New updates to accelerate AR work instructions creation
We have said it before and will say it again “spatial computing is game changing”! Overlaying data, often with real-time updates, and spatially locating it over the physical world will change the way we work and live. And it will be at least as ubiquitous, as the global GPS networks, their data sets, and the affordable devices to leverage that data are. Does anyone remember when mobile phones didn’t have turn-by-turn navigation that works virtually anywhere? We had to use physical maps and ask for directions. We had to worry about how to navigate, how to meet up. Very few worry about these problems anymore.
Similarly, Manifest is contributing to the seismic shift being driven by AR and spatial computing. Manifest overlays procedural instructions along with IoT data (or other system data) spatially anchored onto the physical work. And it uses other spatially located objects to provide location signals or other context so that deskless workers always know when, where, and how to perform a procedure. The information is always there and always in the right place, associated with a specific location or piece of equipment. Just like GPS data and turn-by-turn directions are always available. Digital step-by-step instructions provide step changes in accessibility, flexibility, and manageability over physical manuals but mapping these instructions to the real world – real equipment, plant locations, vehicles, etc. -completely changes the game. Workers can stop worrying about the how’s and when’s – the data, guidance and instructions are just available at a specific location or near a specific piece of equipment when and where they need it. With their cognitive load significantly decreased, workers can focus on the task at hand, regardless of complexity, and get the job done more efficiently, accurately, and consistently.
So, making spatially located information accessible to everyone and content easy to create and use is fundamental to Taqtile’s continued innovation and helps Manifest users put a user interface on the physical world. Of course, we leverage the most advanced and leading AR-enable devices, such as Microsoft’s HoloLens and the Magic Leap, to do so. But providing workers with great Manifest apps for other devices, such as a PC and iPad, is also critical to enabling spatial computing at a much broader level.
New update for Manifest Web Application
We have just updated the Manifest Web Application to add more support for spatial content when using a PC and a web browser. Using a 3D model, users will now be able to set and locate Asset Tags, the key reference point for any spatially located content, and a key initial step. Users will also be able to add spatially anchored AR content such as Step Markers, Leader Lines, and Pen Notes directly from the PC. This will make documenting procedures with Manifest even faster. It is hard to beat the efficiency of a keyboard and mouse when creating step-by-step instructions. In addition, users will no longer need to move between the PC and headsets or iPads when configuring, creating, and placing spatial content. Admins, that often don’t have convenient access to a headset, will be able to place an Asset Tag when configuring an Asset Class and incorporating a 3D model during their initial configuration on a PC, previously not possible. At the same time, using a 3D model to create and configure the spatial content also greatly decreases the dependency of equipment availability so scheduling downtime or traveling is no longer a requirement.
This all nets out to a more streamlined experience making it easier and faster to leverage Manifest for spatial computing and AR work instructions.
Another new way to create instructions coming soon
And because no job is the same, no company or team works the same way, we’ve also been working on another way to streamline your experience by simplifying and quickening the creation of Manifest work instructions. And that is Manifest Maker – a new, free iPad app to help you document your procedures, create step-by-step work instructions, and build Manifest Templates faster than ever. Simply film a procedure and digitize into step-by-step instructions in minutes. It is not available broadly just yet, but we do have a beta version available, and you can join our program here.
