Following a hugely positive response to its debut at PacPrint, Currie Group has officially launched HP xRServices, a mixed reality platform which it says will transform not only service delivery on the company’s range of HP Indigo digital presses, but its entire product range.
Marcus Robinson, Currie Group’s director of operations, says the company has been working for 12 months to implement this unique support platform that connects print service providers directly with Currie Group and HP product specialists at the touch of a virtual button.
He says, “If you attended PacPrint in Melbourne, you may well have been able to experience HP xRServices or have seen other visitors on the Currie Group stand deeply engaged in activity using what appeared to be a set of virtual reality goggles.
“These were in fact the Microsoft Hololens 2 headset which give users the feeling of being actually physically present with a virtual HP technical expert, who can guide them through basic service tasks, production troubleshooting or training on HP and other equipment, in real time.”
Reliable remote support
Like other augmented reality platforms, the headset combines real-world visuals with superimposed information, allowing the virtual coach to see exactly what the user sees, and collaborate to diagnose, identify and workshop issues.
Robinson explains, “We have been fielding requests for reliable remote support for years but, until now, we hadn’t found a system we considered reliable enough to bring to market. Now, with HP xRServices, we can confidently offer that virtual support drawing on the collaborative brilliance of HP and Microsoft in a print industry first.”
The technology, he says, is a ‘game-changer’, with the virtual support person able to display on screen information, photos or drawings, circle or highlight various things in the user’s field of vision, identify parts, share documentation or provide other commentary, and also provide real time feedback on the operator’s actions and adjustments.
He adds, “The benefits are obvious – no time wasted on long service calls, instant answers to production questions, swift resolution of any problems, all leading to minimal downtime on systems and equipment.”
