With evolving technology, the data we obtain about our environment is richer than ever before. It also seems that we keep having less time and more choices. To keep up, we need something that would help us to comprehend information and make decisions faster.   

One way to close the gap between the digital and the psychical world is augmented reality technology. AR is used across industries and helps, for example, shoppers to pick the right clothes, technicians to fix machines efficiently, allows medical students to try out surgeries digitally.

We can now view 3D images, manipulate virtual objects, and even create entire digital worlds that exist alongside our own.. 

Since the starting era of computer technology, people have dreamed of a future where it can enhance what they see and experience in the world around them. Augmented Reality (AR) is bringing that future a little closer by using digital technologies to overlay information onto the physical world. 

You might find it like a science fiction movie, but AR is already being used in different ways that positively impact our lives. With its ability to bring your ideas to life, AR is proving to be a valuable tool for both individuals and businesses alike.

Let’s look at what exactly AR is, how it works, in what forms it exists, and how it can help people receive information.

What is augmented reality?      

Augmented reality, or AR, is a technology that allows digitally generated 3D objects to be overlaid in real-world scenarios using an AR device. The virtual object shows up on the screen in the real environment together with the device’s camera input. This way, the users can interact both with the physical world and the virtual object enriching the experience with data.

However futuristic it may sound, nowadays, it is pretty easy to encounter AR technology. While still developing, it is estimated that worldwide spending on AR technologies will reach $45.1 billion by 2022. The technology is being used across industries, including marketing, healthcare, education, product development, manufacturing, etc.

Brief history of AR

The world’s first head-mounted display was created by Ivan Sutherland and Bob Sproull in 1968. This device used primitive computer graphics to create an image of what lay beyond the user’s line of sight.

The video place was an artificial reality lab created in 1975 by Myron Krueger. The mission of this company (which later evolved into projecting human figures onto screens with digital content such as projectors and cameras) continues today as well.

In 1980, Steve Mann developed the first portable computer that could be used while you are looking into it. It was called “Eye Tap.” The technologies allowed him to record images and superimpose others on top for an interactive experience.

The first Heads-Up Display was developed in 1987 by Douglas George and Robert Morris. It displayed astronomical data over the real sky, which helped pilots avoid eye fatigue while flying at night or during foggy conditions.

Thomas Caudell and David Mizell, researchers for the Boeing company, came up with a term that would eventually be known as augmented reality in 1990.

With Frank Deigado and Mike Abernathy’s team of scientists, in 1999, they created new navigation software that could generate runways and street data from a helicopter video.

In 2000, the Japanese scientist Hirokazu Kato developed ARToolKit, an open-source SDK that works with Adobe programs like Photoshop and Illustrator to create 3D graphics on your computer screen.

In 2008, Wikitude, a company that specializes in artificial intelligence and virtual reality technology, created an app for Android mobile devices called AR Travel Guide.

With Google Glass, from 2013, gamers can wear augmented reality goggles that let them see their surroundings through HD screens.

The difference between AR, VR and MR 

While augmented and virtual reality are often grouped together, they don’t work the same way and serve different purposes.   

As mentioned before, augmented reality (AR) includes a virtual overlay in a real-life environment. The user still sees the physical world, only his view is enriched by AR animation and data. Almost any person with a smartphone can get access to AR, no additional devices are necessary.  

Although augmented reality usually gets all the spotlight, there is another AR – assisted reality. Unlike augmented reality, it is a reality first experience. Information isn´t overlaid on top of the real world. Instead, the user sees a screen within their immediate field of vision.

On the other hand, virtual reality completely immerses the user into a virtual, computer-generated scenario. When a user puts on a VR headset, the screen eliminates any interaction with the real-life environment. However, it often does simulate a real experience by employing visual or auditory stimulation. To experience virtual reality, you need special equipment such as computers, headsets, or gloves. 

Mixed reality combines the elements of AR and VR so that digital objects can interact with the real world. They are designed to be anchored to the real environment. Thanks to the interactivity element, MR overlaps with AR and is sometimes used interchangeably.

How does augmented reality work? 

AR projections can be displayed on various devices: various screens, glasses, handheld devices, smartphones, and headsets.   

For the computer-generated perceptual information to show up correctly, it calculates the position and orientation of the surrounding objects in real life. Usually, it works like this: Based on the type, AR can use depth sensors, accelerometers, cameras, gyroscopes, and light sensors to collect data on the user’s surroundings. They measure the distance to the objects, speed of the motion, direction and angle, and overall orientation in space. The data is then processed to show animation in a real-time and relevant location. 

Types Of AR 

There are four most popular types of augmented reality: marker-based, marker-less, projection-based and superimposition-based AR.  

• Marker-based AR 

Marker-based AR (also called “image recognition) requires a marker – a photo, QR code, or something similar – to initiate the AR animation.

The device will scan the marker with a camera and calculate the overlay’s position. The marker is static, allowing users to move around and inspect the object in 3D from various angles. 

