Increased Safety & Efficiency in Production
Inspect AR greatly simplifies and facilitates inspection processes in life sciences and biotech companies.
Visual guidance makes initial training and conducting inspections more efficient and less error-prone. Traceability will also increase. Inspect AR also runs on ATEX and cleanroom certified devices that meet all safety requirements.
Digitalize the SOPs across your enterprise
Support your workers to execute machine format changes, line clearance, maintenance, and other processes on
Bio-Pharma manufacturing and packaging lines and beyond.
Inspect AR
AR Technology accelerates the Life Science & Biotech Organizations
Save Costs & Reduce Errors
Hardly any other industry has been as much in the spotlight recently as the life sciences and pharmaceutical industry. The effectiveness and availability of vaccines against Covid-19 will determine how quickly we return to normal social life. In addition to expensive research, time and reliability are important factors when it comes to changeover, plant control or line clearance.
Reduce potential risk for human errors of missing relevant checkpoints. Inspect AR raises the quality improvement of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Optimize Your Workflow
The reliability requirements have been increasing in the life sciences industry. Faster, efficient and error-free work becomes more and more important. Inspections of packaging lines, plants or clean room environment are a good starting point to make workflows save & efficient.
We will show you how the digital transformation of paper-based processes saves time while increasing reliability and productivity.
Accelerate Processes & Knowledge
In a biotech company’s production facility, a plant tour often takes several hours per shift. In 24-hour shift operation, the inspection can take up to a quarter of the working day.
Thousands of checks must be carried out per week, adding up to hundreds of thousands of checkpoints on tanks, centrifuges, valves and other system parts each year. During all of the maintenance and inspection processes, there is no space for human errors – but you don’t always have the most qualified workers on site.
Inspect AR makes everyone an instant expert (whether a temporary worker or supervisor), ready to execute even complex procedures on-site successfully.
Go Fully Digital In A Few Hours – not weeks
Easily convert an existing paper-based procedure into a fully digitalized process. For each checkpoint, descriptions, links to additional documents, photos and videos are stored to guide employees step-by-step. Augmented Guidance supports your employees, so they don’t miss any checkpoint and increase precision. This also means that even first-time users can be productively on-boarded within a short time and less supervision.
Inspect AR is changing the work experience: fully digital, in real time and with crystal clear instructions.
Streamlining Processes With Augmented Reality!
Arxada AG (former Lonza) uses Inspect AR to execute more than 100.000 digital checks per year. This results in more safety and flexibility of their workflows. Furthermore, switching from paper to digital reduced a lot of bureaucracy and enables them to monitor the whole process in real-time. Learn more about Arxadas lean approach.
“On the one hand, the use of AR technology reduces the inspection effort, because instead of going through all inspection points as usual, those responsible for it can focus specifically on the items reported as defects. On the other hand, it creates opportunities for detailed data evaluations.”
Daniel Zollinger,
Senior Team Lead of Manufacturing Arxada
The Advantages For Life Science
Simple Optimization Of Worklflows
Create and customize SOPs
A data-based approach to improve your processes – without development experience, scripting or coding. With Inspect AR, you create step-by-step instructions with AR-overlays as well as checklists via an intuitive user interface in the web browser or directly in the app. The templates can be adapted as quickly as they are created. Feedback from employees can be entered directly, thus constantly keeping all knowledge up to date. The system always adapts to your new processes, not the other way around. Execute standalone, simple SOPs through to commercial batch recipes.
Clear instructions for each step of the process
Inspect AR makes procedures and batches easier, faster, more efficient – and error-free: Step-by-step instructions ensure that tests are carried out in full. No process step is overlooked. If necessary, experts can also be called in remotely, e.g. via Microsoft Teams or xmReality. With the confirmation of the tests, all results are digitally documented – in real time. This way defects can also be recorded directly and rectified in a controlled manner through a simple workflow. You will automatically be informed as soon as all the work has been completed.
Overview of all workflows – in real time
Machine format changes, line clearance, maintenance, and other processes on Bio-Pharma manufacturing and packaging lines and beyond – if many complex procedures are carried out at the same time, paper lists will not be helpful. Now is the time for an overview. View all work reports and data analyses centrally on your computer! Errors are reported in real time and documented at the push of a button, including description, image, video and prioritization. Inspect AR can be used across multiple applications and always provides you with an up-to-date overview of all operations. Just with one click.
