December 5, 2024
What XR adoption challenges are currently plaguing enterprises? What are their vendor red flags? Discover what’s currently on enterprise XR end users’ minds based on the in-app topic discussions and responses started and shared by attendees of the 2024 Augmented Enterprise Summit:
Part 1: Challenges
Enterprise end users commiserated over common challenges including network issues and data privacy and security. When asked what issues are preventing wider enterprise adoption, users mentioned lack of standardization/compatibility, high costs of hardware and content development, usability/user experience issues, and regulatory compliance.
When it comes to privacy and compliance, several users concurred that tech companies, government agencies, and other institutions will have to work together, though it seems unlikely. They also noted vendors’ limited awareness of industrial companies’ needs. On the shop floor in particular, smart glasses remain a health and safety issue. Moreover, if there are too many steps involved - if it takes longer than a PSTN phone call - then it’s not suitable for the shop floor.
Accessibility is another barrier, with several users prompting discussions on making XR more accessible to people with disabilities, including people who rely on hearing aids or other assistive devices (ensuring audio cues are compatible with these) and those with common vision challenges like monovision or presbyopia. On this front, one attendee recommended asking individuals with disabilities to try out what you’re working on and incorporate their feedback into hardware evaluation, application design, etc.
On dealing with the perpetual issue of connectivity at remote sites, creating apps with online and offline modes was a common suggestion. One attendee explained the problem can be compounded by the need to protect IP and comply with export regulations, mentioning containerization as a possible solution. Another attendee shared the following workaround: Require an app to have a good connection for first time use and cache as much data as possible onto the headset to fall back on in spotty areas.
Related to challenges, users also shared their vendor red flags, including hearing the word metaverse (indicates a “fluff” solution) or any pitch asking you to imagine something, overconfidence about the timeline (probably underestimating IT/security “bureacracy”), and - in the case of a defense company - getting blank stares in response to questions about CUI data or TAA compliance. Green flags include doing research ahead of time on your company, consistent communication, and clear strategies for integrating hardware, software and network infrastructure.
Then, there are cultural barriers. A number of attendees sought advice for essentially evangelizing XR in the hope of increasing XR use within their company. Responses included setting up a test group or experience center where people can try out the devices, doing demos for specific business units or reaching out to chief engineers, program leads, etc. with personalized demos, and arranging vendor showcases—all ideas for getting people to actually put on headsets.
One veteran suggested strategic pilots, for instance doing a pilot for the “biggest benefit” use case to get an impressive ROI number (though a smaller ROI on a higher-priority program could draw more eyes and support) or doing a pilot in an area under a senior leader known for being open-minded who might help champion the tech.
Vets noted the initial difficulty, with one sharing he did his first pilot on a borrowed headset running 30-day trial software. Once people hear about a program saving X thousands of dollars or X weeks of time, however, interest grows fast. Word of mouth and seeing the technology in use are key.
