Mixed reality solutions blend the physical and digital worlds so users can interact with 3D digital objects, data, and even virtual collaborators in their real-world environments. Mixed reality (MR) technology offers a range of benefits for organizations, particularly in enhancing operational efficiency, streamlining processes, and creating more engaging experiences for employees and customers.
The Mixed Reality Spectrum
The MR spectrum encompasses a range of realities, from the physical world we experience to the entirely digital world. Physical reality sits at one end of the spectrum, while digital reality is at the opposite end.
Elements of Mixed Reality
MR solutions harness advancements in computer vision, graphical processing, display technologies, and cloud computing to create interactive experiences. These solutions rely on three key elements:
- Advanced cloud-based computer processing enables the complex computations required for MR experiences.
- Highly developed input methods include hand tracking, eye tracking, and speech recognition, allowing natural interactions with digital content.
- Environmental perceptions involve capturing and understanding the physical environment, including spatial mapping, object recognition, and ambient lighting and sound.
By combining these elements, MR solutions can overlay digital information onto real-world environments, creating immersive and interactive experiences.
Benefits of Mixed Reality Solutions
Organizations are increasingly turning to MR solutions to address various challenges and unlock new opportunities. Key benefits include:
- Enhanced Operational Efficiency: MR can help streamline business processes and provide actionable insight. For instance, businesses can visualize data captured from applications and gain deeper insights into processes.
- Improved Training & Education: Training with MR goes beyond traditional methods by immersing employees in the tasks and tools they’ll be using on the job. Visual aids and voice guidance can help walk employees through complex tasks, leading to increased knowledge retention.
- Elevated Customer Experiences: MR solutions can create more natural and intuitive experiences by connecting physical and digital realms so customers can interact with products in a 3D environment, enhancing the customer experience.
- Increased Innovation: MR assessments can help organizations identify use cases and synergies, accelerating deployment through concept training and hands-on workshops.
Examples of Mixed Reality Solutions
Various industries can benefit from the capabilities of MR solutions. Examples include:
- Manufacturing & Asset Management: MR can be used to improve manufacturing processes, including materials management, quality control, and equipment maintenance.
- HR Onboarding: MR can create immersive onboarding experiences for new employees, particularly those working remotely. These experiences can include virtual tours of the workplace, interactions with team members, and simulations of work tasks.
- Design & Engineering: MR allows designers and engineers to collaborate on 3D models in a shared virtual space, facilitating better communication and more efficient design iterations.
- Sales & Marketing: MR can enhance customer engagement through virtual product demonstrations, allowing customers to interact with products in a 3D environment. This can lead to increased understanding, confidence, and potentially higher sales conversion rates.
Use Cases Across Industries
MR has applications in almost every industry, including:
- Training & Education: Providing immersive, safer learning experiences.
- Task Instructions & Visualization: Offering visual aids and guidance for complex tasks.
- Remote Collaboration: Facilitating collaboration on 3D content in a shared virtual space.
- On-Site & Field Support: Providing real-time assistance and information to field workers.
- Operations: Enabling intelligent supply chain management and operational efficiency.
- Design & Decision-Making: Facilitating collaborative design processes and empowering strategic decision-making.
- Sales & Customer Enablement: Creating immersive customer experiences and interactive product demonstrations.
Choosing the Right Mixed Reality Solution
The choice of MR solution depends on specific business needs, budget, and technical capabilities. When considering MR, organizations should:
- Conduct an MR Assessment: Fast-track deployment effectively by identifying use cases, synergies, and operational enhancements through concept training and guided workshops.
- Identify Use Cases: Find specific challenges and opportunities where MR can provide value.
- Review Pre-Built Solutions: Explore existing MR applications and platforms that align with identified use cases. This can help organizations fast-track deployment and realize value more quickly.
- Consider Custom Development: For unique requirements, organizations can explore custom MR solutions. However, this typically requires more time, resources, and experienced assistance.
- Scrutinize Technical Requirements: Gauge if the existing IT infrastructure and resources can support the chosen MR solution. This includes factors like network infrastructure, device management capabilities, and user support.
By carefully considering these aspects, organizations can effectively utilize the transformative potential of MR to help enhance operations, improve customer experiences, and drive business growth.
Mixed Reality Solutions From Microsoft
Microsoft provides a suite of MR solutions designed to enhance operational efficiency, streamline business processes, and provide valuable insights for organizations. These solutions leverage a range of technologies, including:
- Power Platform
- Office 365
- Azure
- Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management
- Dynamics 365 Guides
- Dynamics 365 Remote Assist
- Dynamics 365 Field Service
- Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
- Teams & Microsoft Mesh
Mixed Reality Devices
MR experiences are primarily delivered through two types of devices, each catering to a specific area of the MR spectrum:
- Immersive Virtual Reality Devices (such as Meta Quest devices): These replace the physical world with a fully digital experience, immersing users in customizable environments. The Microsoft Mesh platform enables collaborative experiences in shared digital spaces, incorporating 3D elements into remote work interactions.
- Holographic Augmented Reality Devices (such as Microsoft HoloLens 2): These overlay digital objects onto the real world, bridging physical and digital elements. For instance, HoloLens 2 is a hands-free headset that brings business applications into an MR environment, promoting productivity and creativity. HoloLens 2, designed specifically for enterprise use, connects a robust ecosystem of applications and services. Microsoft offers MR applications like Dynamics 365 Remote Assist and Dynamics 365 Guides, fostering a supportive remote environment and workflow.
Implementing Mixed Reality Solutions
Organizations face challenges and costs when implementing MR in the workplace. To achieve desired outcomes with devices like HoloLens 2, consider these steps:
- Prioritize use cases with high potential value and minimal barriers to implementation for a better return on investment.
- Consider starting with “out-of-the-box” applications for faster deployment and value demonstration.
- Gain leadership support to manage the cultural impact of MR adoption.
Once successfully implemented, organizations can explore custom development and additional use cases as employees and customers become more comfortable with MR technology. Overall, embracing MR can transform businesses by improving remote work, streamlining operations, enhancing customer experiences, and fostering innovation and growth.
Getting Started With Forvis Mazars
The Microsoft team at Forvis Mazars can provide end-to-end technology solutions covering Azure, modern workplace, and business applications. Our technology consultants focus on Microsoft products, including Dynamics 365, Power Platform, analytics, IT infrastructure, and automation using RPA. We offer MR assessments to help organizations understand the potential of MR in enhancing overall operations.
Our goal is to help your organization achieve its desired business outcomes. As a certified Microsoft Partner, our experienced technology consultants at Forvis Mazars can help clients efficiently leverage business technology solutions. Connect with us today to learn more or request an MR assessment.