• Projection-based AR 

As the name might suggest, projection-based AR visualizes digital images into physical space. It uses synthetic light to show visuals on surfaces.

It may be interactive – the most known would be a projected digital keyboard that allows users to type. However, it also can be non-interactive.

Those can look like a holograph – a light projection of objects where you can also see their position and depth. 

• Marker-less AR 

Marker-less augmented reality does not need a marker to be in a fixed point in space.

The placement of the virtual object is based on the user’s real physical environment.

Correct detecting and mapping surroundings require more advanced technology than marker-based AR, such as GPS or compasses. It is also known as “location-based” AR, as it adds information based on a certain area. 

• Superimposition-based AR

Superimposition-based AR replaces a portion or the whole of a physical object in the view with an augmented one.

Object recognition plays a significant role in this, as the app must be able to recognize what object to show.

For example, this is used in medicine, where doctors can see the X-ray view of a patient’s broken bone on the real image or locate veins better.

Essential Components for AR to Work

Augmented Reality technology is growing more advanced every day, but there are a few essential components that it needs to work on to be effective.

• Sensors

AR relies on sensors to understand the environment around it. Using a combination of GPS, accelerometers, and gyroscopes, AR apps can figure out exactly where you are and what direction you’re facing.

From there, they can superimpose digital content on top of the real world. In any case, without sensors, AR wouldn’t be possible.

• Algorithms

Algorithms are responsible for mapping the physical world and determining where digital content should be placed.

Designing algorithms that can accurately map the world is a challenge. The world is constantly changing, and so are the algorithms that power AR.

• Output Devices

They provide the user with information about the virtual world created. The most common output device is a head-mounted display (HMD).

AR technology requires lightweight output devices that deliver high-resolution images and video without causing undue strain on the user’s neck or eyes.

What is SLAM Technology?

SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) refers to the technology that allows digital content to be accurately placed in the real world.

Using a combination of sensors and computer vision, SLAM tracks the user’s movements and produces a map of the surrounding environment.

This map is then used to place digital content, such as 3D models or virtual objects, in the real world. 

Uses of AR

AR has various potential uses, from entertainment and gaming to education and training. AR is already being used by some industries, such as retail, healthcare, and manufacturing.

But how does AR facilitate these industries? Let’s take a look: 

• Healthcare

With technology integration like AR, the healthcare industry has revolutionized and has become more efficient and effective.

Surgeons use AR to provide real-time guidance to surgeons during complex procedures. It could also be used to create immersive educational experiences for medical students. 

Additionally, AR could be used to create virtual models of patients’ organs, allowing doctors to get a better understanding of their anatomy. 

• Retail

Retailers always look for new ways to engage customers and create an interactive shopping experience. Augmented reality (AR) is one technology that is being used more frequently in the retail sector. 

AR involves superimposing computer-generated images onto a user’s view of the real world.

For example, customers can view products in their homes before making a purchase, or get a virtual tour of a store before visiting in person. 

• Entertainment

Augmented reality (AR) is one of the latest technologies that is starting to make a big impact in the world of entertainment. AR can be used from enhancing live performances to create interactive experiences for users.

For instance, AR can be used to project images and information onto surfaces; providing viewers with an immersive experience. Additionally, AR can be used to create games and other interactive content.

Examples of AR technology 

AR becoming commonplace might seem like a thing of the distant future. In reality, it is far more common than you might think.

• Snapchat & Instagram filters

Probably the most popular example of AR in everyday life are the filters used by social media apps.

These include everything from illustrated flower crowns or retro picture filters to “beautifying” filters.

The user´s face is detected with the help of AI. After that, the filter is digitally overlaid on the face. Thanks to AR and AI, these filters can look very real.

• Pokémon Go

Pokémon Go, the mobile game that took the world by storm in 2016 and grossed more than $6 billion in revenue by 2020, is a prime example of AR.

The game combines digital technology with physical involvement – the players catch cartoon characters virtually present in real-life surroundings.

• Maintenance assistance

AR equipped maintenance solutions that aid users can be very helpful while troubleshooting.

They are also a great help to beginner technicians with limited knowledge about the equipment they are servicing.

Apps like this are often used in the manufacturing, automotive or field service industry.

Assisted reality devices such as RealWear are equipped with an HD camera for visual documentation and a powerful microphone that workers can use even in noisy environments such as construction sites or manufacturing halls.

Workers can follow manuals, complete inspections, or make calls while keeping their hands free. Resco’s app for RealWear is offline enabled, can be adapted to the client’s needs, and directly integrated with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Resco Cloud.

• Interior decoration apps

When you want to remodel your home, you don´t need to go and buy new furniture.

Instead, you can try it out in one of the many interior decoration apps that allow you to virtually impose a picture over your surroundings so that you can try out if the new piece of furniture would fit.

