Embracing the Sun: How VR/AR is Revolutionizing Follow-the-Sun Maintenance

Written and researched by Charlie Green, Senior Research Analyst at Comparesoft

Posted 7/16/2024

Imagine a world where maintenance teams across continents pass the virtual baton in a non-stop relay of efficiency and expertise. Where VR allows technicians to step into a virtual world mirroring real-time scenarios thousands of miles away, and AR overlays digital information onto physical environments, making complex tasks simpler and more accurate. From increased productivity and cost efficiency to enhanced quality of service, this deep dive will unravel the multifaceted benefits and the profound impact of this synergy. 

Understanding Follow-the-Sun Maintenance: A Paradigm Shift in Global Operations

In the evolving landscape of global maintenance, the traditional approach often stumbled over the hurdles of time zone disparities and restricted working hours. These limitations not only impeded the pace of work but also posed significant challenges in managing and resolving maintenance issues swiftly. Enter Follow-the-Sun (FTS) maintenance, a strategy that revolutionizes this scenario by establishing a seamless, non-stop 24-hour operational cycle. This model leverages the power of global team collaboration, transforming time zone differences from a challenge into a strategic advantage.

The Core Principle of Follow-the-Sun Maintenance

Follow-the-Sun (FTS) maintenance represents a paradigm shift in how global maintenance operations are structured and executed. This strategy is built on a deceptively simple yet profoundly impactful concept. It orchestrates a coordinated dance of global teams, each strategically positioned in different time zones, ensuring that as one team’s workday winds down, another team, where the day is just dawning, steps up to continue the work. This rhythmic handover process creates a 24-hour operational cycle, effectively dismantling the traditional barriers imposed by a standard 9-to-5 work schedule.

The uninterrupted workflow enabled by FTS maintenance is not just about keeping the operations running; it’s about optimizing efficiency and responsiveness. Maintenance tasks, particularly in sectors like IT, manufacturing, and telecommunications, often require immediate attention. The FTS model ensures that these tasks are not delayed due to geographical time constraints, thereby significantly reducing downtime and enhancing operational continuity.

This model necessitates a high level of coordination and communication among teams spread across the globe. It’s not merely about passing tasks from one team to another; it involves detailed knowledge transfer, clear communication of ongoing issues, and a comprehensive understanding of the work at hand. This global relay of information and responsibilities demands robust communication channels and sophisticated project management tools to ensure smooth transitions.

using VR/AR in follow the sun maintenance

The Enabling Role of VR/AR

The incorporation of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) into Follow-the-Sun (FTS) maintenance strategies represents a monumental leap in how global maintenance operations are conducted. These technologies do not merely support the FTS model; they are pivotal in enhancing its effectiveness, making the geographical distance between teams virtually irrelevant. Here are a number of the benefits of this incorporation:

  1. Real-Time Remote Assistance

The advent of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies in Follow-the-Sun (FTS) maintenance strategies is revolutionizing the way global teams collaborate and execute tasks. One of the most groundbreaking benefits of these technologies is the provision of real-time remote assistance. This capability is more than just a convenience; it’s a paradigm shift in how maintenance expertise is shared and applied across the globe.

In the realm of FTS maintenance, real-time remote assistance via VR/AR transcends geographic barriers, enabling a maintenance technician in one country to don AR goggles and receive immediate, interactive guidance from an expert on the other side of the world. This live, step-by-step support is not just about instruction; it’s an immersive experience that can include visual overlays, annotations, and real-time data, all projected into the technician’s field of view. This is a significant benefit to businesses particularly those with assets that run around the clock and are imperative that they are functional at all times. 

  1. Improved Task Accuracy and Speed

The integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies into Follow-the-Sun (FTS) maintenance strategies is not just an addition of new tools; it’s a transformative step towards enhancing the accuracy and speed of maintenance tasks. This enhancement is vital in the FTS model, where maintaining a continuous, efficient 24-hour operational cycle across different time zones is imperative.

A pivotal report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has underscored the significant impact of AR/VR in maintenance. According to their findings, the use of these technologies leads to a staggering 40% improvement in task accuracy and a 20% reduction in task completion time. In the context of FTS maintenance, these improvements are crucial. The swift and precise handover of tasks between global teams is essential to maintain the uninterrupted operational cycle that defines the FTS approach.

Siemens Energy’s AR Integration: Siemens Energy’s adoption of AR for global turbine maintenance serves as a prime example. By equipping their technicians with AR glasses, they have enabled real-time remote assistance from experts worldwide. This approach has not only accelerated the maintenance process but also significantly enhanced its accuracy. The direct result has been a notable reduction in downtime and operational costs. As per a case study by Siemens, the implementation of AR technology has led to an estimated 15% to 20% improvement in operational efficiency.

Boeing’s Advanced AR Application: Boeing’s use of AR in aircraft maintenance provides another insightful case. Technicians equipped with AR devices receive real-time, 3D digital information overlaid directly onto aircraft components. This direct visual guidance simplifies complex maintenance tasks, reduces the likelihood of errors, and substantially boosts efficiency. Boeing reported a 25% reduction in wiring production time and a significant decrease in error rates in their harness assembly processes due to AR integration.

  1. Innovative Training Through VR Simulations

In the realm of Follow-the-Sun (FTS) maintenance, the advent of Virtual Reality (VR) simulations is not just a technological innovation; it’s a strategic tool reshaping the way training is delivered and assimilated across global teams. In an operational model that depends on seamless collaboration and consistency across various time zones, VR-based training plays a pivotal role in standardizing skills and knowledge.

VR simulations offer a unique advantage for FTS maintenance training: the ability to create immersive, realistic environments that replicate actual maintenance scenarios. This immersive training is crucial for ensuring that technicians, regardless of their geographic location, receive uniform training experiences. According to a study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), VR training can enhance the learning process by up to 75% compared to traditional methods.

VR’s capability to break down geographic barriers is particularly beneficial for the FTS maintenance model. It allows for the consistent training of technicians across different countries, ensuring that every team member, irrespective of their location, has the same level of expertise and understanding of maintenance procedures. This consistency is vital for the smooth handover of tasks and maintaining a high standard of service in a 24/7 operational cycle.

Conclusion: Seizing the Day, Around the Clock

In conclusion, the integration of VR/AR technologies in Follow-the-Sun maintenance strategies marks the dawn of a new age in maintenance and operations management. This synergy is not just enhancing the present; it is actively shaping the future, paving the way for more resilient, efficient, and interconnected global operations. As businesses continue to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving world, the lessons and strategies outlined here will be instrumental in guiding them towards a future where operational excellence is not just a goal but a continuous, achievable reality.


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Charlie Green

Charlie Green is Senior Research Analyst at Comparesoft. Facilities Management, Smart Buildings, Workplace Management and Fixed Asset Management are his key research areas. Charlie holds a masters degree which allows him to offer data led and empirical research driven reports.

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