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ManufacturingAugust 1, 2024

Augmented Reality in Manufacturing: 6 Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can set the stage for a successful AR project launch, but ensuring ongoing success requires a comprehensive and detailed approach.
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Avatar Hélène Druet

Explore Easy AR Experience-based  Strategies

Augmented Reality (AR) stands at the forefront of technological innovation in manufacturing, offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency, accuracy, and training. However, successfully navigating the implementation of AR technologies requires a well-thought-out strategy supported by expert insight and clear foresight. Let’s explore five common pitfalls to avoid when starting an AR project, ensuring your venture is a tangible step toward operational excellence and competitive advantage. 

1. Not Defining a Clear Strategy and Business Goals

The Pitfall

One of the most significant missteps in AR projects is bypassing the strategic planning phase. Without a clear strategy and defined business goals, the project can lose focus and direction, resulting in wasted resources and unmet expectations.

The Tip

Take the time to establish a solid strategy that aligns with your overarching business objectives. Determine what you aim to achieve with the AR project—be it improving operational efficiency, enhancing training protocols, or boosting product quality. Clear goals will guide your project from conception through to execution, ensuring every action taken is purposeful and measurable.

2. Choosing the Wrong Use Case for your AR project

The Pitfall

Selecting an inappropriate use case for AR implementation can lead to low value generation and frustration among team members. The initial use case that comes to mind might not always be the optimal one for your company’s needs.

The Tip

Review various potential use cases thoroughly before making a decision. Analyze their feasibility, potential ROI, and alignment with your business objectives. Engage with different teams to gather diverse perspectives and ensure the chosen use case is both practical and impactful.

3. Not Involving the Right People in the AR Project Team

The Pitfall

A common mistake is appointing a project manager unfamiliar with digital technologies or neglecting to involve field operators who will be using the AR solution. This oversight can result in poor adoption and ineffective solutions.

The Tip

Involve a cross-functional team from the beginning. Include stakeholders from IT, operations, and end-users to ensure diverse input and buy-in. Appoint a project manager with experience in digital transformation projects and provide training to enhance their understanding of AR technologies.

4. Having a Preconceived Idea of the Ideal AR Hardware

The Pitfall

Focusing on a single type of AR technology can lead to complex integrations, dissatisfaction among users, and ergonomic issues. This narrow approach may result in the AR hardware being underutilized or abandoned.

The Tip

Explore different AR hardware options based on your specific use case, work cell environment, and limitations. Consider factors such as ease of integration, user satisfaction, and ergonomics. Arrange demonstrations to validate your decision and ensure the selected technology aligns with your requirements. A flexible approach will help you choose the most suitable technology for your requirements. Learn more on the different AR hardware options in our dedicated ebook .

5. Not Anticipating the Integration Part

The Pitfall

Failing to anticipate the technical integration requirements can lead to bottlenecks and delays during deployment. Misalignment with IT standards and existing systems can further complicate matters.

The Tip

Define the technical requirements clearly from the outset and ensure alignment with your IT standards. Collaborate with your IT department to address potential integration challenges early on, paving the way for smooth operations and efficient deployment. Discover more about how to integrate the DELMIA Augmented Experience solution into your IT environment, watch the replay of our webinar .

6. Not Measuring Key Indicators Before the Start of the Project

The Pitfall

Without identifying relevant metrics and establishing a baseline at the beginning of the project, assessing ROI becomes challenging. This oversight can undermine the project’s perceived value and impact.

The Tip

Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with your business goals and establish a baseline before starting the project. Regularly measure and analyze these metrics to track progress and demonstrate the project’s value using AR technology to stakeholders.

Augmented Reality manufacturing imae with DELMIA

How do I Start an Augmented Reality Project?

Avoiding these common pitfalls can set the stage for a successful AR project launch, but ensuring ongoing success requires a comprehensive and detailed approach. For a complete guide to navigating each stage of your AR project, download our e-book: “Ensuring the success of your augmented reality project for manufacturing – The Ultimate Checklist for Successful AR Project Launches.” This indispensable resource covers everything from strategic planning to technology integration, offering ideas and tips from our experts and detailed checklists to guarantee your AR initiatives drive real value, and that your project is not just a technological experiment but a strategic initiative that delivers tangible benefits.

Ready to take your Augmented Reality project to the next level? Book a call  with one of our experts to refine your strategy and choose the best AR solution for your business. Together, we can turn your vision into reality and drive your organization toward succeess.

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