The furniture retailer IKEA has gone even further and created IKEA Studio – an app that uses the iPhone´s LiDAR sensor to capture 3D plans of your home so that you can virtually redesign it.

It is currently in beta, but it was built in preparation for the arrival of Apple Glass, so we know that we can expect an even more immersive AR experience in the future.

• ASOS See my fit

The online fashion retailer ASOS is always quick to innovate.

When the pandemic started and model as well as photographers could only work from home, ASOS launched the See My Fit feature in collaboration with the AR company Zeekit.

See My Fit allows users to digitally fit clothing onto models with sixteen different body types, sizes and heights.

Metaverse & AR

Metaverse and AR are two cutting-edge technologies often spoken about in the same breath.

And for a good reason – they both hold immense potential for transforming the way we interact with the world around us. But how are these two technologies connected? And do they have a place in the future?

Metaverse is a virtual world that exists online, while AR is a technology that overlays digital information in the real world. Both technologies have the power to change the way we work, play, and communicate.

Metaverse can be used to create virtual workplaces, where employees can collaborate from anywhere in the world.

AR, on the other hand, can revolutionize shopping by allowing people to try on products before they buy them.

According to statistics, the total market value is forecast to climb from $30.7 billion in 2021 to around $300 billion by 2024. Looking to the future, it’s clear that both Metaverse and AR will majorly impact our lives.

Future of AR

AR is still in development; there’s no doubt that AR has a bright future ahead. But what to expect from this technology in the years to come?

First and foremost, we can expect AR to become more common among people. As the technology develops, it will become increasingly affordable and easy to use.

You can also expect AR to significantly impact how you interact with the world around us.

With the advent of 5G, AR can provide much higher-resolution real-time information, making it more realistic and immersive.

In addition, 5G will enable AR applications to be used in more remote locations, such as construction sites and mines.

So, what does the future hold for AR? There’s no telling exactly what will happen, but one thing is for sure: it will be an exciting adventure.

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What is tribal knowledge?

The term tribal knowledge, or tacit knowledge, depicts information, experiences, and skills about operational processes that remain undocumented and vastly inaccessible within the organization. By the definition, it is possessed by an individual or a group and often transfers via word of mouth – not through official communication channels.

An example of tribal knowledge would be a senior technician that has been with a company for fifteen years. During that time, he has collected various nuances about the organization itself and their field of work. It is the guy that knows that specific equipment operates differently in winter and summer or is the only one trained to carry out corrective maintenance when a machine fails. Great to have him – right?

Tacit vs. explicit knowledge: what is the difference?

In simple terms, there are two forms of knowledge in an organization: tacit (tribal knowledge) and explicit knowledge. To improve your knowledge management, it is crucial to know how the knowledge behaves and the differences between them.

Tacit knowledge

Tacit knowledge is one of the most precious and underappreciated assets an organization can possess.

As mentioned before, tacit knowledge consists of employees’ experiences, skills, and ideas that stem from years of practice. As the holder carries it in their mind and can even be unaware of its potential, it is harder to transfer than explicit knowledge. At a company without proper knowledge management, the only way tacit knowledge is shared is via personal contact and teaching.

Tacit knowledge often remains an untapped source of knowledge. However, when utilized right, it is what keeps organizations afloat even after their senior workers leave.

Explicit knowledge

Explicit knowledge is a codified set of information that has been recognized and recorded. An example would be the objective and technical expertise documented in written documents, guides, and manuals. It is easy to store and share with others.

It is also what you want your tacit knowledge to turn into to reach its full potential.

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Is tribal knowledge good or bad?

As a result of learning and continuous improvement, tribal knowledge possesses valuable information that can bring your operations and training processes to the next level. However, it may also present several issues if it’s left unretained.

• Tribal knowledge is not institutionalized knowledge – You may have procedures written down on paper. However, tribal knowledge does not reflect the official manuals of the company, and workers may operate in a way you’re not aware of. Maybe they found a genius way of cutting production time in half, but in a way, it presents a safety hazard.
• It may mean your training is inefficient – A lot of practical, tribal knowledge goes undocumented. Failing to capture it results in skills gaps and insufficient training. Furthermore, the fact that employees rely on tribal knowledge may mean that your onboarding processes are inefficient and do not prepare new hires properly for their tasks.
• It is not shared among everyone – Tribal knowledge comes from personal experience, which means not everyone in the workplace has access to it. Employees depend on the kindness of co-workers – otherwise, they have to figure out job nuances by themselves. This makes onboarding and reskilling processes harder. Not to mention the time spent figuring out something that’s been done before.
• It is not always correct – Another problem is that, as many things transfer via word of mouth, tribal knowledge doesn’t always have to be accurate. While new ideas are always appreciated, some employees may be, in good faith, performing procedures incorrectly. This may result in inconsistencies and wasted time and resources.
• When employees leave, the knowledge goes with them – The industry already dealing with skill shortages has been hit by the “silver tsunami”. One-fourth of the manufacturing workforce is 55 or older and ready to retire. So, it couldn’t be a worse time to waste precious knowledge. If there are techniques that only one of your employees is familiar with and you haven’t captured it yet, that’s a disaster waiting to happen.

