Manufacturing Experts Are Testing Google Glass
Plex Systems specialists have used Google Glass in conjunction with their ERP system to perform a series of tasks according to different employees’ roles and responsibilities. With this wearable device, they've monitored activities, performed financial operations, accessed, recorded, and shared information with other users, and even implemented emergency settings for increased operator safety.
Based on their findings, Plex technicians have confirmed that Google Glass is able to extend the capabilities of existing ERP solutions, adding significant value by increasing operational efficiency in manufacturing and other industry sectors dependent on a mobile workforce.
Plex Systems' project has revealed that Google Glass not only provides indispensable hands-free equipment for the shop floor, facilitating seamless connectivity with cloud ERP solutions, real-time access to information, and accurate monitoring and recording – critical elements in the manufacturing industry; it can also manage diverse administrative and financial tasks, with more features for new jobs roles to be developed. As a result, Google Glass is expected to change enterprise environments for good.
The Impact of Wearable Technology on Cloud ERP
Delivering context-sensitive information to help users make informed task-oriented decisions, Google Glass-like products are very useful, but what makes them special? Unlike regular laptops, tablets, and Smartphones, wearable devices provide key benefits hands-free, a critical feature when users must perform certain tasks hands-free and with minimal distraction.
What else? Newly developed wearable devices are embedded with cutting-edge technologies that make possible:
- Object/Image Recognition – Developments in digital imaging provide superior resolution and incredible scanning capabilities, turning wearable devices into reliable cameras, barcode readers, and even 3D scanners. Further, Google Glass not only detects, it also inspects objects. This means that it can be used to analyze whether an item meets specific criteria or falls outside the specification limits.
- Speech Recognition – Equipped with state-of-the-art speech recognition technology that incorporates new advances in Artificial Intelligence, Google Glass enables true hands-free functionality.
Unfortunately, Google Glass has no cellular radio capability, which means that it can only connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Without a network connection, you can use this device to take pictures, record videos, get directions, and access Google’s offline search engine. Once connected to the Internet, Google Glass delivers the functionality of a Smartphone as a hands-free device. Because Google Glass has minimal functionality on its own, developing a reliable enterprise network capable of supporting multiple devices is of the utmost importance.
Despite the negatives, this wearable device is likely to have a significant positive impact on cloud ERP. Besides making it easier than ever for professionals to communicate with each other and perform a variety of tasks, regardless of whether they’re in the office or on the shop floor, Google Glass is poised to eliminate error and re-work -- two major pain points in manufacturing. Considering all these, anyone can easily understand why an increasing number of manufacturers are eager to exploit the true potential of this new technology.
However, Google Glass promises much more. For instance, receiving staff can use Google Glass to send information to the office as they scan bar codes on newly arrived packages. With the same device, engineers can look at machines, diagnose problems, and order replacement parts on the spot to avoid prolonged downtime. Maintenance staff can also use Google Glass to consult repair instructions without having to put tools down in order to use a handheld device. Because wearable technology allows workers to access information from anywhere, at any time, it's expected to offer unlimited possibilities and even open up new horizons for cloud ERP.
In conclusion, no one can deny the reciprocal relationship between cloud computing and wearable technology. While cloud computing encourages the development of Google Glass-like devices, wearable technology provides a new point of reference for cloud developers.
