Water utility companies face a relentless tide of challenges. Aging infrastructure, a complex web of pipes, valves, and treatment plants, demands constant vigilance. In this environment, three fundamental challenges exist: the loss of institutional knowledge as experienced technicians retire, high costs associated with truck rolls in response to issues, and the growing burden of maintaining aging infrastructure.
Water utilities have relied on traditional methods for managing infrastructure and delivering clean water for decades. But in today’s data-driven world, there’s a growing need for innovative solutions. Enter Augmented Reality (AR), a technology rapidly transforming industries, and the water sector is no exception.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap with Augmented Reality for Water Utilities
Imagine this: a field technician encounters a malfunctioning valve, one potentially part of a sprawling and aging system. Instead of dispatching a veteran expert (whose expertise may soon be irreplaceable), the on-site technician launches an augmented reality-enabled video call with a mobile phone. Instantly, a digital overlay materializes, guiding them through the repair process step-by-step, annotated by the accumulated wisdom of their experienced colleagues on the other end of the call. The recording from this session can be used to train other technicians facing the same situation. This is the future picture of augmented reality for water utilities, empowering any technician to tackle complex tasks with the confidence of a seasoned pro.
Taming the Truck Roll with Augmented Reality for Water Utilities
The benefits of augmented reality for water utilities extend far beyond replacing retiring expertise. Consider the crippling financial burden of truck rolls. AR empowers technicians to resolve issues remotely, eliminating unnecessary dispatches and associated costs. An initial hiccup with a pressure gauge? No need to send a truck. Armed with augmented reality-guided troubleshooting, the technician can diagnose and rectify the problem on the spot. This reduces repeat truck rolls, minimizing further expenses and maximizing efficient service delivery.
Conquering Complexity with Augmented Reality for Water Utilities
What about the intricacies of complex equipment and aging infrastructure often riddled with hidden cracks and corrosion? Digital work instructions that outline maintenance steps are a tap away on a mobile device. Technicians can access real-time 3D models of equipment or infrastructure overlaid with step-by-step maintenance procedures. This is ideal for intricate pumps, high-tech filtration systems, and aging pipes. These AR capabilities empower technicians to handle tasks previously reserved for a select few. Reduced errors result in improved first-time fix rates.
The Future is Now
The impact of remote augmented reality assistance transcends mere cost savings. It’s about building a future-proof, resilient workforce against the impending exodus of experienced personnel and the challenges of aging infrastructure. It’s about transforming operational efficiency and minimizing the strain on budgets and resources. It’s about empowering technicians with the knowledge and confidence to become true masters of their domain.
How CareAR Can Help
By 2025, 40% of utility companies will face a 50% increase in capital demands triggered by resource scarcity and soaring demands. Utility companies can become industry leaders by embracing the latest advancements in Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
CareAR digital work instructions represent a fundamental shift in how workers communicate and understand complex tasks. Utility companies can create immersive workflows and provide digital work instructions to improve field service and customer service experiences. The transition to no-code digital work instructions is critical for overcoming technological and operational barriers.
We’ve created a compelling infographic that dives deep into the benefits of AR digital work instructions. We are confident this resource will provide valuable insights to help you achieve operational excellence.