More flexibility in personnel planning
With Inspect AR, you increase the knowledge and productivity of your employees. Technical know-how is imparted “on the job” at the plant or in the cleanroom – more efficiently than through other learning methods. The test is therefore no longer dependent on a test expert. Put your whole team to work because more variety at work also means: more attention in the test. If an expert is required for troubleshooting, he/she will be called in. Inspect AR is also ideal for gathering knowledge from employees. When the baby boomers retire, their experience will stay with you in the production department!
The Features of Inspect AR at a Glance
Use Augmented Reality Easily And Flexibly
Inspect AR + Almer – Shop-Floor-Bundle
159 EUR per month
The Almer Arc 2 is light as a feather at only 179 grams and offers comfort for long working days. Inspect AR delivers the virtual instructions directly into the field of vision, all via voice control – for maximum efficiency without pens or clipboards.
- Compact, lightweight for hands-free work
- Voice control up to 95 decibels
- All information clearly in the field of vision
- Battery power for complete shift
Unlimited scalability
Inspect AR is flexible and adapts to any size of company. Whether you’re an individual, a team, or spread across multiple locations, our feature set adapts to your needs and adds value wherever you go.
Stable working in offline mode
With Inspect AR, inspections are possible even in areas with poor or blocked internet connection. If the connection is lost, the reviewer simply continues to work offline. As soon as the internet connection is restored, the data is loaded into the system.
Maximum Security – Cloud or On-premise
With hosting on Azure Cloud, Inspect AR is ready to be used right out of the box, with no infrastructure or installation required. In order to meet increased security requirements, an on-premise installation is of course also possible at any time
Full automation with SAP / Dynamics
Use our interfaces or enterprise connectors to your IT landscape, e.g. SAP integration and the interface to the Microsoft Power Platform. This allows you to automatically trigger orders and feed the results back for further processing.
100% hardware independent
Inspect AR is cross-platform capable: there is a suitable device for every area of application. For the daily routine check-up, the smartphone or tablet is sufficient. If you want to work directly on the object or in demanding environments, augmented reality glasses provide perfect support.
Multiple Languages To Choose From
Do you have employees in multiple countries? Are there often language barriers when it comes to instructions and checklists? Thanks to the multilingual user interface, the instructions are automatically displayed in the language required by your employee and international cooperation is possible without any problems.
We bring AR to all fields of Life Science and Biotechnology
Schedule a call now!
Let’s talk about how you can use AR in your company. Or let’s make an appointment for a product demonstration right away.
References
Get inspired how Augmented Reality is used and creates added value.
Inspect AR: Vehicle Inspection and Remote Assistance at the Swiss Army
February 2nd – 2023
Improving Processes in the Food Industry: AR for Maintenance and Onboarding
January 12th – 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Answers Fast? Find Our FAQ And Answers Bellow.
What is the difference between AR, or augmented reality, VR, or virtual reality, mixed reality, Microsoft HoloLens, and smart glass?
There are many terms associated with augmented reality, but not everyone needs to be able to distinguish between them. With augmented reality (AR), you see the world around you as it is. Additional interactive information is placed in the real environment. It is also called “mixed reality” because the real world and virtual information are visible at the same time. Virtual reality (VR) is a different concept. In VR, the user wears a pair of glasses that is completely closed on all sides. All he or she sees is a virtual environment or a digital world.
The terms see-through, smart glasses and wearable glasses refer to augmented reality data glasses. Microsoft HoloLens are probably the most popular data glasses on the market and are, of course, also compatible with Inspect AR. As mixed reality glasses, they project virtual images, instructions and data into the room and are completely hands-free, i. e. Employees have both hands free during inspections and maintenance work. Moreover, data glasses can even be used with eye tracking and voice control.
RealWear HMT-1 is a pair of data glasses based on the principle of assisted reality glasses which display instructions in the form of a screen in front of the eye and are also fully voice-controlled.
Important: Hardware is necessary for Inspect AR, but it does not always have to be a take the form of data glasses. Smartphones or tablets can also be used. The latest generations of iPhones and iPads deliver very high precision for AR navigation and are a familiar form factor for your employees.
What does Remote Assistance mean in production and manufacturing?
