Times are changing, and technological advancements are driving this change. The pandemic has underscored the power of technology and its transformative impact on our work habits. Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Mixed Reality are prominent technological innovations that have been at the forefront of the virtual and remote operations wave since March 2020.

The technological landscape is flourishing, and there seems to be no limit to its growth. While the fundamental business objectives—increasing productivity, reducing downtime, enhancing efficiency, and achieving more with fewer resources—remain consistent, the focus has shifted to a virtual and remote business model. Microsoft HoloLens has swiftly emerged as the preferred tool to realize these objectives.

Dynamics 365 Remote Assist, a HoloLens application, is expanding virtual horizons and reshaping our work processes. This application enables companies to “work together from anywhere.” Subject matter experts can offer immediate assistance to frontline workers, aiding them in real-time troubleshooting, remote inspections, and maintenance tasks. By centralizing expert support, companies save time and expenses associated with travel.

Another forthcoming HoloLens application, Microsoft Mesh, is set to revolutionize collaboration. Through Mesh, users collaborate with digital twins as if they were in the same physical space. This streamlined interaction leads to quicker decision-making and updates, compressing timelines from days or weeks down to hours. In traditional models, such progress would necessitate physical meetings or the distribution of new prototypes after each iteration.

Undoubtedly, one of the most pressing challenges facing businesses today is the shortage of skilled workers and the looming skills gap. In simple terms, the available skilled workforce falls short of the demand. Training emerges as a critical area where HoloLens is reshaping work dynamics. We’ve previously discussed the transformative effect of HoloLens on training, but to recap briefly, it opens doors to new possibilities. Applications like Dynamics 365 Guides introduce self-paced, hands-on, skills-based training. Advanced data tracking provides insights that enhance training effectiveness.

For scenarios involving large and costly equipment, training becomes more complex. Companies often lack the resources to provide each employee with individual machinery for training purposes. Nonetheless, effective training is imperative to ensure seamless operations. In this context, HoloLens and digital twins have revolutionized training methodologies. Digital twins grant trainees access to machinery, enabling them to gain hands-on experience and familiarize themselves with various components.

The adoption of Microsoft HoloLens and other emerging technologies prompts companies to conduct internal audits to assess what isn’t working and identify areas for improvement. Businesses are also recognizing the need for flexibility to adapt to various circumstances. The timeline for returning to “normal” remains uncertain, and potential unique conditions underline the importance of adaptability.