How to capture tribal knowledge

1. Find those with tribal knowledge

It is more likely it will be your senior employees, but it can be anyone with extensive knowledge about their tasks. Maybe there is someone already in your mind, a name that often comes up when troubleshooting.

Data collection and analytics software can also help you find employees with tribal knowledge. The chances are that those with the best performances have some tricks up their sleeves that would be worth capturing.

2. Identify which knowledge to keep and which to toss

As we mentioned before, not every piece of tribal knowledge is correct. Look into your findings and analyze whether it’s benefiting your processes. Find what’s working and get rid of procedures that don’t.

3. Organize and document the knowledge

Who knows the most about your operations than the ones that carry them out? Engage your workers in building your knowledge library. They can write down their daily tasks and specify each step, and you can use their input as a base for SOPs.

Utilize good knowledge management software. The software will address tribal knowledge retention and make the process easier for the workers. It may require some investment initially, but it will pay off later when you are reskilling and training new hires.

Making work instructions more appealing and easier to understand also has its importance. Different media types, such as PDFs and videos, can encourage workers to read and follow standard operating procedures rather than relying solely on tribal knowledge.

4. Encourage knowledge sharing and defy the knowledge gap

Try to find a solution that would enhance knowledge-sharing and collective wisdom in your organization. For example, creating a platform where workers interact with their peers, experts, and management can encourage collaboration.

The ideal type would be a cloud-based platform where documents can be updated in real-time. This way, employees can share their knowledge and ask others for advice. And after they resolve the problem, information can be easily stored and retrieved.

Interested in building your knowledge base?

The knowledge management solution Steps+ will help you keep up with the competition. All your tribal knowledge, guides, manuals, instruction are available in a single app. Empower staff to share expertise in real-time and improve your operations with knowledge at your workers’ fingertips.

 Find out more & book a 30-minute demo here.

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This setup might have been helpful when hunting a mammoth or tending to a cave. And while being quite sophisticated and highly organized tasks, such activities are quite different from today’s typical 9 to 5. It’s been just a few centuries that we’ve been required to master new skills, learn new processes, and consistently output the same amount of energy every day.

Our brains motivate us to find shortcuts, skip steps, and cut corners. All those things present possible difficulties and dangers, especially in jobs that require precision and adherence to policies. So – how can an organization in the 21st-century help recruits follow expertly designed procedures?

Provide precise work instructions

Don’t fight evolution by overcomplicating your processes – if it is hard to understand, it is also hard to do. Creating straightforward, accessible and easy-to-follow SOPs is the key. When supported by exact guides and knowledge, our brains don’t have to spend energy and time figuring out each step and instead focus on the task. 

Treat workers with respect

Try talking to them about your policies instead of ordering them to follow. Make sure they understand the reasoning behind the procedures. Some are required by the law, some are unique to your organization to upkeep safety and quality.

Explain everything and get them on board. Be it workers or managers, everybody does a better job when treated with respect.

Communicate what happens if processes aren’t properly followed

Are there health risks? Is productivity at stake? Some outcomes are less drastic but still very relevant. Maybe not following a policy increase safety risk, makes your company less inclusive, or makes it harder to get a new customer. At the end of the day, it can negatively reflect your organization.

Don’t disregard questions or ideas

If someone questions your processes, don’t take it personally. Good policies make sense – show your employees your methods are meaningful. Use it as an opportunity to explain further or even use their feedback to improve operations. You’ll gain workers’ respect much easier.

Regular reports

Keeping records allows you to see the trends in your operations. Maybe products repeatedly come out faulty, or you are always behind schedule – reports help you analyze performance, find bottlenecks and implement changes right where it is needed.

Help your new recruits get on board with resco.Guides!

Now, all these recommendations may seem challenging to incorporate into your operations. But fear not, there’s a way to make the process easier, both for you and your employees.

resco.Guides is a knowledge management app to capture, standardize and apply tribal expertise.

It allows workers operating in highly specialized industries to be supplied with instructions, manuals, process descriptions, and potential risk assessments remotely.

Give your employees the information they need when they need it, and sign up for a free 30-minute demo today!

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But for manufacturers, holidays are even more critical – in terms of revenues and planning strategies to avoid inevitable chaos that comes with increased demand.  

While preparations for this year’s holidays usually start several months prior, preparations for holidays can and should be an all-year endeavour.

While we believe in Christmas miracles, your strategies won’t magically change in a span of a few months.

So, let’s look at tools that can help you ease the production process in the running for holidays, but you can also benefit from in the long run. 

Training technologies 

One of the main strains manufacturers must go through are holidays staff shortages. If a plant cannot produce enough products per hour to keep up with the demand, adding shifts is a simple solution – which means hiring extra staff, as it might not be safe or possible for workers to have shifts back-to-back. 

