Digital transformation is no longer a long-term vision; it is an immediate priority. According to a joint study by Bloomberg and TeamViewer, 78% of senior executives now consider digital transformation essential to business strategy. As organizations move to modernize their workflows, immersive technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Extended Reality (XR) are finding their way into the heart of operations.
From onboarding and training to remote collaboration and maintenance, AR/XR are redefining how people work. Companies such as DHL, Coca-Cola, and GE Aerospace are already using these tools to streamline tasks, improve accuracy, and reduce costs. Let’s see how!
Understanding AR and XR in the Workplace
Augmented Reality (AR) enhances the physical environment by overlaying digital instructions, images, or guidance. Extended Reality (XR) is a broader category that includes AR, Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR), covering a range of immersive interactions.
These technologies offer workers real-time, interactive information within their environment. Whether it is a warehouse worker receiving picking instructions through smart glasses or a technician guided remotely through complex repairs, AR/XR enables action without pausing for manuals, calls, or supervisors.
Why Organizations Are Turning to AR/XR
1. Faster and Smarter Onboarding
In industries such as logistics and manufacturing, onboarding new staff often requires hands-on training, site visits, and lengthy supervision. AR/XR drastically shortens this process. New hires can be guided through tasks with visual step-by-step instructions, often reaching full productivity in half the time.
In DHL’s logistics operations, smart glasses with AR interfaces have reduced onboarding times by up to 50 percent. Workers follow visual picking paths without needing handheld scanners or printed lists, allowing them to learn by doing with minimal errors.
2. Reduced Operational Errors
One of the most valuable outcomes of AR-guided workflows is reduced error rates. A study cited by DHL showed that error rates dropped to below 0.1 percent after introducing AR in warehouse operations. Mistakes in order picking, maintenance, and assembly cost companies significant time and resources. With AR, instructions are always in view, reducing reliance on memory or guesswork.
GE Aerospace has applied AR in jet engine maintenance training. By replacing bulky manuals with AR-guided visual steps, the company reported faster task completion and lower mental load among technicians.
3. Real-Time Remote Support
With global teams and distributed assets, downtime due to expert unavailability or travel delays can be costly. AR and XR allow remote experts to see exactly what on-site employees see using smart glasses or tablets. Experts can annotate the live feed, provide verbal guidance, and direct staff in real time.
Coca-Cola HBC and DHL are using platforms like TeamViewer Frontline to enable remote support. This approach reduces travel, speeds up issue resolution, and ensures consistency in technical support across regions.
4. Scalable Training and Knowledge Sharing
AR/XR allows companies to build standardized training modules that can be deployed globally. Unlike traditional classroom or manual-based training, immersive modules engage users, improve retention, and are easily updated.
For example, DHL’s VR-based cargo loading simulations allow employees to practice complex procedures in a safe, virtual environment. Feedback collected from these sessions showed that over 95 percent of participants felt more confident in their tasks after immersive training.
Business Impact: What the Numbers Say
Organizations adopting AR/XR report strong performance improvements:
These results are not just theoretical. They are being achieved in active deployments by global firms operating at scale.
Real-World Use Cases
DHL: Vision Picking and VR Training
DHL’s “Vision Picking” initiative is among the most well-documented applications of AR in logistics. Workers wearing smart glasses receive real-time instructions, improving both speed and precision. The company also introduced VR modules for cargo loading and warehouse safety, which significantly increased engagement and reduced training time.
Coca-Cola HBC: Warehouse Efficiency with AR
Coca-Cola HBC has rolled out AR-powered workflows across its warehouses. Using wearable devices, workers now connect with remote teams to troubleshoot issues and follow optimized task guidance. This has led to fewer delays and better workforce alignment.
GE Aerospace: Complex Equipment Maintenance
GE Aerospace trains its maintenance personnel using AR overlays on physical components. This removes the need for printed manuals or constant supervision. Tasks like turbine disassembly are completed faster and with fewer mistakes.
Challenges to Consider
Despite clear benefits, organizations must address several challenges before scaling AR/XR.
- Infrastructure and Hardware Costs Deploying smart glasses, tablets, and high-performance networks involves upfront investment. However, prices are falling, and returns are being seen within months.
- Integration with Legacy Systems Many operations still rely on outdated software or paper-based processes. To maximize ROI, AR/XR platforms must be integrated with existing enterprise resource planning (ERP), learning management systems (LMS), and compliance frameworks.
- Change Management and User Adoption Employees unfamiliar with immersive tech may resist initial deployments. Effective change management strategies, pilot programs, and ongoing training are essential for long-term success.
- Data Security and Privacy Live feeds from wearable devices must be protected to meet compliance standards. Platforms like TeamViewer Tensor provide enterprise-grade encryption, role-based access controls, and audit logs.
Best Practices for Implementation
To extract maximum value from AR/XR investments, organizations should consider the following approach:
- Start with a focused pilot that targets a specific operational pain point, such as onboarding or maintenance.
- Select the right platform that offers scalability, secure data management, and support for your hardware environment.
- Engage employees early by offering training and clear communication on the benefits of technology.
- Monitor performance using metrics like task completion time, error rate, and user satisfaction.
- Scale based on results, adapting workflows and training materials as adoption grows.
Conclusion
AR/XR-enabled digital workplaces are not experimental initiatives anymore. They are helping enterprises solve practical problems, from training and accuracy to remote support and global scalability. Companies that have embraced immersive technologies are already reporting increased efficiency, higher worker satisfaction, and significant cost savings.
For executive teams, the path forward is clear. Begin with a strategic focus on high-impact areas, choose technology partners wisely, and build internal capabilities to support immersive workflows. In doing so, organizations position themselves ahead of the curve, ready for a future where smart, connected, and immersive work is the norm.
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