We all have had some exposure to different forms of AR (augmented reality) in day-to-day life. Layering real-world environments or objects with computer-generated content is nothing new. But AR has transformed the technology from an innovative entertainment concept to an important business solution. Since augmented reality softens the boundary between digital and real work, it provides businesses with a variety of ways to communicate with customers, suppliers, and colleagues. Innovative AR solutions and tools offer a wide range of opportunities to industries like health care, automotive, real estate and manufacturing, etc. so they can streamline their operations in a totally new way and improve the consumer experience.
What is Augmented Reality (AR)?
Augmented reality is the practice of using technology to add digital and artificial features to real-life environments and objects. In other words, when we use a particular device or software to layer computer-generated contents like sounds, new sights, or qualities to real-world objects, is known as augmented reality. There are several apps, software, and tools available that add new digital/visual elements to things we are looking at. Shopping for glasses online is a perfect example of AR as we don’t touch or wear original glasses but AR technology superimposes them on your face to help you determine how you will actually look by wearing those glasses in real.
How is Augmented Reality Used in Business?
Tech tools and solutions like computers, smartphones, and smart home security solutions have always transformed the way we live and work. in this article, we will have a look at how AR may change the way we work and how businesses are applying augmented reality in their operations.
Retail
As per changing expectations and needs of modern consumers, retailers are focusing more on improving the digital experience. Augmented reality helps companies bridge the gap between online and physical shopping by providing advanced ways for buying stuff online. For example, sellers now can use AR tools and solutions to allow consumers to see the items or products in 3D formats before they make final buying decisions. This gives customers an opportunity to view the product from different angles as they do during in-store shopping.
Training
When it comes to train staff across different locations using the same training materials, AR helps businesses a lot by providing advanced training materials and solutions. This allows businesses to train their employees for a variety of business operations and processes in 3D environments. For example, electric engineers can practice complex procedures in 3D training environments effectively. This also eliminates direct exposure to hazards and keeps employees safe while they are learning and understanding different business operations or processes. Some companies are leveraging WebAR (that can be viewed without an app using a web browser) to develop better learning materials for their employees. Today’s industry is full of many WebAR examples as it ensures lower cost and higher reach.
Industrial Applications
AR can effectively transform the way how a variety of jobs are done in different industries. Augmented reality eliminates the elements of guesswork to streamline several business processes. For instance, technicians at work sites can get quick support and assistance from remote staff or professionals in the offices to find out issues, superimpose features over different items and resolve the issues in real-time. use of different AR-based industrial applications can eradicate the need of complex instructions and enable the workers to get live support from experts.
Design & Creative
Design and creative industries are some of the markets hugely impacted by augmented reality technology. Designers, artists and CAD developers are using AR to render products and other objects in 3D spaces for a better presentation and smooth workflow. Businesses can integrate advanced AR tools in the product designing departments to help engineers create awesome product design models and prototypes quickly and easily. However, hiring a reliable Augmented Reality agency is imperative to get hands-on high-quality AR tools, solutions, and apps for your business.
Customer Experiences
Modern customers adapt to advanced technologies and trends quicker than ever before. This is the reason, brands and companies should also deliver a great digital experience using a variety of tech tools and solutions including augmented reality. For example, an online clothing store that uses an AR app for product visualization to entertain online shoppers can show their clothing products in the best possible way to help customers in buying decisions. Augmented reality can also take visual engagement with the audience to a whole new level. The real estate industry can also leverage AR technology to allow potential customers to visit and view properties via 3D models and environments without visiting the sites in person. In all such ways, different types of businesses and companies can use augmented reality to improve the overall customer experience and boost the customer base to generate more revenue.