Manufacturing requires a certain level of skills for each position, and finding trained, reliable staff is quite a challenge even during the rest of the year.

Additional staff requires quick and quality training, which technologies such as augmented reality are perfect for.

Through tools like AR glasses or tablets, AR can provide the user with work instructions, safety protocols, or information on machinery at a glance and guide the trainees through their tasks step-by-step. 

Automation and robotics 

While robotics can be considered a significant investment just to brace for the demand spike around holidays, it holds much potential during any busy period throughout the year.

Automation is mainly thought to take over simple repetitive tasks that require precision, increased speed, and patience. However, with evolving technology, factory robots are able to tackle more sophisticated cases even without human intervention.  

Implementing robotics into your operations can boost wrapping, labelling, assembling, and inspection processes, giving you that extra push needed before holidays. Apart from efficiency, automation can also keep workers away from risky situations, lower production costs, and enhance quality by preventing errors. 

Data collection and analytics 

When preparing for the holidays, it is also essential to make sure your organization has the capacity to cover the demand.

Predicting how much materials, products, and staff you need may be challenging without proper technology.

Data tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can give you detailed insights into manufacturing processes and help you prepare for the holidays without producing unnecessary waste. 

For example, data can help you with: 

• Demand forecasting – To predict customer demand by analyzing numbers and trends from previous years and plan capacity and inventory accordingly. 
• Predictive maintenance schedules – To plan production schedule around planned maintenance and minimize unanticipated downtimes. 
• Workforce management – To help you anticipate how many workers you need for a specific task and enhance their performance by spotting bottlenecks. 

Perfect for otherwise complicated planning! And on top of that, AI can also help you with scheduling work orders based on priorities and problem alerting capabilities, so you can tackle the right issues right when they appear.  

Your holiday production didn’t go as planned this year? Try resco.Guides!  

Quick, high-quality training and onboarding are lifesavers in the peak seasons. resco.Guides is a knowledge management app to capture, standardize and apply tribal expertise.

Improve operations efficiency with essential knowledge at your workers’ fingertips and keep up with the competition. 

Find out more & book a 30-minute demo here.

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However, it turns out that even the giants from Fortune 500 do not have knowledge management in check and lose billions a year by failing to share information.

Knowledge management is the process of acquiring, organizing, and sharing information throughout an organization. With the right information flow, employees are allowed to become more engaged in their workplace.

They can better grasp their roles, improve training tactics and manuals, and your operations in general. So let´s have a look at three ways of including employees in your knowledge management process.

Include employees in guide creation

Decentralization of the creation of instructional materials and guides can be a great way of including employees in knowledge management. It is also one of the most straightforward ways of doing so, as they can simply document their day-to-day tasks and practices.

There are several ways of handling such documentation. One of them is simply writing it down on paper and then putting it into physical binders.

However – who would nowadays pick up a binder sitting somewhere on a shelf and search for information? While it is a start, there are more progressive ways.

A popular choice is a “day in the life” type of video that presents employees’ typical daily tasks in a more approachable way.

For detailed information, guides or instructions in digital form can be used. Workers can write each step into an app and attach media files, such as videos or images describing the entire process.

Another great way is to give them opportunities to be authors on your blog and share usable information using highly attractive images to bring attention to other readers.

Those can be later used as they are or as a base for manuals further edited by a dedicated knowledge manager. Such a tactic produces an easily understandable and realistic reflection of actual tasks that is easy to replicate.

Allow employees to give feedback

Who should have the right to comment on work practices? People who have years of experience under the belt and perform the tasks daily should be heard.

Usually, guides and manuals are made by professionals sitting in an office. They could be working out in theory; however, they do not necessarily accurately reflect reality.

Manuals can get quickly outdated and are often overly complicated, which results in unnecessary mistakes and longer reaction times.

They may not include tips and tricks and tiny nuances that workers and technicians in the field would already know or benefit from.

So, be it a box for ideas or a more sophisticated system for collecting feedback, it is a good practice. Having an option to report inaccurate instructions and offer feedback on existing guides helps your workforce get engaged and your organization to identify bottlenecks.

Give workers a space to collaborate

Another compelling way of including employees in knowledge management is empowering collaboration when solving issues. A collaborative platform where workers interact with their peers, experts, and management will easily do the job.

Being a part of a community can make workers more connected to their role and engaged within the organization. This includes voluntarily taking part in building a knowledge base.

After all, the goal is not to force workers to create guides on top of their daily tasks. It should work in a way it enhances their workflow and performance and, in the end, makes their work-life easier.

An informal way of communication allows free and seamless knowledge flow: no obstructing protocols and unnecessary steps.

When facing issues, technicians can simply ask others for advice. After they resolve the problem, information can be shared, stored, and later easily retrieved.

And if people work on a similar issue in the future, they can retrospectively search for the answer.

