Imagine being able to try on clothes without putting them on; medical students practicing surgery without putting at risk a real patient – several such scenarios that once were a part of science fiction have become a reality, all thanks to Augmented Reality (AR).
What started as a way to provide immersive and realistic theatre experience (through VR (Virtual Reality) glasses) in popular culture is set to transform business landscape. AR technology is being utilized and explored as an innovative way to enhance customers’ experience, improve operational efficiency and stay ahead of the competition.
What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented Reality refers to a technology that overlays digital information onto the physical world, using a device’s camera and display. Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), which creates a completely immersive digital environment, AR adds virtual objects, sounds or other sensory inputs to enhance the real world.
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Why businesses should use AR?
Augmented Reality enables companies to provide personalized information and create immersive and interactive experiences that captivate customers and leave a lasting impression. Besides, it is also a powerful tool for improving operational efficiency, enhancing employee training and streamlining complex business processes.
Best applications of Augmented Reality in Business world
Retailers are using augmented reality in their mobile applications, enabling customers to see how their products would actually look on them before making a purchase. Furthermore, businesses use AR-based campaigns that include virtual product placements and demonstrations.
- AR-based training programmes
Augmented reality is also being used to train employees through virtual simulations and interactive guides.
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The modern technology of Augmented Reality can be further leveraged to allow technicians to repair and maintain infrastructure and equipment remotely, reducing downtime and improving efficiency.
In the healthcare sector, AR-based models are used for training, patient education and remote consultations.
Revolutionizing the real estate market, realtors are using AR to provide property tours and interactive floor plans.
Market experts predict that we would see even more innovative applications of Augmented Reality across businesses. Cloud-based AR platforms that enables businesses to deploy AR experiences at a larger scale; and AR-based analytics are likely to be the most sought after AR solutions.
Implementation strategies for Augmented Reality in business
A strategic approach is essential to harness the power of Augmented Reality in your business. Here are some of the best implementation strategies that you can utilize to grow your business.
- Define clear objectives
Firstly, you should identify specific business challenges and opportunities that you think Augmented Reality can address and align these AR objectives with your overall business strategy. - Conduct a feasibility study
In the next step, you should evaluate your business’s technical infrastructure, resources and employee expertise to ensure that can be implemented smoothly. - Find the right AR platform
You must take extra caution and invest adequate time in research so that you can choose a credible AR platform (or developer) that meets your business needs, scalability requirements as well as budget constraints. - Develop a content strategy
Good content remains at the heart of successful use of AR in business. Thus, you must plan your content strategy and create interactive, informative and visually appealing AR content that resonates with your target audience. - Pilot, test and refine
Now, it is time to launch a pilot programme to test your AR solution, gather feedback and refine your approach to ensure optimal results. - Train employees
To ensure that your AR solution is being implemented at the ground level, you should train your employees with the necessary training and support to effectively use AR technology. Besides, you should also be aware of potential conflicts between different functional area like logistics, sales and store display. - Monitor and evaluate
Once an AR solution is implemented, many businesses make the mistake of becoming complacent. However, a good AR strategy requires businesses to continuously monitor your AR solution and proactively make adjustments to your content for more effective results.
By following the above implementation strategy, businesses can unlock the full potential of Augmented Reality and drive meaningful results.
Augmented Reality can be a game-changer in the upcoming years as new technologies transform the business landscape. It has the potential to transform various aspects of business from customer experience to operational efficiency. By understanding best AR applications and implementation strategies, businesses can unlock new opportunities to drive innovation and growth.
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