Introduction

Michael Porter and Jim Heppelman, in their article «Why Every Organization Needs an Augmented Reality Strategy», explain how augmented reality (AR) will change the way we work. AR is a technology that superimposes digital information on real objects or environments, allowing people to process the physical and digital simultaneously. This eliminates the need to mentally bridge the two, improving our ability to rapidly and accurately absorb information, make decisions, and execute required tasks quickly and efficiently.AR will become the new interface between humans and machines, transforming how we learn, make decisions, and interact with the physical world. It will also change how enterprises serve customers, train employees, design and create products, and manage their value chains, and, ultimately, how they compete. AR will be used in various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and education.According to the authors, many firms are scrambling to access the digital talent needed for AR development, which is in short supply. One skill in great demand is user experience or user interface (UX/UI) design. It’s critical to have a clear strategy for AR development and deployment, including identifying the right use cases, building the necessary infrastructure, and training employees to use AR effectively.In conclusion, AR is a transformative technology that will change the way we work. Organizations that develop a clear AR strategy and invest in the necessary infrastructure and talent will have a competitive advantage in the future.

The Promise of Augmented Reality

Augmented reality, often abbreviated as AR, refers to a technology that overlays digital information and virtual elements onto the real world. Unlike virtual reality (VR), which immerses users in entirely digital environments, AR supplements our physical surroundings with digital enhancements. This fundamental distinction is at the heart of AR’s potential to revolutionize work processes across industries.

Enhanced Productivity

Michael Porter and Jim Heppelman emphasize that AR has the potential to significantly boost productivity across various sectors. By providing workers with real-time information, instructions, and data superimposed onto their physical environment, AR enables them to perform tasks more efficiently and with fewer errors.

Consider a scenario in manufacturing, where technicians use AR-equipped smart glasses to access detailed schematics and troubleshooting instructions directly in their field of view. This eliminates the need to consult manuals or refer to screens, reducing downtime and errors. Such improvements in productivity can translate into substantial cost savings for businesses.

Enhanced Training and Skill Development

AR also promises to revolutionize the way employees are trained and upskilled. Traditional training methods often involve lengthy classroom sessions or watching instructional videos, which may not be as engaging or effective as immersive AR experiences.

Porter and Heppelman point out that AR can provide interactive, on-the-job training experiences, allowing employees to learn and practice new skills in a real-world context. This not only accelerates the learning process but also enhances retention and proficiency. Furthermore, AR can simulate complex scenarios and dangerous environments, ensuring that workers are well-prepared for challenging situations without exposing them to risks.

Remote Collaboration and Expertise

In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to collaborate remotely is crucial. AR can bridge geographical gaps by facilitating real-time collaboration among distributed teams. With AR-enabled devices, workers can share their perspectives, drawings, and data, providing remote colleagues with a comprehensive understanding of on-site situations.

Moreover, AR can enable experts to provide remote assistance and guidance in complex tasks. This has profound implications for industries like healthcare, where surgeons can receive guidance from specialists during delicate procedures, or in field service, where technicians can access remote expertise to solve intricate problems.

Data Visualization and Decision-Making

Data is the lifeblood of modern businesses, and AR has the potential to transform how we visualize and interact with data. Porter and Heppelman argue that AR can turn complex data sets into intuitive, interactive visualizations that can be overlaid onto physical objects or spaces.

For instance, a sales manager could use AR glasses to visualize real-time sales data, allowing them to see trends and opportunities within their physical surroundings. This enhances decision-making by providing immediate access to critical information.

Innovation and Customer Engagement

AR can also drive innovation and enhance customer engagement. By creating immersive and interactive experiences, businesses can showcase products, prototypes, or designs in three dimensions, allowing customers to visualize and customize them in real time. This can be a game-changer for industries such as interior design, architecture, and retail.

Moreover, AR can enable businesses to engage customers through gamification, enhancing brand loyalty and customer satisfaction. Augmented reality applications can create unique, interactive experiences that captivate consumers and set businesses apart from competitors.

Conclusion

In their book, «A Manager’s Guide to Augmented Reality,» Michael Porter and Jim Heppelman shed light on the transformative potential of augmented reality in the workplace. AR has the power to enhance productivity, streamline training, facilitate remote collaboration, improve data visualization, and drive innovation and customer engagement. As businesses continue to adopt AR technologies, those that harness its capabilities effectively are likely to gain a significant competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

In conclusion, the integration of augmented reality into the workplace is not merely a technological advancement but a paradigm shift in how we work and interact with our surroundings. Porter and Heppelman’s insights provide a valuable roadmap for managers and organizations looking to navigate this transformative journey and harness the full potential of augmented reality.

Recommended reading

Whiteboard Session: Why Every Organization Needs an AR Strategy – HBR Video

Why Every Organization Needs an Augmented Reality Strategy