Interested in building your knowledge base? Try Resco Steps+     

The knowledge management application Resco Steps+ will help you keep up with the competition.  

All your tribal knowledge, guides, and manuals are available in a single app. Empower staff to share expertise in real time and improve your operations with knowledge at your workers’ fingertips.  

Find out more & book a 30-minute demo here.

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If you are one of them, this little fact may help you change your mind. According to studies, 70 % of all businesses would not last a month if they lost their paper records in case of a natural disaster.

While this may seem a little bit extreme, minor natural disasters happen every day. Physical documents get mixed up, spilled on, and become outdated. They are either too far, too hard to understand, or end up at the bottom of someone’s bag.

All of this may be hurting your productivity in a way you do not even realize. 

You don’t have to have all the processes stored up on a server right from the get-go, but it’s a good idea to look into it. And who knows – it might save your business one day. Here are four reasons to upgrade paper-based operations. 

Fewer mistakes and higher production quality 

With paper comes trouble. There are many ways of getting astray when carrying out tasks on the shop floor. Managing work instructions, packaging and labeling requirements, and complex diagrams at the same time can be overwhelming, increasing the risk of mistakes. 

Especially in manufacturing, where there are frequent changes, the workload for paper-based document creation, revision, and management quickly become unsustainable.

When workers record each completed task on paper step-by-step, inaccurate or missing information can have consequences in future product handling, such as shipping.

Digitizing the production process can reduce data input errors that compromise their integrity across your organization. It can also automate reviews and track changes or edits. 

Digitalized production processes secure that all documentation, equipment usage, and workflow are in sync. One of the bases of paperless manufacturing that keep production in check are standard operating procedures.

They make sure workers get the right information precisely when needed and can focus on one thing at a time. Furthermore, defining each step and the best practices right from the start means there is no room for errors, no matter how simple or complex the task.

By applying clear guidelines, you ensure consistency in results – even with less experienced workers meeting the highest production quality standards. 

Better decision-making 

There are many instances when employees have trouble accessing information and necessary data to make informed decisions with paper-based operations.

It often comes in different forms and from various sources, which makes it harder to analyze. Furthermore, if workers on the shop floor receive information on paper, it takes time to pass around.

By the time it gets to everyone, it is likely to be already outdated.  

Harvesting data digitally allows better visibility into processes, enabling evidence-based decision-making both for workers and the management.

Data can be analyzed for unique insights that improve operations in the long run and offer a competitive advantage.

It also allows workers access to real-time data to make well-informed decisions quickly and strategically. With an intelligent data collection system, manufacturers will receive data about operations and alerts on problems as they occur. 

Boosting efficiency and technological development 

According to research by McKinsey, workers spend up to 20% of their time looking for and collecting information. This may include looking through manuals or walking to the other side of the facility to print something.

Having accessible, up-to-date digital information allows workers to react faster and spend time on more important tasks. 

Going paperless also opens many doors for future innovation to boost process efficiency. For example, it can  help manufacturers to create more efficient training and onboarding.

Trainings can take place in the field instead of dusty classrooms, using interactive digital guides to enhance knowledge retention and worker engagement.

It also supports innovative solutions such as employee platforms where workers can collaborate on complex tasks, give feedback, and share ideas. 

Digitalization also makes space for technologies such as augmented reality that has proven itself to be especially helpful in workforce support. 

Lockheed Martin found that after they started to use AR in assemblies, the time required to interpret instructions was reduced by 90 %, overall training by 85 %, and their productivity increased by more than 40%.  

Cutting costs  

And the most obvious of them all – costs.

Forms, documents, worksheets, certificates, manuals, diagrams… it adds up. And the costs do not include the cost of paper solely. It also requires stationery, printing, ink, and more to hold paper-based information.

Considering that the information takes on physical form after printing, it is also needed to store them and take care of added administration securely. 

On average, 3 % of the organization’s revenue goes towards creating, managing, and distributing paper documents. After going paperless, those can be additional funds to improve operations instead. 

Interested in starting your paperless journey? Try Inspections+  

Inspections+ is a solution that empowers field teams with digital forms to complete jobs faster and satisfy more customers.

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However, the simplest solutions can be the most efficient. And when it comes to lean manufacturing, standardized work instructions are a way of driving operational excellence and innovation.

Benefits of standardized work instructions

While standardization defines the best way of performing a task, its effects come a long way in lowering costs and improving product quality.

By applying clear guidelines, you always know how processes will unwind and minimize human errors. It also ensures consistency in results – no matter how skilled a worker is – so it is easy to meet quality standards.

Eliminating variability and human error

It is human to make mistakes. In fact, more than 80% of errors on manufacturing sites are human errors. Standardized instructions eliminate their occurrence, as workers follow instructions step-by-step and carry out tasks with absolute precision. SOPs should produce consistent results without unpleasant surprises.

