FAQ
All the details about our solution in one place.
FAQ
About the Solution
What is the Augmented and Connected Worker (ACW) platform?
The Augmented and Connected Worker platform is a fully integrated digital solution aimed at increasing the efficiency, productivity, and safety of workers operating in the industry. Glartek’s platform expands on the previous concept of the Connect Worker by not only covering the digitization of processes but also by introducing the augmentation of tasks, ensuring that information is contextualized in real-time using digital markers.
By leveraging Augmented Reality, Glartek is capable of not only keeping teams connected, achieving 100% paperless operations, and equipping workers with digital aids, but adding value to operations, revolutionizing how tasks are conducted, and providing managers with automated reports, dashboards, and KPIs.
What are currently the main challenges faced by the manufacturing industry?
Although in recent years the manufacturing industry has started its digital transformation process, the low adoption of comprehensive digital solutions has resulted in a reduced capacity to respond to new challenges. Increasing competition and production volumes, the lack of autonomy of field workers, and the use of outdated and complex processes are currently some of the main obstacles not only to competitiveness but to the efficiency and success of organizations working in the manufacturing industry.
Why are digital remote solutions needed?
In the current industrial scenario, in which there is a great demand for specialists, it is not always possible to ensure that a system failure or a malfunction can be quickly resolved. However, through the use of remote digital tools, it is possible to ensure high turnover, reduced downtimes, and prompt assistance. Uninterrupted communication also makes it possible for all tasks to be monitored and completed on time.
What are Glartek’s solution's main features?
Glartek offers a digital solution focused on the Augmented & Connected Worker (ACW) and Remote Visual Assistance functionalities.
This augmented reality-powered platform is designed to increase operational efficiency, safety, and productivity on shop floors. Some of its main features include digital processes, AR step-by-step guidance, centralized data management, 2D mobility, automated reports, and real-time connectivity.
Through the use of Visual Remote Assistance, it is possible to make calls supported by augmented reality (AR), enabling the creation of digital annotations, AR markers, and a database for recordings, but also send files, share your screen, access a live chat and schedule call, among others.
What are the main use cases of this solution?
Glartek’s solution is primarily intended for the manufacturing, automotive, food and beverage, and utilities sector/industries. Some of the main use cases include preventive, corrective, and autonomous maintenance; assistance with repairs, installations, and setups; communication between experts and workers; digital work instructions and digital checklists; and team management.
What are the main benefits of these solutions?
Glartek’s digital solution has as its main benefits the reduction of costs, errors, and production time, greater flexibility and visibility of the daily operations of factories, but also increased safety for shop floor workers. Overall, this digital platform allows for an increase in efficiency, while promoting the continuous improvement of processes and internal organization.
Why is Glartek's Visual Remote Assistance solution better than others available on the market?
Industry 4.0 is the Digital revolution that is changing value creation for industrial sectors. It includes 9 core concepts:
– Autonomous robots
– System Integration
– Internet of Things
– Simulation
– Additive manufacturing
– Cloud computing
– Augmented Reality
– Big data
– Cybersecurity
About the Product
How does the Augmented and Connected Worker solution work?
The ACW combines multiple features to address a broad range of use cases. For instance, whenever workers are required to perform a changeover process they will be able to use a mobile device or wearable to access an initial list of preliminary procedures. This could include putting on safety equipment and locating tools (whose condition can be tracked in real-time using the platform).
Then, to start the tasks the operator only needs to move their mobile device around to retrieve the previously established mapping. Once this is done, the worker will use the device the find each marker. By clicking on the markers, they will reveal detailed instructions (including images, text, videos, and more) and/or a checklist (which can include the option to provide inputs that can be turned into alerts and notifications). The worker is required to complete all steps before moving on to the next. Once the task is complete, managers can access the back office and download an automated task report detailing the duration of all the actions taken during the task, any issues encountered, alerts created, and operators’ comments, among others.
How does Visual Remote Assistance work?
- STEP 1: The need to complete a complex process or solve an unexpected problem arises.
- STEP 2: A field operator directly contacts an expert in real-time using Glartek’s Remote Visual Assistance. This can be done using any device, including tablets, mobile phones, or Augmented Reality glasses.
- STEP 3: The expert provides assistance using a set of augmented reality tools (annotations or text bubbles can be used to locate or mark specific locations or describe actions; simultaneously, the text recognition feature can be used to identify and read instructions remotely).
- STEP 4: After the call ends, by accessing the back office, field workers will be able to consult and download an automated report. This file contains all messages, documents, images, and videos sent and received during the session. This information can be kept to help carry out future processes, improve decision-making, avoid errors, and help train new workers.
Can I purchase hardware directly from Glartek?
Yes, Glartek is a certified reseller of state-of-the-art augmented reality glasses. The hardware is produced by Microsoft and is known as Microsoft HoloLens 2 (it is the second version of the device to be released).
– Simulation
– Additive manufacturing
– Cloud computing
– Augmented Reality
– Big data
– Cybersecurity
How does AR work? Can it be used on any device?
