Several tools, different purposes
The original FourPlus article brought together examples of AR, VR and mixed reality in engineering, manufacturing and healthcare. Their uses range from visual instructions and remote assistance to procedural practice and facility orientation. The appropriate technology depends on what someone needs to see, understand or do.
Training and preparation
A simulated facility can introduce layout, equipment and working practices before a learner enters the physical environment. Procedural practice can create opportunities to repeat difficult or infrequent tasks. Plan how instructors will assess understanding and supervise the transition to real work.
Support in the flow of work
Wearable displays and remote assistance can help people view relevant information or share what they see with an expert. These operational uses need appropriate device selection, information governance and a clear role for human judgement. They are distinct from using a headset for training.
Build a case around your own baseline
Published examples from other organisations illustrate possible applications. Their reported savings or performance improvements should not be treated as expected FourPlus results. Start with one process, record the current effort and constraints, and evaluate a defined intervention against locally agreed measures.