JLG Industries, Inc has announced the introduction of an augmented reality equipment simulation app allowing users to bring digital aspects of JLG equipment into the real world.
With this tool, customers and equipment demonstrators are now able to alleviate some of the issues and concerns related to purchasing or using access equipment for working at height in a customer’s environment without having to bring physical equipment on site.
“Adopting modern technologies has become essential for equipment manufacturers wishing to remain competitive and economically viable,” says Neil Doherty, JLG’s principal engineer at JLG EMEA and lead developer for AR and BIM.
He continues, “Augmented Reality (AR) is recognised as a tool to add value, enhancing experiences, increasing revenues, sustainability, and competitiveness.
“However, despite its potential, AR implementation in equipment sales is still limited. To sustain our thought leadership, JLG has developed a new technology that adds value for equipment sales personnel, creating an enhanced experience by adding elements of interactivity for the customer.”
Based on JLG’s 3D BIM models (Building Information Management), frequently supplied to architects and rental companies for equipment calculations and construction simulation modelling, the BIM models are unlocked through an app that allow the user to project and manipulate the selected product into the real world.
The equipment can be extended and exchanged for a different model – until the user has selected the right product for the job. Through the app, the user can contact his/her local sales manager for a cost estimate or more information.
Doherty continues, “Equipment demonstrations are a valuable part of a purchasing decision for SME companies (1-49 employees). However, these are time consuming, require logistic planning and add to the total cost of sale.
“By using the AR app, a customer can now share a similar level of experience and have the freedom to explore the equipment at their own pace and leisure. When tested, our sales managers and equipment demonstrators experienced improved efficiency during their working hours and were more effective as they could focus on the more complex side of the business, without having to be concerned about customer engagement and the logistics of site demonstrations.”
