April 23, 2019 – Trimble has today announced the launch of Trimble PULSE Remote Expert, an augmented reality (AR) tool that is designed to help improve the productivity of field service technicians by connecting them with support experts via video, audio and spatial annotations in real-time.
The AR tool provides remotely-located users with a shared, live view using the camera on a smartphone. Both users can add digital annotations, such as text or drawings, directly to the live view by accessing a simple menu displayed on the smartphone screen. Trimble states that the inclusion of digital annotations can be especially helpful when trying to communicate complex information remotely, or if either user is working in a loud environment.
Trimble anticipates that its PULSE Remote Expert will enable businesses across a range of industries, including construction, agriculture, telecommunications and utilities, to rapidly connect remote experts with technicians in the field. The company stated in today’s press release that “It is a simple and powerful application for technicians who require real-time assistance when facing complex or unfamiliar situations, and ultimately helps to improve first-time fix rates, technician productivity and the overall customer service experience.”
Commenting on the launch, John Cameron, General Manager of Trimble’s Field Service Management Division said: “Many organizations are looking for new and improved ways of connecting their field workers”, adding, “An aging workforce and skill shortages are adding complexity to the service workflow and organizations are looking for innovative ways to address the challenges.”
Trimble lists the key benefits of the Trimble PULSE Remote Expert as:
- Live, remote connection between a field technician and a support expert to conduct maintenance and repairs, helping to eliminate dependency on paper manuals;
- Collection of key information directly from the customer in the field, in real time, allowing for quicker completion of time-critical jobs;
- Increased collaboration and knowledge sharing across the workforce with the option to capture, record and replay information or support sessions on command.
Trimble PULSE Remote Expert is a standalone mobile application for iOS. It requires wireless Internet connectivity and an ARKit capable iPhone or iPad device with iOS version 12 and above. The application is available from the Apple App Store.
Image credit: Trimble
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Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.