Many front-line workers need to implement out-of-control action plans. These events require immediate action and can occur regularly. Traditional procedures today, even at some of the most advanced facilities, direct workers to find the paper binder that outlines the mitigation steps and the appropriate responsive actions. This approach is fraught with issues ranging from the ability to keep reference and instructional information updated, to the ability to incorporate sensor data to accelerate diagnostics and make corrective actions. What’s more, when in a remote location, workers don’t always have immediate access to this information.
It should be no surprise that digital transformation is providing new tools to address such scenarios. Simply digitising information and storing it in the Microsoft Azure cloud, or making it available on a tablet, are big steps in the right direction – provided connections and access to this information is assured and fast enough. Taqtile’s spatial computing solution, Manifest, is addressing these issues on the next level. Taqtile’s Manifest solution makes job instruction information – used for task guidance and training, maintenance and diagnostics – accessible from a head-mounted spatial computer, such as Microsoft HoloLens 2. This information is more than a digital manual and it can be enhanced by incorporating audio, video, spatial indicators and animated 3D models as well as overlaying real-time, internet of things sensor data and alerts. Adding real-time communication and collaboration to the solution equips and empowers front-line workers to perform the most complex tasks quickly, consistently and precisely.
However, quick, reliable access to this data – and many times from remote locations – is absolutely required for the adoption and use of such tools. Without it, it is difficult to ensure a seamless and undisrupted user experience for a front-line worker. This is why 5G, the latest generation of wireless telecommunications connectivity, is quickly emerging as a critical technology to enhance such solutions.
5G technology will lower latency of wireless connections to a delay that is virtually undetectable by humans. With faster, more reliable connectivity and more throughput, many companies will be incented to replace more costly wired networks or less reliable wi-fi networks. They will be able to send more data from more machines, devices and sensors to the cloud and empower front-line workers to access that data from remote locations in new ways such as through light-weight headset displays. The next generation of data-assisted, front-line workers will be able to visualise machine maintenance instructions on the fly or adjust the production of a machine from anywhere on a factory floor. Workers will be empowered and everyone will be an expert.
Kelly Malone is chief revenue officer at Taqtile
This article was originally published in the Spring 2020 issue of The Record. Subscribe for FREE here to get the next issues delivered directly to your inbox.
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