Covid-19 Risk Mitigation – Remote Adviser Video Calling

Companies have mitigated the risk of international travel restrictions with this innovative remote eyes and ears technical solution.

A key ingredient in the fluid working of global supply chains is the mobile workforce of international companies. According to The Economist, Apple's integrated business model with Chinese suppliers for example means that United Airlines alone carries some 50 Apple employees daily on its Californian-China connection flights and Covid-19 is likely to result in up to 10% reduction in products shipped this quarter. With Covid-19 cases already confirmed in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and South America, the impact of increasing international travel restrictions poses a significant business planning challenge for internationally-exposed businesses.

UK and Irish companies rely heavily on working with their USA and European sister sites to share best practice, expertise and supply chain management. The risk of having delays in the travel or return of our colleagues is significant and requires attention.

Augmented Reality Glasses and Remote Adviser Video Calling software provides a proven alternative for many international trips. With Augmented Reality Glasses, workers can do Remote Adviser video calls with their international colleagues to avoid the need for travel, and so reduce the related risks. Their colleagues can see live video and sound of what is happening onsite from the AR glasses on their computer screen, and to draw annotations on the vision of the glasses wearer to help them diagnose and resolve issues immediately.

Pharma manufacturers are using this functionality to allow their onsite technical staff to share information with their international colleagues or partners who are off site. This may be staff at international sister sites, hardware vendors in other countries, or simply off shift co-workers. Along with the reduction in related travel risks, the time savings that can be enjoyed through this feature can be measured in the order days on each occasion it is used and so are very significant.