XR onboarding best practices
December 7, 2018
December 7, 2018
Like any technology initiative, the success of an enterprise extended reality (XR) project requires up-front strategic thinking and stellar follow through. Getting the C-suite and end-users engaged is critical—both for initial acceptance of the XR application and ongoing usage. When done correctly, your enterprise will gain a productivity-enhancing tool that drives efficiency and achieves genuine human acceptance.
Here are some onboarding best practices to ensure the long-term success of your XR initiative:
Initial Strategy
Start by articulating a purposeful technology strategy that covers relevant business and IT teams. Without a clear plan for the preferred platforms and relevant stakeholders, isolated teams will tinker and experiment with XR initiatives. These activities are at best redundant and at worse likely to lead to technology silos.
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A successful enterprise #XR project requires a good plan & buy-in from the C-suite – @blumbr01 explains in a #TechInnovation blog post
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Be intentional about the project’s strategic aims and communicate these to the affected functional groups or preferably widely across the enterprise. Additional considerations in the proof of concept and pilot phases include:
Technical Platform Approach
When possible, take the long-term approach and pursue an XR platform over a point-solution. This will provide cross-functional features like setting up proper security, users, roles and master data management. A platform will also scale with your business, including the use of open development standards that make it easier to add new teams and integrate to new systems.
In addition, platforms are usually device-agnostic so they support new hardware as it's released to the market, which is important with the rapid technology advances being made. Case in point, an Accenture client using the Upskill Skylight platform began its XR initiative by developing for a specific pair of smart glasses. Later the team seamlessly switched to a new and improved device, thanks to the platform-based approach that supported all major smart glass vendors.
In another example, an Aerospace & Defense client used a platform-based approach to equip its engineering and design teams with an XR application for assembling aircrafts. When the business case called for expansion, the team extended the functionality to equip warehouse inventory teams distributed across the country. The expanded XR solution saved significant costs by minimizing the need for inventory specialists to travel to manufacturing facilities to confirm available supplies.
Change Management
The onboarding process should help employees understand the new XR technology and become comfortable with using it in their day-to-day tasks. Focus on ways the tool can help them do their job better or more safely. Supply adequate time for training and include a ramp-up period. Designate a XR champion who believes in the application to share the value proposition and demonstrate the benefits.
Additional changes at the policy level include:
Operational Considerations
Before rolling out the XR application, think through the procedures for daily use by employees. Much of this is common sense but may be overlooked in the design and development process. For example, dedicate an easily accessible physical space at each job site or warehouse to store the devices securely with ample access to power outlets.
Decide on a check out/check in system such as scanning a bar code on the device itself. Determine how often the devices will need to be charged depending on the battery life and consider using pre-charged swappable batteries. Maintain proper hygiene and sanitize the devices regularly. Finally, develop a process for what happens if a device needs maintenance and have back-up devices ready.
To learn more onboarding tips and discuss how to fast-track your XR enterprise application for design, engineering, manufacturing or operations, contact me at brent.r.blum@accenture.com and visit our Accenture XR site.