studies, there has not yet been wide usage, as Dynamics 365 is still in its early stages of roll-out.
Those interested in integrating remote inspection audits can find further info on Microsoft’s official start-up page.