Remote Assistance means that specialists provide direct support to persons working on the machine from a distance (e.g. via video link). It is a genuine innovation that avoids a lot of commuting and waiting times and, thereby, machine downtimes as well.
What happens when production processes are reorganized?
Then you simply adapt checklists and checkpoints to your changed processes – not the other way around. Our mobile app recorder is the fastest way to create templates for new checklists. Due to the spatial mapping, CAD data is not necessary but can certainly be integrated. Or you can create the checklists via Excel importer, API or web interface.
Who is behind Augment IT?
Augment IT is a business unit of the medium-sized Swiss software company Netcetera AG. With 700+ employees in eight offices worldwide, Netcetera supports medium-sized and large companies in their digital transformation into high-tech enterprises. In addition to its core business as a provider of financial software, Netcetera has developed other key areas.
Augment IT is a full-service provider for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality technology (AR technology), and software services relating to augmented reality apps and data glasses. We also gladly implement individual augmented reality applications, VR projects, and AR solutions for our customers. We help companies realize the full potential of this new technology, optimize processes, create new experiences and innovate together. We follow a best-of-breed approach and operate independent of platform and device.
What technology does Augment IT use?
We rely on Microsoft Azure as well as custom-developed apps for iOS, Android, HoloLens and RealWear. These enable high performance, stability and the best possible user experience for your employees.
Hosting on Azure Cloud allows for immediately operable installation. An on-premise installation is, however, also possible without compromising quality. Since the data is transmitted asynchronously and stored locally, Inspect AR does not require a permanent Internet connection – a necessary advantage for use in manufacturing.
In addition to the option of using different data glasses, their use on iOS and Android smartphones or tablets is also possible. The web-based management software runs in the browser on any computer. Inspect AR can be easily integrated into your IT systems over various connectors and the widely used technology platform.
Which data glasses does Augment IT recommend?
Inspect AR is available for Microsoft HoloLens 2, RealWear HMT-1 as well as Google Glass and Vuzix devices.
HoloLens 2 offers the most capabilities with stable 3D navigation over longer distances and ease of use thanks to hand tracking. Based on Windows 10, it also integrates very well into secure corporate networks. The Industrial Edition is even suitable for clean rooms and can be used for short periods in areas with flammable substances. Voice control and eye tracking enable its use with protective suits as well. HoloLens 2 is suitable for indoor use.
RealWear HMT-1 is the most resilient device, and the HMT-1Z1 version is even certified for ATEX protection zone 1 as it meets safety protocols and standards for oil and gas drilling rigs, pipelines, refineries, petrochemical and pharmaceutical plants, and many more areas, ranging from food processing to food processing plants, construction and textile mills. Thanks to the excellent microphone, the data glasses can be controlled with voice commands even at ambient noise levels of up to 85 decibels. The glasses also have a very good camera with an integrated flashlight. They are therefore particularly well suited for outdoor areas.
Which operational purposes can be realized with the Inspect AR Platform?
Many companies ask themselves how they can work faster, smarter and better in the age of digital transformation. Augmented reality plays a key role in digital disruption. In the multiple use cases that AR has generated – digital checklists, remote assistance from experts, digital training or guides, and more – AR is not only changing processes and the way companies operate but also enabling them to become more agile and responsive to changing market conditions. Numerous companies from a wide range of sectors, such as mechanical engineering, life sciences, logistics, transportation, aerospace and defense, etc., have already recognized this and are using it to gain competitive advantages.
In the future, organizations will want to use a robust and secure AR solution that can be employed across multiple application areas, such as onboarding, training, security checks, compliance requirement fulfilment, custom process improvements, inspections, and maintenance. In addition, new features such as artificial intelligence and machine learning will become available to contribute to better forecasts. In the short term, integration with the Internet of Things (IoT) will become an increased topic, e.g. for the live display of sensor data on machines. However, first and foremost, developments in the AR market will essentially: continue.
Inspect AR is also used in the areas of life science and chemistry for plant control and quality assurance as well as for training. Furthermore, in industries such as transport and logistics, augmented reality is very useful because, by using data goggles, both hands remain free for important tasks. This saves a considerable amount of time and additional work steps that would, for example, in maintenance or approving and accepting, cost a lot of money. Many suppliers, including those in the building technology sector, now seek to increase their efficiency with this new technology. We have numerous examples throughout the entire industrial supply chain where our solutions are successfully being used. Contact us!