Japanese beverage giant Suntory are the most recent firm to receive a mixed reality (MR) digital transformation.
Founded in 1899 as a small family-run business, Suntory has grown since then to become famous for products such as whiskey.
But the beverage firm continue to grow over a hundred years later, namely as they partner with Microsoft to go through a MR digital transformation.
The partnership gives Suntory access to Microsoft Dynamics 365 guides and Hololens 2 augmented reality (AR) headsets.
The Osaka-based manufacturer completed the transformation to meet an increase in product demand and facilitate complex inspections.
On top of this, a large portion of Suntory’s workforce is set to retire within the next ten years, forcing the firm to produce an efficient new training method for a wave of hires.
The company began their transformation with a three month trial period, integrating MR with blending procedures in the Hakushu Distillery.
At the Yamanashi Prefecture-based distillery, the company trained new hires with guides and 3D holographic images in the Hololens 2 display.
According to the Japanese firm, new hires reacted well to the augmented guides Suntory had personally authored using Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 platform.
The guides showed new hires how to approach blending procedures and offered step-by-step guides and visualisations to navigate the process unassisted, proving the trial to be be efficient and cost-effective.
Suntory are also integrating Hololens 2 technology into international inspections and meetings, and recently performed audits at their UK plants with workers in Japanese ones using Hololens POV.
Other Digital Transformations
The COVID-19 pandemic raised interested in remote guidance and working, and Serbian-based Hemofarm were quick to digitally transform to improve communication and receive remote assistance for engineering and repairs.
Recent reports from US digital solutions provider PTC found Microsoft’s digital transformation solutions reduced training costs up to 50 percent and increased workplace efficiency and safety.
Texas-based LyondellBasell also choose Microsoft and went through a “phenomenal” digital transformation that increased efficiency and reduced facility downtime.
The Hololens 3 is predicted to be released in 2024, and the wider accessibility from Microsoft’s new consumer focus could expand digital transformation to more companies.
Further developments from Varjo see ‘digital teleportation’ in the near future as another prospect for immersive MR communications in enterprise.