Meeting quality standards

Standardized work instructions collect the best possible practices that are developed to adhere to various standards, certifications, and requirements. When every worker performs a task in the exact same way every time, it ensures that quality expectations are being met.

Retaining knowledge

Aging workforce, staff fluctuation, and skill gaps are challenges countless organizations face. Creating standardized instructions includes recording daily procedures and documenting tribal knowledge to draft the best work guides.

Knowledge stays within the organization long after workers decide to retire or move on. Furthermore, by documenting performed tasks, it helps organizations to identify bottlenecks and come up with solutions that can improve operations in the long run.

How does it work in practice?

Standardizing your processes is a significant step on a way to leaner operations. However, there are several factors you should take into consideration. How should the instructions look like? What format workers prefer? And what to do when a better practice comes along?

When it comes to standardized work instructions, they should be:

• Accessible and stored conveniently, so they won’t slow workers down when solving problems
• Clear, easy to follow, and complete
• Easy to update to keep them accurate and relevant

Digitalization of instructions

In case of an issue (e.g. an unexpected machine shutdown), work instructions should be easy to find and access. Busy frontline workers shouldn’t be required to walk up to the production office and search through paper binders. You can streamline the information flow by giving them a digital version.

Set up standardized digital instructions nearby workstations, where workers can access documents by using search engines or QR codes. Less time spent on looking for information means shorter downtimes.

Digitalized standardized work instructions can be put into great use also in the field. Technicians can have all the necessary SOPs and manuals in a single mobile device. With step-by-step instructions guiding them through their work, they can carry out tasks autonomously and efficiently.

Easy to follow guides

Instructions that clearly describe each step without unnecessarily difficult and technical language help workforces to grasp what´s expected of them. No errors or accidents on the shop floor – only increased productivity and quality of product.

Furthermore, work instructions enhanced by images, animations, videos, or other multimedia files improve retention of information. Showing workers what to do and how exactly to do it, they are a great tool for training and overcoming language barriers.

With visual instructions, reskilling and onboardings can be completed faster – while providing organizations new opportunities to identify and close skill gaps in the workplace.

Updating and collaboration

If something ages quickly, it is work instructions – which is a good and a bad thing at the same time. It means that processes keep evolving and improving, but also that SOPs can fast become irrelevant. More than 70% of manufacturers use instructions that are outdated.

That’s is why it’s important to keep your knowledge stored on a platform where it can be efficiently edited and updated, e.g. a dedicated knowledge software.

Many organizations also decided to decentralize the creation of instructions by enabling their workers to give feedback on current practices and document their tasks. This way, they can participate on improving and building an organization´s knowledge base and retention of tribal knowledge.

Use work instructions and boost your operations with Resco Steps+

Resco Steps+ is a knowledge management application that will help you keep up with the competition.

All tribal knowledge, guides, and manuals are packed in a single app. Empower workers by sharing expertise in real time and improving your operations efficiency with knowledge at your teams’ fingertips.

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Príspevok How to make standardized instructions work for you zobrazený najskôr Resco.

Many people have been retiring earlier. Fewer people are also joining the working population due to dwindling birth rates in developed countries and significant focus on education before starting a career.

And industries such as manufacturing and industrial production have also been suffering from skill gaps – as experienced workers are retiring, there is no one to replace them.

The silver tsunami

The phenomenon describing the high retirement rate and aging workforce has also been called the “silver tsunami.” It is estimated that in the US, nearly a quarter of manufacturing workers are over 55 years old.

As they are getting closer to retirement, the tribal knowledge they have accumulated over decades might get lost, making it harder to train new employees and maintain production levels.

Generally, the younger generations tend to “job hop” if underappreciated and when the employer fails to motivate them or grant them a certain level of responsibility. Interesting employee appreciation gifts can be beneficial for highlighting the importance of employee recognition and motivation.

In addition, manufacturing and similar fields struggle significantly more with appealing to new job-seeking applicants, as their public perception is outdated and misleading.

But being fast-growing fields heavily influenced by Industry 4.0., their facilities are often the ones adhering to health and safety requirements to a T and using the newest technology. That is far from the stigma of manufacturing being hazardous, dirty, or unstable due to increasing automation.

These obstacles can result in higher training costs, loss of tribal knowledge, and underwhelming production quality. So – what can an organization do to retain precious knowledge of experienced workers for generations to come?

Adopting new technology

Adopting new technologies to retain and share knowledge is one of the most straightforward ways to fight aging workforce challenges.

This usually means leveraging Industry 4.0 technology such as workforce knowledge software, utilizing augmented reality, and digitazing standardized work procedures.

Knowledge retention

Up until now, technical knowledge has been usually stored in complex manuals and bulky guides that technicians had to carry around and look into every time a problem occurred.

However, that does not reflect the current state of technology which can ensure lean operations and support workers’ needs. Especially “tribal” knowledge – covering practical know-how gained through on-site experience and accumulated wisdom – often goes undocumented.