In order to use augmented reality features, mobile devices must be programmed with the AR Core software (for Androids) or the AR Kit (for iOS devices). Additionally, AR functionalities can also be used in smart glasses or augmented reality glasses. Nonetheless, users will be able to access the back office using any device.
How can I set up the Augmented Reality functionality?
The augmented reality functionality can be easily set up through markerless mapping. During the mapping process, which takes just a few minutes, users only need to follow the on-screen instructions and use their mobile device’s camera to map their surroundings. Once they complete this step, whenever they receive or start a call, all they need to do is move the phone around for a few seconds and the device will recognize the location.
Does the Augmented Reality feature need to be on for the solution to work?
No, Glartek’s solution allows users to decide which features to use and they can switch between 2D and AR modes.
What is the importance of Augmented Reality on shop floors?
Augmented reality can provide significant improvements in the daily processes of shop floors. For example, when performing maintenance processes, workers can easily use AR markers to guide them through the shop floor and detail which actions to carry out at each step. Likewise, when a repair or setup is required, workers will be able to contact experts who can remotely assist the process using virtual annotations and AR markers to indicate every step required and how to proceed in different scenarios.
Security
Is Glartek's solution safe? How can you guarantee that there are no security threats?
Yes, Glartek solutions are certified with ISO 27001, the international security standard for information management.
Licenses and usage
How do the licenses work?
The Augmented & Connected Worker solution is a SaaS solution that works with annual licensing per user. The Visual Remote Assistance feature can be tried alone, in a free version or by paying an annual subscription per user as well.
Is it possible to transfer licenses between users/organizations?
It is not possible to transfer licenses from one user to another as each license is associated with a single user.
How can users be established in a license?
Glartek’s Visual Remote Assistance solution is a SaaS solution. Each user is associated with a unique license. However, it is possible to create organizations on the platform, in which several users can be grouped. Users can be admins and regular users, depending on the privileges assigned to them.
Implementation process
What is the average implementation time for the ACW platform?
As a SaaS solution, the ACW can be implemented in a few days. Procedures must be digitized on the admin platform by managers. Afterwards, an AR Mapping can be done on the shop floor to associate the procedure with a specific use case, equipment and location. Finally, frontline workers will be able to execute the procedure on their own devices (mobile or glasses), and, information will be transferred in real-time to the admin platform.
To ensure the success of the implementation, customers can start with a pilot project in order to understand in which use case the solution fits better. After, we go through the industrialization process where more use cases, areas, or factories are added to the digital platform.
What is the average implementation time for the ACW platform?
As a SaaS solution, the ACW can be implemented in a few days. Procedures must be digitized on the admin platform by managers. Aftwards, a AR Mapping can be done on the shopfoor to associate the procedure to a specific use case, equipment and location. Finally, frontline workers will be able to execute the procedure on their own devices (mobile or glasses), and, information will be transferred in real-time to the admin platform.
To ensure the success of the implementation, customers can start with a pilot project in order to understand in which use case the solution fits better. After, we go through the industrialization process where more use cases, areas or factories are added to the digital platform.
What is the average implementation time for the Visual Remote Assistance solution?
The Visual Remote Assistance solution can be implemented instantly. Users only As a SaaS solution, the ACW can be implemented in a few days. Procedures must be digitized on the admin platform by managers. Aftwards, a AR Mapping can be done on the shopfoor to associate the procedure to a specific use case, equipment and location. Finally, frontline workers will be able to execute the procedure on their own devices (mobile or glasses), and, information will be transferred in real-time to the admin platform.
To ensure the success of the implementation, customers can start with a pilot project in order to understand in which use case the solution fits better. After, we go through the industrialization process where more use cases, areas, or factories are added to the digital platform.need to log in to the platform, create a profile, share their session ID or directly call a contact to initiate a remote assistance session.
What is the average installation time?
The Visual Remote Assistance platform does not need to be installed. Users can use this solution directly through the web. However, Glartek also provides an app that can be downloaded for mobile devices.
Use and Maintenance
Is it possible to integrate this solution with other platforms (in-house solutions) already used by clients?
In the age of Industry 4.0, it is essential to ensure system integration. Therefore, Glartek’s Visual Remote Assistance solution can be integrated with any in-house platform through an API. This makes it possible to access and group any external information on a single platform.
To ensure the success of the implementation, customers can start with a pilot project in order to understand in which use case the solution fits better. After, we go through the industrialization process where more use cases, areas or factories are added to the digital platform.
What kind of maintenance does the solution require?
No system maintenance is required as the application automatically updates whenever a new version is released. However, you can always check if your device is running the latest version by accessing your device’s app store, and ensuring there are no pending updates.
Do I need an internet connection for the solution to work? What kind of coverage?
The application requires an internet connection to operate and to make calls between members of your organization. However, it is possible to make offline recordings if necessary.
What devices support the digital solution?
The Remote Visual Assistance solution is compatible with computers, tablets, smartphones, and augmented reality glasses. A detailed list of all smartphone and tablet devices compatible with Glartek’s solution can be found here.
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