Knowledge software serves as a platform that allows workers to document their tasks quickly, plus enables to provide feedback on work instructions to improve them.

It is essential to have a platform where you can store and maintain records of daily operations, but also update and improve on them when something new comes along – because it always does rather quickly. That is hard to do with physical manuals, but workforce knowledge software can be an easy fix.

Opportunity to learn

While capturing and storing the knowledge is important, it also must find its way to the workforce. On-the-job learning, for example, has been proven to cut down on passive classroom learning time and it increases retention of knowledge. Workers can learn through real-life use cases instead of reading complex diagrams from paper manuals.

They will be supported by various media such as images, animations, or videos that will keep them on track. Some solutions also enable to record work operations or troubleshooting, making it even easier to capture and replicate processes or maintenance again in the future.

Digital training solutions utilizing mobile devices and new technologies can help attract the generation that grew up with it. It allows them to learn and carry out tasks autonomously and take on responsibility, making their day-to-day more intuitive and engaging.

As the instructions are visual and easy to follow, it also minimizes issues concerning language barriers. However, don’t forget that older workers may need training as well.

Want to fight skill shortages efficiently? Try Resco Steps+

Resco Steps+ is a knowledge management application that will help you keep up with the competition.

All your tribal knowledge, guides, and manuals are available in a single app. Empower workers to share expertise in real time and improve your operations with knowledge at your workers’ fingertips.

Discover Resco Steps+

Príspevok What can you do about the ageing workforce challenge? zobrazený najskôr Resco.

AR software in manufacturing

One of the most prominent industries using AR is manufacturing, boosting performance, productivity, and efficiency. For example, Lockheed Martin found that after they started to use AR in assemblies, the time required to interpret instructions was reduced by 95 %, overall training by 85 %, and their productivity increased by more than 40 %.

Maintenance and repairs are significantly affecting business continuity in the long term. Mistakes during these seemingly routine procedures can cause instability and interrupt production processes – partially or in full. It is no secret that prolonged downtimes and faulty machines may become costly very quickly, which is why it is a good idea to focus on prevention and lasting solutions.

Depending on the level of digital maturity, one of the best long-term solutions can be AR workforce support. In general, workforce support helps workers feel empowered, encourages them to strive for better performance, and ensures that they never fail on the job.  Workforce support can be divided into three tiers:

• The worker is empowered to work autonomously by using an app with relevant instructions needed to carry out tasks
• Workers are encouraged to collaborate and learn from each other to solve issues more easily
• When a worker runs into a problem that the two previous forms of support cannot solve, they can reach out to an expert that helps them solve it remotely

These types of support leave room for a certain amount of autonomy, which enhances workers’ confidence in their skills and enables lean operations and cost-saving. Here are six simple ways how AR can simplify maintenance and help you tackle unwanted production disruptions.

Faster diagnostics

Nowadays, in manufacturing, the daily tasks include putting together thousands of tiny pieces in exact order. While during typical maintenance, the technician would have to check each machine component manually; with AR, that’s not necessary. When a service technician arrives on a site, augmented reality can overlay help to identify with higher accuracy what needs to be replaced and how.

Easy-to-follow instructions

Using physical manuals that come out of date can often be confusing and slows technicians down. Straightforward step-by-step guides enhanced by AR remote assistance ensure that tasks are carried out quickly and with precision. Also – one picture is worth a thousand words. With visual and interactive standard operating procedures (SOPs), technicians can rely on images and animations. Furthermore, workers are not distracted by outside noise or a language barrier anymore, even if the instructions are not in their mother tongue.

Fewer human errors

Since humans make mistakes, inaccurate diagnostics or insufficient repairs may occur. Digital standardized instructions keep workers on track. The technicians are guided through complex procedures, making it less likely for errors to occur and achieving better first-time fix rates.

Taking the load off experts

When it comes to maintenance or repairs, technicians are often required to go on site. As there is no unlimited number of experts, it may be worth saving the best for the most challenging cases. With AR, it’s not an issue anymore – not every technician needs to be trained for every situation. An expert can always be just an AR video call away – guiding the workers through any problem without waiting, no matter the distance. Experts can see and hear everything workers do and offer clear and detailed directions without getting on the road, saving time, fuel, and remotely covering more issues.

Closing the skill gap

AR directions may also be used to reduce growing skill gaps. Training or reskilling can be performed actively by carrying out real cases of maintenance or assemblies. Instead of reading complex static wiring diagrams, the new team members can call for interactive AR guidance from an expert helping with the task.

Real-time collaboration

Remote support provided by AR ensures that technicians in the field will succeed on the job immediately. The assistance of experts on the line is available in real-time, helping the technicians find the most effective and fastest solution. It is also possible to remotely guide customers through a preventive maintenance process, which extends the life of assets and, as a result, reduces downtimes.

Príspevok Six easy ways how AR simplifies maintenance and repair processes   zobrazený najskôr Resco.